Climate concerns grow amongst Mariana Islands locals as U.S. military expands in region
The Mariana Islands have been under foreign occupation for centuries, and while they’re now a self-governing commonwealth, locals are becoming increasingly concerned about the U.S. military’s presence in the
21 countries agree to assist Samoa police in providing security during CHOGM
Over 20 countries including New Zealand and Australia have given the green light to lend a hand to the Samoan police in providing security for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) 2024. This was
First PNG woman for peacekeeping duties
Major Jacqueline Lilih has been posted to the United Nations Peacekeeping mission in Sudan, the first female PNG military officer to be deployed sent on such a tour of duty. Major Lilih departs for South Sudan today (21
NZDF, Vanuatu, New Caledonia arrive in Honiara for Pacific Games
A group of New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) personnel, with two Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) NH90 helicopters, has arrived in Honiara to support the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF), as the country
Australia’s deal with Tuvalu is not about climate justice, say experts
Australia’s offer to Tuvalu of 280 permanent residency visas every year as part of a new treaty between the two countries, is being criticised as an Australian strategic security initiative in the guise of climate
Australia has “resettlement edge” over China
In a report on Australia’s security/climate deal with Tuvalu, Indian news agency, Business Standard says Australia has scored a “significant win for influence” in the Pacific Islands region with a “trump card”
SOL23: Wallis & Futuna’s Chef De Mission leads the way, Australia sends 100 police officers
The Chef De Mission (CDM) for Team Wallis & Futuna, Polelei Valetino, has arrived in Solomon Islands ahead of his team. Valetino was welcomed by GOC PGA Team at the Henderson international airport. During an
Two-headed Monster, or Myth?
As the United States of America’s westernmost territory, Guam employs the unofficial but frequently used motto, “Where America’s Day Begins”, referring to the island’s proximity to
Strengthening the Pacific’s nukes-free zone
A challenge for leaders in Rarotonga In August 1985, the Pacific Islands Forum held its annual summit in Cook Islands and adopted the Treaty of Rarotonga for a South Pacific Nuclear Free Zone (SPNFZ). Created at the
Water shocks impact the food chain
“We often think of buckets for food security. But in the Pacific, it means water security,” said Dave Hebblethwaite, the Pacific Community’s Water Security and Governance Coordinator. To illustrate his
Preaching partnership in the Pacific islands
As the Pacific Islands Forum holds its 52nd meeting in Rarotonga, Cook Islands, leaders are eager for international delegations to focus on Pacific agendas and priorities, exemplified by the 2050 Strategy for a Blue
China sending more police, donating equipment for Pacific Games
Solomon Islands Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare has announced that China is sending additional police to the country to help provide security for the Pacific Games. The Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) on
China’s declining aid to Pacific islands increasingly goes to allies, think tank reports
China’s declining aid to the South Pacific is increasingly targeted toward its political allies in the region as appetite there for Chinese credit declines and competition grows with the U.S. for influence, an
Governor worried about Guam’s security amid burgeoning regional tensions
Investing in Guam infrastructure will boost the island’s resilience amid the growing threats of geopolitical conflicts in which the territory is strategically positioned on the front line, according to Governor Lou
U.S., Marshall Islands sign security deal that will limit China’s access to Western Pacific
The Republic of the Marshall Islands and the U.S. signed agreements Monday that will give Washington a stronger presence in the Western Pacific and the right to deny China and other nations access to the islands’
Patriot missile plan stirs debate in Palau
Stationing a U.S. missile system in Palau would be for security not aggression as the Pacific island country’s close relationship with the United States means it is already a target of possible attack, President
Chinese grifters tie up UN, Marshalls in scam
The stakes could scarcely have been higher for Hilda Heine, the former president of the Marshall Islands. For years, her remote archipelago nation of just 40,000 people was best known to the world — if known at all
Opinion: 29 years of independence: Palau at a crossroads
Every year on the first of October, the U.S government marks the beginning of a new fiscal year, and so does the Palau government. But what appears to be a lost detail, yet historically significant, event marks the
COVID19 a wake-up call for Pacific countries to strengthen social security systems
The COVID19 crisis was a wake-up call for many Pacific Island Countries to enhance their social security systems. According to the Asian Development Bank (ADB), its 14 Pacific Developing Member Countries (PMDCs) were
U.S. weighs stationing Patriot air defence systems in Palau
The U.S. and Palau are discussing the permanent deployment of advanced missile defense systems in the Pacific island nation, Palau President Surangel Whipps said part of Washington’s efforts to check China’s
Solomon Islands opposition MP calls for investigation after U.S. cable says ‘replica’ Chinese guns were likely real
The Solomon Islands opposition is calling for an independent investigation into a contentious shipment of “replica weapons” brought into the Pacific Island country by China after publicly released U.S.
PNGDF Commander Goina suspended
Papua New Guinea Prime Minister James Marape has announced the suspension of the Defence Commander, Major General Mark Goina, from duties for three months. This is so that the General Board of Inquiry established by the
Samoa PM Fiame Mata’afa calls to prioritise Pacific security
Samoa Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mata’afa sounded a warning to the heads of Pacific’s maritime forces to be mindful of the current geo-political interest and attention towards the blue Pacific region. She
