DARK SECRETS: 29 | Vintage Vibes

New Zealand must engage in Pacific with humility, not entitlement

The row over the Solomon Islands’ proposed deal with China has exposed the toxic legacy of New Zealand’s past colonial incompetence

The Guardian - AU · Jun 15, 2022

Pacific Islands Forum should consider China security ties - Samoa PM

China's bid to set up a security pact with Pacific island countries should be considered by a regional forum, the leaders of Samoa and New Zealand said on Tuesday, weeks after the Solomon Islands sparked uproar by signing a deal with China.

Reuters · Jun 14, 2022

China's presence in the Pacific is nothing new — Beijing has been developing in the region for decades

China's presence in the Pacific has been thrown into the spotlight following a controversial pact with Solomon Islands. But Beijing's involvement in the Pacific is nothing new.

ABC News · Jun 7, 2022

Partners must 'treat Pacific with respect'

The EU's Indo-Pacific envoy says the sovereignty of Pacific island nations must be respected and the region should be supported by the EU, Australia and the US.

AAP · 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.

Al Jazeera · Jun 1, 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's foreign minister visits Tonga after Pacific islands delay regional pact

Samoa says it didn't have enough time to consider a sweeping proposal from China for a regional trade and security pact, and has urged fellow Pacific islands to stay united as big powers seek more sway in the region.

Reuters · May 31, 2022

Samoa signs 'collaboration' pact with China

Samoa signed a bilateral agreement with China on Saturday, promising “greater collaboration” as Beijing’s foreign minister continues a South Pacific tour that has sparked concern among Western allies.

Bangkok Post · May 28, 2022

Samoa signs China bilateral agreement during Pacific push by Beijing

Scant details released apart from promises of infrastructure support, amid western concerns that China is seeking to expand its security presence in region

The Guardian - AU · May 28, 2022

China signs deal with Samoa as Australia vows Pacific Islands plan

China's foreign minister signed a deal with Samoa on Saturday to strengthen diplomatic relations, while Australia's new leader said he had a "comprehensive plan" for the Pacific, as Beijing and Canberra continued rival campaigns to woo the region.

Reuters · May 28, 2022