Last week, the Nauru government announced it signed a project proposal of about $1 billion with a Chinese company. Photo: Facebook / The Government of the Republic of Nauru
Nauru/Australia - security
Australia is pushing to ratify a security treaty with Nauru amid concern a more than US$600 million Chinese investment proposal could breach its provisions.
Australian officials told local media on Monday they will seek to ratify a landmark security and economic treaty with its tiny neighbour Nauru by next month.
Nauru announced an investment deal with the little-known China Rural Revitalization and Development Corporation earlier this month.
In December Australia pledged just under $US65 million in budget support and around US$26 million for security.
Canberra also gained a veto over Chinese involvement in Nauru's security, banking, and telecommunications.
Fiji - scam
Fiji's Consumer Council says the name and image of its board chair are being used as part of a scam.
The council said criminals have created fake posts and profiles that falsely endorse the "get-rich-quick" schemes.
Board chair Mereseini Baleilevuka advised people to be vigilant, protect their hard-earned money, and report these posts immediately.
The Council urged all consumers never to send money or share personal or banking details based on an online ad or post.
Pacific Islands Forum - transparency
With the countdown on till Solomon Islands hosts the 54th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders meeting, Transparency Solomon Islands has welcomed the decision by Pacific leaders to defer the Post-Forum Dialogue meeting with partners until next year in Palau.
In a statement the organisation - which promotes ethical practices - commended Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele on the move.
It said the decision reflects a strong commitment by leaders to regionalism, enabling leaders to focus on the priorities and needs of Pacific people without external pressures.
New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters blamed "outsiders" for causing disagreements within the Pacific Islands Forum.
Pacific - Taiwan
Taiwan is ramping up its diplomatic presence in the Pacific, framing itself as a vital partner to island nations even as China's influence complicates regional cooperation.
The island's Foreign Minister, Lin Chia-Lung, spoke Thursday to an international press corps about Taiwan's approach to diplomacy, its response to the Solomon Islands' recent decision to exclude partners from the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting, and plans for next year's meeting in Palau.
Island Times reported Lin saying the Solomon Islands' move, widely seen as influenced by Beijing, is a setback for regional collaboration.
Taiwan has diplomatic relations with Palau, the Marshall Islands, and Tuvalu, and operates offices in several other Pacific countries.
Papua New Guinea - holiday
The Papua New Guinea government has declared a three-day public holiday in September to celebrate the country's 50th anniversary of independence from Australia.
The holiday runs from Monday 15 September to Wednesday 17 September.
The National newspaper reports chief secretary to government Ivan Pomaleu saying these public holiday dates, as gazetted on 20 August, are binding on all citizens, businesses and organisations.
Pomaleu said the government kindly requests everyone join in the celebration to mark this significant milestone in the nation's history.
Fiji - international airport
The Fiji government has begun preparatory work for a proposed international airport on Vanua Levu.
There are currently no international airports on the island with both of the country's existing gateways to the world, in Nadi and Suva, on Viti Levu.
In a statement, the Ministry of Lands and Mineral Resources said it has started acquisition works for the proposed Waiqele International Airport in Labasa.
It said in partnership with Fiji Airports and the iTaukei Land Trust Board, the Ministry is leading the groundwork by undertaking critical land identification, geospatial mapping, and engagement with landowners and tenants in the Waiqele area.
The ministry said the transformative national development marks a new chapter for Vanua Levu and the Northern Division.
Cook Islands - intellectual property
The Cook Islands is in the final stages of designing a brand certification program to protect cultural intellectual property and prevent the misuse of traditional designs, language and stories.
Called "Uniquely Cook Islands", the aim of the certification mark and tokens is to make authenticity visible, give buyers confidence and future-proof the culture, customs and traditions of the islands.
The initiative is supported by the New Zealand and Australian-led free trade agreement PACER Plus.
Touted as the first of its kind, it recently brought together artisans, entreprenuers, cultural leaders and government representatives to validate the program.
It now enters the final co-design stages before being launched.
The Cook Islands hopes it will set an inspiring regional and global benchmark in protecting and promoting cultural identity through trade.
