Pacific Islands Forum meets amid escalating US war drive against China

The 54th Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) met over five days from September 8 in Honiara, the capital of the Solomon Islands. It was attended by representatives from 18 member states: the regional imperialist powers Australia and New Zealand, and 16...

Pacific leaders reach agreement on big issues – but unity remains elusive

The Pacific Islands Forum wrapped up its annual leaders meeting last week with some significant agreements, including the launch of the region’s own climate financing facility, the endorsement of the Ocean of Peace declaration and policies on...

Australia, Papua New Guinea delay mutual defence treaty

Australia and Papua New Guinea failed to sign a long-awaited mutual defence treaty as expected on Wednesday, as Canberra seeks to deepen ties with Pacific nations and counter Beijing's rising influence. The deal -- known as the Pukpuk treaty --...

Australia-PNG defence pact on hold, but PM insists it'll still be inked

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will leave Papua New Guinea (PNG) without finalising a high-level defence pact between the two nations after PNG's cabinet couldn't sign off on the landmark agreement in time. The defence treaty, known as the Pukpuk...

How Australia’s climate target could stack up against the rest of the world

“That doesn’t mean the target is going to be 68 per cent,” Bowen said. “But it does frame the conversation.” Loading Scientists say the scale of warming since 2021, and increasing emissions since then, mean higher reductions are now required....

Skipping classes is not condoned: Nauru launches education reform to build a 'smart nation'

By Pacific Island Times News Staff Nauru’s government is beefing up the enforcement of compulsory class attendance while encouraging parents to get involved in their children’s education. Mandatory presence in school and parental engagement are...

China unveils maritime training programme for Pacific island nations

China's engagement in Pacific maritime cooperation is increasing, with a focus on areas such as marine science, economic development, environmental protection, and maritime security. But its growing presence is also altering regional geostrategic...

Nauru sells citizenship to wealthy while 'poor' refugees remain in detention, advocate says

The entrance to Regional Processing Centre, one or RPC1, currently holding around 90 asylum seekers on Nauru. Photo: Caleb Fotheringham A refugee advocate in Australia says Nauru's citizenship initiative is "a national pariah". Nauru is enticing...

Palau Sides with U.S. and Israel Again, Rejects UN Vote on Palestinian Statehood 

Palau joins U.S., Israel, and a handful of nations in rejecting UN resolution on Palestinian statehood. By: Bernadette Carreon Five Pacific Island nations, including Palau, were among the ten countries that voted against a United Nations...

Pacific Leaders witness Papua New Guinea’s 50th Independence Celebrations

Pacific Island leaders gathered at Independence Hill this morning to witness the flag-raising ceremony for Papua New Guinea’s 50th Independence Day. The event was attended by a number of regional heads of state and government, including: Mark...

Civilization exchange and mutual learning in maritime training for Pacific island countries

[Photo provided to China Daily] Building on shared maritime cultural roots, and exploring avenues to deepen multifaceted cooperation in the new era, China launched a practical training program for Pacific Island maritime officials. This initiative...

‘China is relentless’: US diplomat warns Beijing could be influencing PNG treaty delay

Senior government sources said they were confident the treaty would be signed, if not during Albanese’s PNG visit, then soon after. Albanese said the idea that Australia would just “sit back and watch” if PNG was under attack “ignores the history...

Australia, Papua New Guinea set to sign defense deal

A defense deal to be signed this week could see troops from Papua New Guinea (PNG) serve in the Australian military, Canberra said yesterday, the pact seen as an attempt to counter Beijing’s rising Pacific influence. The fresh defense agreement is...

Papua New Guinea, Australia to vow mutual defence in new treaty

Australia and Papua New Guinea will commit to defending each other from armed attacks as they face "emerging threats" to their security, a new defence treaty seen by AFP on Tuesday showed. The pact -- seen as an attempt to counter Beijing's rising...

'Clear actions' mark the end of the 54th Pacific Islands Forum

Pacific leaders from 18 member states got together for their official "family photo" at the 54th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders' Meeting in Honiara, Solomon Islands. 11 September 2025 Photo: Pacific Islands Forum The Pacific Islands Forum (PIF)...

Reality bites: Why the global dengue epidemic matters to Australia

Dengue fever is surging worldwide. Dengue – the world’s most widespread mosquito-borne viral disease, causing an estimated 390 million infections annually across more than 100 countries – is surging in scale and severity. It is transmitted by...

Australia, PNG to sign 'historic' defence deal

(CNA) A defence deal to be signed this week could see Papua New Guineans serve in the Australian military, Canberra said on Monday (Sep 15), the pact seen as an attempt to counter Beijing's rising Pacific influence. The fresh defence agreement...

Papua New Guinea, Australia to vow mutual defence in new treaty

Australia and Papua New Guinea will commit to defending each other from armed attacks as they face "emerging threats" to their security, a new defence treaty seen by AFP on Tuesday showed. The pact -- seen as an attempt to counter Beijing's rising...

Papua New Guinea, Australia will commit to mutual defence

Australia and Papua New Guinea are facing "emerging threats to their national interests and regional security", the treaty says - Copyright Government of Papua New Guinea/AFP Handout A new defence treaty between Australia and Papua New Guinea...

Australia and Papua New Guinea to sign historic defence pact

PORT MORESBY: Australia and Papua New Guinea will sign a landmark defence agreement this week that could allow Papua New Guineans to serve in the Australian military. Australian Defence Minister Richard Marles described the upcoming pact as...