Tag: Bob Loughman

Vanuatu Parliament Dissolved as Prime Minister Tries to Avoid No-Confidence Vote

August 19, 2022
Asia & PacificAustraliaBob LoughmanChinaInternationalInternational RelationsKiribatiSouth PacificVanuatuWorld
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Vanuatu’s president has dissolved the Pacific nation’s Parliament hours before a no-confidence motion was brought against Prime Minister Bob Loughman. The latest incident continues a tumultuous few weeks for democratic institutions in the South Pacific—already susceptible to influence from Beijing. On Aug. 18, Vanuatu President Nikenike Vurobaravu signed the notice to dissolve Parliament—the next elections…

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Vanuatu takes Pro-China Stance Calling Taiwan an ‘Inalienable Part of China’

August 7, 2022
Asia & PacificAustraliaBob LoughmanChinaChina-Australia RelationsGlobal ExpansionInternationalInternational RelationsNancy PelosiSolomon IslandsSouth PacificSpecial TopicsTaiwanUS-China relationsVanuatuWorld
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The government of Pacific nation Vanuatu has thrown its support behind the One China policy following U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s visit to Taiwan. The overt declaration comes amid ongoing concerns of Beijing’s strong influence in the South Pacific and the threat of conflict around the Taiwan Strait. On Aug. 5, Silas Bule, the acting…

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Vanuatu Takes Pro-Beijing Stance Calling Taiwan an ‘Inalienable Part of China’

August 7, 2022
Asia & PacificAustraliaBob LoughmanChinaChina-Australia RelationsGlobal ExpansionInternationalInternational RelationsNancy PelosiSolomon IslandsSouth PacificSpecial TopicsTaiwanUS-China relationsVanuatuWorld
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The government of Pacific nation Vanuatu has thrown its support behind the One China policy following U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s visit to Taiwan. The overt declaration comes amid ongoing concerns of Beijing’s strong influence in the South Pacific and the threat of conflict around the Taiwan Strait. On Aug. 5, Silas Bule, the acting…

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Pro-Beijing Vanuatu PM Shelves Constitutional Changes After Boycott From Opposition

June 22, 2022
Asia & PacificAustraliaBob LoughmanChinaGlobal ExpansionInternationalInternational RelationsSouth PacificSpecial TopicsVanuatuWorld
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Vanuatu’s government has shelved proposed changes to its Constitution to allow foreign nationals to hold office and extend term limits for members of Parliament. The contentious changes come amid concerns that democratic institutions across the South Pacific are being weakened as Beijing ramps up its influence. On June 21, Prime Minister Bob Loughman was forced…

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