Results for defence

Climate change is the single greatest threat to the Pacific, say the South Pacific Defence Ministers who met in Nuku'alofa last month. The Prime Minister's Office in issuing the SPDMM Joint Communique today, November 8, stated that delegates adopted and reaffirmed the importance of the SPDMM as a forum to enhance cooperation among defence partners and to collectively address Pacific security challenges.

The Prime Minister Hon. Hu’akavameilku and Japan’s Defense Minister Kishi held a video teleconference on 29 July, and discussed various issues including enhancing bilateral defence cooperation and exchange.

The Royal Navy Offshore Patrol Vessel (OPV) HMS SPEY has returned Tonga, this time to assist in patrolling Tonga’s Exclusive Economic Zone against illegal fishing.

HM King Tupou VI today commissioned the Fangatā Military Camp of His Majesty's Armed Forces in 'Eua, constructed under a Defence Cooperation Program between the governments of Tonga and Australia.

The United States has disinvited China from this summer’s 26-country Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) naval exercise. The move has been played up as a potential indication that the US may finally be adopting a tougher approach toward China. Mattis himself has called the decision an “initial response” to China’s militarization of the South China Sea. ... The Pentagon has flaunted its capability to demolish China’s artificial islands, whose creation Chinese President Xi Jinping has cited as one of his key accomplishments. “I would just tell you,” joint staff director Lt. Gen. Kenneth McKenzie recently said, “the US military has had a lot of experience in the western Pacific taking down small islands.” By Brahma Chellaney.

Tafakula, a multi-national military exercise is being held in Tongatapu from Thursday August 27 to Saturday 11 September.

Ten days of medical and civic assistance to Tonga that concludes on Friday, June 21, under the Pacific Partnership 2013 organized by the Pacific Fleet of the United States Navy, has involved personnel from over ten countries working together under the humanitarian assistance programme. A reception attended by HM King Tupou VI and Queen Nanasipau'u last night, June 19, was hosted by the Japanese Ambassador to Tonga HE Dr Kazuchika Hamuro who said he was appreciative of the United States efforts to lead and continue the multilateral exercise initiative. Photos by Linny Folau.

The Pacific Patrol Boat Training program that includes Tonga will run for a minimum of four years after the Australian Maritime College Search won a $10 million Commonwealth contract to continue the program, with an option for extension.

Defence Ministers from Australia, New Zealand and Papua New Guinea arrived today to hold the first defence and security talks with France, Chile and Tonga, while the United States and United Kingdom join as observers.