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Free and Open Indo-Pacific/FOIP
China’s research ships linger longer than others near undersea cables, study shows
FORUM Staff China’s research vessels spend disproportionately more time near critical undersea communications cables across the Pacific than vessels from nearly 50 other nations, a new analysis found. The findings demonstrate a “persistent pattern of activity in locations where undersea data could have significant military value,” according to the October 2026 analysis by the Center for Strategic and International Studies…
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Global Commons
New Zealand boosting Fiji’s cybersecurity capabilities amid suspected China-linked hacking
Reuters New Zealand’s intelligence agency will help enhance Fiji’s security sector after United States warnings of suspected China-linked cyber intrusions highlighted concerns about vulnerabilities in the Pacific Island Country. Fiji said it approved a six-month partnership with the New Zealand Security Intelligence Service (NZSIS), funded by Wellington, to assess its intelligence structure and recommend reforms. The review is designed to…
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Conflicts - Tensions
Chinese militia boat spotted for first time off eastern Taiwan
Reuters A Chinese militia boat, operating with two other vessels, was spotted off Taiwan’s Pacific coast in August 2026, the first known sighting of such a craft in the sensitive area. The Minfudingyu 07902, a fishing boat that doubles as a militia vessel, was operating with a China Coast Guard cutter and the research vessel Xiang Yang Hong 03 one…
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Northeast Asia
U.S. Space Forces-Japan integrates regional advisors to deepen alliance
Capt. Tisha Yates/U.S. Pacific Air Forces U.S. Space Forces-Japan is pioneering a collaborative approach to international partnership by integrating specialized regional space advisors (RSA) into daily operations. The command recently welcomed several RSA augmentees to Yokota Air Base, Japan, marking the first time the nascent program has deployed tactical-level advisors to bolster the regional service component. The initiative supports the…
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Northeast Asia
Japan-ROK technology cooperation reinforces trilateral missile-tracking network with U.S.
Felix Kim Japan and the Republic of Korea (ROK) are building on their renewed defense ties to strengthen a trilateral missile-tracking network with their longtime mutual ally the United States, combining operational exercises and cooperation on emerging technologies. Seoul and Tokyo announced in mid-2026 that they would resume a maritime search and rescue exercise last held in 2018. The drills,…
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Partnerships
India-Vietnam defense ties grow into multiservice partnership
Mandeep Singh India and Vietnam are advancing defense cooperation across service branches, a broadening of ties that reflects sharpening security concerns and shared interests in regional stability and secure maritime routes. “India-Vietnam military relations have shifted from strategic dialogue to deep, tactical integration,” Australia-based defense analyst Nguyen The Phuong told FORUM. The nations agreed in May 2026 to upgrade relations…
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Oceania
Palau harbor cleanup among Pacific Partnership 2026 achievements
FORUM Staff Defense personnel from nine nations have wrapped up the sweeping series of humanitarian and disaster response missions known as Pacific Partnership, merging their capabilities with those of host nations across the region to improve the lives of thousands. Born in the wake of the devastating Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami of 2004, the latest iteration of the United…
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Partnerships
Bersama Lima drills reinforce Southeast Asia stability
FORUM Staff Armed forces from Southeast Asia’s only multilateral defense pact are bolstering interoperability, readiness and resilience during Bersama Lima 2026. Troops from Australia, Malaysia, New Zealand, Singapore and the United Kingdom are conducting multidomain drills in and around the Malay Peninsula during the two-week exercise, which concludes in late October. “This major exercise brings forces together across air, land…
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Northeast Asia
China’s intrusions into Japanese waters ‘surged’ in 2026
Agence France-Presse Unauthorized surveys by Chinese ships in Japan’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ) have more than doubled in 2026 compared to the previous year, the Japan Coast Guard (JCG) said. A recent maritime incursion ended in October after the Coast Guard repeatedly ordered a Chinese ship to cease research operations, spokesman Masashi Asano said. The Kexue left Japan’s EEZ following…
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Free and Open Indo-Pacific/FOIP
U.S. monitoring China’s maritime presence off Alaska
Sentry The United States Coast Guard tracked four Chinese Communist Party (CCP) research vessels in international waters off Alaska in September 2026 amid indications that Beijing is increasing its Arctic presence. In 2025, five CCP ships conducted work in the region, according to U.S. Coast Guard Rear Adm. Bob Little, who commands the service’s Arctic District. “Where I have responsibility, interest…
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