AGP Executive Report

Education & Digital Skills: In Kiribati, teachers are preparing students for a digital future through the KITES project, with model schools like TUC 1 getting ICT devices, reliable internet, and solar-powered support, while teachers build skills via Kiribati Teachers College and the Ministry improves school planning with better data. Pacific Security & “Ocean of Peace”: Analysts say the Pacific Islands Forum struggled to agree on a united response after China’s missile test near Tuvalu and Kiribati, raising fresh questions about whether the region’s “ocean of peace” vision is being pulled into wider power competition. US–Solomon Islands Maritime Deal: Solomon Islands Prime Minister Matthew Wale says a ship-rider agreement will be signed soon for U.S. Coast Guard patrols with local police aboard, aimed at tackling illegal fishing and trafficking—after earlier ship-rider boardings in Kiribati and Vanuatu sparked Chinese protests. Deep-Sea Mining Tensions: French Polynesia plans to challenge an American startup’s seabed mining proposal near its borders, arguing it was not consulted and could harm protected ecosystems. Health Coverage Watch: A WHO-UNICEF report finds Pacific countries still struggle to reach 90% childhood vaccination targets—Kiribati hit only four targets in 2025.

Pacific Security Pivot: Australia is rapidly expanding defence ties across the Pacific, doubling mutual defence treaties and signing new pacts with Papua New Guinea and Fiji, while also moving with Vanuatu and preparing more deals with the Solomon Islands and Tonga—an approach analysts say is aimed at countering China’s influence. Maritime Enforcement Deal: The Solomon Islands says it will sign a “ship rider agreement” with the U.S. Coast Guard next week, letting local police patrol alongside U.S. crews to tackle drug trafficking, human trafficking, and illegal fishing. Regional Unity Tested by Missile Test: Pacific leaders are struggling to agree on a united response after China’s missile test near Tuvalu and Kiribati, with the Pacific Islands Forum failing to issue a joint statement. Taiwan Pressure in the Region: Papua New Guinea has announced it will close Taiwan’s representative trade and economic office in Port Moresby under the One China policy, drawing U.S. concern and protests from Taiwan. Health & Education Watch: A WHO-UNICEF report finds most Pacific countries miss the 90% childhood vaccination goal—Kiribati hits only four targets in 2025—while Kiribati is highlighted for high education spending at 16.4% of GDP.

High Seas Mining Row: French Polynesia says it was approached but not consulted over an American Deep Sea Minerals plan to explore seabed mining just beyond its maritime border, warning it would sit next to ecosystems the territory protects. Kiribati in the Mix: The proposal targets international waters surrounded by the Cook Islands, Kiribati and French Polynesia, as U.S. regulators weigh permits tied to battery and military minerals. Maritime Security Deal: Solomon Islands Prime Minister Matthew Wale says Honiara will sign a “ship rider” agreement with the U.S. Coast Guard, with local police aboard to boost patrols against drug trafficking, human trafficking and illegal fishing. Diplomacy Pressure: The same week, PNG moved to close Taiwan’s representative office in Port Moresby under One China policy, drawing U.S. “deep concern” and adding to wider Pacific shifts toward Beijing. Digital Access: A new report highlights community-run internet networks as key for connecting remote islands, including a Kiribati case study, stressing local involvement and sustainable funding. Vaccination Gaps: A WHO-UNICEF update finds Kiribati hit only four vaccine targets in 2025, missing the 90% goal for most immunisations.

High Seas Mining Clash: French Polynesia says it was “not consulted” over an American Deep Sea Minerals plan to explore seabed mining just beyond its maritime border, as regulators and countries debate rules at the International Seabed Authority. Diplomacy & China-Taiwan Pressure: Papua New Guinea moves to close Taiwan’s representative office in Port Moresby under the One China policy, with China praising the step and the US saying it is “deeply concerned.” Kiribati in the Spotlight: Kiribati is named among countries whose citizens can get a Papua New Guinea visa on arrival in 2026, and it also appears in the wider Pacific security and maritime enforcement context. Commonwealth Games Focus: Kiribati heads to Glasgow with weightlifting in mind, recalling David Katoatau’s 2014 gold as the Games open 23 July. Health Watch: A WHO-UNICEF report finds Pacific countries struggle to reach 90% vaccination coverage; Kiribati hit only four targets in 2025. Digital Divide: A new report highlights community-run internet networks as a practical way to connect remote islands, including Kiribati.

AI Governance: UN bodies warn AI is moving “at runaway speed,” widening the digital divide unless guardrails and transparency are built now. Pacific Security & Diplomacy: China’s July 6 submarine missile test in the South Pacific is being linked to PNG’s sudden decision to close Taiwan’s Port Moresby trade/economic office, with the US saying it’s part of Beijing’s intimidation campaign. Regional Politics: New Zealand’s Winston Peters says China’s missile test must be resisted, while NZ explores joining Australia and Fiji’s Ocean of Peace alliance. Health: A WHO-UNICEF report finds most Pacific countries miss the 90% child vaccination target; Kiribati hits only four vaccine goals in 2025. Kiribati Mobility: Kiribati is listed among countries whose citizens can get a visa on arrival in Papua New Guinea, and also appears on Germany’s 2026 visa-free entry list. Digital Access: A new report highlights community-run internet networks as a practical way to connect remote islands like Kiribati, if locals help design and run them.

PNG–Taiwan Rift: Papua New Guinea moved to close Taiwan’s Port Moresby representative trade and economic office “immediately,” with the U.S. calling it part of Beijing’s intimidation campaign and linking the timing to China’s July 6 submarine-launched missile test in the South Pacific. Regional Security: The closure follows Australia and Fiji signing the Vuvale Union and Ocean of Peace Alliance treaties in Suva, deepening mutual defense and security cooperation—while New Zealand officials say China’s missile activity is unacceptable. Education Spending: A global comparison highlights that Kiribati and other Pacific small states invest heavily in education as a share of GDP, with Kiribati at 16.4%. Travel Rules for I-Kiribati: Papua New Guinea published its 2026 visa-on-arrival list (including Kiribati), while separate updates show Germany’s 2026 visa-free list also includes Kiribati. Health: A WHO-UNICEF report says many Pacific countries, including Kiribati, are missing vaccination targets—Kiribati hit only four in 2025.

China–PNG–Taiwan Tensions: Papua New Guinea ordered the “immediate” closure of Taiwan’s representative trade and economic office in Port Moresby, prompting the U.S. to warn it’s part of Beijing’s intimidation campaign, with analysts linking the move to China’s July 6 submarine-launched ballistic missile test in the South Pacific and to the same week’s Australia–Fiji security treaties. Kiribati in the Spotlight: Kiribati is listed among countries eligible for Papua New Guinea visa-on-arrival, and it’s also named in reporting on the missile’s flight path over regional exclusive economic zones. Pacific Health: A WHO–UNICEF report says most Pacific countries are still missing the 90% childhood vaccination target; Kiribati hit only four vaccine targets in 2025. Digital Access: An ITU–Internet Society report highlights community-run internet networks as a practical way to connect remote islands, including a Kiribati case study. Regional Security Messaging: New Zealand’s Winston Peters says China’s missile test should not be normalized and confirms exploratory talks about joining Australia and Fiji’s Ocean of Peace-linked defence efforts.

Pacific Security & Diplomacy: China’s submarine-launched ballistic missile test on July 6 is being linked to Papua New Guinea’s July 16 decision to close Taiwan’s Port Moresby trade and economic office “immediately,” with the U.S. calling it part of Beijing’s intimidation campaign and warning it sends a message to Australia, New Zealand and the U.S. Regional Defence Politics: New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters says China may call joining the Ocean of Peace Alliance “provocation,” but insists NZ should not be “fazed,” pointing to the missile test as unacceptable and noting NZ is in exploratory talks with Australia and Fiji. Kiribati Mobility: PNG’s latest visa-on-arrival update lists Kiribati among 28 countries eligible to apply after arrival, a practical travel change for I-Kiribati visitors. Health & Vaccines: A WHO-UNICEF report finds Pacific countries still struggle to reach 90% child immunisation targets; Kiribati hit only four vaccine targets in 2025. Digital Access: An ITU/Internet Society report highlights community-run internet networks in places including Kiribati as key to bridging the digital divide when locals help design and run services.

Pacific Security & Diplomacy: New Zealand says it should not be “fazed” by China’s missile test, noting the missile flew over the EEZs of FSM, Nauru, Tuvalu and Kiribati and landed near Tuvalu and Kiribati, as NZ explores joining an Australia-Fiji defence alliance. Ocean of Peace Debate: Analysts warn the Pacific “Ocean of Peace” idea may be shifting as Australia and Fiji sign new treaties tied to security cooperation. Kiribati in the Mobility Mix: Papua New Guinea published its visa-on-arrival list for 28 countries, including Kiribati, while Germany also released its 2026 visa-free list that includes Kiribati. Health & Vaccines: A WHO-UNICEF report finds Kiribati hit only four of its 90% childhood vaccination targets in 2025, with many Pacific states missing at least one vaccine type. Digital Access: A new ITU-Internet Society report highlights community-run internet networks, including a Kiribati case, as key to connecting remote islands. Regional Development: MCC touts its Pacific and Fiji partnerships as a transparent alternative to China’s Belt and Road, focusing on infrastructure, policy reforms and supply chains.

Climate & Rights: A new essay links climate displacement in the Pacific to rising risks of statelessness, arguing the connection is still under-discussed as storms and sea-level impacts push people off legal protections. Labour & Mobility: New Zealand’s Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) scheme marks 20 years, now involving 20,000+ workers from 10 countries; Timor-Leste joined in 2026 after huge demand, with wages reported as low as NZ$26 in some cases. Pacific Security: New Zealand foreign minister Winston Peters says China’s recent long-range missile test can’t be normalised, noting it flew over Kiribati and other Pacific EEZs; he says NZ is exploring talks with Australia and Fiji on joining their alliance. Vaccination Gaps: A WHO-UNICEF report shows most Pacific countries miss the 90% child immunisation target; Kiribati hit only four vaccine targets in 2025. Digital Access: An ITU/Internet Society report highlights community-run internet networks in places like Kiribati as a practical way to bridge the digital divide, if local people help design and run them. Visa News (Kiribati included): Germany’s 2026 visa-free list for short stays includes Kiribati, alongside other Pacific states.

Diplomacy Shift: Papua New Guinea says it will immediately close Taiwan’s representative office in Port Moresby, reaffirming its “One China” policy—while Taiwan protests and says it will keep negotiating. Regional Security: New Zealand’s Winston Peters says China’s recent long-range missile test is unacceptable and warns against “normalising” such behaviour, as NZ explores joining an Australia–Fiji defence alliance. Pacific Fisheries: Tokelau’s participation in the PNA tuna Vessel Day Scheme has been halted, and new documents raise questions about New Zealand’s role in the breakdown. Health Watch: A WHO–UNICEF report finds most Pacific countries are missing the 90% child vaccination target—Kiribati hits only four vaccine goals in 2025. Digital Access: A new ITU–Internet Society report highlights community-run internet networks in places like Kiribati as a practical way to bridge the digital divide. Climate & Risk: El Niño is underway, with forecasts pointing to stronger storms and harsher conditions across the Pacific.

Pacific Diplomacy & Security: China’s July 6 submarine-launched ballistic missile test drew fresh backlash across the Pacific, with officials saying it landed in the “blue continent” and was unannounced; Kiribati was among the EEZs reportedly overflown, while New Zealand’s Winston Peters said normalising such tests is unacceptable and that NZ is exploring talks with Australia and Fiji on joining their alliance. Regional Development & Trade: The U.S. Millennium Challenge Corporation says its Fiji and wider Pacific work is a transparent alternative to China’s Belt and Road, focused on infrastructure, policy reforms and opening space for American business. Fisheries & Sovereignty: A new analysis says Tokelau’s PNA Vessel Day Scheme participation was halted early this year, with documents pointing to New Zealand “interference” rather than Tokelau seeking readmission. Digital Access: A new report highlights community-run internet networks as a practical way to connect remote islands like Kiribati, stressing local ownership plus sustainable funding and services. Health: A WHO-UNICEF report finds Pacific countries still struggle to hit 90% vaccination targets, with Kiribati meeting only four targets in 2025. Climate & Disaster Readiness: Pacific communities are urged to stay vigilant as cyclone season continues and El Niño is predicted to strengthen, raising the risk of more intense storms.

Pacific Fisheries Tensions: Tokelau’s exit from the PNA Vessel Day Scheme has sparked fresh claims that New Zealand interfered in Tokelau’s fisheries management—contradicting earlier official statements that Tokelau was simply seeking readmission. Ocean of Peace Debate: As Australia and Fiji sign Ocean of Peace Alliance deals, analysts ask whether the Pacific’s peacebuilding idea is being pulled into security competition. Nuclear-Free Alarm: Pacific leaders and governments condemned China’s submarine-launched ballistic missile test, saying it landed in the “blue continent” near the EEZs of Nauru, Tuvalu and Kiribati, while New Zealand’s Luxon called it “incredibly unwelcome.” Kiribati in the Spotlight: Kiribati is listed among countries eligible for Germany visa-free short stays in 2026, and a separate Kiribati feature highlights Kiribati Language Week and local learning. Climate & Cyclone Watch: Pacific communities are urged to stay vigilant through cyclone season, with El Niño expected to intensify storms.

Pacific Security: Pacific leaders and analysts condemned China’s July 6 submarine-launched long-range ballistic missile test, saying it landed in the heart of the “blue continent” between Nauru, Tuvalu and the Solomon Islands, with New Zealand calling it “unacceptable” and “incredibly unwelcome” after the missile crossed the EEZs of Micronesia, Nauru, Tuvalu and Kiribati. Regional Diplomacy: New Zealand’s Winston Peters said the country should not be “fazed” by China’s pushback, warning that if such behaviour goes unchallenged it will likely continue. Kiribati in the Mix: The missile’s reported flight path included Kiribati’s EEZ, keeping Kiribati and other atoll states at the centre of great-power risk. Education Spotlight: A new global comparison puts Kiribati at the top for education spending share of GDP (16.39%), far above most countries. Travel Access: Germany published its 2026 visa-free list for 62 countries, including Kiribati, for short stays up to 90 days.

Regional Security: China’s rare submarine-launched long-range ballistic missile test on July 6 drew fast condemnation across the Pacific, with the missile reportedly landing near the Kiribati/Tuvalu area and flying over multiple EEZs; Australia, Japan, New Zealand and the United States called it destabilising and lacking transparency, while Pacific leaders said it hit the “blue continent” heartland. Diplomacy & Defence: New Zealand PM Christopher Luxon called the launch “unacceptable” and “incredibly unwelcome,” and Foreign Minister Winston Peters said Pacific countries must resist any move to normalise such tests; NZ is also in exploratory talks with Australia and Fiji about joining a defence alliance. Local Governance & Economy: Fiji’s Food Processors Limited is pushing into new export markets (including fresh and frozen produce) and exploring easier farm finance, with Kiribati named among potential regional destinations. Travel & Mobility: Germany published its 2026 visa-free list for 62 countries, including Kiribati, for short stays up to 90 days. Culture & Education: Kiribati Language Week continues to spotlight how “Karina te ang” is understood as taking in the spirit—linking language, identity and community learning.

Security in the “blue continent”: China’s first submarine-launched long-range ballistic missile test since 2024 landed near the Kiribati/Tuvalu area, drawing fast condemnation from Australia, Japan, New Zealand and the United States, with Pacific leaders saying it undermines nuclear-free values and transparency. Diplomacy and alliances: New Zealand’s Foreign Minister Winston Peters said the country should not be “fazed” by China’s claims, while RNZ reports NZ is in exploratory talks with Australia and Fiji about joining their military alliance. Regional crime approach: Tonga urged the UN to tackle organised crime with community-led solutions—families, churches, village leadership and restorative justice—arguing policing alone can’t fix the drivers. Tourism and travel access: Germany published its 2026 visa-free list for 62 countries (including Kiribati), allowing up to 90 days for tourism/business/family visits. Local culture: Kiribati Language Week highlighted “Karina te ang” as a call to “take a breath” and carry spirit and responsibility forward. Environment and reefs: Researchers meeting in Auckland next week will focus on coral reef threats, with organisers saying Pacific Islander knowledge will be central to reef management.