Paralympics update

by Tusi Tala, Staff Writer Pacific Island athletes at the 2024 Paralympics in Paris have yet to secure any medals. Over the weekend, seven athletes participated in para-taekwondo and para-athletics events. Fiji’s Irene Mar came the closest to winning a medal, losing in the bronze medal playoff for the women’s taekwondo K44, 57kg division on…

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‘Getting along with Russia is good’ – Trump

Engaging with Russia and North Korea, and “getting along” with them, would be a “good thing,” former US President Donald Trump has argued. Speaking at an election rally in Pennsylvania on Friday, the Republican nominee touted his diplomatic efforts to fix Washington’s ties with Pyongyang, referring to his 2019 meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un in the demilitarized…

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PIF issues communique on climate change and removes Taiwan

by Tusi Tala, Staff Writer A joint statement from Pacific leaders was reissued at the PIF yesterday morning, omitting references to Taiwan after China criticized a previous version as a “mistake” that needed correction. Following five days of discussions in Tonga, a revised communique was published on Friday, reaffirming a 30-year-old agreement that permits Taiwan’s…

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US strategy for the Pacific moving forward

by TusiTala, Staff Writer The United States has been attentive to the concerns of Pacific Island nations as it aims to enhance its diplomatic presence in the region, according to Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell. Speaking at a media briefing in Nuku’alofa during the 53rd Pacific Islands Forum Leaders’ Meeting, Campbell outlined various initiatives…

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Fiji PM wraps up China visit

by Tusi Tala, Staff Writer Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka wrapped up his 10-day visit to China this week, praising the “remarkable progress” made by the country under President Xi Jinping. Rabuka joins other Pacific leaders, such as Jeremiah Manele from Solomon Islands, Charlot Salwai from Vanuatu, and David Adeang from Nauru, who have also recently…

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