South Pacific

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Flags at half-mast and a complicated colonial legacy: Pacific countries remember the Queen

Eleven Pacific countries are part of the Commonwealth, though many have become young republics in the last few decadesGeorge Mackenzie was in first grade at Koloale primary school in Honiara when Queen Elizabeth first visited Solomon Islands in 1974.“…

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We needed China deal to protect ‘domestic security’, says key Solomon Islands official

Exclusive: Collin Beck, who is believed to have been involved in negotiating the pact, offers most comprehensive defence yet of the controversial dealThe controversial security deal struck between Solomon Islands and China that caught the western world…

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Penny Wong tells Pacific nations ‘we have heard you’ as Australia and China battle for influence

Foreign minister uses speech in Fiji to declare ‘this is a different Australian government’ that will act responsibly on climate changeFollow our Australia news live blog for the latest updatesGet our free news app; get our morning email briefingThe ne…

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Jacinda Ardern says New Zealand ‘ready to respond’ to Pacific’s security needs as China seeks deal in region

Prime minister says ‘the Pacific is our home’ as Beijing plans a regional security pact with almost a dozen island nationsJacinda Ardern says New Zealand is “ready to respond” to security needs in the Pacific, after it emerged China is planning a Pacif…

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New Zealand foreign minister blames ‘relationship failure’ for China-Solomons security deal

Nanaia Mahuta confirms ‘unwelcome and unnecessary’ deal came as a surprise to New Zealand and Australia, saying the Solomons must provide transparencyThe shock over China’s security deal with Solomon Islands is evidence of “a relationship failure” , Ne…

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