Top Chinese diplomat says support of Pacific nations with policing should not alarm Australia
China’s ambassador to Australia, Xiao Qian, sought to reassure Wednesday that China’s increased involvement in the Pacific, particularly in policing efforts, should not be a cause of alarm for Australia. Xiao,
The 2024 Pacific Forecast: A Turn for the Worse?
It’s 2024. Heading towards the halfway mark of this decade, the Pacific’s landscape is vastly different from four years ago, gripped in a steadily escalating set of challenges that may well define what the next
Forging Australian priorities for the region
US President Joe Biden designated former Ambassador Frankie Reed as the first-ever US Envoy to the Pacific Islands Forum in 2022. Beijing appointed Qian Bo in February 2023 as Special Envoy for Pacific Island Countries
Briefs
American SamoaThe American Samoa government has announced that foreigners can now acquire or start a new limited liability company (LLC) in the territory. The announcement opens up opportunities for foreign
Movers and Shakers
Marshall Islands has elected Dr Hilda Heine as its 10th President. Dr Heine previously served as President from 2016-2020. She replaces David Kabua. Rev. Elder Dr Leatulagi Faalevao has been elected moderator of the
‘PNG Marine Salvor’s Capacity’
In addition to its core business of harbour towage, marine services company Pacific Towing (PacTow), provides salvage, emergency response, and spill response services at home in PNG and throughout the broader region.
Bougainville anniversary
The fourth anniversary of the historic referendum on Bougainville was on 11 December. Ninety-eight per cent of Bougainvilleans voted for Independence in the non-binding Bougainville Referendum – Post Courier
Pragmatist, Puppetmaster or Puppet?
“Tonight we take the first step in telling our story to the whole world.” That was Solomon Islands Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare’s declaration when opening the region’s premier sporting competition, the
Westpac stays, so what’s next?
Westpac’s October announcement that it no longer planned to sell its remaining businesses in Papua New Guinea and Fiji, and its statement to the Australian Stock Exchange that it would increase investment in its
Briefs
American SamoaAmerican Samoa’s newest park is being developed on eight acres of government land in the village of Vaitogi. The Talanei reported that $839,340 has been spent on the project. It will include a 27-hole
Movers and Shakers
The Pacific Community (SPC) has appointed a new Micronesia Director based in Pohnpei, Federated States of Micronesia. William Kostka has decades of environmental, community and development expertise across the North
