PARIS, 03 APRIL 2026 (RNZ PACIFIC)–A Constitutional Reform Bill dedicated to New Caledonia was rejected on Thursday by the French National Assembly (Lower House) without debate, by a gathering of opposition parties by a score of 190 to 107. The rejection came in the form of the endorsement of a preliminary Bill filed by a […]
Category: Pacific News
Posted inPacific News
China-U.S competition for rare earths sparks plan to mine Pacific seabed near Guam
TAMUNING, 02 APRIL 2026 (RADIO FREE ASIA) — A U.S plan to potentially mine an area of Pacific seabed roughly the size of Nevada near two U.S territories is the latest example of increasing competition in the region between the United States and China, a local government official told Radio Free Asia. The zones of […]
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Pacific financial system under threat as banking links shrink, Forum report warns
By Pita Ligaiula SUVA, 01 APRIL 2026 (PACNEWS) — The Pacific’s access to global finance is under growing strain, with a new Pacific Islands Forum report warning that the steady loss of correspondent banking relationships is pushing the region toward a critical tipping point. The ‘2025 Annual Report on the Pacific Strengthening Correspondent Banking Relationships […]
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Middle East crisis takes toll on tourism; T’way to pause Seoul-Saipan route
SAIPAN, 27 MARCH 2026 (PACIFIC ISLAND TIMES)—Korean carrier T’way Air will temporarily suspend its Seoul–Saipan route beginning 05 May through 24 October, amid spiraling fuel prices, supply instability and dwindling travel demand due to the raging Middle East crisis. The new global pressures on the travel market have imposed added challenges to the Northern Marianas’ […]
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Fishery council lifts fishing ban in Marianas Trench and other federally protected waters
HONOLULU, 27 MARCH 2026 (PACIFIC ISLAND TIMES)—The Western Pacific Fishery Management Council (WPFMC) has taken a final action to lift fishing restrictions in the Marianas Trench Marine National Monument and other federally protected areas, in line with the Trump administration’s bid to reinvigorate America’s seafood industry. “If we don’t support our commercial fisheries, we will […]
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Samoa Government warns against panic buying as fuel stocks remain strong
APIA, 27 MARCH 2026 (SAMOA GLOBAL NEWS)—The ongoing Iran/U.S/Israel conflict is disrupting global crude oil supply chains, driving significant increases in international fuel prices and raising concerns over supply security worldwide. Pacific countries, including Samoa, are closely monitoring these developments due to potential impacts on fuel supply continuity. The Government confirms that the fuel tanker […]