DARK SECRETS: 10 | Vintage Vibes

Biden envoy to visit Marshall Islands as U.S. concerns grow about China's Pacific push

President Joe Biden's special envoy for talks with three tiny but strategically important Pacific island nations will lead a delegation to the Marshall Islands next week amid growing U.S. worries about China's efforts to expand its influence in the region.

Reuters · Jun 8, 2022

Pacific leaders strike a deal to keep Micronesian nations from splitting with Pacific Islands Forum

Micronesian leaders abandon demands for the current secretary-general of the Pacific Islands Forum to step down immediately, allowing him to serve out his term until 2024.

ABC News · 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

Penny Wong ramps up Pacific lobbying effort as she flies out to Samoa and Tonga

Foreign affairs minister tells regional leaders ‘we understand we need to work together like never before’ as battle for influence with China intensifies

The Guardian - AU · Jun 1, 2022

China to continue pushing for Pacific Island nations to sign regional trade and security agreement

China's government says it remains confident it can strike a sweeping trade and security agreement with 10 Pacific Island states despite being forced to shelve its proposed agreement, but a new position paper walks back previous references on joint policing, free trade and cybersecurity.

ABC News · May 31, 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.

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.

Al Jazeera · 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.

ABC News · May 30, 2022

China is willing to work with Pacific Island nations for a 'shared future'- President Xi

China will always be a good friend of Pacific Island countries no matter how the international situation changes, China's President Xi Jinping said on Monday in a written address to a meeting of China-Pacific foreign ministers. 　 　

Reuters · May 30, 2022

China hosts Pacific islands meeting in Fiji, security ties in focus

SUVA: Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi holds a meeting with counterparts from 10 Pacific island nations in Fiji on Monday, midway through a diplomatic tour of the region where China's ambitions for wider security ties has caused concern among US allies.

Bangkok Post · May 30, 2022