The Latest Breaking News from the Pacific Islands

Since 2018, the United States has worked, albeit often haltingly, to regain its footing with Pacific Island countries. It’s done this largely by reflecting a sentiment familiar in Pacific capitals: the region is not a geopolitical backwater, but a crucial strategic zone in the 21st century.

Australia plans to spend a larger share of its foreign aid on its near neighbors in Asia and the Pacific islands after the United States announced major cuts to development and humanitarian aid abroad

New push to attract visitors focuses on environment and culture, as experts call for better monitoring of sustainability pledges

Just before the second summit between the US and the Pacific Islands Forum at the White House in September, the US hosts took Pacific leaders to an American football game. One, however, was conspicuously absent: Solomon Islands Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare.

Not just the US and China; India, Indonesia and South Korea are scrambling for influence in a strategically vital region

Operators of the Fukushima nuclear power plant are set to release treated wastewater into the ocean. But already Japanese authorities are facing a barrage of criticism from fishermen.