Cook Islands: Why a tiny nation has unnerved bigger Pacific countries, clue lies in China

by Martin Haffner Associate Editor In the vast expanse of the Pacific Ocean, the Cook Islands may seem like a dot on the map, yet this small nation has recently emerged as a focal point of geopolitical tensions, particularly concerning China’s growing influence in the region. The dynamics surrounding the Cook Islands illustrate how even…

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Whose nerve is touched by China’s enhanced cooperation with Pacific Island countries?

by Martin Haffner Associate Editor On Sunday, Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown concluded his visit to China. In response to some Western media’s skepticism about the outcomes of his trip, he stated that there will be “nothing to worry about” and emphasized, “Our relationship and engagement with China complements, not replaces, our long-standing relationships with…

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North Korea tests strategic missiles

Francis Tuschek North Korea has test-fired strategic cruise missiles to demonstrate its nuclear “counterattack” capability, the country’s state news agency KCNA reported on Friday. The missiles covered a distance of 1,587 km in an oval trajectory, taking about 2.2 hours to reach their targets, according to KCNA. This marked the fourth missile launch of the year and…

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Political expert hopes NZ and Australia will ‘step up’ to fill gaps left by USAID cuts

by Martin Haffner Associate Editor The Trump administration’s decision to eliminate more than 90 percent of the US Agency for International Development (USAID) funding means “nothing’s safe right now,” a regional political expert says. President Donald Trump’s government has said it is slashing around US$60 billion in overall US development and humanitarian assistance around the…

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Three tropical cyclones are churning in the South Pacific — all at once

by Martin Haffner Associate Editor In a rare meteorological phenomenon, the South Pacific is currently witnessing the simultaneous development of three tropical cyclones, a situation that has alarmed meteorologists and residents alike. The cyclones—named Tino, Ulysses, and Vicky—are not only impacting local weather patterns but also pose significant threats to several island nations and coastal…

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