Author: TMC Palau

By: L.N. Reklai KOROR, Palau (Aug. 31, 2026) – One of Palau’s most prominent businessmen, former legislator and traditional leader, Rechesengel Ignacio Anastacio, died Saturday morning in the Philippines, according to sources close to his family. He was in his mid-70s. Anastacio was the titlebearer of Rechesengel, the second-highest traditional chiefly title in Ngchesar State. […]The post Prominent Palauan businessman, Rechesengel Ignacio Anastacio, dies in Philippines appeared first on Island Times News. Source link

Good morning. Firstly, on the tragic disaster in Nepal, this is an unimaginable tragedy. The number of Australians unaccounted for remains at 43. My thoughts are with every Australian family going through such an incredibly difficult time. My government will do everything we can to support them and look for loved ones. A RAAF C-17A carrying humanitarian supplies has left Australia on its way to Kathmandu. There are now some 18 Australian response team personnel in Kathmandu, and the foreign ministers of our respective countries have spoken, and Australia continues to offer whatever support will be valuable. This is a…

Outgoing and incoming chairs urge Pacific nations to speak with one voice while keeping regional priorities firmly Pacific-led. By: L.N. Reklai KOROR, Palau (August 31, 2026) – Pacific Islands Forum leaders are being urged to strengthen regional unity and ensure the Forum remains firmly Pacific-led as member countries work to deliver the goals of the […]The post Pacific leaders urged to put unity behind 2050 vision appeared first on Island Times News. Source link

KOROR (Palau), Sept 1 — Australia said Tuesday the Pacific bloc will decide for itself who attends its annual summit, after China raised objections to Taiwan’s presence on the sidelines.The 18-member Pacific Islands Forum is being hosted by Palau, which invited its diplomatic ally Taiwan to attend as an aid partner, along with China and other non-Pacific countries.China’s Pacific envoy Qian Bo told reporters on Monday there would be “consequences” for Taiwan foreign minister Lin Chia-lung’s presence in Palau.Beijing claims self-ruled Taiwan as part of its territory.Chinese officials have also warned Pacific leaders and ministers not to attend side events…

By: Summer Kennard KOROR, Palau (August 31, 2026) – “It is the kind of tool that we need to now push even harder for climate justice,” Pacific Islands Students Fighting Climate Change Director Vishal Prasad said as Pacific leaders and climate advocates discussed how to turn the International Court of Justice’s landmark climate opinion into […]The post Pacific Pushes to Turn ICJ Climate Opinion Into Action appeared first on Island Times News. Source link

RNZ’s Teuila Fuatai in Koror, PalauThe United States and New Zealand will co-fund a new “lifeline” port with the Cook Islands on Penrhyn atoll – a former US military base.The US says it will commit $50 million USD, while New Zealand will contribute $10 million USD.The US Deputy State Secretary Christopher Landau said it builds on the Critical Minerals Framework that the Cooks signed with the US in February, which advances the keen interest from Washington in deep sea mineral resources in the Cook Islands.”This project underscores the United States’ strong commitment to our partners in the Pacific,” Landau said,…

China expressed serious concern over Taiwan’s presence at the annual Pacific Islands Forum in Palau and said there could be consequences. A Taiwanese delegation took part in the forum’s opening ceremony on August 31.As Channel NewsAsia reports, China’s special envoy for Pacific island affairs, Qian Bo, told journalists that Taiwan’s participation in the event was inappropriate. He did not specify what the consequences could be and stressed that his words were not a threat.Taiwan’s status at the forumTaiwanese Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung received invitations to meetings and related events held alongside the forum. Taiwan does not have official dialogue partner…

The United States and New Zealand are putting more than NZ$100 million into upgrading the port on Penrhyn or Tongareva, the northernmost island in the Cook Islands.The project was announced in Palau on Tuesday by Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown, New Zealand Foreign Minister Vaovasamanaia Winston Peters and US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau on ahead of the 55th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting.The US Department of State, working with Congress, intends to contribute about NZ$84m (US$50m) while New Zealand will provide NZ$17.5m.New Zealand will implement the project in coordination with the Cook Islands and United States.Peters described…

TAIWAN-CHINA ISSUE: Beijing has protested Taiwan’s inclusion in the 18-member state forum, which is being hosted by Palau, an ally of Taiwan At least five leaders would skip the Pacific Island region’s annual summit, officials said yesterday, hours before the opening of talks overshadowed by Taiwan-China tensions.The gathering aims to grapple with challenges such as climate change, drug crime and the Chinese test-firing of a ballistic missile in July that landed in the Pacific Ocean.China’s security and economic influence has added resonance this year, because the 18-member Pacific Islands Forum is being hosted by Palau, a diplomatic ally of Taiwan.…

Most mothers remember the first time they laid eyes on their new-born and the joy a baby can bring.But for some, motherhood can also be an incredibly isolating journey.Fijian maternal mental health advocate Mercedes Swann knows the feeling of loneliness as a new mum all too well.Her experience led to the creation of ‘Mama Talanoa’ in 2025, an online safe space for Pacific mothers who can openly share the highs and lows of parenthood without fear of judgement.Swann told Pacific Waves that she experienced poor mental health while pregnant and felt like she had nowhere to turn to.Fiji health advocate…