PINA

By Rep Ed Case (D-Hawaii) Successive administrations and congresses over two decades have moved to direct our foreign policy focus to the broad Indo-Pacific, from the U.S West Coast to the East Coast of Africa, Arctic to Antarctic. The increasing clarity and pace of the People’s Republic of China’s intentions, capabilities and actions throughout the region have sharpened our efforts. But our...

As wildfires raged across Southern Europe and North Africa, top UN climate scientists said on Thursday that it was “virtually certain” that July 2023 will be the warmest on record. Echoing that warning in New York, UN Secretary-General António Guterres said that “short of a mini-Ice Age” in coming days, July 2023 would likely “shatter records across the board”. “Climate change...

U.S Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin met with Papua New Guinea leaders on Thursday to discuss developing the Pacific Island nation's military strength and deepening security ties, as the United States competes with China for influence in the Indo-Pacific region. Austin is the first U.S defence secretary to visit the nation of 10 million people that was fiercely fought over during...

Fiji's Attorney General Siromi Turaga has emphasised the critical necessity of a united and multidisciplinary approach to combat corruption. During the two-day Pacific Anti-Corruption Regional Conference, government officials, experts, and stakeholders from across the Pacific region have gathered to address one of the most pervasive and destructive challenges of our time – corruption. Turaga reiterated the responsibility lies collectively with all...

The United States Coast Guard is in talks with Pacific Island countries to expand its maritime law enforcement role by allowing U.S officers to board and search vessels suspected of illegal activity within their economic zones, officials say. The push to expand the role of the coast guard across millions of kilometres of ocean could pave the way for U.S...

This week the Federated States of Micronesia inaugurated its national leadership at the Congressional Chambers in Pohnpei. FSM President Wesley W. Simina, Vice President Aren B. Palik, Speaker Esmond B. Moses, and the 23rd FSM Congress took their oath of office on Tuesday in a joint ceremony. In his address, President Simina said, “Unity inherently demands our careful attention and vigilance…unity...

Jamie Joseph has made six changes to his Japan team to face Tonga in the Pacific Nations Cup, with former captain Michael Leitch ruled out through suspension. Tonga, meanwhile, have made seven changes to their team that lost to Fiji in round one of the tournament. Michael Leitch suspended Leitch has been handed a three-game suspension for his tackle on So’otala Fa’aso’o....

Former All Blacks back-rower Steven Luatua will make his Test debut for Manu Samoa when they tackle Fiji in the Pacific Nations Cup on Saturday. The 32-year-old last played for the All Blacks in 2016 and has now switched Test allegiances after 15 caps for New Zealand. Meanwhile, Luatua’s Bristol Bears’ former teammate Semi Radradra will captain Fiji at inside centre. Luatua...

Flying Fijians forward Joseva Tamani says he had to battle against all odds to earn a spot in the match day 23 against Samoa this weekend in Apia. Tamani said he is ready to take on a potential debut in the second-row position despite overcoming a challenging injury. The setback initially left him crestfallen, and it seemed as though his dreams...

U.S Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austin said on Thursday during a visit to Papua New Guinea that Washington was not seeking a permanent base in the Pacific Islands nation under a new defence agreement. Papua New Guinea and the United States signed a defence cooperation agreement in May that sets a framework for the U.S to refurbish PNG ports and...