When it was announced in 2023 that the African Union would become a full member of the G20, I darkly joked on a podcast that the AU’s entry into the body could very well mark the moment the G20 lost its status as one of the most important global coordination forums. Mark my words, I said, soon The Economist will be like “Uhhh, the G20 is OVER – it’s the ...
Tag: Oceania
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Cook Islands Strikes Deal With China on Seabed Minerals
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Cook Islands Signs Deal for Closer Ties With China
The Cook Islands says it has signed a deal to expand relations with China, stressing that the accord does not impinge on ties with former colonial power New Zealand. Prime Minister Mark Brown said he signed an "action plan for the ...
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Australia to Spend $385 Million on Papua New Guinea Rugby League Team With Eye on China
Australia will spend $385 million to establish a team from Papua New Guinea in its rugby league competition, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said Thursday, a move designed to help ward off China. Papua New Guinea has long lobbied for a side ...
Australia and Nauru Announce Landmark Security Treaty
Australia and Pacific nation Nauru announced a landmark security treaty on Monday, advancing Canberra's aim of blunting China's growing regional influence. Under the treaty, Nauru must seek Australia's agreement before it inks any other bilateral deals concerning maritime security, defense and ...
Taiwan’s Lai Arrives in Tuvalu to Shore up Pacific Allies
By Akio Wang Taiwan President Lai Ching-te arrived in the tiny Pacific nation of Tuvalu on Wednesday as part of a trip aimed at shoring up international support for Taiwan as China seeks to poach its few remaining allies.
Taiwan President Lai to Visit Remaining Pacific Allies
Taiwan President Lai Ching-te will visit three Pacific island nation allies from the end of this month in his first overseas trip since taking office, the presidential office said Friday. Presidential spokeswoman Karen Kuo said Lai will visit the Marshall Islands, ...
Palau’s Pro-U.S. President Faces Election Test
Pacific nation Palau begins voting Tuesday in a presidential election dominated by cost of living worries, China meddling claims, and the expanding military footprint of the United States. The Melanesian microstate of some 20,000 people is one of Taiwan's few remaining diplomatic friends ...
Kiribati’s Pro-China President Eyes Third Term
Kiribati's pro-China acting president Taneti Maamau sought a third term in power Friday, as voters chose between three candidates to lead the low-lying Pacific island. Maamau, 64, retained his seat by a landslide in August parliamentary elections that were dominated by ...
China Ally Kiribati Criticizes Beijing Missile Launch
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Big Polluters Urged to Pay as Key Pacific Summit Opens in Tonga
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