Read the latest news from regional and global sources, presenting different voices and perspectives.

Vanuatu open to signing deal with Australia but will not be subject to ‘bullying’ from larger countries
Vanuatu remains open to signing a wide-ranging deal with Australia but must assert its sovereignty and will not be subject to pressure or “bullying” from larger countries, the country’s internal affairs minister, Andrew Napuat, said. Australia...
5.7-magnitude quake hits Vanuatu Islands -- GFZ
BEIJING, Oct. 8 (Xinhua) -- An earthquake with a magnitude of 5.7 jolted Vanuatu Islands at 2236 GMT on Tuesday, the GFZ German Research Centre for Geosciences said. The epicenter, with a depth of 10 km, was initially determined to be at 15.68...

Wade Guyton Artwork Forfeited by Inigo Philbrick’s Business Partner Flops at Sotheby’s
An artwork caught up in the saga of fraudster art dealer Inigo Philbrick came up for auction late last month in New York—and failed to sell. In 2023 Philbrick’s business partner, Robert Newland, was sentenced to 20 months in prison. In addition to...
Experts warn biofuels not a long-term solution for shipping
Experts advising Pacific states at the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) warn that biofuels are not a long-term solution for decarbonising shipping, highlighting threats to food security, supply constraints, and rising costs for vulnerable...

European Parliament approves stricter mechanism for visa waiver suspension
The European Parliament has approved legislation that makes it easier to revoke the right to enter the EU without a visa from countries that pose a security risk or violate human rights. On Tuesday, MEPs approved the reform of the EU's visa...
Vanuatu MP urges French President Macron to return Matthew and Hunter
French President Emmanuel Macron’s visit will only be useful to Vanuatu if he accepts for France to return our two islands — Matthew and Hunter, says Johnny Koanapo, Vanuatu Member of Parliament (MP) for Tanna, Tafea Province. The French President...
Pacific officials criticise New Zealand's weaker methane targets
The New Zealand government announced on 12 October that it would be cutting biogenic methane reduction targets to 14-24 percent below 2017 levels by 2050. Photo: Gianina Schwanecke / Country Life Pacific climate leaders have expressed disappointed...

The EU Adopts New Rules Allowing Suspension of Visa-Free Regime for 61 Countries, Including Moldova
The European Union will be able to temporarily or permanently suspend visa-free travel for citizens of 61 countries, including the Republic of Moldova, in cases of security risks or human rights violations. The European Parliament adopted the...

11 Best luxury Vanuatu resorts for tropical island bliss
A short hop from Australia’s east coast, Vanuatu delivers the kind of Pacific getaway that still feels wonderfully unhurried. Oft overlooked in favour of its more popular neighbours, its under-the-radar status means a holiday here is a genuine...

The Moso Vanuatu
On an island adrift in the crystalline waters of Vanuatu’s Havannah Harbour, The Moso feels like the South Pacific before the world found it. Reached via a 10-minute boat ride from Efate, this off-grid boutique resort owned by Australian expats...
Patrol boat runs aground in Vanuatu months after being repaired
In Vanuatu the patrol boat RVS Takuare has reportedly run aground off Epi Island. The vessel which had just returned to Vanuatu following extensive repairs in Australia was on a ministerial tour when it ran agound. A gift from Australia in 20-21...

To defer or to leap, that is the question
In 2026, Bangladesh is expected to graduate from the United Nations (UN)’s list of Least Developed Countries (LDCs). Some view this as a triumph, while others see it as a threat. The truth lies in between: graduation is neither a silver medal of...

Australia and PNG Sign Defense Treaty, Agreement With Vanuatu Delayed
Last week, Papua New Guinea approved a new treaty with Australia, the Pukpuk Treaty, under which the two countries commit to defending each other in the event of an attack. Meanwhile, Australia is still seeking to finalize the Nakamal Agreement...
The ICJ climate ruling has major implications for the loss and...
As the fund struggles with lack of money and bureaucratic barriers, its board must align its actions with the landmark court decision By Liane Schalatek, Lien Vandamme, Isatis Cintron-Rodriguez, Rajib Ghosal, Teo Ormond-Skeaping, Monica Iyer Next...

$30M for MVA to Keep Failing Us, While Our People Suffer and Go Hungry
By Mabel Doge Luhan for Mabel’s Table, Kandit News & Views It was barely more than a century ago when I still held out hope for curing my primary medical complaint. No, not the posterior carbuncle, nor the seasonal rickets. I’m talking about my...

Three best private schools in Solomons this year
Woodford International School in East Honiara is the top best private operated school in the country this year. That’s according to ’Schoolbell.net,’ a leading global education rankings platform. Dylan the Regional Director, Oceania Division in a...

Hartwell Champagne: Police prepare report for coroner after US sailor’s Ocean Rambler boat washes up in Queensland
Hope has all but faded for a missing American sailor whose sailboat was found mysteriously abandoned on the Australian coastline, with a report being prepared for the coroner. This Friday — October 10 — will mark one month since loved ones last...

Hartwell Champagne: Police prepare report for coroner after US sailor’s Ocean Rambler boat washes up in Queensland
Hope has all but faded for a missing American sailor whose sailboat was found mysteriously abandoned on the Australian coastline, with a report being prepared for the coroner. This Friday — October 10 — will mark one month since loved ones last...
World Associated Press Australia and Papua New Guinea sign historic defense treaty that raised China's concern
MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) — The leaders of Australia and Papua New Guinea signed a major bilateral defense treaty Monday that China believes targets it unfairly. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and his Papua New Guinea counterpart James...

Australia and Papua New Guinea sign historic defense treaty that raised China's concern
MELBOURNE, Australia — The leaders of Australia and Papua New Guinea signed a major bilateral defense treaty Monday that China believes targets it unfairly. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and his Papua New Guinea counterpart James...