Outgoing Forum Chair Mark Brown reflects on challenging times

“We’ve been mindful that our region is of great interest from a geopolitical perspective over the last few years or so,” says Prime Minister of Cook Islands Mark Brown. “But the security issues that are seen by

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Taiwan condemns Nauru for accepting One China principle

Taiwan has criticised Nauru for accepting China’s “One China” principle on Wednesday. Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) said it expressed “deep regret and strong condemnation” after Nauru and

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Taiwan affirms close relations with Tuvalu

Taiwan maintains deep ties with Tuvalu, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) said, amid reports the Pacific Island nation may switch recognition to Beijing. Tuvalu Ambassador to Taiwan, Bikenibeu Paeniu recently told

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U.S. Senate Bill to establish embassies in the Pacific

A bipartisan group of senators will introduce legislation to establish three new embassies in the Pacific Islands region to strengthen America’s relationships there and counter China’s growing influence.  The

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COP26 at the micro level

(Pacific climate talanoa) By the beginning of the second week of September, the informal Pacific Regional Talanoa Group (PRTG), of which I am a member, was suitably enthused to start its virtual talanoa series on the

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Culture new strategy at heart of EU ties

THE strategy adopted today is in line with the Europen Union Commission’s priority to make the EU a stronger global actor. Culture can play a crucial role in strengthening international partnerships. The

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US reserves comment on arms deal

RUSSIA’S arms deal with Fiji, breakdown in US fish treaty negotiations, ban of Facebook in Nauru, leaking of confidential embassy cables and growing Chinese influence in the region were the key issues of

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A catastrophic failure of ambition

AT the 1997 Forum leaders’ meeting in Rarotonga, Australian Prime Minister John Howard blocked a regional consensus on climate policy. Forum leaders were hoping for a strong, common position to take to Japan that

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Less hui, lot more tui

Kiwi envoy speaks his mind about fishery and more TALKS are into advanced stages about getting skilled fishermen from Kiribati and Tuvalu to work in New Zealand’s fishing industry. Ambassador Shane Jones, New

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