US officials say pact with strategically key Pacific island nations underscores American commitment
U.S. officials say newly-approved legislation providing billions of dollars in funding for three strategically important Pacific island nations is an important sign of American commitment, which comes amid warnings China is actively trying to pry them away from Washingtonโs sphere of influence.
Australia pushes against China's Pacific influence through a security pact with Papua New Guinea
The Australian government has signed a security pact with its nearest neighbor Papua New Guinea that strengthens Australiaโs place as the preferred security partner in a region where Chinaโs influence is growing.
China signs pact with Solomon Islands to boost cooperation on 'law enforcement and security matters'
The Solomon Islands has signed an agreement to boost cooperation with China on law enforcement and security matters in a move likely to raise concerns among the South Pacific island's traditional partners.
US official says diplomatic push in Asia paying dividends
A top State Department official says the American diplomatic push aimed at countering Chinaโs increasing influence in the Asia-Pacific region appears to be paying dividends, with many nations showing a willingness to partner with the United States.
China's security deal with Solomons raises alarm in Pacific
A security alliance between China and the Solomon Islands has sent shudders throughout the South Pacific, with many worried it could set off a large-scale military buildup or that Western animosity to the deal could play into Chinaโs hands.
Australia invests in $1.6 billion South Pacific telco deal
Australian telco Telstra has partnered with the Australian government in a $1.6 billion deal to buy the South Pacific operations of Digicel in a deal that would prevent a key part of the regionโs telecommunications infrastructure from falling into Chinese hands.
Powerful 8.1 quake hits off New Zealand, prompting evacuations
People gather on high ground in Whangarei, New Zealand, as a tsunami warning is issued Friday, March 5, 2021. The largest quake struck about 1,000 kilometers (620 miles) off the coast of New Zealand. After the largest quake, civil defense authorities in New Zealand told people in some coastal areas to immediately get to higher ground. There were no immediate reports of serious damage or casualties, and the warning was lifted just before the largest quake hit. AdIn 2011, a magnitude 6.3 quake hit the city of Christchurch, killing 185 people and destroying much of its downtown.
Little damage from huge Pacific quake; tsunami threat passes
People gather on high ground in Whangarei, New Zealand, as a tsunami warning is issued Friday, March 5, 2021. Small tsunami waves were seen, but little damage was apparent hours later. The tsunami threat caused traffic jams and some chaos in New Zealand as people scrambled to get to higher ground. Smaller waves were measured elsewhere in the South Pacific. In 2011, a magnitude 6.3 quake hit the city of Christchurch, killing 185 people and destroying much of its downtown.
Pacific isles, secretive states among last virus-free places
The largest cluster of places without the coronavirus can be found in the scattered islands of the South Pacific. Here's a closer look:PACIFIC ISLANDS: The largest cluster of countries without the coronavirus is in the South Pacific. Much of the South Pacific is relatively poor and has basic health systems that would be ill-equipped to deal with major outbreaks. Not everywhere in the South Pacific has been spared, either. ___Associated Press reporters Kim Tong-hyung in Seoul, South Korea, and Daria Litvinova in Moscow contributed to this report.
New Caledonia voters choose to stay part of France
The overseas ministry said results show 53.3% of the voters who participated in the referendum have chosen to maintain ties with France, while 46.7% supported independence. The overseas ministry said 53.3% of voters chose to maintain ties with France while 46.7% supported independence. Sundayโs independence referendum was among the final steps of longstanding plans to settle tensions on the archipelago between native Kanaks seeking independence and residents willing to remain in France. The president of the archipelago's government, Thierry Santa, is among those who want New Caledonia to remain a French territory. New Caledonia became French in 1853 under Emperor Napoleon III โ Napoleonโs nephew and heir โ and was used for decades as a prison colony.
New Caledonia to vote on independence from France
Voters in New Caledonia, a French archipelago in the South Pacific, are to choose whether they want independence from France in a referendum that marks a milestone in a three-decades-long decolonization effort. (AP Photo/Rob Griffith, file)NOUMEA โ Voters in New Caledonia, a French archipelago in the South Pacific, will choose whether they want independence from France in a referendum that marks a milestone in a three-decade decolonization effort. Independence activists campaigning for the โyesโ vote want all sovereign powers, including justice, police, the military, currency and foreign relations, to be transferred from France to New Caledonia. While France is one of Europeโs hardest-hit countries, with around 32,000 confirmed deaths, New Caledonia has reported no virus-related deaths. The New Caledonia archipelago became French in 1853 under Emperor Napoleon III โ Napoleonโs nephew and heir โ and was used for decades as a prison colony.