On 25th anniv. of #PopularConsultation, United Nations SG António Guterres marked the milestone with deep emotion, celebrating Timor-Leste’s unyielding spirit. From ballot to flourishing democracy, the nation’s journey is a testament to courage & sacrifice. Let’s keep supporting Timor-Leste

Taiwan reference in PIF communique removed after Chinese complaint Barbara Dreaver 1news.co.nz/2024/08/31/tai…

PIF really needs to provide an explanation here. I've heard conflicting accounts, including one that the communique issued y'day was NOT in fact the one actually endorsed by leaders. But until PIF clarifies it leaves troubling impression it simply caved to pressure from the PRC

Stephen Dziedzic Anna Powles canberratimes.com.au/story/8748540/…

Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown appears to reassure China's Pacific Envoy Qian Bo that the offending s66 on Taiwan would be removed from the #PIFLM53 Communique.

Thank you Catherine J. Putz for the chance to share my perspective as a Solomon Islander living in Solomon Islands on the China-Solomon Islands relationship 5 years on. Subscription is required for complete access to the article. thediplomat.com/2024/08/the-so…

'The illicit drug trade is the most prevalent form of transnational crime in the region, and the impact on Pacific societies and communities has significantly increased." usip.org/publications/2…

Great piece by Dr Tess Newton Cain on #PIFLM53.

Mildly disappointed the DFAT official vetting the official history of Australia’s operations in Timor-Leste resorts to huuugely predictable euphemisms ("glass half empty", "unhelpful", "speculation") while attempting to ensure said history ignores awkward historical realities

Joint Statement by the PNG Prime Minister James Marape and Bougainville President Ishmael Toroama on the appointment of Moderator Sir Jerry Mataparae abg.gov.pg/index.php?/new…

Legislation passed by the House of Reps in the US: congress.gov/bill/118th-con… #PacificPartnership Stephen Dziedzic Stefan Armbruster Lice Movono Anna Powles

Jose Ramos Horta supports the right of Timorese citizens to show solidarity with West Papua and Palestine 🫡

Next Tuesday, 24 Sept, is the anniversary of the French annexation of #NewCaledonia in 1853. In Paris and cities across France, Kanak students and workers and their supporters are preparing rallies in solidarity with the independence movement and the right to self-determination.

NZ pilot Philip Mehrtens freed from captivity in West Papua rnz.co.nz/news/national/…

Fiji makes clear its "Non-alignment" stance at the launch of its first Foreign Policy White Paper. Prime Minister Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka said: "Fiji adopts a non-aligned position, seeking to balance its relationships with global powers while focusing on Pacific regionalism and its

🚨NEW ONLINE: as part of our upcoming special sub-section on the Aust-NZ alliance, NZ diplomat Rob Laurs argues for re-examining the relationship and value-adding to collective efforts. ⬇️ tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.10…

Out of duty, I read this ASPI report on Chinese influence operations in #NewCaledonia. Like a lot of their reports, ASPI add up 2+2 to get 22. It’s full of footnotes with French and Chinese sources, but the citations don’t always accurately reflect the original document. THREAD

Fascinating data in this year's The Lowy Institute Asia Power Index. Not good news for New Zealand: "A sharp contrast is neighbour New Zealand, which has lost 14 per cent of its comprehensive power since 2018 and is one of only three countries alongside Russia and wartorn Myanmar to

Pita Ligaiula Ministry of Fisheries Fiji Fijian Government ForumFisheriesAgency Fiji Ministry of Foreign Affairs Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka FBC News Fiji RNZ Pacific The Pacific Newsroom ABC Pacific Republic of Fiji Navy This incident is a reminder that fishing vessels can be multi-purpose and involved drug drops (cocaine, meth, precursors) on offshore reefs for later pick up by partner vessels. A common practice and a reminder of the challenging and multi tiered threats the Pacific faces.

I need your help to meet the Canterbury Services Society Run72 $2500 donation goal for UC’s mental health support fund! We’ve committed to running the full 72hrs for my friend Chris Taylor. run72.raiselysite.com/c-services-soc…