BRISBANE, 01 NOVEMBER 2019 (UNIVERSITY OF QUEENSLAND) — A team of UQ researchers is working tirelessly to find an environmental engineering solution for a very human problem in the Solomon Islands, where the lives of entire communities are in turmoil thanks to drastic sea level rises. Dr Simon Albert wants to solve an urgent, catastrophic […]
Category: Opinion
Posted inOpinion
Victoria takes wrong track with China
CANBERRA,04 NOVEMBER 2019 (THE AUSTRALIAN)—The Chinese are weaponizing federalism by driving a political wedge between the federal and state positions on the Belt and Road Initiative. That’s the conclusion to be drawn from Daniel Andrews’ recent announcement that Victoria has struck a new deal with China under its BRI. Last month, Andrews signed an agreement […]
Posted inOpinion
Kiribati urged to ease media restrictions, but journos must stick to the rules- PFF
October 29, 2019–Rarotonga, COOK ISLANDS–Troubles for an Australian television crew stopped from filming in Kiribati this week have shown up a clash between news practice and sovereign law says regional media watchdog the Pacific Freedom Forum, PFF. It’s the second time in recent years a foreign news crew visiting Kiribati has made global headlines and […]
Posted inOpinion
Why the US may struggle to entice Pacific partners to help contain China
WASHINGTON, 29 OCTOBER 2019 (SOUTH CHINA MORNING POST) — China is actually gaining ground on the US in this battle for hearts and minds, as Beijing’s recent poaching of Taiwan’s diplomatic allies and the Solomon Islands has shown – there is even speculation that the Chinese an island in the latter as a naval base. […]
Posted inOpinion
China’s ‘Belt and Road’ key to Pacific’s plan of action
APIA, 28 OCTOBER 2019 (SAMOA OBSERVER)—The implementation of China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) is key to progressing a “programme of action” by the 10 Pacific Island countries, that recently attended the 3rd China-Pacific Island Countries Economic Development and Cooperation Forum in Samoa. The BRI, which is the Chinese government’s global development strategy, was formally […]
Posted inOpinion
Countries step up ambition: Landmark boost to coffers of the world’s largest climate fund
PARIS, 28 OCTOBER 2019 (GCF)—The shared urgency of addressing climate change took an historic step forward Friday with 27 countries pledging to replenish the Green Climate Fund (GCF) by USD 9.776 billion for the next four years. The resources will help developing countries reduce greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to the negative effects of global […]