PINA

The government of Guam has rejected suggestions Washington is behind the United States territory's bid to join the Pacific's peak diplomatic body. Experts say the move would place the U.S "firmly on the inside" of debates about China and other regional matters. The Pacific Islands Forum , which currently has 17 members, is the primary body through which Pacific nations and...

By Makereta Komai, PACNEWS Editot in Taipei Taiwan says it will not actively go out of its way to try and persuade two of its former allies in the Pacific - Kiribati and Solomon Islands – to switch diplomatic relations back to Taipei. Both Kiribati and Solomon Islands severed ties with Taiwan in favour of the People’s Republic of China...

The South Pacific island nation of Vanuatu will hold a snap election today with six former prime ministers contesting the poll, after parliament was dissolved in August to avoid a vote of no confidence in the government, said local media. Opposition leader Ralph Regenvanu of the GJP Party has accused Prime Minister Bob Loughman of attempting to make “dangerous amendments”...

Former Fijian star Wise Kativerata has flown to England to take charge of an injury-hit Bati side ahead of their opening World Cup match against Australia after coach Joe Rabele was hospitalised. Kativerata will work alongside his former Parramatta Eels team-mate James Webster and ex-Leeds and Toronto Wolfpack mentor Brian McDermott, while a decision is made on whether Rabele can...

By Makereta Komai, PACNEWS Editor in Taipei Taiwan’s President Tsai Ing-wen has refused any reunification overtures from Beijing, using her National Day address on Monday to say ‘sovereignty, democracy and freedom’ and NOT war, are the foundation for resuming any constructive interaction across the Taiwan Strait. And, she’s warned her administration will not be intimidated by escalated military operations, diplomatic...

Oceania Rugby confirmed today that the 2022 Oceania Rugby Men's Championship, will be hosted by Papua New Guinea Rugby Union and held in Port Moresby at Sir Hubert Murray Stadium on 19-27 October. The tournament returns for the first time since 2019 following a covid induced hiatus and will feature national teams from the Solomon Islands, Vanuatu and hosts Papua...

By Elenoa Dimaira Pacific island nations must take ownership and improve maritime security as it is now urgent for law enforcement agencies to work together and enhance their network to beat the criminal networks now infiltrating the Pacific region, a report says. The report of the Pacific Regional Law Enforcement Conference, which was held in Nadi, Fiji in August says...

It will cost the Papua New Guinea Electoral Commission around K5 million (US$1.4 million to hold by-elections next year for the three seats left vacant, two by the deaths of MPs, says commissioner Simon Sinai. He told The National that a budget proposal of not more K5 million (US$1.4 million) to run the by-elections for the three seats has already...

-Political parties and independent candidates throughout Vanuatu held their rallies in their respective constituencies to close their campaigns last night. Under election rules, political campaigns have to stop 72 hours before polling day. Following the number the candidates, over 100 rallies were witnessed by members of the public in the various constituencies. A total of 219 candidates are racing for the 52...

Fiji’s largest Christian denomination, the Methodist Church of Fiji and Rotuma is apolitical. President, Reverend Ili Vunisuwai has reiterated this saying that the church is not affiliated to any political party. “We have a church policy regarding politics. First of all, any minister who wants to join politics must resign. Secondly, the church as a whole is not affiliated to any...