Next year, Japan will host the 10th triennial Pacific Island Leaders Meeting (PALM10). PALM was first hosted by Tokyo in 1997 with leaders from all 14 Pacific Island countries (PICs) attending. Representatives from Australia and New Zealand take part, and since PALM8 in 2018, the leaders of New Caledonia and French Polynesia have also attended. … Read more
China’s rise as a global power has led to its increased assertiveness and influence on the international stage. China’s economic muscle has allowed it to position itself as a potential challenger to the superpower status of the United States. This is particularly evident in the Pacific Island countries, where China’s economic growth and diplomatic initiatives … Read more
Advertisement On October 18, 2023, two statements were made at the United Nations — one condemning China’s human rights record in Xinjiang, Tibet, and Hong Kong, and the other backing China’s position in these regions. The first statement, led by the U.K., was endorsed by 51 countries, with seven Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) members among … Read more
Advertisement Fiji’s Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka called for the Pacific Ocean to be an “Ocean of Peace” amid a visit to Australia this week in which he seemed to edge Fiji further away from China. Rabuka, a former senior military commander who led two coups in 1987, said in a speech at the Lowy Institute … Read more
Asia Defense | Security | Oceania Examining the People’s Liberation Army Navy’s Oceania port visits. People’s Liberation Army Navy hospital ship Peace Ark (866) steams in close formation as one of 40 ships and submarines representing 13 international partner nations during Rim of the Pacific 2016, July 28, 2016. Credit: U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class … Read more
Magazine Washington has indeed stepped up engagement, but missteps, half-steps, and mixed messaging are getting in the way. U.S. President Joe Biden poses for a family photo with leaders of the Pacific Island Country Summit at the North Portico of the White House, Sep. 29, 2022. Credit: Official White House Photo by Erin Scott Advertisement … Read more
Advertisement Solomon Islands has denied its new security pact with China poses a threat to the Pacific, and has criticized Australia for withdrawing funding for vital services. Earlier this month, Solomon Islands Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare inked a raft of deals during his trip to China, upgrading the two nations’ relationship to a “comprehensive strategic … Read more
Advertisement Leaders of the Solomon Islands and China promised Monday to expand relations that have fueled unease in Washington and Australia about Beijing’s influence in the South Pacific. Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare met Chinese leader Xi Jinping and the country’s No. 2 leader, Premier Li Qiang. Sogavare and Li presided over the signing of agreements … Read more
Advertisement The Pacific island nation of Palau needs U.S. help to deter China’s “unwanted activities” around its coasts, its leader said Thursday and repeated his government’s determination to maintain diplomatic ties with Taiwan. Palau’s President Surangel Whipps Jr. told a news conference in Tokyo that three Chinese boats have made “uninvited” entries into his country’s … Read more
Oceania | Diplomacy Fiji announced a reconsideration of its 2022 security agreement with China just before signing a new defense agreement with New Zealand. It was subtle but clear signal to Beijing. Advertisement Last week Fijian Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka signaled that his government is reconsidering a police cooperation agreement with China, with an eye to terminating … Read more