by Brian Iselin Taiwan’s absence from the International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol) poses a significant gap in global security, particularly in combating transnational crime. As criminal networks become increasingly sophisticated, international law enforcement cooperation is critical. Interpol plays a vital role in facilitating this cooperation through the exchange of criminal intelligence and real-time responses to…
by Martin Haffner Associate Editor Pacific Island leaders have tried almost everything—from giving speeches in knee-deep seawater, to shouting and crying —to draw attention to the impacts of climate change on their nations. But as their attempts to spark drastic action have been met by slow-moving international climate negotiationsand the continued use of fossil fuels, interest in…
by Tusi Tala, Staff Writer During a recent joint press conference with U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin at a luxury hotel on Fiji’s west coast, Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka made a light-hearted remark about the significance of Austin’s visit. He expressed hope that it was not a sign of looming dangers, stating, “We are here…
by Tusi Tala, Staff Writer The Papua New Guinea Games, a significant multi-sport event that celebrates athletic talent and cultural unity, may be making a return next year in time for the country’s 50th anniversary of independence. Prime Minister James Marape has expressed a strong desire to revive the Games, which have been put on…
by Martin Haffner Associate Editor The Western Pacific Region of the World Health Organisation (WHO) is getting healthier compared to other regions and was the least affected by Covid-19 deaths in the first two years, but the incidence of non-communicable diseases is rising due to increased smoking and drinking of alcohol. This mix of good…
by Martin Haffner Associate Editor China has surpassed the United States and regained its place as the second-largest bilateral donor to the Pacific Islands, according to a new report published Wednesday by the Lowy Institute. Australia remains the largest donor. Every year, the Lowy Institute, an Australia-based research group, releases a Pacific Aid Map that…
by Martin Haffner Associate Editor The globalization of emerging US-China rivalry, combined with worldwide concern for rising sea levels, has ushered a period in which Pacific small island developing states (SIDS) can exercise a geopolitical relevance and influence that outweighs the importance typically ascribed to SIDS, which by definition are small and underdeveloped economically. However,…
by Martin Haffner Associate Editor Plan would allow up to 280 Tuvaluans to come to Australia each year Australia on Friday offered the island nation of Tuvalu a lifeline to help residents escape the rising seas and increased storms brought by climate change. At a meeting of Pacific leaders in the Cook Islands, Australian Prime…
by Tusi Tala, Staff Writer Members of the public in Guam attended open-house meetings last week to learn more about the 360-degree Enhanced Integrated Air and Missile Defense System being planned for Guam. The military is seeking public input on a draft environmental impact statement for the missile defense system. The Guam Daily Post reports that, if…
by Tusi Tala, Staff Writer Australia is supporting a border management system initiative for the Solomon Islands. The goal of this project is to streamline the visa application process and enhance the movement of people across the border. Australia is contributing over US$2 million in funding, along with technical support. Papua New Guinea, which operates…