PINA

China’s intention to grow its presence in the Pacific at the expense of traditional Australasian partners is a main driver in New Zealand’s updated defence and national security strategy. New documents released Thursday by Defence Minister Andrew Little chart the challenges and priorities in defending New Zealand in the coming decades, given the current Defence Force is “not in a...

Fiji's Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka says he has read the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Report, which deems the Japanese government’s ALPS treatment process aligned with International Safety Standards. In a video message on the discharge of water accumulated at the disabled Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Plant, Rabuka has reassured Fijians that the international Standards are reviewed annually by the UN...

Papua New Guinea Police Commissioner David Manning says “Police Officers are trained in the escalated use of force when confronting criminal activities, up to and including the use of lethal force, and they have sworn an oath to fulfill this duty. With the rise in the number of criminals who are now armed and shooting at the police, Police Commissioner...

Canada's The Metals Company (TMC) aims to apply next year for a licence to start mining in the Pacific Ocean, with production expected to start as early as the fourth quarter of 2025, it said in a statement. TMC has been at the forefront of efforts to collect polymetallic nodules from the ocean floor, a nascent industry that could boost...

The International Solar Alliance (ISA) said that securing financing for renewable energy projects in Pacific Island Countries (PIC) may be complex due to the need for stand-alone solar energy systems and mini-grids, which to be viable for larger investments would require aggregation at a sectoral or programmatic level to become feasible. In its monthly column for pv magazine, the...

Cook Islands is bidding to host its third Pacific Mini Games, hoping to bring the regional sporting event back to Rarotonga after hosting it in 1985 and 2009. Minister for Sports and Youth Vaine “Mac” Mokoroa has announced “with immense pride and enthusiasm” Cook Islands’ bid to host the 2029 Pacific Mini Games. If successful, the Cook Islands will become the...

Fiji's Home Affairs Minister Pio Tikoduadua has highlighted that Fiji and China are conducting a comprehensive security review. Tikoduadua emphasised the significance of fostering trust and collaboration between the two countries. This is in response to a question raised by FBC News on whether the government will renew the Police Force’s security collaboration with China. The review, he said aims to establish...

A halt on companies digging up the deep seabed for valuable metals is now a real possibility after governments agreed to put it on the agenda for international talks this time next year. It’s the first time this proposal will be formally discussed at a UN international body. For the past three weeks, governments gathered in Kingston, Jamaica, at a little-known...

Papua New Guinea Prime Minister James Marape has given his assurance to the Autonomous Region of Bougainville (AROB) that police and army personnel going into the autonomous region will do so without guns and ammunitions. Marape made this statement during the Joint Supervisory Body (JSB) meeting held early this week in Port Moresby while thanking Autonomous Bougainville Government President Ishmael...

Australia must prepare for “devastating” climate-fueled disruption in the Asia-Pacific, including failed states, forced migration and regional conflicts over water shortages, a stark briefing for federal politicians warns. The Breakthrough National Centre for Climate Restoration thinktank has summarised the potential threats and impacts of the climate crisis in a note targeted at MPs. Breakthrough is seeking to galvanise political debate on...