New Zealand’s top spy warns on China’s influence in the Pacific, backs Five Eyes
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…
Vanuatu govt to allow only indigenous citizens to contest elections
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…
PREDA Foundation: A Beacon of Hope in the Fight Against Child Abuse in the Pacific Islands
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….
Churches urge Cook Islands to declared Christian nation after mosque pops up in Rarotonga
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…
Exclusive Interview with Kelsang Gyaltsen Bawa: Dalai Lama’s Representative in Taiwan
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…
Zelensky offers to sign US deal and skips apology
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…
ACADEMIA Pacific transactionalism: Art of the diplomatic deal
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…
Musk backs US withdrawal from UN and NATO
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…
Trump Administration Slashes Over 90% of USAID Funding, Raising Concerns for Pacific Island Nations
Tusi Tala The Trump administration’s decision to cut over 90% of USAID funding has led to concerns that “nothing’s safe right now,” according to a regional political expert. President Trump’s government announced a reduction of around $60 billion in US development and humanitarian assistance worldwide as part of its America First policy. Last September, former…
It takes a village to raise a child: UN rings alarm over crisis in the Pacific
by Martin Haffner Associate Editor The United Nations warns that Pacific children face alarmingly high rates of violence and abuse, which are among the highest in the world. The UN says these issues stem from inadequate government-funded services, persistent religious and cultural barriers, and rising drug use. As representatives from 17 countries gather in Fiji…
