China-U.S competition for rare earths sparks plan to mine Pacific seabed near Guam
A U.S plan to potentially mine an area of Pacific seabed roughly the size of Nevada near two U.S territories is the latest example...
Chaotic scenes as French parliament delays New Caledonia debate
By Nic Maclellan
In a chaotic, fast moving situation in Paris, the French government has delayed a scheduled parliamentary debate on New Caledonia for another...
Cook Islands and New Zealand sign defence and security pact, $29.8m funding resumes
Cook Islands and New Zealand have today signed a Declaration on Defence and Security, setting out a clear and practical framework for how the...
Australia panel backs defence pact with PNG, moves to formal alliance
A key committee of the Parliament of Australia has recommended ratifying a new defence treaty with Papua New Guinea, a move that would elevate...
Fiji Government sets aside $1.96m for potential evacuation of Fijians in Middle East
Fiji Government has approved a contingency fund of $1.96 million(US$869,670) to support the possible evacuation of Fijian nationals from the Middle East as tensions...
Climate risks threaten Samoa’s financial stability, UN report warns
United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP) has warned that Samoa faces rising threats to its financial system as...
UN committee urges Marshall Islands and Samoa to address disability rights protections
A United Nations (UN) committee has urged the Marshall Islands to address the long-term effects of nuclear testing on people with disabilities.
The UN Committee...
Fiji to hold State funeral for former President Ratu Epeli Nailatikau
Fiji will honour former President Ratu Epeli Nailatikau with a State Funeral following Cabinet approval, recognising his decades of national service.
Ratu Epeli served in...
Rising fuel costs bite, Fiji Government plans relief
Fiji Government says it is moving to cushion the impact of rising fuel prices, acknowledging the pressure the increase will place on households and...
Pacific policing: China becoming the policeman in traditionally U.S-aligned islands
By Didi Kirsten Tatlow
China's growing police presence in the vast Pacific region is reshaping the security landscape in ways that are both troubling and...
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Australia maintains $5.2b Aid Programme as Pacific takes priority
Australia will invest $5.2 billion (US$2.67 billion) in official development assistance in 2026-27, with more than three-quarters directed to the Pacific and Southeast Asia...
Missile test crosses multiple Pacific EEZs
The Pacific Islands Forum says China’s ballistic missile test has raised regional concerns after the missile travelled over the exclusive economic zones of several...
Two by-elections to be held after Tonga MPs lose seats
Tonga's Electoral Commission is preparing for by-elections in Tongatapu 2 and Niua 17 after the seats were left vacant following court rulings against their...