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China ballistic missile test pushes forward case for Pacific Security Agreement

By political reporter Holly Tregenza In short:  (ABC- Australia) Pacific Minister Pat Conroy says China’s launch of a nuclear-capable test missile in to the Pacific has damaged its reputation in the region.  He argues the incident has strengthened the case for a regional security agreement.  What’s next? Pacific leaders are expected to discuss a regional […]

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Palau Ramps Up Security, Lodging Plans as 55th PIFLM Nears

By: Eoghan Olkeriil Ngirudelsang KOROR, Palau (July 8, 2026) — Palau is 51 days from hosting the 55th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting, with government officials laying out preparations for what could be one of the largest gatherings in the forum’s history. The forum, themed “BELAU: Building Economies. Life. Action. Unity.,” is expected to draw […]

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Two More Third-Country Nationals Arrive in Palau Under U.S. Agreement

By: L.N. Reklai KOROR, Palau (July 8, 2026) Two third-country nationals arrived in Palau Wednesday night under a migration agreement between Palau and the United States, according to sources familiar with the arrivals. Minister of Justice Jennifer Olegeriil confirmed to an Island Times reporter that the arrivals were expected this week but declined to confirm […]

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Palau condemns China’s ballistic missile test in the Pacific

KOROR, 09 JULY 2026 (PACNEWS) — The Government of Palau has condemned China’s recent ballistic missile launch in the Pacific, describing it as a serious threat to regional peace and security.  In a statement, the Office of the President said the missile test undermines the Pacific’s long-standing commitment to peace and runs counter to the […]

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Angaur School Named Custodian of Island’s Ancient Artifacts

By: Laurel Marewibuel KOROR, Palau — Angaur Elementary School will become the custodian of ancient artifacts unearthed on the island, under an agreement signed July 1 between two national government bureaus. The Bureau of Cultural and Historical Preservation, under the Ministry of Human Resources, Culture, Tourism and Development, signed a memorandum of understanding with the […]

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Taiwan VP Hsiao says U.S.-China engagement should not come at expense of regional security

By: L.N. Reklai KOROR, Palau — “We have the same belief as the United States — that peace is maintained through strength,” Taiwan Vice President Bi-khim Hsiao said, emphasizing that continued U.S. engagement with China does not signal a weakening of support for Taiwan, Palau or other partners in the Indo-Pacific. Speaking to Island Times […]

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