Japan's defence white paper highlights China's growing military capabilities in the western Pacific, while Tokyo pledges to enhance its own military strengths and monitoring systems, prompting Beijing to accuse Japan of 'neo-militarism'
Pacific marine monuments, home to rich biodiversity and intact food chains, face potential commercial fishing expansion under federal review, sparking legal battles and conservation concerns.
Scientists attribute the Pacific Ocean's gradual shrinking to tectonic plate activity, particularly subduction zones consuming its floor faster than new crust is formed. Simulations predict the world's largest ocean could close entirely in 200-300 million years, forming a new supercontinent called Amasia.
Scientists are concerned the Pacific Ocean, Earth's largest water body, is slowly shrinking due to tectonic plate subduction. This geological process, driven by the Ring of Fire, could lead to the ocean's complete closure in 200-300 million years, potentially forming a new supercontinent called Amasia.
A new study reveals a long-term shift in the tropical Pacific Ocean has amplified wildfire-prone conditions in the US Southwest by 22% while easing them in eastern Australia by 19%, based on 1984-2022 data. This pattern interacts with human-driven climate change, influencing atmospheric dryness.
A predicted 'super' El Nino could inflict $10-20 billion in damage across Africa, threatening food security, government finances, and banking sectors, potentially reducing GDP by 1-2% in heavily affected countries.
Hurricane Fausto intensifies to Category 2 in the Pacific, potentially impacting Hawaii next week with wind and rain; exact location and magnitude uncertain.
China's navy launched a strategic missile with a dummy warhead into the Pacific Ocean on July 6, stating it was routine training. Despite advance notification, the test raised concerns among Pacific governments and partners due to the short warning period and historical context of nuclear tests in the region.
Japan's defence ministry detected two Chinese missile destroyers and a supply ship with a Russian frigate near Okinotori Island. One Chinese destroyer later conducted an exercise within Japan’s claimed EEZ, notifying surrounding ships, raising concerns over maritime claims.
Environmental groups warn climate change is causing a "catastrophic mortality event" for Pacific gray whales due to food depletion from melting sea ice. Other factors like ship strikes and pollution also contribute, leading to a near halving of the population since 2019. A petition to relist them under the Endangered Species Act is pending.
Scientists have filmed live goblin sharks in their natural deep-sea habitat for the first time, expanding the species' known range and pushing its depth limit by nearly 700 meters. The discoveries, made near Jarvis Island and the Tonga Trench, offer new insights into these rare 'living fossils'.
Scientists have filmed live goblin sharks in their natural deep-sea habitat for the first time, expanding the species' known range and pushing its depth limit by nearly 700 meters. The discovery, published in the Journal of Fish Biology, involved two separate sightings in the Pacific Ocean.
China conducted its first known submarine-launched ballistic missile test since 1982, raising concerns about its expanding nuclear capabilities and military assertiveness. Analysts view it as a strategic signal of a credible sea-based deterrent, prompting calls for increased defense spending and security coordination among US allies.
India's hydropower generation fell nearly 21% in June due to El Nino-induced dry weather, impacting reservoir levels and increasing grid pressure. Crop sowing also declined significantly, with acreage down 21% for kharif crops.
China launched a long-range ballistic missile into the Pacific Ocean as part of routine annual training. The US, Australia, New Zealand, and Japan condemned the test as a dangerous escalation, while China stated it was conducted professionally and not directed at any specific country.
China tested a long-range ballistic missile from a nuclear-powered submarine, prompting criticism from Australia, New Zealand, and Japan. Beijing urged nations not to "overinterpret" the routine military drill, which landed in the Pacific Ocean.
Super Typhoon Bavi, with winds up to 180 mph, made landfall in the U.S. territories of Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands, causing significant damage, power outages, and flooding. Residents sought refuge in emergency shelters as officials urged them to stay safe.
China test-fired a long-range ballistic missile from a nuclear submarine in the South Pacific on Monday, prompting concerns from Japan, Australia, and New Zealand. China called it a routine training exercise, but regional powers expressed worries about its military buildup and regional stability.
Super Typhoon Bavi is battering Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands with destructive winds exceeding 150 mph, prompting emergency warnings and evacuations. Forecasters warn of catastrophic damage, particularly for Rota, as power outages and flight cancellations are already reported.
Super Typhoon Bavi is forecast to bring catastrophic damage to Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands on Monday morning local time. Typhoon warnings are in effect, with sustained winds potentially reaching 180 mph. Residents are urged to prepare and seek shelter as power outages and flight cancellations are already occurring.
China's J-15T fighter jets, designed for advanced catapults, were observed operating from the older Liaoning carrier during recent PLA exercises, suggesting enhanced integrated combat capabilities across its fleet.
Hong Kong's weather forecaster warns of record high temperatures this year and next, citing a developing El Nino event expected to reach "super strong" intensity. This phenomenon, combined with global warming, increases the likelihood of abnormally high temperatures worldwide.
NASA plans to deorbit the International Space Station into the Pacific Ocean's "spacecraft cemetery" around 2031. While deemed the safest option, environmental experts question the ecological impact of debris on ocean health, highlighting a growing challenge for the modern space age.
The U.S. military conducted a strike on a boat in the eastern Pacific, killing two and leaving six survivors. This is part of an ongoing campaign against alleged traffickers, with over 60 strikes and 210 deaths since September. Critics question the legality and effectiveness, especially as fentanyl is often trafficked over land.
