Russian superyacht Amadea arrives in Honolulu from Fiji A Russian-owned superyacht seized by the United States has arrived in Honolulu Harbor flying an American flag The Independent UK · Jun 17, 2022
Fiji's former coup leaders Frank Bainimarama and Sitiveni Rabuka to face off in tense election battle Fiji's national election is set to be a contest between two former military coup leaders, both with experience serving as prime minister. Campaigning is already in full swing and voters could potentially head to the polls next month. ABC News · Jun 16, 2022
Cybersecurity in the Pacific: how island nations are building their online defences Leaders of several Pacific nations met in Fiji last week to strengthen ties and promote unity in the region. The Conversation · Jun 15, 2022
Fiji says climate change, not conflict, is Asia's biggest security threat Fiji's defence minister said on Sunday that climate change posed the biggest security threat in the Asia-Pacific region, a shift in tone at a defence summit that has been dominated by the war in Ukraine and disputes between China and the United States. Reuters · Jun 12, 2022
US seizes $325m Russian superyacht Amadea in Fiji after court battle The US has seized a $325m (£258.8m) Russian-owned superyacht in Fiji on Tuesday after winning a legal battle. Evening Standard · Jun 8, 2022
Russian forces control most of eastern Ukraine's Severodonetsk, governor says Russian forces control most of the strategic Ukrainian city of Severodonetsk and are heavily shelling the twin city of Lysychansk, causing major damage, the governor of Luhansk region said on Wednesday. This comes as fighting intensifies in Ukraine's eastern Donbas region. Read about the day’s events as they unfolded on… France 24 · Jun 8, 2022
Pacific leaders reach crucial deal to restore political unity, as China’s interest in region accelerates The agreement, which stops the region’s key diplomatic body, PIF, from splitting, lifts a ‘big dark, dark cloud that has been hanging over the Pacific’ The Guardian - AU · Jun 8, 2022
US wins legal battle to seize $325m superyacht docked in Fiji US authorities claim vessel is beneficially owned by Suleiman Kerimov, one of Russia’s richest men The Guardian - UK · Jun 7, 2022
Mystery Russian superyacht sets sail for the US after Fiji court ruling Russian oil boss linked to ‘Putin’s yacht’ at centre of US court case The Guardian - UK · Jun 7, 2022
Fiji turns over yacht allegedly owned by Russian oligarch to US The ruling ends an eight-week legal battle over the $300m Amadea yacht, allegedly owned by Suleiman Kerimov. Al Jazeera · Jun 7, 2022
Pacific Islands Forum mend rift as super powers focus on region Several leaders of Pacific Islands Forum nations met on Tuesday to resolve a dispute over leadership selection that had threatened to split the region's major diplomatic group. Reuters · Jun 7, 2022
Russian superyacht to leave Fiji, court rules A Fiji court has ruled a Russian-owned superyacht be removed from the Pacific island nation by the United States because it was a waste of money for Fiji to maintain the vessel amid legal wrangling over its seizure. Reuters · Jun 7, 2022
Pacific Island Forum's leadership crisis comes into focus as leaders arrive in Fiji to resolve tensions The ABC understands Pacific Island leaders hope to strike an agreement to resolve leadership questions, reform the organisation and allow the forum to stay whole, after last year's threat by Micronesian nations to withdraw. ABC News · Jun 6, 2022
'I said no' – Nie's refusal and the troubling question of Pacific slavery in Australia In 1881 Nie (also known as Nai), a Pacific Islander woman, walked off “Virginia” plantation, south of Maryborough, in the colony of Queensland. The Conversation · Jun 2, 2022
Zenger · Jun 2, 2022 Yacht Guilty: Fiji High Court Backs USA In Tug Of War Over Oligarch’s $325 Million Superyacht Fiji’s High Court has backed a US bid to confiscate a $325 million superyacht the FBI says is owned by an oligarch pal of Russian President Vladimir Putin.
The Guardian - AU · Jun 1, 2022 The rejection of China’s deal shows the Pacific will not be used as a geopolitical pawn Pacific leaders have sent a strong message that countries who want to partner with them must treat them with respect and take action on climate change
ABC News · Jun 1, 2022 China's visit to Pacific highlights growing threat to journalism in the region Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi's whirlwind visit to the Pacific has seen press conferences and media access heavily restricted, highlighting the growing threat to journalism in the region.
Al Jazeera · Jun 1, 2022 Australian FM to visit Samoa, Tonga in bid to boost Pacific ties Penny Wong to visit the countries days after her Chinese counterpart, as China and Australia vie for regional influence.
The Japan News/Yomiuri · May 31, 2022 South Pacific island nations remain wary of Beijing BEIJING/JAKARTA -- Visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Monday met with his counterparts from 10 South Pacific island nations in Fiji. According to Australian media, the Chinese government presented a draft agreement that includes strengthening security cooperation, but the parties failed to reach consensus because of opposition by at…
The Guardian - AU · May 31, 2022 Outcry as China stops Pacific journalists questioning Wang Yi Beijing’s foreign minister signing bilateral deals with leaders but reporters are blocked, sometimes physically, from asking questions
Al Jazeera · May 30, 2022 China, Pacific islands fail to reach consensus on security pact Wang Yi urges Pacific region not to be ‘too anxious’ about China’s aims after failing to agree on a security deal.
WEKU · May 30, 2022 China falls short on big deal in South Pacific but finds smaller wins Beijing's hopes to developing a marine plan for fisheries holding police training fell short over some countries' concerns over increasing geopolitical tensions and threatening regional stability.
Al Jazeera · May 30, 2022 China eyes security pact in talks with Pacific islands in Fiji China’s top diplomat holds talks with 10 Pacific nations in Fiji to discuss increasing security and economic ties.
ABC News · May 30, 2022 Pacific nations walk away from trade and security deal with China as Australia aims to 'build stronger family' Pacific Island countries agree not to sign a region-wide trade and security deal with China as Foreign Minister Penny Wong pledges to build a "stronger Pacific family" through security and defence by bringing "new energy" to the region.
The Independent UK · May 30, 2022 As China seeks big Pacific deal, many in Fiji see benefits For Georgina Matilda, working for Chinese infrastructure company China Railway means that she can put food on the table for her children