Pacific Security & Travel Disruption: China’s rare submarine-launched long-range ballistic missile test in the Pacific—reported near the EEZ of Tuvalu/Kiribati—triggered fast condemnation from Australia, Japan, New Zealand and the US, with leaders warning it’s destabilising and calling for more transparency. Tuvalu in the Spotlight: Multiple reports say the missile’s flight path and splashdown were close to Tuvalu’s maritime area, keeping the South Pacific’s “nuclear-free” rules and regional safety front and centre for travellers and island communities. Regional Alliances: Australia’s PM Albanese signed major new security instruments with Fiji (Vuvale Union and the Ocean of Peace Alliance) and is pushing wider Pacific coordination as China’s military activity raises tensions. Visa & Entry Updates (for planning trips): South Korea published short-term visa-free stay rules for 62 countries; the UK made its Electronic Travel Authorisation mandatory for visa-free visitors from 85 nations; and Namibia updated its visa-on-arrival list (121 countries). Blue Economy & Connectivity: UNDP highlights why Pacific “digital inclusion” and new financial architecture are key to resilient marine tourism, fisheries and climate adaptation—relevant for future travel infrastructure.