We Are Oceania

07/13/2026

Important information!

For the first time, Beijing has fired an intercontinental ballistic missile into the waters of the Pacific from a nuclear-powered submarine.

The missile carried a dummy warhead, Chinese state media said, and the exact landing location is still unknown.

The head of Taiwan's national security council, Joseph Wu, posted an image on social media showing the missile arcing across Micronesia and Melanesia, before plunging into the ocean.

The ABC has been told the missile, which was armed with a dummy warhead, flew over the Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZ) of at least three Pacific island states, including the Federated States of Micronesia, Nauru and Kiribati.

It landed closest to the EEZs of Tuvalu and Kiribati, about 1,000km north-east of Solomon Islands, and seems to have hit the water near the border of Tuvalu's EEZ, or potentially even just inside it.

Speaking in Honiara alongside the prime minister of the Solomon Islands, Matthew Wale, Anthony Albanese said Australia has raised the test with China directly.

"We have made clear our concerns to China in both Beijing and Canberra, and I am making clear our concerns here as well in Honiara," he said.

The Australian prime minister also noted that ordinarily a test like this would come with 48 hours' notice, which he said was not provided by China.

Matthew Wale directly criticised the missile test, becoming the first Pacific leader to do so and acting as the current chair of the Pacific Islands Forum.

"China is a good friend of the Solomon Islands, but this is not something a friend does. This is not good in our region," he said.

"And as chair of the Pacific Islands Forum I have registered my strong protest yesterday with the ambassador. Solomon Islands also lodged a protest note.

"We don't want to see any more countries — China, America, anybody — testing [intercontinental ballistic missiles][ in the Pacific Islands region, that's the bottom line.

"Be our friend, but don't threaten us."

Read the full story: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-07-07/china-missile-nuclear-pacific-nauru-tuvalu/106887324

07/11/2026

WAO Island Hopper Virtual Talk Story in Chuukese with Aritae Epeluk, Macleen Remit and Jayvina Victus.

07/09/2026

WAO Island Hopper Virtual Talk Story in Kosraean with Lerinda George

07/08/2026

WAO Island Hopper Virtual Talk Story in Marshallese with some of our Marshallese team members, Charity Joel, Jerine Bellu, Jolyn Horiuchi, Ruthie Lorennij and Jeff Thomas.

07/04/2026

Here at We Are Oceania, every measurable outcome is a commitment to never giving up on our community.

Today, we found this anonymous note in our encouragement jar:

“Your ability to try every door to see which will open is so commendable. You try every option to make sure your community gets what is needed.”

At We Are Oceania, this is more than a kind message—it reflects our approach to serving Pacific Islander communities. Every phone call, referral, application, partnership, and follow-up represents another door we are willing to knock on until we find the right solution.

While our impact is measured by the number of families served, benefits secured, jobs obtained, and connections made, those outcomes begin with persistence, advocacy, and trust.

This note reminds us that meaningful change is not just about the services we provide—it’s about our commitment to ensuring every individual and family has the opportunity to access the resources they need to thrive.

Mahalo to whoever shared these words of encouragement. They remind us why we continue this work every day. 💙🌺

07/04/2026

Youth Spotlight Corner!

07/03/2026

WAO Island Hopper Virutal Talk Story in Chuukese

07/02/2026

Great opportunity to explore new careers! MARK YOUR CALENDAR!!

07/02/2026

WAO Island Hopper Virtual Talk Story in Kosraean with Lerinda George and Tulpe Kim

07/01/2026

WAO Island Hopper Virtual Talk Story in Marshallese