Author: TMC Palau

More than friends, but whānau – that’s the recurring message from Māori to Pacific people on the third day of Koroneihana.This comes as delegates and community members from across the Pacific gathered at Tūrangawaewae marae today, honouring reigning Māori Queen Te Arikinui Kuini Nga wai hono i te po.Year after year, Koroneihana serves as a meeting point for Māori and the wider Pacific, bringing together leaders and community representatives from all over the Moana.Kiingitanga spokesperson Rahui Papa said those longstanding and special relationships continue to underpin the connection between Māori and their Pacific neighbours.Rahui PapaCoco LanceMany Pacific peoples call Aotearoa…

Pacific Island nations have condemned China’s missile test in the Pacific, calling for greater advance notice of future intercontinental ballistic missile tests. The position was contained in a joint statement adopted on Thursday at the Pacific Islands Forum summit in Palau. The summit communique, read by Palau’s President Surangel Whipps…… Pacific Island nations have condemned China’s missile test in the Pacific, calling for greater advance notice of future intercontinental ballistic missile tests. The position was contained in a joint statement adopted on Thursday at the Pacific Islands Forum summit in Palau. The summit communique, read by Palau’s President Surangel Whipps…

KOROR, Palau – Pacific Islands Forum leaders agreed Thursday on a joint statement voicing concern over recent missile tests, in a move that effectively criticized a launch by China in July that landed in the South Pacific, as they wrapped up their four-day gathering in Koror. The statement by the 18-member bloc urged all countries to provide at least 24 hours’ advance notice of missile tests, while stressing respect for Pacific nations’ sovereignty, according to Palau President Surangel Whipps, who chaired the summit and revealed the content of the statement at a press conference after the meeting. The group’s foreign…

By Ben Blanchard and Yi-Chin LeeTAIPEI, Sept 4 (Reuters) – Taiwan ⁠Foreign ⁠Minister Lin Chia-lung condemned China’s “wolf ⁠warrior” diplomacy at this week’s forum of Pacific Islands leader, and said ​Chinese officials had also engaged in espionage at the event.This year’s meeting of the Pacific Islands Forum was ‌overshadowed by China’s objections to the ‌presence of Taiwan at the summit, saying Taipei was not qualified to attend and that ⁠its presence would ⁠have consequencesSummit host Palau is one of three Pacific Island countries with ​official diplomatic ties to Chinese-claimed Taiwan. Beijing says Taiwan is one of its provinces and not…

Indonesia’s government has indicated that a visit by the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights to West Papua is on track.This comes as Melanesian Sperarhead Group (MSG) countries agreed to push Jakarta to facilitate the visit, after years of apparent inaction.A request for the visit was made by Pacific Islands Forum countries back in 2019, but it has still not gone ahead, despite ongoing human rights violations in Papua.A statement issued by MSG states from this week’s Pacific Forum leaders meeting in Palau appeared to reflect frustrations that the visit has still not been facilitated.The statement said that if a…

SYDNEY – Pacific Island leaders expressed concern about China’s Pacific missile test at their annual summit, though Nauru formally dissented, in a meeting largely overshadowed by Beijing’s objections to Taiwan’s presence.Summit host and Palau President Surangel Whipps Jr said on Sept 3 that China’s intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) test in July, Beijing’s first known launch in the Pacific since September 2024, passed over several island nations without adequate warning.“Leaders called on all states undertaking ICBM testing to ensure transparency and reassurance, including through the provision of advance notification of a test at least 24 hours in accordance with international practice,” Whipps Jr…

At the closing ceremony of the 55th Pacific Islands Forum in Palau, women were front and centre.Young Palauan women took to the stage in traditional dress, performing dances passed down through generations in a country where women have long held significant cultural and traditional authority.Among them were Kulei and Kimora, two young women raised in Palau who said the role of women as decision-makers was simply part of life.“When it comes to the funerals and, like, Palauan and the baby showers, it’s like, the women are always, like, there and, like, leading of what’s going to happen,” they told Te…

TAIPEI — The US State Department has named Taiwan as a partner on two development projects in Palau, part of a package of more than US$150 million in support for Pacific island nations announced this week.Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau announced the funding at the Pacific Islands Forum Partners Dialogue on Tuesday, following the opening of the 55th PIF Leaders Meeting in Palau on Sunday. The department set out the commitments in a statement titled “Promoting Pacific Prosperity: US Engagement at the Pacific Islands Forum.”The two projects involving Taiwan are the Palau Hospital Relocation project — a partnership of…

Fiji-born ex-Wallaby forward Isi Naisarani has joined the Fijian Drua ahead of the 2027 Super Rugby Pacific season.The Fiji-based franchise said Naisarani’s singing marked a “significant homecoming” for the No. 8, who left the island a young player to chase an opportunity abroad.Naisarani has represented the Western Force, ACT Brumbies and Melbourne Rebels during an impressive career in Australia before also taking his talents to Japan.The club said returning home to play in front of his family and friends, the powerful backrower would bring a wealth of Super Rugby and international experience to the Drua.”I’m really excited to be joining…

Qantas (QF, Sydney Kingsford Smith) will continue operating the Australian government-backed service between Brisbane International and Koror, dubbed the “Palau Paradise Express”, through November 30, 2027, while doubling frequencies during the upcoming peak season. The Australian government announced the extension on September 2, 2026, with Qantas announcing it had signed a new agreement with the federal government. Qantas International & Freight CEO Cam Wallace said “the extra service is a direct response to growing demand for these incredible islands.” The extension adds 12 months to Qantas’ existing Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade contract, which runs from December 1, 2025…