Pacific Security: Vanuatu’s Prime Minister’s Office says China’s recent ballistic missile launch undermines the region’s nuclear-free “Ocean of Peace” commitments, citing lack of consultation and warning that all partners must respect Pacific decisions. Australia-Vanuatu Pact: Australia and Vanuatu have signed the “Nakamal Agreement” to block foreign military bases and require consultation on third-party critical infrastructure deals, with Australia increasing economic support. Regional Pushback on China: Tuvalu, Palau and Vanuatu join growing condemnation of the missile test as Pacific leaders prepare a joint statement ahead of the Pacific Islands Forum. Fiji Defence Treaty: Australia and Fiji have upgraded security ties through the Vuvale Union and the Ocean of Peace Alliance, framed as a common response to shared threats. PNG Treaty in Force: Australia’s mutual defence pact with Papua New Guinea (Pukpuk Treaty) comes into force, including recruitment pathways for PNG citizens into the Australian Defence Force. Mahadev Case: India says Mahadev betting app founder Sourabh Chandrakar has been detained in Oman and India will seek extradition or deportation, though legal complications may slow the process. Governance Watch: UOW governance chief Alyssa White admits repeated recruitment policy breaches amid ICAC scrutiny over preferential hiring during restructure. Local Economy/Connectivity: Telstra outage disrupts NSW rail services, highlighting how communications failures ripple into transport operations.