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,…
Richard Sanders Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) claims has uncovered a massive gap of nearly $5 trillion in US federal spending that it cannot account for. DOGE has claimed that Treasury records made some payments untraceable. Since the inauguration of US President Donald Trump on January 20, DOGE has been pressing ahead with budget…
by Martin Haffner Associate Editor Tarotonga, Cook Islands – Prime Minister Mark Brown has announced his government’s commitment to releasing details of a significant deal with China, amidst growing concerns about transparency and potential impacts on the South Pacific nation’s sovereignty. The move comes after increasing pressure from the opposition and international observers demanding more…
by Martin Haffner Associate Editor Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown is hoping to have “an opportunity to talk” with the New Zealand government to “heal some of the rift that has occurred from our side.” Brown returned to Avarua on Monday afternoon (Sunday, Cook Islands Time), following his week-long state visit to China, where…
瓦努阿图撤销贸易专员外交护照，因担忧滥用权力 Richard Sanders In a move aimed at addressing growing public unease, Vanuatu’s Internal Affairs Minister, Andrew Napuat, has signed an order revoking diplomatic passports held by trade commissioners. The Vanuatu Daily Post reports that Minister Napuat stated the government has received credible reports of inappropriate conduct by a number of trade commissioners, prompting the…
by Martin Haffner Associate Editor Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown (left), Cook Islands Associate Minister of Foreign Affairs and Immigration Tukaka Ama, China’s Premier Li Qiang, China’s Minister of Natural Resources Guan ZhiouFrom left: Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown and Cook Islands Associate Minister of Foreign Affairs and Immigration Tukaka Ama meeting with…