Oceania

The Solomons is a tinderbox of complex ethnic tensions, corruption, and competing local interests, meaning interference from Beijing or Taipei can have disastrous consequences.

The Pacific Islands have not been overlooked by the White House, although the region’s democracies face challenges, too.

The protests began on Wednesday, when hundreds of protestors marched on the parliamentary precinct in the capital Honiara.

Resentment against Chinese business people is longstanding and has fueled violence in Honiara’s Chinatown.

Sogavare’s decision to switch diplomatic ties from Taiwan to China is among the reasons for the current unrest in Solomon Islands.

Magnitsky-styled reform is predicated on targeting human rights abusers abroad. The Morrison government’s plans go further, to touch on cyberattacks and other modern threats.

A recent report illustrates that the people of the Pacific believe corruption is a massive problem for both them and their governments.

Australian leaders appear thankful that the global commitments at COP26 weren’t more ambitious.

New Zealand’s foreign minister is on her first trip overseas: a seven-country tour of Australia, Singapore, Indonesia, the UAE, Qatar, the U.S., and Canada.

Adherence to democratic values and practices is essential for maintaining stability in Australia’s neighborhood. That extends to alliance maintenance, too.

Russia reportedly refused to support the U.S. hosting the gathering in 2023, derailing the matter for now in the consensus-driven grouping.