Pacific Cast

31/07/2026

Taipe has ceased purchases of some of Papua New Guinea’s liquefied natural gas in response to PNG’s decision to close Taiwan’s representative office in the country.

Taiwan is one of PNG’s significant LNG buyers. In 2024, Taiwan imported more than 1.8 million tonnes of PNG LNG. Following the closure announcement, Taiwan suspended spot market purchases from PNG. The value of halted spot transactions is estimated at approximately $800 million.

According to PNG Foreign Minister Hon. Justin Tkatchenko, Taiwan accounted for about 6% of PNG’s total LNG exports. For comparison, PNG’s trade with China reached $4.4 billion in 2024.

The suspension of Taipei’s LNG purchases applies only to short-term spot arrangements. Taiwan’s long-term LNG supply contract with PNG remains in effect.

Other reports indicate that Taipei is re-evaluating the situation to stabilize bilateral ties with PNG despite the closure of its office in Port Moresby.

In response to Taiwan’s reduced purchases, the People’s Republic of China has signaled interest in potential trade arrangements within the PNG LNG sector. China is already a major buyer of PNG LNG and continues to expand energy cooperation with PNG.

31/07/2026

The United States and Papua New Guinea have discussed the next phase of implementation for the bilateral US-PNG Defence Cooperation Agreement (DCA), which was signed in Port Moresby in 2023.

The meeting brought together U.S. Army Pacific Deputy Commanding General for Homeland Affairs, Maj. Gen. Lance A. Okamura, members of the U.S. Embassy Country Team, senior officials from the Government of Papua New Guinea, and senior leadership of the Papua New Guinea Defence Force (PNGDF).

The purpose of the discussions was to identify specific actions and pathways to operationalize the DCA. Key areas of focus included logistics support, infrastructure access, joint training, and mechanisms to ensure seamless cooperation between the US and PNG defence forces.

The full implementation of the agreement is intended to strengthen bilateral security ties and enhance both nations’ ability to respond jointly to regional challenges.

The engagements took place alongside the closing ceremony of Exercise TAMIOK STRIKE, a key training event designed to improve tactical interoperability, operational readiness, and professional relationships between U.S and PNGDF personnel.

Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to deepening the defence partnership under the framework of the DCA.

30/07/2026

Happy 46th Independence Vanuatu!
Here's to a future of continued growth, prosperity, and success. 🇻🇺❤️💥🎉

28/07/2026

Mr. Li Zhang, Chairman and President of the R&F Group, visited Port Moresby, PNG, to explore investment opportunities in the country.

R&F Group owns over 80 luxury hotels managed by renowned international hospitality groups including Ritz Carlton, Park Hyatt and Grand Hyatt. Its investment portfolio comprises hotels, shopping malls, and office buildings. In total, they’ve delivered 450+ projects across 145 cities worldwide.

Minister for International Trade and Investment, Hon. Richard Maru, highlighted past experiences where many fly-by-night operators and middlemen came to PNG in the last four years with promises and commitments that came to nothing.

“We’re confident R&F is one of China’s most serious investors, and we’re hoping that this visit turns into a real decision to invest big in PNG."

The firm is looking forward to investing in a big way in the country, especially in:
▪︎ Paga Hill Estate;
▪︎ Portside Gardens Development; and
▪︎ Duran Farm Housing Project

The Government is committed to supporting the R&F Group to invest in PNG. This investment will create more jobs for local Papua New Guineans and boost economic growth.

27/07/2026

Fiji has reinforced its commitment to a safe, inclusive and digitally connected Pacific after joining regional leaders at the Pacific ICT Ministers Meeting in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea, where Ministers endorsed key initiatives to strengthen digital cooperation and accelerate the region's digital transformation.

Led by Minister for Policing and Communications Hon. Ioane Naivalurua, the Fiji team joined other Pacific countries to sign off on new Digital Technologies and AI Principles for the Pacific. The idea is simple: use new tech responsibly, but in a way that still fits Pacific values and helps our economies grow.

The meeting also focused on 3 big issues we’re all dealing with:
▪︎Social media challenges and keeping people safe online
▪︎ Cybersecurity - making sure our networks can handle threats
▪︎The Pacific Islands Digital Transformation Action Plan - to help build economies that are ready for the future

On the side of the main meeting, Minister Naivalurua had a busy schedule.
He talked with Australia’s Special Envoy about expanding digital work under the Vuvale Treaty, things like stronger telecoms, cyber safety, and more digital skills training.

He also met with the ITU’s Deputy Secretary General. Fiji thanked the ITU for its support and put forward interest in hosting the ITU Pacific Area Office here. That would put Fiji right at the center of Pacific telecoms policy and innovation.

Back home in PNG, he got a briefing at the Fiji High Commission, caught up with the Fijian community in a Talanoa session, and visited Vodafone PNG. He gave a shout-out to the Fijian team running things there through the ATH, FNPF and Vodafone Fiji partnership for growing telecoms infrastructure.

Fiji showed up with both senior officials and tech experts, and made it clear they want to keep leading on a digital Pacific that’s secure, resilient, and works for everyone.

27/07/2026

Morea Baru has brought home first medal of the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games, winning Bronze in the Men's 65kg Weightlifting.

26/07/2026

Former Parramatta Eels and NSW Blues star center/winger Zac Lomax has officially signed with the PNG Chiefs.

Lomax will return to the NRL in 2028 when the Chiefs make their historic debut in the competition.

He becomes the fifth marquee signing announced by the club so far:

▪︎ Jerome Luai
▪︎ Alex Johnston
▪︎ Connor Watson
▪︎ Matty Lees
▪︎ Zac Lomax

The Chiefs are continuing to build a world-class roster ahead of their entry into the NRL in 2028.

25/07/2026

Join our WhatsApp channel for more updates!👇

https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VbAj5DVGJP8LQ1mb4Z22

Follow Pacific Cast's WhatsApp channel. Your window to the Pacific. News and Stories from the Pacific Region.. Join 10 followers for the latest updates.

25/07/2026

Next week in Honiara, the Solomon Islands will sign a Ship Rider Agreement with the United States Coast Guard to allow U.S to patrol its waters with local police officers on board.

Prime Minister Matthew Wale announced the agreement during a visit to Washington. He said the goal is to tackle growing problems at sea, drug trafficking, human trafficking, and illegal fishing.

The Solomon Islands manages an ocean area of about 1.5 million square kilometres. That’s huge. And with tuna being one of our biggest industries, keeping those waters safe and legal matters for jobs and food security.

The timing is notable. The U.S. has been increasing its presence in the Pacific, while the Solomon Islands also has a security agreement with China from 2022, and switched diplomatic ties from Taiwan to China in 2019.

PM Wale said the country is focused on working with all partners to keep the Pacific safe. During the same Washington visit, he and U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau also signed a Letter of Intent to bring the Peace Corps back to the Solomon Islands.