Mapped: the vast network of security deals spanning the Pacific, and what it means
Guardian analysis shows web of agreements between Pacific countries and Australia, US and China, as experts raise concerns over rising militarisation
April 2024
Fishermen saved by ‘Help’ message on same tiny island where ‘SOS’ saved three others
Micronesia president says US beefing up military capabilities in the Pacific country
February 2024
US funding delays hurt the Pacific – but there are bigger worries
Terence Wesley-Smith and Gerard Finin
Pacific leaders are increasingly concerned that Washington’s actions in the region conflict with their objectives
Congress ‘gradually destroying’ US relations with Pacific ally, Marshall Islands president warns
Hilda Heine says US funding delays damage relationship with the Pacific nation as lawmakers say hold-up delivers a ‘gift’ to China
Pacific Island leaders warn US failure to pass funding bill opens door to China
The Federated States of Micronesia, the Marshall Islands and Palau say Congress needs to approve fresh support announced by Joe Biden
May 2023
US to sign pacts with Micronesia and PNG as Washington seeks to counter China in Pacific
Formal signings to take place in Papua New Guinea next week when Joe Biden holds summit with Pacific leaders
March 2023
Pacific project
Outgoing president of Micronesia accuses China of bribery, threats and interference
In his letter, Panuelo openly canvassed the country switching its diplomatic recognition from Beijing to Taipei
December 2022
Coalition must listen ‘carefully to Pacific island nations’, Simon Birmingham says before bipartisan tour
Statement comes despite torrid debates during election campaign over policies towards China and its security deal with Solomon Islands
July 2022
The Pacific project
Smiles and unity at the Pacific Islands Forum mask tough questions shelved for another day
While leaders presented a picture of harmony, more vexing topics like Australia’s fossil fuel ambitions and China were kicked down the road
CSIRO joins deep-sea mining project in Pacific as islands call for industry halt
Agency to lead consortium in scheme targeting battery materials while conservationists say Australia on ‘wrong side of debate’
The Pacific project
Kiribati withdraws from Pacific Islands Forum in blow to regional body
President says it will not be attending forum because of failure to address concerns of Micronesian countries
June 2022
Earliest Pacific seafarers were matrilocal society, study suggests
DNA analysis of 164 individuals from 2,800 to 300 years ago shows men would move to be with their wives
May 2022
The Pacific project
Deal proposed by China would dramatically expand security influence in Pacific
The Pacific project
Pacific nations walk geopolitical tightrope over Ukraine war, as nuclear legacy looms
April 2022
Solomon Islands says security pact will not allow China to build military base
Micronesia joins Australia, New Zealand and US in expressing concerns over alliance as the two nations move toward signing agreement
January 2022
The Pacific project
I had death threats for my reporting. Many journalists in the Pacific face huge dangers
Joyce McClure
Freedom of the press might be included in some constitutions of Pacific countries, but it often only works in theory
November 2021
The Pacific project
One-third of people in Pacific paid a bribe in the last year, says corruption report
Survey of more than 6,000 people by Transparency International is the most comprehensive look at corruption in the region to date
April 2021
The Pacific project
Micronesian scientist becomes first Pacific Islander to reach ocean's deepest point
Nicole Yamase is second-youngest person and third woman to visit Challenger Deep, a place fewer people have visited than have flown to the moon
March 2021
The Pacific project
Sea of resilience: how the Pacific fought against Covid
A new documentary shows that while the health impacts of the pandemic have - so far - been largely avoided, the effects of isolation on families, communities, and livelihoods has been profound
