PINA

Marshall Islands President Hilda Heine paid a courtesy call on Philippine President Marcos at the Malacañan Palace on Thursday where she raised concern over China’s aggression in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) as she urged the Philippine leader to consider coordinating with the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF). “I want to raise concerns over PRC present actions on the South...

One of the main components of New Caledonia's pro-independence FLNKS umbrella, the Union Calédonienne (UC), says it now has suspended all discussions with two pro-French parties until further notice. These are the Rassemblement and les Loyalistes. Public broadcaster NC la 1ère reported the bone of contention is a series of recent comments made by pro-French politicians from those parties, after a...

As the world celebrates International Women’s Day on 08 March, our nations of the Blue Pacific continent join the global recognition of the steps forward for equality. We also remember the challenges of breaking the barriers that continue to impede progress toward a more equal, free, and peaceful region. This year’s Invest in Women theme reminds us that investing in women...

Japan will invite the defence ministers of 14 island nations in the South Pacific region to Tokyo for a multilateral meeting with Defence Minister Minoru Kihara on 19 - 20 March, sources close to the ministry revealed. With China’s growing influence in the region in mind, the meeting is intended to strengthen Japan’s involvement with the island nations on security...

Fiji’s maritime security capabilities has been further strengthened with the official handover of the RFNS Puamau to Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka at the HMAS Stirling Naval Base in Perth Thursday. As Fiji takes delivery of its second Guardian-Class Patrol Boat in a ceremony that marked an important step towards our defence cooperation with Australia, PM Rabuka said that this is...

The U.S House approved a US$565 billion funding measure Wednesday to keep the federal government open. The measure includes U.S. agreements with Pacific island nations, which are set to expire this year and have far reaching impacts for Hawaii. Hawaii members in Congress say the agreements moving forward in Washington are good news for the 20,000 to 30,000 Pacific migrants legally...

As we celebrate the achievements of women this week, and on the eve of International Women’s Day 2024, we also confront a serious issue: “Technology-facilitated Gender-Based Violence (TFGBV)” Members of the Women in Media Fiji, with the support of our parent body, the Fijian Media Association, gathered in Lami, in a hybrid event, to reflect on the transformative power of...

When the playing field is levelled, the dividends are doubled, both in politics and sport. By Jessica Collins As 2024 rang in, an historical vote was taking place in the Pacific. Hilda Heine, former president of the Republic of Marshall Islands (RMI) and first ever female head of state in the Pacific, was going head-to-head with David Kabua (the incumbent...

A former Flying Fijians prop forward believes the Fijian Drua need to hit the ground running from the opening whistle in their remaining games this season. Tiko Matawalu says the team must avoid playing catch-up rugby, especially in a competition as tough as the Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific. The Fijian Drua have put up contrasting performances in each half...

Crusaders head coach Rob Penney is looking for consistency to turn around his side’s disappointing start to the 2024 Super Rugby Pacific season. Penney said errors and turnovers were damaging the team’s ability to hit opponents as they conceded 17 turnovers in the 37-24 loss to the Waratahs during the Super Round. The Crusaders missed 31 tackles against the Chiefs and...