PINA

There has been a huge spike in Pacific Islanders applying for protection visas because they offer better working conditions than the government programme designed to help workers from nine islands and Timor-Leste come to Australia, advocates say. Home affairs department figures show 171 seasonal workers from the Pacific applied for protection visas in 2019-20, with the number increasing to 1,002...

By Bernadette Carreon, Aubrey Belford, and Martin Young A Palauan newspaper publisher entered into a media deal with a company that turned out to have connections to Chinese security services. The deal fell through, but it highlights China’s efforts to influence the Pacific states — including Palau, a U.S ally and one of the few countries to recognise Taiwan. For years,...

In a gripping Pacific Nations Cup encounter at the Sapporo Dome, Samoa claimed a narrow 24-22 victory over hosts Japan. Japan scored first through Amato Fakatava, who powered through the defensive line to score a try. Seungsin Lee added the extra points with a successful conversion, giving Japan an early 7-0 advantage. A further penalty for Lee stretched the lead...

Flying Fijians have made a winning start in their campaign for Rugby World Cup beating Tonga 36-20 in the first test match at Churchill Park in Lautoka on Saturday. The Simon Raiwalui-coached side made a firing start running three straight tries within 12 minutes. Referee James Doleman handed a yellow card to Tongan lock Tanginoa Halaifonua and awarded a penalty try...

The United States is watching with keen interest developments in Solomon Islands and Vanuatu on reported plans to develop their own defence forces. “It sounds like they're in preliminary discussions regarding Solomon Islands' interest in developing defense forces. And I guess I would observe as a traditional security partner and we welcome Australia's interest and involvement in supporting Solomon Islands...

The European Union (EU) Commissioner for International Partnerships Jutta Urpilainen has welcomed EU Council's agreement on the signature of new EU - OACPS Post-Cotonou partnership agreement. “Today is a historic day for the EU and 79 members of the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS). “At the 20 July 2023 Foreign Affairs Council meeting at the Council of the...

The islands nations of the Pacific play a critical role in the U.S strategic vision for the Indo-Pacific region, said Siddharth Mohandas, the deputy assistant secretary of defence for East Asia. Mohandas testified before the Senate's Energy and Natural Resources Committee on the national security implications of the Compacts of Free Association with the Republic of Palau, the Federal States...

A Guam senator frowned on the UN nuclear watchdog’s approval of Japan’s plan to discharge 1 million tonnes of water from the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant into the Pacific Ocean, saying it failed to require safer options. Senator Sabina Perez said the impending release of radioactive water into the sea is “extremely alarming” and represents “the latest example of...

A leading British climate scientist has told the BBC he believes the target to limit global warming to 1.5C will be missed. Professor Sir Bob Watson, former head of the UN climate body, told the BBC's Today programme he was “pessimistic”. His warning comes amidst a summer of extreme heat for Europe, China and the U.S. The UN said passing the limit...

“The fight for climate action is also a fight for a more just and equal society,” said UN Climate Change Executive Secretary, Simon Stiell during last month Bonn Climate Change Conference 2023. Achieving the goals of the Paris Agreement requires a collective, sustained long-term effort and more inclusive climate action. While there is some progress on the latter, effective participation...