PINA

As crucial talks on the future of deep-sea mining enter their final days in Jamaica, the focus has moved away from what rules should look like to whether the extraction of valuable metals on the ocean floor should even take place – at least in the near future. For the first time in its history, member states of the International...

As crunch talks about the future of deep-sea mining enter the final stretch, governments have not yet been able to agree on the agenda for the meeting at the International Seabed Authority (ISA) in Kingston, Jamaica. The stalemate is dragging on as attempts to formally discuss a precautionary suspension of mining activities have been thwarted by nations in favour of...

The French President has told Vanuatu leaders he will provide financial assistance to the country and look into the dispute over two small islands between Vanuatu and New Caledonia. Emmanuel Macron has left for Papua New Guinea after his visit to Port Vila. More than 4000 people welcomed him on Thursday evening to the 7th Melanesian Arts Festival in the capital. Vanuatu...

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....