~theguardian-world | Bookmarks (7)

The security deal with Beijing agreed by PM Manasseh Sogavare is under the spotlight ahead of the 17 April voteChina’s rising power in the Pacific explained in 30 secondsChina’s influence in the Pacific is being scrutinised as ally Solomon Islands prepares to hold elections this month, with two candidates indicating they would seek to review a controversial security pact between the two countries.Ties between...

Feleti Teo tells the Guardian Tuvaluans fear last year’s treaty may give Australia too much say over the Pacific nation’s securityTuvalu’s new prime minister, Feleti Teo, wants “guarantees” from Canberra that a landmark treaty with Australia will not undermine his country’s sovereignty.Teo, who was appointed leader last month, told the Guardian a controversial security clause in the Falepili Union treaty has led to fears...

Pio Tikoduadua says agreement has been ‘restored’ after Fiji examined controversial deal that allows for police exchanges and intelligence sharingChina’s rising power in the Pacific explained in 30 secondsFiji will uphold a policing cooperation agreement with China after reviewing the deal, the country’s home affairs minister, Pio Tikoduadua, has confirmed, despite earlier concerns within the Pacific nation over the deal.The controversial agreement was signed...

Hilda Heine says US funding delays damage relationship with the Pacific nation as lawmakers say hold-up delivers a ‘gift’ to ChinaHilda Heine, the president of the Republic of the Marshall Islands, has warned relations with the US are “gradually being destroyed by party politics” as Congress delays approval of crucial funding for the Pacific nation.US lawmakers have not yet passed funding packages agreed in...

Taiwan ambassador says ties remain ‘rock solid’ amid rumours island nation could switch allegiance to BeijingLawmakers in Tuvalu have selected Feleti Teo as the Pacific island nation’s new prime minister, weeks after an election that put ties with Taiwan in focus.Former attorney general Teo secured the support of lawmakers who were elected last month, government secretary Tufoua Panapa told Agence France-Presse on Monday. Continue...

Justin Tkachenko says they are in ‘early stages of negotiation’ with Beijing on its offer to assist with police and security Papua New Guinea is in early talks with China on a potential security and policing deal, the country’s foreign minister Justin Tkachenko has told the Reuters news agency, weeks after deadly riots in the country’s capital.Amid jostling between Washington and Beijing for influence...

Nauru become first ally to switch allegiances to Beijing after weekend’s presidential elections in TaiwanNauru has switched diplomatic recognition from Taiwan to China less than 48 hours after Taiwan’s presidential election.In a statement, the government of the tiny island country in Micronesia, north-east of Australia, said it had decided to recognise the People’s Republic of China and was seeking the resumption of full diplomatic...