by Tusi Tala, Staff Writer Five individuals sought by French authorities have turned themselves in at the besieged pro-independence stronghold of Saint Louis in New Caledonia. This village, part of Mont-Dore near the capital Nouméa, had been surrounded by French security forces, who restricted access to the adjacent provincial road by setting up two checkpoints,…
by Tusi Tasla, Staff Writer The creation of a Pacific Response Group (PRG) emerged as a key outcome from the ninth South Pacific Defence Ministers Meeting (SPDMM), which concluded in Auckland on Thursday. The three-day meeting was hosted by New Zealand, with participation from Chile, France, Fiji, Australia, and Tonga as member nations. The United…
by Tusi Tala, Staff Writer A former long-time staff member of Fiji’s parliament has expressed concern over the quality of political debates within the House, calling for stricter enforcement of standards regarding MPs’ behavior. On Monday, two MPs from opposing parties engaged in a heated exchange, resorting to name-calling and insults. Mary Chapman, who served…
by Richard Sanders, Staff Writer Japan’s new prime minister, Shigeru Ishiba, reportedly aims to establish a more “equal” alliance with the United States. Taking office this week, Ishiba is advocating for the presence of Japanese forces in Guam, as stated in a report by the Pacific Island Times. According to the report, Ishiba expressed that…
by Tusi Tala, Staff Writer Pacific Island leaders have concluded the 79th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), reiterating the urgent need for global action to address the climate crisis. During the assembly in New York, Tonga’s Prime Minister Hu’akavameiliku Siaosi Sovaleni highlighted the existential threats posed by rising sea levels, which he…
by Richard Sanders, Staff Writer Last week’s missile test conducted by China in the Pacific Ocean sent ripples of concern through French Polynesia, though a subsequent event hosted by China appeared to ease local tensions. The ballistic missile reportedly landed about 700 kilometers from the Marquesas Islands, outside of French Polynesia’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ)….
Solomon Islands believes, the Paris Agreement is failing humanity and so the world needs a stronger legally binding framework on Climate Change. The Paris Agreement is an international treaty on Climate Change signed in 2016. The treaty covers climate change mitigation, adaptation and finance. Head of Solomon Islands delegation to the 79th United Nations General…
by Tusi Tala, Staff Writer Palau’s vice president addressed the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), stating that the climate crisis is threatening the nation’s food security and economic stability. Uduch Sengebau Senior emphasized that the global response to climate change is critical for survival during her speech at the 79th Session of the UNGA in…
by Tusi Tala, Staff Writer China has launched an intercontinental ballistic missile into the Pacific Ocean for the first time in 44 years, sparking concerns among foreign affairs officials and experts. The missile, carrying a dummy warhead, was part of a “routine arrangement” in China’s annual training plan, according to the Chinese defense ministry. However,…
Solomon Islands has taken a decisive stance at the UN Summit of the Future, urging immediate financial reforms to advance the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Solomon Islands delegation to the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) joined the UN membership for the opening of the…