AGP Executive Report

Pacific Security: China pushed back on Australia’s new security pact with Vanuatu, warning bilateral deals in the Pacific should not target third countries, as Beijing pursues its own “Namele Agreement” talks with Port Vila. Regional Diplomacy: Pacific leaders including Tuvalu, Palau and Vanuatu condemned China’s nuclear-capable missile test, adding to pressure ahead of a Pacific Islands Forum joint statement. Climate & Youth Action: At the PIFCE forum in Port Vila, emerging Pacific leaders urged stronger action on the “triple planetary crisis,” saying young people are driving solutions from local advocacy to global legal efforts. Tourism Reform: Vanuatu’s Department of Tourism opened a sustainable tourism consultation in Luganville, with support from SPTO, SPREP and EU-backed STEP, as reforms aim to modernise tourism governance. Outer Islands Support: Carnival Cruise Line donated tableware to outer island bungalow, guesthouse and homestay operators facing tough economic conditions. Travel Access: Solomon Airlines launched Port Vila–Christchurch service, adding a second direct New Zealand gateway for Vanuatu travellers. Banking Leadership: ANZ named Sucharu Tandon as Country Head for Vanuatu and Terence Low for Samoa, with expanded regional responsibilities. Tourism Promotion: South Pacific Pocket Guide launched VanuatuPocketGuide.com, a large new digital travel guide built from a February research trip.

Pacific Security: China has warned Australia and Vanuatu’s new security arrangements should not target “third parties,” as Beijing presses ahead with its own proposed Namele Agreement with Port Vila. Australia–Vanuatu: Australian PM Anthony Albanese and Vanuatu PM Jotham Napat signed the long-awaited Nakamal agreement in Canberra, giving Australia a bigger role in Vanuatu’s security architecture, including recognising Australia as Vanuatu’s primary policing partner and requiring consultation on future critical infrastructure projects. Regional Tensions: The latest flare-up comes amid China’s ballistic missile testing in the Pacific and growing condemnation from Pacific leaders, including Tuvalu, Palau and Vanuatu. Tourism & Travel: Solomon Airlines launched travel sales for Solomon Islands and Vanuatu’s independence celebrations, and Vanuatu’s tourism recovery got a boost with the inaugural Port Vila–Christchurch direct service, adding a second non-stop gateway to New Zealand’s South Island. Business Leadership: ANZ announced leadership changes across the Pacific, including a new Country Head for Vanuatu from September 2026.

Pacific Security Tensions: Tuvalu, Vanuatu and Palau have joined Fiji and other leaders in condemning China’s recent nuclear-capable ballistic missile test in the Pacific, warning it clashes with the region’s “Ocean of Peace” and nuclear-free commitments. Australia–Fiji Deal Fallout: Australia and Fiji signed the Vuvale Union/Ocean of Peace Alliance, but China has pushed back, saying Pacific security cooperation should not target third countries—while Vanuatu is also in talks on its own Namele Agreement. Vanuatu Border Security: Vanuatu’s Internal Affairs Minister Andrew Solomon Napuat says the government will hold its first National Summit on Border Security and Preparedness for Emerging Drug and HIV Threats in Port Vila on 7–8 July, bringing together border agencies and ministries to plan a coordinated response. Tourism & Travel Links: Solomon Airlines launched Independence Day travel sales, including discounted fares between Honiara and Port Vila and onward connections; meanwhile Vanuatu’s tourism recovery gets a boost with Solomon Airlines’ new direct Port Vila–Christchurch service. Banking Leadership: ANZ announced Country Head changes for its Pacific business, with Sucharu Tandon set to become Country Head Vanuatu from September 2026.

Pacific Security: China pushed back on Australia’s new security pact with Vanuatu, warning bilateral deals shouldn’t target third countries, as Port Vila and Beijing also discuss the Namele Agreement and Vanuatu’s new Nakamal security framework with Australia. Border & Health Preparedness: Vanuatu is set to hold its first National Summit on Border Security and Preparedness for Emerging Drug and HIV Threats in Port Vila on 7–8 July, bringing together border agencies and ministries to plan a coordinated response to rising illicit drugs and HIV risks. Tourism & Air Links: Tourism recovery gets a boost as Vanuatu launches its first direct Port Vila–Christchurch flights via Solomon Airlines, adding a second New Zealand gateway alongside Auckland services. Independence Travel Deals: Solomon Airlines also announced Independence Day sales, including discounted fares between Honiara, Port Vila, and onward to Christchurch and Auckland, with travel options into mid-2027. Banking Leadership: ANZ confirmed leadership changes across its Pacific business, including a new Country Head for Vanuatu starting September 2026.

Tourism & Air Access: Solomon Airlines launched travel sales and Vanuatu’s independence celebrations are getting a boost, with 20% off selected international routes and fares running until 31 July 2026, including Port Vila–Christchurch from VUV26,250 and Port Vila–Auckland from VUV27,050. Tourism Recovery: Vanuatu also rolled out its first direct Port Vila–Christchurch flights, a twice-weekly service that adds a new non-stop gateway for New Zealand’s South Island and supports arrivals after Air Vanuatu’s collapse in 2024. Regional Security: Australia and Fiji signed the Ocean of Peace Alliance in Suva, while China warned its Pacific missile test and broader cooperation are not meant to target third countries—an issue that comes as Vanuatu and Australia finalise the Nakamal Agreement. Border Security: Vanuatu will hold its first National Summit on Border Security and Preparedness for Emerging Drug and HIV Threats in Port Vila on 7–8 July, bringing border agencies together to plan a coordinated response. Banking Leadership: ANZ announced Country Head changes across the Pacific, including Sucharu Tandon to take over as Country Head Vanuatu from September 2026.

Vanuatu–Australia Security: Vanuatu and Australia have finally signed the long-awaited Nakamal Agreement, locking in Australia as Vanuatu’s primary policing partner and setting rules around foreign military use of Vanuatu territory, while also allowing Vanuatu to seek Chinese investment in critical infrastructure under consultation with Canberra—prompting a sharp pushback from Beijing, which warned Pacific deals should not target third countries. Border Security Focus: The Vanuatu government is preparing its first National Summit on Border Security and Preparedness for Emerging Drug and HIV Threats, a two-day Port Vila meeting (07–08 July) aimed at coordinating agencies against rising illicit drug trafficking and transnational crime. Regional Security Tensions: The signing comes as China prepares for submarine-launched ballistic missile tests in the Pacific, with Australia and Fiji also announcing a new mutual defence and climate alliance—moves that have heightened regional concern. Tourism Connectivity: Vanuatu’s tourism recovery gets a boost with Solomon Airlines launching the first direct Port Vila–Christchurch service, adding a second New Zealand gateway alongside Auckland routes. Banking Leadership: ANZ has named Sucharu Tandon as Country Head Vanuatu (from September 2026), following Terence Low’s long-running transformation work in Port Vila after the 2024 earthquake.

Pacific Security: Australia and Fiji signed the Ocean of Peace Alliance in Suva, setting up mutual defence and a climate-focused Vuvale Union, as China’s military posture in the region drew fresh attention. Nuclear Tensions: China test-fired a nuclear-capable submarine-launched ballistic missile in the South Pacific with a dummy warhead, hours after the Fiji-Australia deal, with Australia’s foreign minister calling it destabilising. Vanuatu-Australia Deal: Vanuatu and Australia signed the Nakamal Agreement in Canberra, locking in Australia as Vanuatu’s primary policing and disaster-response partner, with Port Vila consulting Canberra on third-party involvement in critical infrastructure. China Pushback: Beijing warned the Australia-Vanuatu ties should not be used for “geopolitical contest”, while Vanuatu’s government continues to deny its own Namele cooperation is a security pact. Tourism Links: Vanuatu’s tourism recovery gets a boost with Solomon Airlines launching the first direct Port Vila–Christchurch service, adding a second New Zealand gateway. Border Security: Vanuatu will hold its first National Summit on Border Security and Preparedness for Emerging Drug and HIV Threats in Port Vila on 7–8 July. Banking Leadership: ANZ named Terence Low as Country Head Samoa and Sucharu Tandon as Country Head Vanuatu, effective September 2026. Travel & Lifestyle: VIVA Cruises added two 2026 culinary itineraries, including a Normandy sailing from Paris and a Douro wine cruise from Porto.

Tourism & Air Access: Vanuatu’s tourism recovery gets a boost with Solomon Airlines launching the first direct Port Vila–Christchurch service, twice weekly, adding a new gateway to New Zealand’s South Island after Air Vanuatu’s collapse. Security & Diplomacy: Australia and Vanuatu sign the long-delayed Nakamal Agreement, locking in Australia as Vanuatu’s primary policing and disaster response partner while requiring Port Vila to consult Canberra on third-party involvement in critical infrastructure—without allowing militarisation or foreign interference. Regional Tensions: China warns the Australia–Vanuatu deal shouldn’t be used for geopolitical contest, as Beijing also pushes its own Namele Agreement with Port Vila. Pacific Climate Voices: At Vanuatu’s Pacific Innovation Forum on Climate and Environment, youth leaders and Save the Children’s NextGen ambassadors call for children to be placed at the centre of climate decision-making. Border Security: Vanuatu prepares for its first National Summit on Border Security and Preparedness for Emerging Drug and HIV Threats in Port Vila on 7–8 July. Geopolitics Watch: Australia and Fiji sign a new defence and climate alliance in Suva, while China announces a nuclear-capable missile test in the Pacific, drawing sharp criticism from Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong. Banking Leadership: ANZ names Sucharu Tandon as Country Head Vanuatu (from September 2026) and Terence Low as Country Head Samoa, following leadership changes across the Pacific.

Pacific Security Tensions: China launched a nuclear-capable long-range missile with a dummy warhead in the Pacific, with Australia’s Penny Wong calling it “destabilising” after Australia and Fiji signed a new defence and climate alliance. Australia–Vanuatu Security Deal: Vanuatu and Australia signed the long-delayed Nakamal Agreement in Canberra, locking in Australia as Vanuatu’s primary policing partner and requiring Port Vila to consult Canberra on third-party involvement in critical infrastructure—while Vanuatu says it can still pursue Chinese investment, as long as infrastructure stays free from militarisation and unauthorised access. China Pushback: Beijing warned the Australia–Vanuatu cooperation should not be used for “geopolitical contest,” while Vanuatu’s own China-linked Namele talks continue amid denials it’s a security pact. Tourism & Connectivity: Vanuatu launched its first direct Christchurch flights via Solomon Airlines, boosting tourism recovery and adding a second non-stop New Zealand gateway. Banking Leadership: ANZ named Sucharu Tandon as Country Head Vanuatu (from Sept 2026) and Terence Low as Country Head Samoa, following Port Vila’s recent recovery work. Border Security: Vanuatu announced its first National Summit on Border Security and Preparedness for Emerging Drug and HIV Threats in Port Vila on 7–8 July.

Pacific Diplomacy: Australian PM Anthony Albanese has arrived in Fiji to seal the Vuvale Union agreement with Sitiveni Rabuka, with more meetings planned before he heads to the Solomon Islands for further talks. Vanuatu–NZ Tourism: Vanuatu has launched its first direct Port Vila–Christchurch flights via Solomon Airlines, a twice-weekly route expected to boost tourism and give New Zealand’s South Island a non-stop link after Air Vanuatu’s collapse. Security Pact Fallout: Australia and Vanuatu have signed the Nakamal Agreement, described as “watered-down” after sovereignty concerns—Australia becomes Vanuatu’s primary policing partner, while Port Vila says it will consult Australia on third-party involvement in critical infrastructure and keep it free from militarisation or unauthorised access. China Pushback: China warned the Australia–Vanuatu ties should not be used for “geopolitical contest,” as Beijing pursues its own Namele Agreement with Port Vila. Border Security: Vanuatu will hold its first National Summit on Border Security and Preparedness for Emerging Drug and HIV Threats in Port Vila on 7–8 July.

Australia–Vanuatu Security Deal: Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Vanuatu PM Jotham Napat have signed the long-awaited Nakamal Agreement in Canberra, locking in Australia as Vanuatu’s primary policing and disaster response partner and requiring Port Vila to consult Australia on any third-party involvement in critical infrastructure, which must stay “free from militarisation” and “unauthorised access.” China Pushback: China warned the pact shouldn’t be used for “geopolitical contest,” after Beijing and Port Vila also discuss their own Namele cooperation. Pacific Diplomacy: Albanese has moved on to Fiji to sign the Vuvale Union agreement with Sitiveni Rabuka, then heads to the Solomon Islands for further treaty talks. Border Security Focus: Vanuatu is preparing its first National Summit on Border Security and Preparedness for Emerging Drug and HIV Threats in Port Vila on 7–8 July. Tourism Air Access: A new Port Vila–Christchurch service by Solomon Airlines adds a second gateway for Vanuatu travellers from New Zealand.

Australia–Vanuatu Security Deal: Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Vanuatu PM Jotham Napat have signed the long-awaited Nakamal Agreement in Canberra, locking in Australia as Vanuatu’s primary policing and disaster-response partner and requiring Port Vila to consult Australia on any third-party involvement in critical infrastructure, while also stating that such infrastructure must stay “free from militarisation, foreign interference or unauthorised access.” China Pushback: China has warned the Australia–Vanuatu pact should not be used for “geopolitical contest,” as Beijing also pursues its own Namele Agreement with Port Vila. Regional Diplomacy: Albanese is now heading to Fiji and then the Solomon Islands as part of a wider Pacific push, with meetings planned including India’s Narendra Modi later in the week. Border Security Focus: Vanuatu is preparing its first National Summit on Border Security and Preparedness for Emerging Drug and HIV Threats in Port Vila on 7–8 July, bringing together border agencies and ministries to plan a coordinated response. Youth & Climate: Pacific youth leaders are calling for child-centred power in climate decisions at a major regional forum in Vanuatu, with Save the Children youth ambassadors speaking alongside Vanuatu ministers. Governance Probe (USP): A forensic report into USPSA student association finances alleges forgery, abuse of office and mismanagement leading to $172,667.91 in losses, recommending police investigation.

Border Security: Vanuatu is set to hold its first National Summit on Border Security and Preparedness for Emerging Drug and HIV Threats in Port Vila on 7–8 July, bringing together border agencies and ministries to map a coordinated response to rising illicit trafficking and public health risks. Australia-Vanuatu Security Pact: After months of tense talks, Prime Minister Jotham Napat and Australia’s Anthony Albanese signed the revised Nakamal Agreement in Canberra, locking in Australia as Vanuatu’s primary policing partner and confirming Vanuatu will not allow any foreign military base on its territory, while critical infrastructure must stay free from militarisation and unauthorised access. China Response: China has warned that cooperation in the Pacific should not be used for “geopolitical contest,” as it continues its own Namele discussions with Port Vila. Climate Youth Voice: At the Pacific Innovation Forum on Climate and Environment in Vanuatu, young leaders and Save the Children’s NextGen ambassadors called for child-centred power in climate decision-making. Governance Probe: A forensic report into the University of the South Pacific Students Association alleges misconduct and governance failures linked to $172,667.91 in losses, including forgery, unpaid catering/borrowings, and unpaid allowances.

Student Governance Accountability: A forensic report into the University of the South Pacific Students Association (USPSA) alleges forgery, abuse of office and mismanagement, with total losses of $172,667.91 across USPSA Federal and the Laucala Branch. Pacific Security & Borders: Vanuatu is preparing its first National Summit on Border Security and Preparedness for Emerging Drug and HIV Threats in Port Vila on 7–8 July, aiming for a coordinated national response. Australia–Vanuatu Security Deal: After months of tense talks, Vanuatu and Australia signed the Nakamal Agreement in Canberra, confirming Australia as Vanuatu’s primary policing partner and requiring consultation on third-party involvement in critical infrastructure, while keeping it “free from militarisation” and “unauthorised access.” China’s Response: China warned the Australia–Vanuatu pact should not be used for “geopolitical contest,” as Vanuatu also discusses its own Namele Agreement with Beijing. Climate Youth Voice: Pacific youth at a major climate forum in Vanuatu urged child-centred solutions and real power in climate decision-making. Tourism Strategy: Vanuatu unveiled its Tourism Marketing Strategy 2026–2028, shifting from recovery to sustainable growth with a focus on resilience, regenerative development and better connectivity.

Security Pact: Australia and Vanuatu have finally signed the long-delayed Nakamal Agreement in Canberra, locking in a $500 million partnership and confirming Australia as Vanuatu’s primary policing and disaster response partner, while requiring Port Vila to consult Australia on any third-party involvement in critical infrastructure and stating that such infrastructure must stay “free from militarisation” and “unauthorised access.” China Response: China warned the deal should not be used for “geopolitical contest,” after Beijing’s own Namele track with Port Vila, as both sides frame the pact as stability versus influence. Border Security: Vanuatu is preparing its first National Summit on Border Security and Preparedness for Emerging Drug and HIV Threats in Port Vila on 7–8 July, bringing border agencies together to plan a coordinated response. Human Rights: The ULMWP welcomed MSG’s denial of full membership only cautiously, but urged urgent action over grave human rights violations in West Papua, including pushing for a UN Human Rights Commissioner visit. Climate & Youth: At the Pacific Innovation Forum on Climate and Environment in Port Vila, youth leaders called for child-centred power in climate decisions, with Save the Children NextGen ambassadors speaking alongside Vanuatu ministers. Tourism: Vanuatu unveiled its Tourism Marketing Strategy 2026–2028, aiming to move from recovery to sustainable growth through resilience, regenerative development and better connectivity.

Human Rights Pressure: West Papua’s liberation movement (ULMWP) welcomed MSG’s denial of full membership “cautiously,” but urged urgent action over Indonesia’s “grave human rights violations,” including a push for the UN Human Rights Commissioner to be allowed to visit West Papua. Border Security & Health: Vanuatu will hold its first National Summit on Border Security and Preparedness for Emerging Drug and HIV Threats in Port Vila on 7–8 July, bringing border agencies and ministries together to build a coordinated response. Australia–Vanuatu Security Deal: After months of tense talks, Prime Ministers Anthony Albanese and Jotham Napat signed the revised Nakamal Agreement in Canberra, locking in A$500m support and Australia as Vanuatu’s primary policing and disaster-response partner, while requiring consultation on third-party involvement in critical infrastructure and keeping it “free from militarisation” and “unauthorised access.” China–Australia Tensions: China warned the deal should not be used for “geopolitical contest,” after the pact was framed as “balanced” by Australia and Vanuatu. Tourism Strategy: Vanuatu unveiled its Tourism Marketing Strategy 2026–2028 in Port Vila, aiming for sustainable growth through resilience, regenerative development and better connectivity.