PINA

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...

U.S officials are leaving Australia feeling emboldened following a nearly weeklong trip that also featured a visit to Papua New Guinea. Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin's ninth trip to the Indo-Pacific aimed to improve intensifying ties with Papua New Guinea by strengthening the government's defense capabilities, and secure more ambitious plans for defense cooperation with Australia. Speaking on the sidelines of multiple...

The United States-Papua New Guinea Defence Cooperation Act (DCA) is built on mutual respect and we respect Papua New Guinea’s position on nuclear matters, says U.S defence secretary Lloyd Austin III. Austin said: “Again, as you heard me say earlier, this is really about strengthening our ability to ensure a free and open Indo-Pacific and protecting the rural space in...

The tourism industry surpassed expectations earning $2.09 billion (US$1.045 billion) between April and December 2022 with majority of the 587,406 holiday makers coming from Australia, New Zealand and United States, the Fiji 2022 Annual International Visitor Survey (IVS) revealed. Tourists spent the most on accommodation, totaling $801 million (US$400.5 million) or 38 percent of total earnings. International and domestic airfares...