PINA

Solomon Islands Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele says “demonising China” is not his concern. When responding to questions from the media if he is concern that some people are demonising China, Manele said Solomon Islands treats all its partners “equally”. “I am not concern that others are demonising China,” Manele told reporters. “Our position is to work with all partners,” he added. “We have...

Former Fijian Broadcasting Corporation (FBC) Chief Executive Riyaz Sayed-Khaiyum and Chief Financial Officer Vimlesh Sagar have been charged by the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC). Sayed-Khaiyum is charged with one count of abuse of office and one count of general dishonesty causing a loss while Sagar is charged with one count of general dishonesty causing a loss. In separate case...

The UN chief on Thursday issued an urgent call to action to better protect billions around the world exposed to crippling effects of extreme heat, as global temperature rise continues unabated. The appeal comes against the backdrop of record temperatures and deadly heatwaves – from the United States to Africa’s Sahel and Europe to the Middle East – that have...

Pacific delegates are among the international community at the 2nd Part of the 29th session of the International Seabed Authority (ISA) currently happening in Kingston, Jamaica. The second part of the 29th annual session of the ISA Council is, according to many participants, a key meeting for the future of deep-sea mining. The Council continue negotiations on the draft regulations on...

Pacific Islands Forum Secretary General Baron Waqa says the Pacific Forum Women Leaders have had a 'front row seat' to the state of Gender, Equality, and Social Inclusion work around the region as they prepare for their 3rd Annual Forum Women Leaders Meeting on Friday 26th July. He attended the 15th Triennial Conference for Pacific Women and the 8th Pacific...

Japan plans to build a training site for surface-to-ship missile launches on a remote Pacific island, a Defence Ministry official said Thursday, in its latest effort to strengthen the nation's long-range strike capabilities amid China's military assertiveness. The ministry has already informed local officials of the plan to set up the facilities on Minamitori Island, Japan's easternmost island, approximately 1,900...

France's Ambassador to the Pacific says criticisms of the country's actions in New Caledonia are based on misinformation. The Ambassador, Véronique Roger-Lacan, also rejected suggestions that the Pacific Islands Forum could "mediate" between French authorities and pro-independence parties. French security personnel maintain a heightened presence in New Caledonia as authorities remain wary that violence could flare while France hosts the Olympic...

The Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Authority (FFA)has appointed Noan David Pakop as its Director General. Pakop is the Deputy Managing Director, Technical and Operations at the National Fisheries Authority(NFA) at the time of his appointment. He becomes the first Papua New Guinean to be the Director General appointed by the (FFA). Pakop, who hails from Tilienu Island in Manus Province was officially...

Air Vanuatu is gearing up to restart domestic operations as pilot training flights resume. Liquidator Ernst & Young (EY) Australia, which was called in after the airline collapsed in May, said domestic flights will be back “in the short term”, with no timing as of yet for the return of international operations. EY announced the restart of pilot training flights on...

By Kate Lewis Hood Since the last week in June, navies and naval assets from 29 countries have been taking part the world’s largest naval exercises. The U.S-led Rimpac 2024 (Exercise Rim of the Pacific), the 29th such exercise to be held since 1971, claims to promote “a free and open Indo-Pacific”. But many of the Indigenous peoples of this...