PACIFIC ISLAND
Is Hawaii emerging as a center for drugs? Mexican cartels target popular tourist spots in the Island
It has been reported that Mexican drug cartels are targeting the islands of Hawaii. The high number of tourists visiting the islands is leading to an increase in demand for these narcotics. Authorities are working overtime to prevent the flow of drug into the Islands. Meth and Fentanyl are the two drugs which are in demand.
China builds new presidential palace in Pacific's Vanuatu
Australia's Lowy Institute think tank estimated China had spent upwards of $21 million on construction, a significant sum for an aid project in the developing nation of less than 300,000 people. China's embassy said the project had gifted Vanuatu "another landmark building", while symbolising a new "milestone" in their increasingly warm relationship.
Indian Navy participates in RIMPAC naval exercise
The exercise will witness the participation of an aircraft carrier battle group, submarines, maritime reconnaissance aircraft, unmanned aerial vehicles, remotely piloted surface ships and also an amphibious force landing operations, Commander Madhwal said. The RIMPAC exercise will run till August 1.
WikiLeaks founder Assange strikes US plea deal, to be a ‘free man’
He flew out of London to travel to the Northern Mariana Islands, a US territory in the Pacific where he will plead guilty to a single count of conspiracy to obtain and disseminate national defence information, according to a court document.
Why is Julian Assange flying to the remote Pacific island of Saipan?
Julian Assange is on his way to a courtroom on the Pacific island of Saipan where he is expected to plead guilty to a single criminal charge in a plea deal that will lead to his release and return home to Australia after a 14-year legal journey. Saipan, the capital of the Northern Mariana Islands, is a U.S. commonwealth near Guam, hosting a U.S. district court. Assange's plea involves a single count of conspiring to obtain and disclose classified U.S. national defense documents, with a sentence of time served.
China competes for influence in the South Pacific
The South Pacific, dotted with small and vulnerable island states, has become a battleground for influence between China and the traditional benefactors of Australia, New Zealand, and the USA.
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In China's backyard, America has become a humbler superpower
Far from Ukraine and the Gaza Strip, as the Group of 7 wealthy democracies gathered in Italy to discuss a range of old, entrenched challenges, the nature of American power is being transformed across the region that Washington sees as crucial for the century to come: the Asia-Pacific.
Former Trump defence official warns against Chinese surprise attack on Taiwan
Former US President Donald Trump's administration official Elbridge Colby has served as deputy assistant secretary of defence for strategy and force development in 2017-2018. In an interview with Japan's Yomiuri Shimbun conducted in Washington DC, Colby said that the military needed to be strengthened so it could deliver any immediate response against Chinese aggression.
Global Warming effect: This tiny island near USA prepares to evacuate due to rising sea levels
Gardi Sugdub, an island off Panama's Caribbean coast, are witnessing a massive shift taking place due to global warning.
China defence chief says Beijing ready to 'forcefully' stop Taiwan independence
The remarks at an annual security forum in Singapore followed the first substantive face-to-face talks in 18 months between the two countries' defence chiefs.
When you're stuck in a far-flung cauldron
For nearly two weeks, we would sleep with the sonorous drone of choppers circling over our Hotel Le Paris, and we had no way of leaving the island. A state of emergency had been declared, a strict curfew imposed, and no restaurants or shops were open for business. Had we greedily ignored the warning signs?
US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin says US 'can be secure only if Asia is'
US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin emphasized the importance of the Indo-Pacific region for US security at a security forum in Singapore.
Will US get involved in a potential China-Taiwan conflict? Will it confront PLA in Taiwan Strait?
Many US lawmakers have expressed concern regarding a potential conflict between China and Taiwan. This may force the US to get involved.
US, Chinese defence chiefs meet in Singapore
US and Chinese defence chiefs held talks in Singapore at the Shangri-La Dialogue. Lloyd Austin and Dong Jun met to discuss military dialogue and tensions over Taiwan and other issues.
India to give relief assistance worth $ 1 mn to Papua New Guinea in the wake of landslide that killed 2,000
The Ministry of External Affairs announced immediate relief assistance of $1 million to Papua New Guinea following a devastating landslide that buried over 2,000 people. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed condolences and India's readiness to extend support. The aid, offered as part of India's partnership with the Pacific island country, aims to assist in relief, rehabilitation, and reconstruction efforts.
Strong earthquake strikes near Vanuatu: USGS
A magnitude 6.3 earthquake struck 83 km NNW of Port-Vila, Vanuatu, at a depth of 29.2 kilometers on Sunday at 9:23 am local time, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS). The USGS reported that the earthquake is not expected to generate a tsunami. There have been no immediate reports of damage, and further details are awaited. The USGS shared preliminary information about the quake on social media, describing it as a notable event.
How is the violent unrest in New Caledonia impacting global nickel prices?
Global nickel prices have surged following violent unrest in New Caledonia, a major nickel producer. Social unrest erupted over French constitutional changes allowing certain residents to vote in elections. New Caledonia holds significant nickel reserves, critical for electric vehicles and other industries. The turmoil has disrupted supplies, contributing to the price spike.
New Taiwan president Lai hails 'glorious' democracy
Taiwan President Lai Ching-te has hailed the arrival of a "glorious era" for Taiwan's democracy and called on China to cease political and military intimidation. In an inauguration speech, Lai thanked citizens for refusing to be swayed by external forces and urged them to demonstrate their resolution to defend their nation. Lai has been described by Beijing as a "dangerous separatist" for his past comments on Taiwan's independence, but has since moderated his rhetoric.
China plans to float nuclear reactors in disputed South China Sea, analysts see it 'risky for environment'
China's development of marine nuclear power platforms in the South China Sea raises concerns for regional stability and security. The US warns of the risks posed by China's plans to power disputed islands with floating reactors. Analysts highlight the potential for radiation leaks, weaponization, and security implications in the region.
France imposes emergency in Pacific territory of New Caledonia as violent unrest turns deadly
France imposes 12-day emergency in New Caledonia to tackle deadly unrest among indigenous people seeking independence. Security forces deployed to quell violence following protests over voting reforms, with armed clashes, looting, arson. Police reinforcements rushed to the island. Residents affected by the unrest as French constitution amendments spark tensions. Curfew extended, schools and main airport closed in New Caledonia.
Two dead, hundreds injured as riots sweep New Caledonia
Two people were killed and hundreds injured in New Caledonia during a second night of rioting, as anger over constitutional reforms from Paris boiled over. The violence began as pro-independence demonstrations and has spiraled into three days of the worst violence seen on the French Pacific archipelago since the 1980s. Despite heavily armed security forces fanning out across the capital Noumea and the ordering of a nighttime curfew, rioting continued overnight virtually unabated.
Indonesia's Ruang volcano erupts again, alert status at highest
The country's Center for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation (PVMBG) raised the alert status to the highest level following the early morning eruption, urging residents not to go near the volcano, according to its website.
One dead, seven missing after two Japanese military helicopters crash
Defence Minister Minoru Kihara said rescuers "spotted what are believed to be part of the aircraft in the sea, and we believe that the two helicopters crashed."
China's foreign minister says major powers should avoid rivalry in South Pacific
Wang Yi emphasizes South Pacific neutrality, mutual support, and opposition to power games. China prioritizes common development without geopolitical interests, advocating for free trade agreements and respecting Solomon Islands' choices.
Thousands evacuated as Indonesia volcano erupts, causes tsunami threat
The crater of Mount Ruang flamed with lava against a backdrop of lightning bolts overnight after erupting four times on Wednesday, forcing authorities to raise its alert level to the highest of a four-tiered system.
View: Whether visiting Stonehenge or Easter Island, everybody must get stoned
The stones at Stonehenge hail from different parts of Britain and evoke similar questions. As with the pyramids, countless experiments have been conducted to recreate their construction. With the definitive answer elusive, an entire infrastructure that ferries you from the car park via visitors has been erected, all to prevent you from seeing the stones from outside.
China trying to gain space through force, US admiral says
Admiral John Aquilino, Commander of the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, has criticized China's actions in the South China Sea, calling them an attempt to gain territorial space through force and destabilizing the region. He highlighted China's actions against the Philippines, particularly at Second Thomas Shoal, as "dangerous, illegal, and destabilizing." Aquilino expressed concern over the escalation of tensions, citing incidents resulting in injuries to sailors. He also noted similar actions by China in Japan and Malaysia, indicating a broader pattern of unilateral territorial expansion through force.
'Visa-on-arrival' Fiji is trying to attract more Indian tourists
Fiji aims to increase tourist footfalls from India by 5-7% through targeted marketing and digital platforms, focusing on segments like honeymoon, sustainable tourism, wellness travel, and multi-generational families. Indian arrivals reached pre-Covid levels in 2023, with December seeing a 300% increase.
'No role' for China in Pacific policing, Australian minister says
Australia's Pacific Minister Pat Conroy asserts opposition to China's policing involvement in Pacific Islands, emphasizing the need for local security forces. This stance follows reports of Chinese police working in Kiribati. The United States echoes concerns, cautioning against Chinese security assistance in the region.
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