Blog
Oceania
Momentum Builds for an Australian Magnitsky Act
By Philip Citowicki
A parliamentary committee recommended that Australia join the U.S., U.K., and others with similar legislation.
Major Australian Media Company Strikes Google News Pay Deal
By Associated Press
The deal comes as Australia's Parliament considers draft laws to force digital giants to pay for news.
Trouble at the University of the South Pacific
By Joshua Mcdonald
Last week, Fiji deported the university's vice chancellor, leading some to suggest relocating its headquarters to Samoa.
Why China’s ‘Island City’ in Papua New Guinea is a Mirage
By Sebastian Strangio
Australian security analysts can console themselves that the Hong Kong-based firm's plans will never eventuate.
Chinese-Australian Reporter Accused of Sharing State Secrets by Beijing
By Associated Press
Six months after she was first detained, Cheng Lei has been formally arrested.
New Zealand Steps into Australia-China Dispute
By Joshua Mcdonald
Recently, a senior New Zealand minister advised Australia to “show respect” and act more diplomatically toward China. Canberra was not amused.
A Tiff at PIF? Pacific Islands Forum Leadership Change Triggers Frustration
By Grant Wyeth
Within the PIF, leadership has typically rotated between Polynesian, Melanesian, and Micronesian states. Until now, it seems.
Connecting the Dots: Australia and Digital Infrastructure Development in the Pacific Islands
By Tom Corben and Euan Moyle
COVID-19 has highlighted the reactive nature of Australia's approach to digital infrastructure development in the region.
Papua New Guinea and China’s Debt Squeeze
By Robert Potter
A debt trap? Not quite. But PNG’s telecom industry is a showcase example of how debt to China weighs down governments and constrains choices.
As Vaccines Arrive, Australia Struggles With COVID-19 ‘Infodemic,’ Too
By Joshua Mcdonald
Canberra now has a plan to begin vaccinations, but hesitancy has been on the rise among Australians.
Musingku: Bougainville’s ‘Royal’ Pyramid Scheme Problem
By Grant Wyeth
A self-declared king presents a unique problem for the Autonomous Bougainville Government as it moves toward independence.
Australia Marks National Day With Protests, Calming Words
By Associated Press
Protesters called for Australia Day – bitterly referred to as “Invasion Day” – to be abolished.