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Pacific nations

Pacific nations
Pacific nations
The latest news, analysis and opinion on Pacific nations. In-depth analysis, industry insights and expert opinion.
last updated:
24 August, 2024
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese (right) shakes hands with Papua New Guinea’s leader James Marape during a press conference in Sydney on Thursday. Photo: AFP
Australia

Australia seals Papua New Guinea security deal with eye on China

The agreement comes just days after Canberra signed a similar treaty with the small Pacific nation of Nauru.

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Papua New Guinea

Rebel region vows to become Pacific’s newest nation by 2027

Australia

Australia signs security treaty with China-friendly Nauru

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Tonga

Tonga’s prime minister abruptly quits amid Pacific power struggle

It was not immediately clear who was in line to replace Siaosi Sovaleni, who has butted heads with Tonga’s influential king.

Tonga’s Prime Minister Siaosi ‘Ofakivahafolau Sovaleni addresses the United Nations General Assembly in September. Photo: Reuters
New Zealand

China’s growing presence ‘worries me and it should’: New Zealand’s defence chief

New Zealand’s concerns come as the government plans to increase defence spending, eyeing Nato’s guidance.

US-China relations

Taiwan’s Lai arrives in Hawaii for 2-day US stop on way to South Pacific

The stop, and another planned in Guam, have drawn fierce criticism from Beijing.

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New Zealand

Tens of thousands of Maori, supporters march on New Zealand’s parliament

Protesters oppose a bill drafted by a minor coalition party that aims to redefine a founding treaty of the country dating back to 1840.

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Members of the Maori community and their supporters take part in a protest march in Wellington on Tuesday. More than 35,000 demonstrators poured into the harbourside, police said. Photo: AFP
Palau

Palau seeks US missile system citing ‘direct threat’ from China ICBM test

President Whipps said he and incoming US leader Trump are ‘very much in agreement’ regarding the Pacific island nation’s security.

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Diplomacy

‘Why would you do that?’: Palau accuses China of ‘uninvited’ maritime intrusions

The Pacific nation of some 20,000 people is one of the few countries to extend diplomatic recognition to Taiwan.

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New Zealand

‘It was wrong’: New Zealand apologises to 200,000 victims of state, church abuse

Those exposed to ‘unimaginable’ abuse in state, foster and faith-based care over a 70-year period were disproportionately Maori.

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New Zealand’s Prime Minister Christopher Luxon embraces an abuse survivor following his “formal and unreserved” apology in parliament on Tuesday. Photo: Stuff via AP
Australia

As Chinese banks circle, Australia pushes ANZ to stay in Pacific island nations

For years, Western banks have been closing branches throughout the South Pacific. State-owned Bank of China has shown it’s eager to step in.

A Bank of China branch in China. The state-owned institution has been exploring options in Nauru and Papua New Guinea. Photo: Shutterstock
History

Commonwealth leaders: ‘time has come’ for slavery reparations discussion

Leaders said it was time to discuss whether Britain should commit to reparations for its role in the transatlantic slave trade.

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Kiribati

‘Not welcome’: China ally Kiribati criticises Chinese ICBM test

China conducted a rare launch of an intercontinental ballistic missile with a dummy warhead that landed in the Pacific Ocean late last month.

New Zealand

Fuel spill ‘highly probable’ after New Zealand navy ship sinks off Samoa

The ship, which was surveying a reef, is considered lost. The incident has sparked worries about the state of New Zealand’s ageing military hardware.

The HMNZS Manawanui at the Three Kings islands off the coast New Zealand. Photo: Petty Officer Chris Weissenborn/NZDF via AP
Samoa

75 on board New Zealand Navy ship safe after it sinks off Samoa

The vessel was carrying out a reef survey near the southern coast of Upolu when it ran aground.

A handout photo from the New Zealand Defence Force shows the Royal New Zealand Navy ship the HMNZS Manawanui (right) in front of HMNZS Otago during a training exercise. File photo: AFP
Indonesia

New Zealand pilot freed in Indonesia after 19-month hostage ordeal

Phillip Mehrtens was working for an Indonesian airline when he was taken by rebels in Papua last year.

Pacific Islands Forum

Opinion | Why we must follow Pacific Islands’ lead on climate change

Pacific Islands nations show how cooperation can transcend national boundaries to address common challenges effectively. They need support.

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US-China relations

US official defends mix of diplomacy and competition with China in Indo-Pacific

Daniel Kritenbrink of State Department says dealing with Beijing in the region requires ‘intense’ statecraft and communications.

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Daniel Kritenbrink, the US assistant secretary of state for East Asia and Pacific affairs. Photo: AP
War and conflict

‘Situation dire’: Papua New Guinea violence leaves up to 50 people dead

The fighting, which began days ago, has forced the nearby New Porgera gold mine to halt operations, and the government has declared an emergency.

China-Australia relations

China’s police chief urges ‘new chapter’ of Pacific Island security cooperation

The comments come after Australia – Beijing’s rival in a region it is eager to court – secures support for major Pacific policing initiative.

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Singapore

Pope Francis lands in Singapore for final stop on 12-day Asia-Pacific tour

He has defied doubts about his health during a journey that has taken him from a Jakarta grand mosque to a remote jungle of Papua New Guinea.

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People line the road to catch a glimpse of Pope Francis in Singapore. Photo: Reuters
Australia

Papua New Guinea PM Marape bullish in face of fresh political peril

It marks the fifth challenge to Marape’s leadership over a Pacific nation wracked by violence, instability – and a geopolitical tug of war.

Papua New Guinea Prime Minister James Marape is facing a no-confidence vote this week. Photo: AP
King Charles III

Cancer-stricken King Charles to visit Australia and Samoa in test of stamina

The British monarch is slowly returning to public duties, and the decision to take such a long journey will be seen as a sign of his recovery.

US-China relations

US, Britain stress unity towards China as new strategic dialogue opens in London

Top diplomats tout allies’ strengthening ties and ‘indispensable’ partnership as Washington vies to blunt Beijing’s Indo-Pacific influence.

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US-China relations

‘China week’ at US House puts biotech firms, Hong Kong offices in cross hairs

Most of the scheduled 28 items have bipartisan support and follow efforts to tackle national and economic security threats posed by Beijing.

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Various pieces of US legislation intended to blunt China’s influence and competitive edge are soon due for consideration in Washington. Photo: Shutterstock
Health & Fitness

Breast cancer rises among Asian-American, Pacific Islander women

The reasons are unclear, say experts, but ‘one of the hypotheses we’re exploring is the role of stress’.

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A woman has a mammogram screening, checking her for breast cancer. Photo: Shutterstock
Papua New Guinea

Pope calls for PNG to ‘end’ tribal violence, urges fair share of its resources

In a keynote speech, the pope called for an end to tribal violence while insisting the people benefit from the country’s resource boom.

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Taiwan

No 2 Taiwan official visiting US for 2 weeks seeks ‘better understanding’

Speculation about how much Washington trusts island’s new leader looms over tour by Democratic Progressive Party’s secretary general.

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