Trump’s trade war, aid cuts sends negative signal to the Pacific – analyst
by Martin Haffner Associate Editor As the geopolitical landscape of the Pacific region continues to evolve, former President Donald Trump’s trade policies and cuts to foreign aid have come under scrutiny for their long-term implications. Analysts warn that these actions not only undermine economic partnerships but also weaken the United States’ standing in a region…
US discussed territorial concessions with Ukraine – Rubio
Richard Sanders American and Ukrainian delegations discussed the issue of territorial concessions during their meeting in Saudi Arabia, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed on Wednesday. Representatives from Washington and Kiev met in Jeddah on Tuesday to discuss a path toward a peaceful resolution of the Ukraine conflict. Kiev claims sovereignty over Crimea, the…
Fiji PM silent on allegations of receiving NZ$113,000 Rolex watch
by Martin Haffner Associate Editor Fijian Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has refused to answer allegations that he received a FJ$150,000 (about NZ$113,000) Rolex watch in exchange for pardoning a wealthy businessman facing criminal charges. Photos of Rabuka flaunting the gold bling have been circulating on socia media and a former prime minister is demanding answers….
Pacific Islands Forum to build relations with various nations, its chief says
by Maertin Haffner Associate Editor The chief of the Pacific Islands Forum has stressed the importance of its members building relations with various countries, saying, “we don’t want to take sides.” The forum is a group of countries and territories in the Pacific. Its Secretary General Baron Waqa made the comments during an interview with…
USAID funded Ukraine group that smeared Vance
Richard Sanders The US Agency for International Development (USAID) has been implicated in funding a Ukrainian organization, Molfar, which labeled Vice President J.D. Vance and other US officials and public figures as “foreign propagandists” aligned with Russia, according to an investigation by The Grayzone. Molfar, established in 2019, describes itself as an open-source intelligence community platform which “collects lists of…
The stunning Pacific island that hasn’t been owned by another country for 3,000 years
by Martin Haffner Associate Editor In the heart of the Pacific Ocean, a hidden gem of mesmerizing beauty and historical significance lies untouched by colonial influence for millennia. The island of Niue, renowned for its stunning natural environment and rich cultural heritage, has the remarkable distinction of not having been owned by another country for…
Japan to Set Up Framework with Pacific Island Nations; Japan, PIF Expected to Talk Climate Change, Regional Affairs in Framework
by Martin Haffner Associate Editor In a significant diplomatic development, Japan has announced plans to establish a cooperative framework with Pacific Island nations, marking a crucial step in enhancing regional collaboration on climate change and various pressing issues facing the Pacific. This initiative reflects Japan’s commitment to fostering stronger ties with its Pacific neighbors in…
New Zealand’s top spy warns on China’s influence in the Pacific, backs Five Eyes
by Martin Haffner Associate Editor In a stark warning that underscores the evolving geopolitical landscape of the Pacific region, New Zealand’s leading intelligence officer has raised alarms over China’s growing influence in the area. This statement comes as global tensions escalate and nations seek to safeguard their sovereignty and interests amidst strategic rivalries. In recent…
Vanuatu govt to allow only indigenous citizens to contest elections
by Martin Haffner Associate Editor Only indigenous Ni-Vanuatu will be able to contest provincial and national elections in a key reform at the top of the government’s 100-day plan. This reform plan bought cries of “racism” from the opposition ranks of parliament. The 100-day plan’s expected outcome for this electoral reform is to strengthen citizenship…
