It’s time to talk to, not at, the Pacific
By Anna Powles and Joanne Wallis
When the draft security agreement between Solomon Islands and China landed in the news cycle on Thursday, we shared a sense of dread. Initial analysis of the agreement in the Australian media was typically narrow and, at times, downright unhelpful.
The most outlandish claim was that Australia should be prepared to ‘invade’ Solomon Islands...
Uneven COVID-19 recovery and widening inequalities risk ‘leaving behind’ poor and vulnerable across Asia Pacific: Report
An uneven post-pandemic economic recovery is threatening to widen inequalities and intensify the social and economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic across Asia and the Pacific, threatening decades of progress, said a new report released on Monday.
The Asia-Pacific region is showing signs of a “K-shaped recovery”, according to the report, typically marked by a divergence of economic and social...
Moana Pasifika, Blues confirm teams for mid-week clash
Moana Pasifika and the Blues have confirmed their sides for Tuesday's clash at Mt Smart Stadium.
It will make the first of two matches between the two teams, making up for their postponed match in round one.
With this in mind, both teams have opted to make several changes from the teams which secured victories on Saturday.
Moana Pasifika have confirmed Samoan...
Derenalagi, Taliga and Nasilasila back training for Fijian Drua
Four players who have been out of action for the Fijian Drua due to injuries may return this week.
Kitione Taliga, Meli Derenalagi, Tuidraki Samusamuvodre and Isoa Nasilasila are expected to be eligible for selection against the Waratahs.
Taliga is yet to play in the Super Rugby Pacific for the Drua.
The four are back training according to Head Coach Mick Byrne.
Byrne...
PNG Kumuls to get new coach
The Papua New Guinea Kumuls will head into this year’s Rugby League World Cup with a new mentor following confirmation by Michael Marum that he will not re-apply for the role of head coach.
Confirming the end of his eight-year reign, Marum told The National that he was considering contesting a seat in his native East New Britain (ENB) in...
Opeloge brothers seal top spot in regional tournament
Weightlifter Don Opeloge has taken top spot in the 2022 Oceania Online Cup to become the best male lifter in the region with his brother Jack coming second.
His brother Jack’s second placing in the regional tournament rounded off a weekend of success for the Opeloge family and Samoa, after Feagaiga Stowers took out the best overall female lifter award...
Solomon Islands politician ‘extremely disappointed’ Australia ignored warnings of China military deal
Solomon Islands' Opposition Leader claims he warned Australian officials last year that China was negotiating a military pact which could see a base established on the strategically located Pacific nation.
News of the draft agreement is causing growing concern across the region and one analyst is warning Beijing could soon also gain a foothold in Papua New Guinea.
In an interview...
NZ PM says Solomon Islands developing relationship with China ‘gravely concerning’
New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern says there is “very little” reason for China to station military forces on the Solomon Islands, describing developments as “gravely concerning”.
A draft agreement - leaked online - indicated Solomon Islands would allow Beijing to send military forces there and make regular ship visits. The New Zealand and Australian governments have both expressed concern...
Australian PM says there is ‘great concern across Pacific family’ over China deal
Prime Minister Scott Morrison said Australia respects the sovereignty of individual Pacific Island states but will work with partners “to ensure there is a keen understanding of the risks and threats” the draft security deal between the Solomon Islands and China poses.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison said there is “great concern” across the Pacific family in the wake of China’s...
A security agreement between China and Solomon Islands could impact stability in the whole Pacific
Opinion by Mihai Sora
A leaked draft security agreement being negotiated between China and Solomon Islands could have security implications for the whole Pacific. The draft document sets out a broad framework covering Chinese “police, armed police, military personnel and other law enforcement and armed forces” deployments to Solomon Islands. The agreement also allows China, with the consent of Solomon...