Author: TMC Palau

The United States is stepping up its presence in the South Pacific with new funding and a reinforced diplomatic footprint, as its competition with China intensifies across the region.Yet the effectiveness of the push is tempered by Washington’s deep cuts to its main overseas aid agency, leaving doubts about the consistency of US commitment among Pacific leaders, according to analysts.The Pacific island nations are unlikely to frame their foreign relations as a simple choice between the two. Instead, they are expected to navigate the great power rivalries with a strategic flexibility consistent with their long-held practice of hedging, according to…

By: L.N. Reklai KOROR, Palau — The haze hanging over Palau in recent weeks is an unusual sight in a country scientists describe as having some of the cleanest air on Earth — and new measurements are helping explain where the pollution came from. Haze covers the island of Koror, showing contrast against Ngetmeduch. Haze […]The post Palau’s Clean Air Tested as Haze Carries Smoke Across the Pacific  appeared first on Island Times News. Source link

By: L.N. Reklai KOROR, Palau (Sept. 7, 2026) — “With more fire incidents, resources are strained,” said Chief Jeff Eriich of the Division of Fire & Rescue, as Palau recorded 16 brush fires in August amid increasingly dry conditions linked to the severe El Niño. The growing number of fires is raising concerns among fire […]The post 16 Brush Fires in August Strain Palau’s Firefighting Resources Amid Severe Dry Weather appeared first on Island Times News. Source link

Joint forces with U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, allies and partners concluded the tenth iteration of exercise Valiant Shield, June 18, 2024, following 12 days of multilateral operations in Guam, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, the Republic of Palau, and at sea around the Mariana Island Range Complex. Combat Logistics Regiment 17, 1st Marine Logistics Group, led a joint contingent of more than 600 service members in Palau including elements of the 1st Marine Aircraft Wing and 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, the U.S. Army’s 3rd Multi-Domain Task Force, the U.S. Air Force 27th Fighter Squadron, and the U.S. Navy’s Underwater…

By: L.N. Reklai KOROR, Palau — “They should not be asked to surrender their land or their future because others failed to cut their emissions.” That message from United Nations Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed resonated strongly in Palau on Aug. 31 as the United Nations launched its report on sea-level rise at the Palau International […]The post UN sea-level rise report launched in Palau, calls for urgent action, stronger climate finance  appeared first on Island Times News. Source link

The World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) says the intensifying El Niño phase will bring exceptionally warm tropical Pacific Ocean conditions in the coming months.In its latest update, the WMO says El Niño is already causing disruption and devastation from droughts and floods in various parts of thre world including the Pacific, and is expected to peak towards the end of this year, with climate impacts continuing well into 2027.A number of Pacific countries have been experiencing severe drought conditions as a result of the weather pattern.Data released by the WMO shows a significant build up of smoke from Indonesian forest fires,…

Pacific leaders have taken a step towards changing how outside partners engage with the region.This comes as New Zealand will be in the spotlight when it hosts the next Leaders’ Forum in 2027.Leaders meeting in Palau last week agreed to place Forum partners into two partnership streams, with the new system due to be implemented from 2027 and reviewed after its first year.The change could reshape how dialogue partners and other outside countries engage with Pacific leaders, with the Forum saying regional priorities, leadership and voice must remain at the centre.Palau President Surangel Whipps Jr, who chaired this year’s Forum,…

Rock Islands in Koror, Palau, are a scattered maze of small forested limestone domes rising from a shallow turquoise lagoon, where caves, cliffs and hidden lakes reshape the idea of an island landscape. Recognised as the Rock Islands Southern Lagoon on the UNESCO World Heritage List since 2012, this protected seascape brings together coral reefs, marine lakes and uninhabited islets in a single, intricate marine setting.Limestone domes in a sheltered southern lagoonThe Rock Islands occupy a broad swathe of Palau’s Southern Lagoon between the main volcanic island of Babeldaob and the smaller island of Peleliu, south of the town of…

The stage is set for an exciting week of top netball action at the Oceania Netball World Cup qualifier in Tonga.Five regional national teams will be competing for two World Cup spots, when the competition rolls off in Nuku’alofa on Monday.Hosts Tonga, the Cook Islands, Fiji, Papua New Guinea and Samoa will compete for the two spots, joining New Zealand as the three teams from Oceania at the world meet in Australia next year.Samoa and PNG will kick off the competition on Monday, 14 September, followed by Cook Islands and Fiji.The round-robin competition ends on 18 September, with the top…

AS delegations head home from the 55th Pacific Islands Forum in Koror, capital of the Republic of Palau, the region’s presidents, prime ministers and officials have endorsed a series of declarations and resolutions in their final communique. Forum host and incoming chair, President of Palau Surangel Whipps Jr. said: “Over the week-long deliberations, we have reflected deeply on shared priorities. We affirmed our regional unity and agreed on clear actions to guide the Blue Pacific continent through an increasingly complex and challenging strategic environment…we acknowledge that we are in a very uncertain times with many competing priorities and contestation around…