by Martin Haffner Associate Editor In a bid to combat rising health issues associated with the ‘Western diet,’ researchers are urging people to adopt dietary habits similar to those of residents in various Pacific islands. The call to action comes as a growing body of scientific evidence highlights the benefits of traditional diets that emphasize…
by Martin Haffner Associate Editor Location: Suva, Fiji — In a development that has raised eyebrows among Western powers and regional allies, the Pacific island nation of [Insert Island Name] is poised to deepen its economic and political ties with China. This shift comes amid ongoing concerns about China’s growing influence in the Pacific, which…
by Martin Haffner Associate Editor In a significant shift that could alter the balance of power in the Pacific region, a key US ally has begun to reassess its foreign aid commitments to a strategic Pacific nation, raising concerns about the potential for increased Chinese influence in the area. The nation in question, which has…
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…
by Martin Haffner Associate Editor A 7.5-magnitude earthquake struck the Caribbean Sea north of Honduras on Saturday, prompting neighboring islands and countries to issue tsunami alerts, including an advisory for Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. “There is a tsunami threat for Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands due to sea level fluctuations and…
Fijian Deputy Prime Minister Manoa Kamikamica Richard Sanders In a stark revelation, Fijian Deputy Prime Minister Manoa Kamikamica, who also co-chairs the anti-porn taskforce, disclosed that social media companies in the United States reported over 3,600 cases of child sexual abuse material being shared on their platforms in Fiji in 2024. This alarming statistic underscores…
by Martin Haffner Associate Editor The Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown says New Zealand is asking for too much oversight over its deal with China, which is expected to be penned in Beijing next week. Brown told RNZ Pacific the Cook Islands-New Zealand relationship was reciprocal. “They certainly did not consult with us when…
by Martin Haffner Associate Editor The Foreign Affairs Minister’s office is aware of media reporting suggesting the Cook Islands has backed down from its controversial proposal to introduce its own passport, an initiative that threatened to shake the island state’s relationship with New Zealand. It comes as Peters also expressed shock on Friday morning that…
Prime Minister Mark Brown of the Cook Islands has expressed concerns that New Zealand is requesting excessive oversight regarding their upcoming agreement with China, which is set to be finalized in Beijing next week. In a recent statement, Brown emphasized that the relationship between the Cook Islands and New Zealand is reciprocal. He pointed out…
by Martin Haffner Associte Editor Fiji’s Prime Minister, Sitiveni Rabuka, is set to embark on a crucial diplomatic mission to Washington, D.C., to address pressing concerns from Pacific Island nations regarding the recent freeze on U.S. aid. The move comes amid growing apprehension among Pacific leaders about the implications of U.S. budgetary decisions and the…