PINA

A Chinese ambassador says China's engagement with South Pacific island countries poses no threat to Australia, responding to fears that Beijing will establish a military foothold in the Solomon Islands. China's envoy to Australia, Xiao Qian, attempted to reassure his host nation in a newspaper opinion piece published Thursday as reports emerged of a planned trip by a high-level Chinese...

Australian Scott Morrison has rejected a claim by China's ambassador that Beijing's co-operation with Pacific island nations is not a threat to Australia. Ambassador Xiao Qian told the Australian Financial Review the two nations had common interests that should outweigh their differences. The prime minister countered, saying China's "interference" in the Pacific was of “great consequence”. “I don't want to give any...

A former high commissioner to the Solomon Islands has questioned whether Australia is still a free country after being “manhandled” by Scott Morrison’s security when he tried to talk to the prime minister about mishandling the relationship with the Pacific Island nation. Trevor Sofield, the high commissioner to the Solomons from 1982 to 1985, was at a cheese shop and...

Brianna Fruean, a Samoan Pacific Climate Warrior and environmental champion has been announced as a recipient of the Global Citizen Prize: Citizen Award, citing her work leading grassroots community projects for climate justice, and her commitment to bring small island representation and young Pacific voices to the forefront of global climate conversations. The Global Citizen Prize recognizes activists across the...

The Mascot for the 2023 Pacific Games in Honiara, Solomon Islands has been revealed. The winning design was officially unveiled on Thursday 12th May, 2022 after the Sol2023 Games Organizing Committee (GOC) Board endorsed the winning entry after an expert panel of judges selected the winner from a total of over 19 entries received from local artists in the country. The...

Fijian Drua and Moana Pasifika will put pride on the line and are promising a “cultural experience” when Super Rugby breaks new ground on Saturday with the first clash of two Pacific island sides. The powerful islanders, with their flair and unorthodox style, have always been an integral part of teams in the southern hemisphere club championship. But this year for...

Stanley Tepend is the newly appointed PNG Kumuls head coach. Assisting him as a coaching mentor will be former NRL Sharks head coach and current St George Illawarra Dragons pathway coach Shane Flanagan. PNG RFL CEO Stanley Hondina says both coaches have met all the coaching requirements and both will mentor the team (PNG Kumuls) for the 25 June mid-season Test...

A police crackdown in Vanuatu that has seen people arrested for allegedly posting comments on social media speculating politicians were responsible for the country’s current Covid outbreak has raised serious concerns about freedom of speech in the Pacific country. At least four people from two separate islands have been arrested as part of a major investigation by Vanuatu’s Serious Crime...

Papua New Guinea will witness 6.2 million voters taking the polling booths from Saturday, 09 July. Electoral Commissioner Simon Sinai said the updated Common Roll ready and would be available at all Electoral Commission offices across the country. “While we would like to see the Common Roll to be available online, due to the time constraints all voters can check their...

Removing derelict vessels from Fiji’s three main ports at Suva, Lautoka and Levuka will cost FJD$59 million (US$26.7 million), according to Minister of Economy, Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum. Responding to a question from the Opposition, Sayed-Khaiyum said, “A lot of these ships have local owners and they have sort of sunk them and disappeared. So these companies do not even exist.” There are...