KOROR, Palau (May 27, 2026) — President Surangel S. Whipps Jr. hosted Adm. Samuel Paparo, commander of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, during a visit to Palau that included a trip to Peleliu, commemorative events and reviews of infrastructure projects supported under the Compact of Free Association. According to the Office of the President, Paparo’s visit to […]
Tag: Pacific security
Vanuatu to sign Nakamal Agreement with Australia, Namele Agreement with China: PM Napat
PORT VILA, 22 MAY 2026 (VANUATU DAILY POST) —-Vanuatu Prime Minister Jotham Napat has confirmed the government will sign the landmark Nakamal Agreement with Australia, as well as the Namele Agreement with China. PM Napat revealed this in Parliament after Union of Moderate Parties (UMP) Member of Parliament for Tanna constituency, Andrew Wilbur Napuat, asked […]
Japan aims to fill defense ‘vacuum’ in Pacific to counter China
TOKYO, 06 APRIL 2026 (THE ASAHI SHIMBUN) — In light of China’s expanding military activities, Japan has created an organisation to strengthen defense on the country’s Pacific flank, an area considered a low priority and more vulnerable to incursions. Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi emphasised the significance of the 10-member Pacific defense initiative office, which was […]
Ngaraard lawsuit over TACMOR project continues as court weighs state authority, environmental oversight
By: L.N. Reklai KOROR, Palau — A lawsuit filed by the Ngaraard State Government seeking to halt construction of a U.S.-related radar facility remains active in the Palau Supreme Court, with the court yet to decide whether the project must comply with state permitting and environmental laws. Map of Ngaraard TACMOR Project Site. Ngaraard State […]
Palau States Challenge U.S.-Linked Radar Projects as Ngaraard Files TACMOR Lawsuit
By: L.N. Reklai KOROR, Palau (Feb. 20, 2026) — Ngaraard State has asked the Palau Supreme Court to immediately halt construction of a U.S.-related Tactical Mobile Over-the-Horizon Radar (TACMOR) transmitter facility, escalating a growing series of legal challenges by states over defense-related infrastructure tied to the Compact of Free Association. In a complaint and application […]
U.S warns China targeting Pacific democracies as COFA ties deepen
SAIPAN, 20 JANUARY 2026 (RNZ PACIFIC) — Warnings that Beijing is actively targeting Pacific democracies have intensified in the United States. As Washington renews its strategic compact ties with three Micronesian nations, there is growing concern over China’s political, economic, and security footprint across the region. Pacific security analyst Robert Underwood, chairman of the Pacific […]
