PINA

On Tuvalu Independence Day, the Pacific nation is calling on the global community to act decisively and swiftly to address the pressing challenges of climate change and maritime decarbonisation. Speaking at the International Maritime Organisation (IMO), Tuvalu’s Minister for Transport, Energy, Communication, and Innovation, Simon Kofe, stressed the importance of this week’s decisions. “The outcome this week is fundamental in determining...

The Hunga Tonga underwater volcano was one of the largest volcanic eruptions in history, and now, two years later, new research from The Australian National University (ANU) has revealed its main trigger. Until now, the cause of the cataclysmic event has remained largely a mystery to the scientific community, yet a student-led team of ANU seismologists has been able to...

Fijian Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has set a new course for the country’s international relations with the unveiling of Fiji’s first-ever Foreign Policy White Paper, outlining the nation’s priorities on the global stage for the next decade. In a ministerial statement to Parliament on Tuesday, Rabuka highlighted the document as a crucial milestone, marking a comprehensive strategy that integrates domestic...

Plans are being made to visit all islands in Kiribati to call on the people to boycott the presidential vote. That national poll is to be held on 25 October with three candidates, all from the ruling TKP, or Tokwaan Kiribati Party. The current President, or Beretitenti, Taneti Maamau is expected to easily win the contest. One candidate, Riteta Iorome, has been...

Stanley Simpson, a prominent journalist and representative of the Fijian Media Association (FMA), called for an end to the demonisation of Pacific media, particularly in the Solomon Islands, during the recent Pacific Media Summit held in Niue. Simpson expressed frustration over how Pacific media has become entangled in geopolitical tensions between larger global powers. “Stop demonising the Solomon Islands media,” Simpson...

Acting Forum Secretary General, Esala Nayasi, opened the Pacific Island Countries Climate Change Ministerial Talanoa in Nadi on Tuesday with a strong call for unity and collective action in the face of escalating climate challenges. The gathering brought together climate ministers from across the Pacific, along with representatives from Australia and New Zealand, to strategise for upcoming global climate negotiations,...

New Caledonia's controversial constitutional reform, which triggered violent unrest after a vote in the French National Assembly, will not go ahead, French Prime Minister Michel Barnier says. Delivering his inaugural speech on his government's roadmap, Barnier said the controversial text, which had already been endorsed by both Houses of Parliament, the Senate (in March 2024) and the National Assembly (in...

A Kanak pro-independence senator from New Caledonia, a French territory in the Pacific, stated that the island’s only solution is to gain independence in light of recent regional developments. Speaking with Anadolu, New Caledonia Senator Robert Wienie Xowie stated that the Paris government's attempt to enact a reform measure aimed at modifying voter registration caused the present crisis on the...

Although some officials would have seen the test launch as beneficial, either for technical or political reasons, the incident undermines important Chinese foreign policy goals. By Denny Roy A brief statement by the Ministry of National Defence in Beijing called China’s September 25 test launch of an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) into the South Pacific Ocean near Tahiti “routine.” That...

The Fiji Schoolboys U18 defeated their Australian counterparts for the second time Tuesday, winning 34-25 at Lawaqa Park in Sigatoka. Following last week’s 26-14 loss to the Fijians, the visitors were looking for redemption.and made a strong start to lead 10-0 via a converted try and a penalty. Fiji Schoolboys replied in style and scored three tries through Waisake Vakacere, Raymond...