China Missile Test Deepens Pacific Divide Over Growing Militarization
China's test of a nuclear-capable missile last month has exposed the limits of Pacific leaders' ambition to make the region an "Ocean of Peace", free from the crossfire of major-power rivalry.The July launch, China's first known ballistic-missile test into the Pacific since September 2024, was fired into the Pacific just hours after Fiji and Australia signed a major defense treaty, marking Fiji's first ever alliance.More than a month after the test, Pacific Islands foreign ministers were unable to agree on a collective statement condemning Beijing's missile test…
UKSR to Embark on 4th Mission to Survey Deep Sea Minerals
Glomar Minerals, Inc., an American seabed minerals company, announced that its wholly owned subsidiary UK Seabed Resources Limited (UKSR) will embark on its fourth major exploration campaign to the Pacific Clarion Clipperton Zone (CCZ) this week.Nodules found within the Company’s two CCZ license areas are rich in manganese, cobalt, nickel, copper, and rare earths—minerals critical to defense, aerospace, energy, and modern manufacturing. The new 75-day research mission will be the first to gather geological and biological samples in UKSR’s second license area, UK2, in over forty years.
China Alarms Other Pacific Powers With Missile Test
China's military test-fired a missile from a nuclear-powered submarine into the Pacific on Monday, state media reported, drawing criticism and concern from Japan, Australia, New Zealand and Taiwan.A People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy submarine launched the missile, carrying a dummy warhead, toward international waters in the Pacific at 12:01 p.m. (0401 GMT), the official Xinhua news agency said.Xinhua described the launch as a "routine arrangement" of China's annual military training and not directed against any specific country or target.
US Strikes on Suspected Drug Vessels Kill 14, One Survivor
A series of U.S. strikes against suspected drug vessels in the eastern Pacific killed 14 alleged drug traffickers and left one survivor, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said on Tuesday, the latest operation in President Donald Trump's counter-drug campaign.The strikes in the Pacific come against the backdrop of a U.S. military buildup in the Caribbean that includes guided-missile destroyers, F-35 fighter jets, a nuclear submarine, and thousands of troops. The administration has ordered the Ford carrier strike group to the region…
NYK’s Bulk Carrier Saves Stranded Sailors in Pacific Ocean
Medi Giannutri, a bulk carrier operated by NYK, has rescued two sailors from a disabled sailboat in the Pacific Ocean. on June 19 (local time).While en route to the U.S. port of Long Beach, the bulk carrier received a search and rescue request from the U.S. Coast Guard on June 19, and immediately headed to the scene.The two individuals rescued are reported to be in good health and disembarked at the port of Long Beach following the rescue operation.
