The Pacific nations of Palau, Fiji, and Samoa have formed a new alliance to call for a moratorium on deep-sea mining, citing the industry’s potential hazards to ocean ecology. “We believe it is not worth the risk. We ask all of you to support that deep-sea mining increases the vulnerability of the seabed floor and…
US Wins Case to Seize Russian Superyacht in Fiji, Sails Away
WELLINGTON, New Zealand—The United States won a legal battle on Tuesday to seize a Russian-owned superyacht in Fiji and wasted no time in taking command of the $325 million vessel and sailing it away from the South Pacific nation. The court ruling represented a significant victory for the United States as it encounters obstacles in…
South Pacific Nations Unite to Resist China’s Attempt to Control the Region
As the United States shifts its strategic focus to the Indo-Pacific, the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) attempts to gain control over island nations in the region. China’s foreign minister introduced a broad-reaching security and trade pact during a recent visit to the South Pacific. But the United States and some Pacific nations raised concerns. Chinese…
Beijing Forced to Shelve Sweeping Pacific Security Deal
A lack of consensus from Pacific nations has forced Beijing to shelve a sweeping security and economic deal with the region, following a meeting between foreign ministers on May 30. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi is midway through an eight-nation tour of the region where Beijing has been attempting to tighten alliances with the island…
Fiji Joins US-Led IPEF, ‘Deepening’ Partnership in Contentious Pacific Islands
The island country of Fiji is joining the U.S.-led Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF), according to a Thursday White House statement. Situated in the Pacific, a region that’s increasingly contentious in step with expanding Chinese influence, Fiji’s joining IPEF gives the Biden administration a diplomatic victory over Beijing. “IPEF now reflects the full regional…
Russian Oligarch’s Yacht Seized by Fijian Authorities on US Request
Authorities in Fiji seized a yacht belonging to Russian oligarch Suleiman Kerimov following a warrant from the United States, finding documents that have implicated the owner of violating American law. The 348-foot-long luxury vessel, Amadea, arrived in Fiji on April 13 after an 18-day voyage from Mexico. The vessel has been the focus of Washington’s…
Fiji Seizes Russian Oligarch’s $300 Million Yacht at Request of US
Authorities in Fiji have seized a superyacht owned by Russian oligarch Suleiman Kerimov at the request of the United States over alleged ties to corruption, the Department of Justice (DOJ) announced on May 5. The 348-foot luxury vessel, the Amadea—worth more than $300 million—was impounded based on probable cause of violating U.S. law, money laundering,…
Fiji: The Kindest People You’ll Ever Meet on Your Travels
Their energy infused the evening under a gloaming sky. With the last rays of the sunset fading, the passion of this small troupe from a nearby village added to the heat of the humid night. Earlier, we had feasted on pork, chicken, taro, and cassava. It was prepared as a “lovo,” the traditional way in…
Battleground: US, China Compete for the Pacific Islands—With Cleo Paskal
While America is busy elsewhere, China is trying to win over the island nations in the Pacific. From the Solomon Islands to Fiji, these key strategic locations matter. Landing strips, ports, and possible missile sites are what China seeks. Can American diplomacy wrestle with China on economic, political, and diplomatic fronts to win influence? Join…
Australia Must Be Vigilant in Pacific Where China Territorial Disputes Remain: Minister
Australia’s Minister for the Pacific Zed Seselja has warned that Russia’s incursions into Ukraine should serve as a reminder for Australia to remain vigilant in its own backyard in the Pacific, where China has unresolved territorial disputes. In an op-ed for News Corp’s The Australian published on March 14, Seselja noted that China had “conspicuously failed to…
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- Mimi Nguyen LyThe U.S. Department of State on Monday said that independent investigators couldn’t clearly conclude the origin of the bullet that killed Al-Jazeera journalist Shireen Abu Akleh. The 51-year-old reporter for Al-Jazeera’s Arabic language channel died… [...]
- The Associated PressCHARLESTON, W.Va.—A federal judge on Monday ruled in favor of three major U.S. drug distributors in a landmark lawsuit that accused them of causing a health crisis by distributing 81… [...]
- Mimi Nguyen LyTwo police officers sustained injuries after they were shot in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, during fireworks to celebrate the fourth of July, according to reports. The officers were sent to the Jefferson University… [...]
- The Associated PressRICHMOND, Va.—Amber Heard’s lawyers have asked a judge to throw out the $10.35 million verdict against her in the defamation case filed by ex-husband Johnny Depp, arguing that the verdict… [...]
- Masooma HaqNBA free agent Enes Kanter Freedom recently launched the Enes Kanter Freedom Foundation to help fight for religious liberty and human rights around the world. Freedom said it’s time to take… [...]
- Mimi Nguyen LyThe U.S. Coast Guard has rescued seven people after their vessel was struck by lightning off Florida. The incident took place about 100 miles offshore of Clearwater, Pinellas County. A four-person aircrew… [...]
- Caden PearsonCalifornia Gov. Gavin Newsom has granted a pardon to Sara Kruzan who spent 18 years in prison for murdering the man who trafficked her for sex as a teen. In… [...]
- Daniel Y. TengAustralia’s Foreign Minister Penny Wong has reaffirmed the country’s commitment to nuclear non-proliferation after a meeting with the head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) on July 4. Rafael… [...]
- Gary BaiThe U.S.-Mexico border has become the world’s “deadliest” land crossing, according to data recently brought to light by a United Nations study. A historic high of 728 recorded immigrant deaths… [...]
- Bill PanThe City of Orlando, Florida, has apologized for its official message about the July 4 holiday that questioned why people would want to celebrate it at all. “A lot of people… [...]