by Martin Haffner Associate Editor An international relations professor is warning China’s activity in the Tasman Sea shows it wants to establish a permanent military presence in the Pacific, and New Zealand must prepare for that. Canterbury University’s Anne-Marie Brady said it served as a serious threat, and New Zealand must boost defence spending to…
Richard Sanders in Manila, Tusi Tala in Noumea Nouméa, New Caledonia — French Minister for Overseas Territories Manuel Valls touched down in New Caledonia on Saturday, as political tensions on the island territory reached new heights. Valls’s visit aims to advance discussions on New Caledonia’s political future, amid deep-seated divisions between the pro-independence factions and…
Report by Richard Sanders and 國際和平禁毒基金會《 IFPEOC 》 會員 Olivia Lan February 21, 2025 Beijing and Bangkok are ramping up their efforts to curb criminal gangs originating from China, which have been involved in scamming and kidnapping Chinese tourists in Thailand. The recent crackdown has led to a decline in Chinese tourists, who are increasingly…
by Martin Haffner Associate Editor The Cook Islands said Saturday it has struck a five-year agreement with China to cooperate in exploring and researching the Pacific nation’s seabed mineral riches. A copy of the deal – which is likely to irk close partner and former colonial ruler New Zealand – showed it covers working together…
Richards Sanders President Cyril Ramaphosa has downplayed the absence of US Secretary of State Marco Rubio at the G20 Foreign Ministers’ meeting, calling it “not a train smash.” Ramaphosa insisted that the US would still follow the outcomes of the discussions. ”The United States is still represented here and they are part of the G20. The discussions that will…
by Martin Haffner Associate Editor The comprehensive agreement the Cook Islands has signed with China “deliberately” contains few details because the government has not yet committed to any specific projects, says Prime Minister Mark Brown. On Monday, the government, through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Immigration, published the Action Plan 2025-2030 for the Comprehensive…
At the Halifax Security Forum, our Editor, Jake Sanders had the opportunity to engage with prominent figures such as Joseph Wu, National Security Adviser of Taiwan, Jonas Parello Plesner from the Alliance for the Defence of Democracies, Paula Dobriansky of Harvard University and Senior National Security Expert, as well as other distinguished guests. The discussions…
by Martin Haffner Associate Editor In an increasingly interconnected world, cultural exchange plays a pivotal role in fostering understanding and cooperation among nations. One region where this exchange has blossomed is the Pacific Islands, where countries are engaging with China in meaningful and artistic ways. This dynamic relationship not only highlights the rich cultural heritage…
by Martin Haffner Associate Editor Rarotonga, Cook Islands – A recent deal between the Cook Islands government and China has sparked widespread protest and ignited a fierce debate regarding the nation’s sovereignty, economic future, and delicate geopolitical balance. The agreement, details of which remain largely undisclosed, has fueled concerns amongst citizens and opposition leaders who…
by Martin Haffner Associate Editor Honolulu, Hawaii – Climate change is causing irreparable damage to the Pacific Islands, not only in the form of rising sea levels, intense storms, and coral bleaching but also through a significant decline in tuna stocks. The devastating impact on the tuna population has far-reaching consequences for the region’s economy,…