PINA

China has “no intention at all” to build a military base in the Solomon Islands, Foreign Minister Wang Yi said Thursday, dismissing speculation about the purpose of its recent security pact with the island state. The Chinese minister, who was in Honiara at the start of an extensive tour of Pacific island states, said the security agreement Beijing sealed last...

The best thing the new Labor government could do to repair the relationship with Pacific is commit to no new coal and gas, Greens Leader Adam Bandt said Thursday. Pacific leaders have been making clear for years that the good relationship with Australia is dependent on climate action, with a focus on no new coal and gas. Former President of Kiribati,...

-The New Zealalnd government is being criticised for letting its relationships with Pacific islands drift, as China tries to boost its influence in the region. Leaked documents have revealed Beijing is proposing a region-wide deal with almost a dozen countries in the Pacific. Beijing's offer covers police training, biometrics like fingerprints, new trade arrangements and scholarships. National Party foreign affairs spokesperson Gerry...

Tongan deputy Prime Minister Poasi Tei and former Prime Minister Pohiva Tu'i'onetoa, both Members of Parliament have each been granted a stay in the execution of their judgements, that declared their election void, until their appeal is heard and determined. Lord Chief Justice Whitten QC granted Tu'ionetoa's application for stay of execution on 25 May and the Deputy PM got...

The Marine Stewardship Council, which certifies fisheries under its blue tick sustainability label, has ordered an independent investigation into allegations of shark finning on tuna vessels in certified Pacific fisheries. Shark finning is the cruel practice of removing fins from live sharks. A report by the UK charity Shark Guardian with CNS Global Consulting, a sustainable development consultancy, has alleged...

By Helen Livingstone Why is everyone talking about China in the Pacific all of a sudden? China’s ambitions in the Pacific first attracted renewed attention back in March, when news leaked of a draft security agreement that would grant Chinese military and police significant access to Solomon Islands. The news surprised Australia and New Zealand, the Solomon’s traditional security partners,...

Fiji Bati head coach Jo Rabele has announced a 50-member extended squad of experienced and young players for the 2022 Rugby League World to be held in England in October. Extended squad: Apisai Koroisau, Joe Lovodua, Penioni Tagituimua, Tariq Sims, Viliame Kikau, King Vuniayawa, Lamar Manueli Liolevave, Jacob and Daniel Saifiti, Korbin and Tariq Sims, Tui Kamikamica, Kane Evans, Joseph...

The head coach of the Fijian Drua Mick Byrne is looking forward to an improved performance from his band of warriors after being skinned by the Crusaders 3-61 last week at Christchurch’s Orangetheory Stadium when the side clashes with Pita Gus Sowakula’s Chiefs on Saturday at Churchill Park in Lautoka. Byrne said the Drua wanted to bounce back in style...

The new Australian foreign affairs minister, Penny Wong, has promised to treat Pacific island countries with respect, telling an audience in Fiji that Australia is “a partner that won’t come with strings attached, nor impose unsustainable financial burdens”. Wong promised to “respect Pacific priorities and Pacific institutions” and set out an implicit contrast with China, which is pursuing a sweeping...

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese says Australia needs to step up engagement with Pacific Islands in response to 'changed environment' The Prime Minister took a swipe at the former Morrison government amid a pledge to provide further support and increase its engagement with the Pacific region in response to China's growing dominance and Beijing's plan to secure trade deals with ten...