World’s largest coral discovered in Pacific near Solomon Islands | Climate Crisis News

World’s largest coral discovered in Pacific near Solomon Islands | Climate Crisis News

Scientists have found the largest coral in the world near the remote Solomon Islands in the Pacific Ocean, a gigantic organism that can be seen from space. The “mega coral” is 32 metres (105 feet) long and 34 metres (111 feet) wide and is believed to be about 300 years…

Pacific Islands leaders to meet as region faces ‘polycrisis’ of threats | Politics News

Pacific Islands leaders to meet as region faces ‘polycrisis’ of threats | Politics News

The last time UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres held a summit with the leaders of the Pacific Islands Forum, he made international news as he stood thigh-deep, dressed in a suit and tie, in the sea off the coast of Tuvalu. “Our Sinking Planet”, read the headline on the cover of…

Solomon Islands elects Jeremiah Manele as new prime minister | Elections News

Solomon Islands elects Jeremiah Manele as new prime minister | Elections News

Former foreign minister wins support of 31 legislators in 50-member house in an election closely watched by China, US and Australia. Legislators in the Solomon Islands have elected former Foreign Minister Jeremiah Manele as their new prime minister. Manele, who has pledged to continue the Pacific nation’s China-friendly foreign policy,…

‘We need you’: Solomon Islands’ support for US agency’s return revealed | Business and Economy

‘We need you’: Solomon Islands’ support for US agency’s return revealed | Business and Economy

A United States development aid agency whose return to the Solomon Islands has been delayed for years without explanation found “overwhelming support and enthusiasm” for its work, with the Pacific island nation’s leader telling officials “We need you”, a previously unreleased report shows. The Peace Corps’ findings bring into focus…

Solomon Islands pro-China PM Manasseh Sogavare fails to secure majority | Elections News

Solomon Islands pro-China PM Manasseh Sogavare fails to secure majority | Elections News

Sogavare vies with opposition parties to form governing coalition after inconclusive election. The Solomon Islands election has delivered no clear winner leaving pro-China Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare in a race with rival opposition politicians to form a coalition to lead the Pacific island nation. Solomon Islanders voted a week ago…

Solomon Islands prepares for ‘most important election since independence’ | Elections News

Solomon Islands prepares for ‘most important election since independence’ | Elections News

The people of the Solomon Islands are set to vote for their next government on April 17, in an election that could have repercussions for the rest of the Asia Pacific region due to the country’s close relationship with China. The Pacific state’s 760,000 citizens are spread across its 900…

New Zealand lobbied French on Solomon Islands-China pact, cables show | News

New Zealand lobbied French on Solomon Islands-China pact, cables show | News

Taipei, Taiwan – New Zealand lobbied France’s territories in the Pacific to respond to news of a controversial security pact between China and the Solomon Islands that set off alarm in Western capitals, newly released documents reveal. Within days of a draft version of the security pact leaking online in…

In the Solomon Islands, a US agency’s struggles hint at China’s influence | Conflict

In the Solomon Islands, a US agency’s struggles hint at China’s influence | Conflict

Taipei, Taiwan – In October 2019, the United States announced that the Peace Corps, the storied volunteer programme established by John F Kennedy, would return to the Solomon Islands after a two-decade absence. The announcement was the latest in a flurry of moves by Washington to counter China’s growing presence…