PINA

China has promised Palau economic benefits in exchange for the latter severing diplomatic ties with Taiwan, a letter the Palauan president wrote to an unnamed United States senator revealed. President Surangel Whipps Jr wrote to the senator that China had offered “to 'fill every hotel room' in our tourism-based private sector – 'and more if more are built,'” and pay...

Tuvalu is on the front line of the effects of climate change, and residents of the low-lying island fear their home will be “wiped off its place on the map”. Kato Ewekia is a 27-year-old climate activist from Tuvalu and said he loved his home and his culture and didn't want to lose them. “Seeing the beaches that we used to...

By Blake Johnson and Euan Graham As highlighted by Tuvalu’s recent election and recent political instability in PNG, amongst other countries in the region, Australia’s engagement with Pacific island countries can change suddenly, but our principles and support should firmly be aimed at being constant and long-lasting. On 8 February, Papua New Guinea Prime Minister James Marape made the first ever...

New Zealand will represent Oceania at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris following a dominant display in their victory over the Solomon Islands in Apia. Impressive performances from Grace Jale and Indiah-Paige Riley, as well as a brace from striker Hannah Wilkinson, proved too much to handle for the Solomon Islands, as the Kiwis ensured that once again they will...

A key focus for the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup Australia & Aotearoa New Zealand™ was creating a long-term legacy for both host nations, and also the wider region. A tangible demonstration of the new-found significance for women's football in Oceania has been on display over the past fortnight in Samoa. For the first time eight nations lined-up for a stand-alone...

Australia stands ready to support Papua New Guinea authorities in quelling violence after more than 60 people were killed in a “very disturbing” massacre. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the government was ready to assist the Pacific nation, after more than 60 people were reportedly killed in the country's northern highlands region. “That is very disturbing the news that has come...

Papua New Guinea police say at least 53 people have died in a massacre in the country’s Highlands. A ghastly sight as a picture of bodies piled high on top each other on a police vehicle was shared on online platforms Sunday. The bodies were alleged to belong to men who fought in a fight between two tribes in Wapenamanda. The grassland...

Fourteen Pacific countries have taken a step closer to finalise their preparations, with a common understanding of key issues, for the next round of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee to develop an international legally binding instrument on plastic pollution, including in the marine environment (INC-4) in Canada. It follows the four-day Pacific Regional Preparatory Workshop held at the Auckland Office of...

The president of Palau has called on Australia to intervene in negotiations with Washington over funding for the Pacific as he warns that Beijing is aggressively pursuing its interests across the region with the goal of forcing the islands to “sacrifice” Taiwan. Surangel Whipps jnr, who has led the strategically important island nation that divides Hawaii from Asia for the...

Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown has confirmed the appointment of Albert Nicholas as the country's Deputy Prime Minister (DPM). The Avatiu–Ruatonga–Palmerston MP holds the Infrastructure Cook Islands, Cook Islands Investment Corporation, National Environment Services, Business Trade and Investment Board, and Transport portfolios. In a statement, the Office of the Prime Minister said: “Through his work in these portfolios Nicholas will...