DARK SECRETS: David panuelo | Rare Historical Photos

US, Micronesia deepen political and economic ties

Deal is likely to be a blow to China, which has made a concerted effort to increase its influence in Micronesia.

Al Jazeera · May 24, 2023

Samoan Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mata'afa warns China not the only outside power looking to increase their presence in Pacific

During a visit to Canberra, Samoan Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mata'afa warns that China is not the only major power that may want to secure further military access to the Pacific "under the guise of protecting assets".

ABC News · Mar 22, 2023

Honduras says it will seek ties with China, spurning Taiwan

China claims self-ruled, democratic Taiwan is part of its territory and refuses most contacts with countries that maintain formal ties with Taiwan.

WEKU · Mar 15, 2023

Pacific Islands Fourm 'one big family' as leaders meet and select new leader amid intense US-China competition

Former Nauru president Baron Waqa is set to take the reins of the Pacific's peak regional body, after a special leaders meeting in Fiji.

ABC News · Feb 24, 2023

Pacific Island leaders announce US President Joe Biden will visit the region

Five Micronesian countries declare that President Joe Biden will visit the Pacific for a leaders' meeting later this year, in another sign the US remains intent on ramping up high level diplomatic engagement with the region.

ABC News · Feb 14, 2023

Pacific island leaders expect visit by U.S. president in 'near future'

The leaders of five Pacific island nations said on Tuesday U.S. President Joe Biden would soon visit their region for a leaders' summit, in what experts said would be a significant move in U.S. efforts to push back against Chinese inroads in the region.

Reuters · Feb 14, 2023

Micronesia to sign extension of U.S. security pact 'soon', President says

Micronesia aims to 'soon' sign an extension of its economic and security pact with the United States, its President David Panuelo said on Friday, a deal seen as important in Washington's efforts to counter Chinese influence in the Pacific.

Reuters · Feb 3, 2023

Micronesia says less afraid of release of Japanese nuclear plant water

The Pacific island state of Micronesia, one of the fiercest critics of a Japanese decision to release water from the destroyed Fukushima nuclear plant into the sea, said on Thursday it was no longer as worried about the plan as it had been.

Reuters · Feb 2, 2023

Australian politicians arrive in Palau, one of the few Pacific nations to diplomatically favour Taiwan over China

The tiny nation of Palau, which continues to defy pressure from Beijing to drop diplomatic ties with Taiwan, has welcomed a bi-partisan delegation from Australia as concerns grow over China's rising presence in the Pacific.

ABC News · Dec 14, 2022

This island territory wants a seat at the Pacific's 'top table'. But who is pulling the strings?

The government of Guam rejects suggestions Washington is behind the United States territory's bid to join the Pacific's peak diplomatic body.

ABC News · Oct 11, 2022