Melanesia

Deadly magnitude 7.6 earthquake hits Papua New Guinea

At least five people died after a powerful earthquake hit a remote part of the Eastern New Guinea region.

Papua New Guinea appoints world's first coffee, palm oil ministers

Coffee is the country’s second-largest agricultural commodity after palm oil, accounting for 27 percent of all agriculture exports and six percent of the country’s GDP.

Australia pushes back against China security pact during Solomons visit

China's new security pact with the Solomon Islands has sparked fears in the United States, Australia, New Zealand and Japan that Beijing may establish a military presence in the South Pacific nation.

Asia's biggest threat climate change, not conflict: Fiji to defence summit

"The single greatest threat to our very existence is climate change, it threatens our very hopes and dreams of prosperity", said Fiji's defence minister during the 19th Shangri-La Dialogue.

Solomon Islands PM dismisses alarm over China maritime deal

PM Manasseh Sogavare rejects criticism of the new maritime investment deal with Beijing, saying it's a "normal bilateral development initiative" that is yet to be formalised.

Clan gun battles erupt near PNG goldmine

Three-days of clan fights in the town of Paiam and nearby Porgera of Papua New Guinea have killed at least 17 people.

Solomon Islands: Security pact with China won't undermine regional peace

PM Manasseh Sogavare asks all allies, neighbours and friends to respect the Pacific nation's sovereign interests, saying cooperation with Beijing is not directed at any countries or external alliances.

Solomon Islands clarifies it won't allow China military base amid backlash

China and the Solomon Islands have initialled a draft security agreement, sparking concerns among regional players such as Australia.

China to dispatch police advisors, riot gear to Solomon Islands

Solomons government says it has accepted Beijing's offer of six "liaison officers" to train its police force and equipment including shields, helmets, batons, and other "non-lethal" gear.

New Caledonia: France’s overseas territory votes 'no' to independence

Turnout was only 41.60 percent as pro-independence campaigners boycotted the vote, saying "a fair campaign" is not possible with high Covid-19 infection numbers.

Solomon Islands PM refuses to step down after 'orchestrated' riots

Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare said the "recent events were well planned and orchestrated" to remove him as the premier "for unsubstantiated reasons."

Police arrest dozens amid unrest in Solomon Islands

More than a hundred people were arrested as police found three charred bodies in a store in the Chinatown district.