PINA

French President Emmanuel Macron travels to the southwest Pacific next week offering a "French alternative" to a region marked by rising China-U.S tensions, his office said Monday. Macron's trip starts in New Caledonia, a French overseas territory that is bitterly divided after three successive referendums rejected independence from France. He is then to travel on to Vanuatu and Papua New Guinea,...

Solomon Islands Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare does not confirm whether more than $1.3 million (US$162,879) was used to fund his recent trip to the People’s Republic of China (PRC). Prime Minister Sogavare rather stated that the cost of the government’s trip to PRC is a ‘drop in the ocean’ when compared to the benefits that the country will be receiving...

The government of Taiwan reaffirmed its commitment to the Pacific when it handed over US$2 million of cooperation agreement funds for the years 2022 and 2023 to the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF). The Representative of the Trade Office of Taiwan/Republic of China, Joseph Chow said at the handover that, “The ceremony reaffirms Taiwan's unwavering dedication to the progress of Pacific...

Flying Fijians centre Setareki Tamanivalu has sounded the rallying cry, acknowledging the Tongans’ physical prowess and warning against underestimating their opponents. The two sides will clash this weekend in their Pacific Battle in Lautoka this Saturday. Having witnessed Tonga’s awe-inspiring performance against Australia A, Tamanivalu said they are aware of the immense challenge that lies ahead. Tonga demonstrated unwavering resilience, showcasing their...

Two more gold medals have been claimed by Samoa's champion weightlifting team at the Commonwealth Championship in Delhi in India. Sanele Mao claimed the other gold in the Men's 109 +kg division while powerhouse woman lifter Iuniarra Sipaia claimed the other. The latest additions mean Team Samoa has now claimed four golds at the championship. Coach Tuaopepe Jerry Wallwork told the...

Weighting Fiji has managed to win another two medals at the Commonwealth Weightlifting Championship in Delhi, India. Leyna-May Domonatani won a gold and bronze medal Monday. Fiji weightlifiting coach Henry Elder says Domonatani claimed gold in the junior event and bronze in the senior division. Fiji won its first gold medal through Taniela Rainibogi. Rainibogi snatched 163kg and 200kg in the clean and...

New Zealand prime minister Chris Hipkins has said that the Pacific region is becoming “more contested, less predictable, and less secure” as China becomes more assertive. Hipkins said it was important that New Zealand continues to engage with China to listen and to build dialogue. “Our region is becoming more contested, less predictable, and less secure,” Hipkins said in a speech...

Australia has welcomed the final report of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) on Japan’s proposed release of treated water from the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant. The IAEA has found release of the treated water would be consistent with internationally accepted safety standards which ensure the protection of people and the environment. “The Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency...

Solomon Islands leader of Opposition Matthew Wale has slammed the recent trip by the Prime Minister and his delegation to China describing it as a waste of taxpayer’s money. The makeup of the 30-member delegation included the Prime Minister, Madam Sogavare, nine ministers, five government backbenchers, eight officials, four permanent secretaries and two close protection police officers. Documents at hand suggest,...

Kapeliele Molitoni Lanumata has won the Tongatapu 10 parliamentary by-election for the late Tonga Prime Minister Pōhiva Tu’i’onetoa’s former seat. He won with 870 votes, a margin of 249 votes over Matani Nifofā who had 621 votes, the first runner up. The second runner up was Fotu Kuo Hiko Valeli Fisi’iahi with 507 votes while Daniel Kimball Fale had 139 votes....