Blog
Oceania
How China and Taiwan Became ‘Pawns’ in Solomon Islands’ Internal Dispute
By Grant Wyeth
The question of recognizing China vs. Taiwan has been weaponized in a long-standing dispute between Malaita and the central Solomon Islands government.
As Australia Recognizes a China Problem Its Civil Society Joins the Fight
By Abhijnan Rej
A recent report suggests the country’s security services are cracking down on Chinese interference operations.
Despite Pandemic and Border Closures, Drug Smugglers Try to Reach Australian Shores
By Joshua Mcdonald
COVID-19 has seen drug prices jump even higher, making Australia a lucrative market if smugglers can reach it.
New Australian Foreign Policy Legislation Stresses Consistency
By Grant Wyeth
Canberra is set to introduce legislation giving the federal government a veto over state and territory deals with foreign governments.
Australia’s Aged Care Facilities Have Failed Amid the Pandemic
By Joshua Mcdonald
As recent testimonies to a royal commission demonstrate, the Australian government has poorly managed the pandemic in aged care facilities.
US Defense Secretary Esper Visits Tiny Palau, Highlighting US-China Competition
By Associated Press
The island nation is an example of the battleground on which the United States and China are pursuing a "great power" competition for global influence.
New Zealand Mosque Shooter Won’t Speak at Court Sentencing
By Associated Press
Over the first three days of the hearing, 90 survivors and family members told the judge about the pain and aftermath of the attacks.
Australia to Open Travel Corridor for Seasonal Workers
By Joshua Mcdonald
With borders still closed, the Australian agriculture industry is facing a looming summer shortage of workers.
Papua New Guinea Demands China Explain COVID-19 Vaccine Trial on Miners
By Associated Press
PNG blocked the arrival of Chinese workers, saying it had not given approval for a vaccine trial.
The Trump Effect: What Trumpian Politics Mean for Australia
By Grant Wyeth
U.S. President Donald Trump’s style of politics has infected Australia’s Liberal Party.
Kiribati Announces Plans to Raise Islands Above Rising Seas
By Joshua Mcdonald
As climate change and sea level rise threaten to inundate Kiribati, its government has proposed a radical new plan to raise the islands.
Coronavirus Breaks Out Again in New Zealand After 102 Days
By Associated Press
Auckland has the country's first cases of local transmission in over 100 days, sparking a renewed lockdown and a scramble to contact trace.