PINA

By Euan Graham Last week, Lloyd Austin became the first U.S defence secretary to visit Papua New Guinea, en route to the AUSMIN conclave in Brisbane. Austin was the latest in a long line of VIP visitors to the South Pacific nation this year, including French President Emmanuel Macron, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, U.S Secretary of State Antony...

After two physical battles against Pacific brothers Tonga and Samoa, Flying Fijians prepare themselves for a different type of challenge against a plucky Japan side in the Pacific Nations Cup this Saturday. Fiji successfully overcame Tonga 36-20 in the first round before accounting for Samoa 33-19 in their second match. Fiji has all but secured the Pacific Nations Cup and a...

The President of the Football Federation of Samoa (FFS) has expressed his sincere gratitude towards the F.I.F.A. President Gianni Infantino and his delegation for gracing Samoa with their presence. In an interview with the media on Sunday evening, Papali'i Sam L Petaia articulated that FFS did not have the right words to describe how they felt after playing host for...

Bougainville President Ishmael Toroama has called on Prime Minister James Marape to spell out clearly and honestly his fears about Bougainville obtaining Independence from Papua New Guinea. Toroama made the call based on government’s delaying of the ratification process on Referendum, which has been stalled beyond the required period for Parliament to give its blessings under the provisions of the...

Fiji's Home Affairs Minister Pio Tikoduadua has praised China as a trusted development partner and a steadfast supporter during times of need. Speaking at the 96th Anniversary of the Founding of the People’s Liberation Army of China celebration, Tikoduadua emphasised Fiji’s unwavering commitment to the One China Policy. He said in an ever-changing world where security challenges transcend borders, Fiji and...

Papua New Guinea Minister for Petroleum and Energy Kerenga Kua has used his powers under the National Energy Authority Act 2021 and Essential Services Act 2002 to announce a Declaration of Emergency in the country due to the ongoing fuel saga. Minister Kua said the Declaration of Emergency will be in place for one month and is a direct result...

The two-week 7th Melanesian Arts and Culture Festival (MACFEST) officially ended on Sunday 31July with Vanuatu Prime Minister Ishmael Kalsakau passing the torch to Fiji as the next host. Fiji’s Minister of iTaukei Affairs, Ifereimi Vasu, announced the consolidation of the Melanesian arts festival symposium, Melanesian music festival, and the Melanesian pageant as an integral part of MACFEST in 2026...

By Joanne Wallis During his recent speech at the Solomon Islands National University, Minister for International Development and the Pacific Pat Conroy said “strategic competition is an unavoidable reality for our region”. July has already seen Solomon Islands Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare visit China, French President Emmanuel Macron visit Vanuatu, Papua New Guinea and New Caledonia, and United States...

The United States will rely on allies rather than a major expansion of its own forces to counter any Chinese military risk in the Pacific, a U.S general has told AFP. Beijing enjoys “very clear” advantages in the region, said Major General Joseph Ryan, commander of the 12,000-strong 25th Infantry Division on Oahu, Hawaii. He cited China's expanding military defences, its...

China cannot develop in isolation from the rest of the world even though its modernisation over the past decades has helped the growth of the rest of the world, Chinese Ambassador to PNG Zeng Fanhua said. Zeng, speaking to guests at the Chinese Embassy last week to celebrate a milestone for the Chinese military, talked up the increasing development exchanges...