Australia, China and other aid donors must realise there’s a better way to help the Pacific
Covid-19 has only catalysed the growing geopolitical interest in the Pacific Islands. Donors have been tripping over each other to prepare for an outbreak of the virus. But, at the same time, this has only exacerbated
Undiplomatic diplomats
Around the kava bowl in Suva, people were discussing some undiplomatic behaviour by Chinese diplomats last month. Then for day or two, reports that Chinese officials had intervened at a Taiwanese National Day ceremony
Neighbours: Australia and New Caledonia boost diplomatic and defence ties
Eighty years ago, fearful of Japan, Australia sent a diplomat and a warship to New Caledonia. Today, Australia is mobilising defence and diplomacy against another rising Asian power. On the morning of 19 September 1940,
Fiji Kava signs China deal
Fiji Kava hopes to make inroads into the Chinese market with the signing of an exclusive distribution contract with Pumate Shanghai, which seeks to generate $8 million in revenue within its first three years. The
Fiji inks first loan deal with AIIB worth US$50million
The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) announced its very first loan approval for Fiji last week, making Fiji the first country in the Pacific region to access financing from the China-led multilateral
Kiribati: Maamau promised a cash windfall and won
Kiribati gave Taneti Maamau a resounding victory at the island nation’s presidential poll on 22 June, rewarding him with a second and final four-year term. As the ruling Tobwaan Kiribati Party (TKP) leader, Maamau
Claims of Chinese interference hit upcoming Kiribati vote
The intense campaign in Kiribati’s presidential election has been dogged by allegations of interference by China’s ambassador to the country. Opposition presidential candidate, Banuera Berina, said China must stop
Kiribati President Maamau easily retains seat
Closed behind their borders amid fears of the Covid-19 virus, electors in Kiribati turned out in two rounds to elect members of the twelfth parliament, the Mwaneaba ni Maungatabu, paving the way for a certain battle
Pacific predictions: 2020
As we enter not only a new year but a new decade, there is much to anticipate in the Pacific islands region. Elections and domestic politics A number of countries in the region will have elections during 2020: Kiribati,
Pacific islands ramp up engagement with United Nations
By Nic Maclellan (Islands Business magazine) in Funafuti, Tuvalu Under “the New Pacific Diplomacy”, Pacific island governments are looking to international arenas to advance their regional agenda. Following
Chinese seaman missing in Fiji waters
by Anish Chand A Chinese national is presumed dead after he reportedly fell over-board a fishing vessel in Fiji waters three weeks ago. And Fijian authorities have been made aware of the incident which is believed to