Author: TMC Palau

Overview: China’s ballistic missile test over the Pacific has intensified calls for a Pacific-led security agreement, with Australia’s Pacific Minister Pat Conroy saying the launch damaged Beijing’s reputation as a regional security partner. Pacific leaders are expected to discuss stronger regional security cooperation at the upcoming Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting. 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…

Overview: Palau’s tourism sector is riding a wave of momentum heading into the second half of 2026, with visitor arrivals on pace to hit 80,000 to 85,000 for the year. The Palau Visitors Authority credits a diversified market mix — from surging Asian arrivals to steady North American and European demand — plus expanded airline capacity for the sustained rebound. By: L.N. Reklai KOROR, Palau (July 13, 2026)  Palau’s tourism industry is on track for another year of solid recovery, with visitor arrivals expected to climb significantly if current trends hold through the rest of 2026. The Palau Visitors Authority…

The Tongan counter-tenor who won this years Kiri Te Kanawa Song Quest says his success is still sinking in.Samuel Mataele won the $50,000 first prize after a spectacular Gala night in Wellington on Saturday in New Zealand’s most prestigious opera competition.Mataele took out New Zealands top opera competition after a full on week of preparations leading into the final – where he and five others sung – accompanied by the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra.”It was intense. It was a week of no rest … when you weren’t singing, your brain was working over time. So it took a lot of…

Overview: Palau’s new embassy in Australia is expected to open by July or August, President Surangel Whipps Jr. announced, marking a new step in strengthening diplomatic ties between the two Pacific partners. The opening will coincide with Ambassador Roland Tangelbad’s presentation of credentials, while preparations are already underway ahead of Whipps’ planned state visit to Australia in October. By: Eoghan Olkeriil Ngirudelsang KOROR, Palau — Palau’s embassy in Australia is expected to open in July or August, President Surangel Whipps Jr. said last week. “They were saying that sometime in July or August they can open,” Whipps told reporters during…

Overview: Palau is mourning the loss of Master Navigator Sesario Sewralur, who died July 10 in Taiwan, just hours before his 57th birthday. Son of the legendary Mau Piailug, Sewralur spent his life carrying forward one of the Pacific’s most treasured traditions — and now leaves that legacy in his son’s hands. By: Eoghan Olkeriil Ngirudelsang KOROR, Palau — Grandmaster navigator Sesario Sewralur, who carried on his father’s mission to preserve traditional Pacific wayfinding, died July 10 in Taiwan due to heart complications, hours before his 57th birthday, according to a GoFundMe account set up by a student and family…

Overview: Ngiwal voters have elected seven legislators to the state’s 22nd Legislature, while neighboring Ngarchelong has launched a public education campaign on constitutional amendments and a proposed constitutional convention ahead of its Aug. 25 election. By: Eoghan Olkeriil Ngirudelsang KOROR, Palau (July 16, 2026) — Voters in Ngiwal and Ngarchelong are carrying out key civic responsibilities this month, with Ngiwal electing members of its 22nd Legislature while Ngarchelong prepares residents to vote on a series of constitutional amendments ahead of its August state election. Ngiwal elects seven legislators Residents of Ngiwal went to the polls Tuesday, July 14, to elect…

[Photo: File] The National Road Safety Council will be re-established as Fiji records its highest number of road deaths in 15 years. The issue was raised in Parliament by Opposition MP Vijay Nath, who questioned the Government on funding for the Council after 83 people died on Fiji’s roads last year. Assistant Minister for Transport Naisa Tuinaceva said the legislation to bring back the Council was currently before the Solicitor-General’s Office and is expected to be completed soon. He said the Council would be given a new structure and will operate separately from the Land Transport Authority.Article continues after advertisement…

Papua New Guinea says it will close Taiwan’s representative office in Port Moresby.”The Marape-Rosso Government has officially announced the immediate cessation of operations and the formal closure of the physical presence of the Chinese Taipei Economic Office (Taiwan) in the country,” the government said in a statement.It said this follows a National Executive Council (cabinet) decision.”In strict accordance with this executive directive, the physical presence of Chinese Taipei will no longer be recognised or required within the jurisdiction of Papua New Guinea.”Foreign minister Justin Tkatchenko said this administrative action underscores the government’s commitment to honouring and upholding PNG’s foundational One-China…

Overview: Three elderly women were hospitalized after allegedly consuming THC-infused gummies at a Koror luncheon, leading to drug trafficking and reckless endangerment charges against a local woman. The case has also drawn attention to reports that marijuana-laced snacks have become increasingly common at some social gatherings among retirees in Palau despite remaining illegal under local law. By: Eoghan Olkeriil Ngirudelsang KOROR, Palau (July 16, 2026) — An Airai woman is facing drug trafficking and reckless endangerment charges after allegedly distributing THC-infused gummies during a luncheon that resulted in three elderly women seeking emergency medical treatment. According to court documents filed…

[Photo: File] Customs officers will be given broader powers to investigate importers under proposed amendments to the Customs Act aimed at strengthening compliance and protecting government revenue. Speaking in Parliament, Finance Minister Esrom Immanuel says the Customs Budget Amendment Bill 2026 will allow Fiji Revenue and Customs Service officers to question traders and others connected to goods under customs control. He says the Bill also makes it an offence to fail to provide information or documents required under customs law, strengthening compliance with customs regulations. Another key amendment extends the period for FRCS to recover unpaid customs duties from one…