Richard Saunders, Guam China’s construction of an airport on Woleai Atoll in the Federated States of Micronesia is drawing heightened scrutiny from defense analysts and policymakers, who warn that the project could have far-reaching military implications in the Pacific. While Beijing presents the development as a civilian infrastructure initiative aimed at improving connectivity for remote…
Richard Sanders New Zealand’s Minister for Defence Judith Collins has raised concerns over mounting geopolitical pressure on South Pacific island nations, citing the region’s untapped mineral and marine resources as a growing target for global powers. In an interview ahead of her diplomatic visit to Washington, Collins emphasized the need for stronger regional cooperation to…
New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters Richard Sanders On Sunday, New Zealand’s foreign minister expressed “significant concern” regarding the Cook Islands’ imminent cooperation agreement with China. Prime Minister Mark Brown is scheduled to visit Beijing next week, where he is expected to sign a “joint action plan” aimed at establishing a “comprehensive strategic partnership” with…
Tusi Tala, Staff Writer According to Papua New Guinea’s Prime Minister James Marape, Bougainville must strengthen its economy to support its independence aspirations. At the PNG Investment Week Conference in Sydney, he highlighted that the region’s internal revenue, which funds its recurrent and development budgets, currently stands at just seven percent and needs to be…
by Richard Sanders, Staff Writer President Lai Ching-te has concluded his tour promoting Smart and Sustainable Development for a Prosperous Austronesian Region with a visit to Palau. On Friday morning, he and Palau President Surangel Whipps Jr. attended a joint maritime rescue exercise at Malakal Harbor, showcasing the Taiwanese-built frigate, the “Yunlin.” In his address,…
by Richard Sanders, Staff Writer President William Lai arrived in the Marshall Islands today, following his visit to Hawaii as part of his Pacific tour. The Marshall Islands is one of the last 12 nations to officially recognize Taiwan. Upon his arrival in the capital, Majuro, Marshall Islands President Hilda Heine warmly welcomed Lai, who…
by Francis Tuschek, Staff Writer Members of the public in Guam attended open-house meetings last week to learn more about the 360-degree Enhanced Integrated Air and Missile Defense System being planned for Guam. The military is seeking public input on a draft environmental impact statement for the missile defense system. The Guam Daily Post reports that, if…
by Richard Sanders, Staff Writer The leader of one of Taiwan’s remaining diplomatic allies in the Pacific has stated that his country is facing increasing pressure from China to withdraw its support for Taipei. Palauan President Surangel Whipps Jr. also accused China of infringing on his nation’s exclusive economic zone, which is located north of…
The United States Congress has just resumed its session to pass bills directly or indirectly related to China, including the Pacific Partnership Act, which was passed without objection and requires close cooperation with Taiwan and the Pacific Islands Forum. The Pacific Islands Forum, which is mentioned many times in the bill, has only recently staged…
by Richard Sanders. Staff Writer The 53rd Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) has altered its final communique to remove a reference to Taiwan, after a senior Chinese diplomat publicly criticized the document. Organizers have blamed the wording on an error. The group of 18 island nations, along with Australia and New Zealand, convened in Tonga last…