Read the latest news from regional and global sources, presenting different voices and perspectives.
Our voyage to Statehood, 60 years on: understanding the nature and practice of free-association as we reflect on our development journey
Cook Island News
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June 28, 2025
Prime Minister Mark Brown. SUPPLIED. This year, the Cook Islands marks 60 years of self-governance, an historic milestone in our voyage to statehood, by Mark Brown, Prime Minister of the Cook Islands. In 1965, our people chose to shape our own...
Why most Pacific governments stand with Israel in spite of UN votes
Asia Pacific Report
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June 26, 2025
By Kaya Selby, RNZ Pacific journalist Amid uncertainty in the Middle East, one thing remains clear — most Pacific governments continue to align themselves with Israel. Dr Steven Ratuva, distinguished professor of Pacific Studies at Canterbury...
Why most Pacific governments stand with Israel
RNZ
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June 26, 2025
A supporter of Israel holds an Israeli flag in front of the Israeli Embassy in Washington, DC, on 8 October. Photo: JULIA NIKHINSON / AFP Amid uncertainty in the Middle East, one thing remains clear: most Pacific governments continue to align...
Pacific island states need multifaceted approach to renewables transition
Energy Monitor
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June 27, 2025
A report has stated that small island developing states (SIDs) in the Pacific, excluding Papua New Guinea, spend more than $1bn annually on fossil fuels, which is nearly 80% of their total energy costs, despite their low greenhouse gas emissions....
China in the Pacific – Joint statement of the Third China-Pacific Island Countries Foreign Ministers’ Meeting
The Fiji Times
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June 26, 2025
FROM May 28 to 29, 2025, the People’s Republic of China and Pacific Island Countries having diplomatic relations with China (hereinafter referred to as “All parties”) held the third China-Pacific Island Countries Foreign Ministers’ Meeting. The...
How Secure Are Taiwan’s Remaining Diplomatic Partnerships?
The Diplomat
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June 26, 2025
In the intricate landscape of global diplomacy, shaped by the shifts in Donald Trump’s foreign policy and ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East, an intense struggle persists over the diplomatic recognition of Taiwan – formally known as...
What a Potential Travel Ban on Tuvalu Reveals About US Foreign Policy Under Trump
The Diplomat
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June 25, 2025
In mid-June 2025 reports emerged that the Trump administration would consider adding to its existing travel ban on 19 countries (signed in early June) an additional 36 countries, including three in the Pacific: Vanuatu, Tonga, and Tuvalu. In an...
'Slow but sure' economic rise in most of Pacific - World Bank
RNZ
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June 23, 2025
Photo: AFP The Pacific regional economy is growing, slowly but surely, reports the World Bank. In their latest Pacific update, released 17 June, they argue for more employment of women to help the economy amidst global economic uncertainty,...
Niue: Tally of nations with anti-homosexuality laws drops to 65
Erasing 76 Crimes
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June 23, 2025
South Pacific island nation of Niue repeals law it inherited from New Zealand Pride marcher in New Zealand poses with the flag of the tiny island nation Niue. (Claire-Eastham-Farrelly photo courtesy of NZTV) The South Pacific island nation of Niue...
New Zealand withdraws millions in aid from Cook Islands
World Socialist Web Site
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June 24, 2025
New Zealand has abruptly halted nearly $NZ20 million ($US11 million) in funding to the Cook Islands in retaliation for a partnership agreement the tiny Pacific Island nation concluded with China in February without consulting Wellington. NZ...
China irks NZ as its influence spreads in the South Pacific
The Tribune (Chandigarh)
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June 23, 2025
Hong Kong, June 23 (ANI): The Pacific Islands are considered a point of vulnerability for Chinese encroachment and influence peddling, and the Cook Islands is following in the footsteps of Vanuatu and Solomon Islands in signing strategic deals...
World News | China Irks NZ as Its Influence Spreads in the South Pacific
Latestly
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June 23, 2025
Hong Kong, June 23 (ANI): The Pacific Islands are considered a point of vulnerability for Chinese encroachment and influence peddling, and the Cook Islands is following in the footsteps of Vanuatu and Solomon Islands in signing strategic deals...
‘Humanitarian rescue’ of migrants, or the EU’s dirty work?
The Boston Globe - Massachusetts
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Though illegal under international law, the Libyan capture of migrants on the Mediterranean Sea has become commonplace in recent years as the EU has outsourced its effort to stop refugees from crossing its borders. Of course, Europe is not alone...
Pacific Islands Countries Push For Action at UN Ocean Conference
The Diplomat
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June 20, 2025
Last week, more than 60 world leaders convened in Nice, France, for the third – and the most-attended – United Nations Ocean Conference. There was cause for celebration: during the week-long conference, 19 countries ratified the Agreement on...
Seven things we learned at the UN Ocean Conference (and one we didn’t)
The Third Pole
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June 18, 2025
The French port of Nice was overrun last week with politicians and diplomats sweltering in suits, cooler representatives from NGOs and local communities, and a staggering number of police. More heads of state, governments and members of civil...
Bring back Rwanda scheme to end small boats crisis, says architect of Australia's successful migrant crackdown
Daily Mail
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June 20, 2025
The mastermind behind Australia's migrant crackdown has called on Keir Starmer to 'reinstitute' the Rwanda scheme. Alexander Downer called on the Prime Minister to 'eat a bit of political humble pie' and resurrect the scheme, which was scrapped...
Time to get serious about proper sanctions on Israel
The Sydney Morning Herald
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June 19, 2025
Save Save articles for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them any time. Got it Normal text sizeLarger text sizeVery large text size You hear there’s food. A truck might be coming. Maybe. So you walk – miles sometimes. You...
The Countries With The Highest Share Of International Migrants May Surprise You
Zero Hedge
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The number of international migrants worldwide hit 304 million in 2024, a figure that has doubled since 1990. As people relocate across borders for reasons ranging from work opportunities to conflict and displacement, certain countries have become...
The Stars and Stripes Diplomacy of the Vatican: Leo XIV Inherits Pope Francis’s Chinese Legacy
Pressenza
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June 19, 2025
Fuzhou, June 2025 – The appointment of Bishop Lin Yuntuan as auxiliary bishop of Fuzhou by the Vatican marks a turning point in Sino-Vatican relations. Under the guidance of Pope Leo XIV, the first US pontiff, the Holy See has fully implemented...
Maltese human rights expert John Pace honoured in Australia
Times of Malta
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June 18, 2025
A Maltese human rights expert and former UN senior official has been recognised in Australia’s King’s Birthday Honours List. John Pace, a former secretary of the UN Commission on Human Rights, was recognised for his “distinguished service to...