New Zealand says China's testing launch of a nuclear-capable missile into the South Pacific is at odds with peace and stability in the region.

The National Weather Service in Guam says the category 5 storm is forecast to remain near this intensity through Tuesday, as it passes through the Marianas.

Australia's Prime Miniser Anthony Albanese says the treaties represent one of the most significant endeavours Australia has undertaken with any country.

There are questions over a new agreeement between PNG's cabinet and the country's anti-corruption body.

Competitive strongman is gaining momentum in the Pacific, despite limited opportunities for athletes to compete close to home.

Jared Novelly arrived in Wellington last week and is expected to travel to Niue, the Cook Islands and Samoa within the next month to present his credentials.

Marshall Islands Finance Minister David Paul said funding is now secured, with the plan to spend $100m for Majuro hospital and $60m for Ebeye's new facilities.

The Flying Fijians fell to Wales in their Nations Championship opener in Cardiff, but Manu Samoa and 'Ikale Tahi opened their World Rugby Nations Cup campaigns with dominant victories.

Analysis: New Caledonia's newly-elected three provincial assemblies have elected their respective Presidents, following the elections in the French Pacific territory.

The West Papua National Liberation Army has claimed responsibility for killing Nicholas F Gosselin after he landed a small aircraft in remote Sobaham District, Yahukimo Regency on Thursday.

Super Typhoon Bavi intensified into a category 5 cyclone early Saturday and is expected to remain an extremely dangerous storm as it approaches the Northern Mariana Islands.

The game marked the start of the David Rennie coaching era, one that has a lot of Pasifika connections.

Follow all the Nations Championship rugby action from Te Kaha stadium in Christchurch.

The US National Weather Service predicts the storm will reach wind speeds of 280km/h.

A life-threatening typhoon is barrelling its way across the western Pacific with sustained wind speeds of more than 250km/h, with people in the area warned to prepare urgently.

The Pacific Business Brief tracks the capital, trade and trends shaping the regional economy.

Indonesia has defended the high number of military personnel it has deployed to West Papua.