Blog
Oceania
Macron Suspends Voting Reform That Sparked Violence in New Caledonia
By Associated Press
Violence flared on May 13 over the government’s attempt to change voting lists in the French Pacific territory, which Indigenous Kanaks say would marginalize their voices.
China’s Message to New Zealand: Don’t Risk It All
By Geoffrey Miller
As Li Qiang visits, his chief purpose is to remind Christopher Luxon of just how important China is to New Zealand, both economically and beyond.
Despite the Diplomatic Thaw, Australians Still Deeply Mistrust China
By Elena Collinson
While political relations have improved, Australian public opinion on China remains generally negative.
Australian Online Watchdog Drops Federal Court Case Against X Over Stabbing Video
By Rod McGuirk
But eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant is continuing legal action against the platform formerly known as Twitter in the Administrative Appeals Tribunal.
France’s Faux Pacific Power: The Colonial Reality in New Caledonia
By Jeffrey Reeves
In terms of France’s broader Indo-Pacific engagement, the strategic implications of the New Caledonia uprising are profound both for Paris and its Western-aligned allies.
Fears Rise of a Second Landslide and Disease Outbreak at Site of Papua New Guinea Disaster
By Rod McGuirk
An estimated 670 people died in the first landslide in Yambali village. Now there is a “serious risk” of a second that could impact up to 8,000 people.
Over 100 Feared Dead in Landslide in Remote Part of Papua New Guinea
By Rod McGuirk
Rescue efforts are underway after a landslide hit a village in Enga province in the middle of the night.
In Riot-Stricken New Caledonia, French President Says He Won’t Rush Through Voting Reforms
By Claire Rush and John Leicester
After meetings with both Indigenous Kanaks and the pro-Paris camp, Macron laid out a roadmap that he said could lead to another referendum for the territory.
New Caledonia Riots: The Azerbaijan Factor
By Ben Dubow
Supporting separatism in France’s overseas territories has become a top priority as Baku seeks to punish France for its longtime sympathy for Armenia.
Victoria State’s Booming Population and Busted Budget
By Grant Wyeth
Melbourne’s infrastructure needs and the state’s budget problems are clearly in grave tension. The abandonment of critical and necessary rail projects cannot be the solution.
What’s Behind the Deadly Riots in New Caledonia?
By Adrian Muckle
The violent unrest in New Caledonia is alarming. Sadly, the island territory is no stranger to violence.
Violence Rages in New Caledonia as France Rushes Emergency Reinforcements to Its Pacific Territory
By Barbara Surk and Alex Turnbull
France imposed a state of emergency for the first time since 1985 as protests against voting reforms morphed into violence.