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…
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…
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…
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…
Richard Sanders in Olongapo The PREDA Foundation, established in 1974 by Father Shay Cullen in the Philippines, has become a symbol of hope and resilience in the battle against child abuse and exploitation. This non-governmental organization, which stands for People’s Recovery, Empowerment, and Development Assistance, has been instrumental in rescuing, healing, and empowering abused children….
Richard Sanders The churches in the Cook Islands, led by the Cook Islands Christian Church, are advocating for the country to be recognized as a Christian nation. This push follows the discovery of a mosque in Rarotonga and has sparked significant debate. A Religious Organisation Special Select Committee has been formed to consider submissions on…
By Richard Sanders, Associate Editor What is the background of the Work in Taiwan and Main Focus ? ”The Dalai Lama Religious Foundation in Taiwan was established in 1998, following the Dalai Lama’s first visit to Taiwan in 1997, facilitated by President Lee Teng-hui. Registered as the Dalai Lama Tibet Religious Foundation, it serves as…
Richard Sanders Ukrainian leader Vladimir Zelensky has offered to sign a rare earths deal with the US following a disastrous meeting at the White House last week which scuttled the agreement. However, he did not apologize, as demanded by some American officials. Zelensky and US President Donald Trump have feuded over a potential ceasefire in…
by Martin Haffner Associate Editor trategic engagement between the nations of the Pacific and their partners has now well and truly switched to overt security transactionalism, from soft to hard diplomacy. The explicit position emanating from the United States under the Trump administration reflects what has already been happening in the Pacific, particularly with the…
Richard Sanders Billionaire Elon Musk has publicly endorsed the idea of the US withdrawing from both the United Nations and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization. Responding to a social media post advocating such a move on Sunday, Musk, who leads the US Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), commented, “I agree.” US President Donald Trump and Republican…