Frank Williams, Honiara HONIARA — Solomon Islands Prime Minister Matthew Wale has announced that a formal review of the country’s 2022 security agreement with China is now underway, stressing the need for greater parliamentary oversight of international treaties. Wale revealed that he was only allowed to examine the full text of the agreement one day…
Frank Williams, Honiara China has formally protested to New Zealand’s Foreign Ministry over remarks by Foreign Minister Winston Peters directed at a Chinese-born Green Party MP during a heated parliamentary debate. The Chinese Embassy in Wellington announced the protest on Thursday, one day after the exchange, citing “negative China-related remarks.” China’s ambassador to New Zealand,…
Clockwise from top left: Duncan Webb, Laura McClure, Maureen Pugh and David Wilson Dave Chamberlain, Honiara China has imposed a one-year entry ban on four New Zealand MPs after they travelled to Taiwan, a decision one of the lawmakers says is meant to intimidate elected representatives. The MPs – Maureen Pugh, Duncan Webb, Laura McClure,…
Richard Saunders, Phnom Penh Taiwan has confirmed it will participate in this year’s Pacific Islands Forum (PIF), marking a significant diplomatic moment for Taipei as it continues to strengthen ties with its allies in the Pacific. Last year’s summit in the Solomon Islands excluded Taiwan, the United States, and China, raising concerns about the influence…
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…