Taiwan considers economic ties with PNG in response to office closure
Taiwanese officials say their economic ties with Papua New Guinea are under review, raising the question of whether Taipei will continue to purchase liquiefied natural gas (LNG). This comes in response to the shock announcement on Friday by PNG’s foreign minister that the Taiwanese representative office in Port Moresby will be closed as its presence was “no longer recognised or required”. PNG’s decision has prompted concern in Australia and the US and has been welcomed by China.
Pro-France candidate elected leader of Congress in New Caledonia
A “governance alliance” has delivered the Presidency of the Congress in New Caledonia to Virginie Ruffenach. Ruffenach’s anti-independence bloc was able to secure a narrow majority with the support of the Eveil Océanian party, who hold four votes. Ruffenach has stated that her priorities are to rebuild the economy and promote social cohesion. However, the long-term political status of New Caledonia remains unresolved.
Tonga launches policy to support integration of “returnees”
In a significant shift of approach, Tonga has launched a policy to focus on supporting "returnees" to reintegrate into society. Many people who are returned to Tonga from Australia, New Zealand and the USA have no real connection to the country and lack support to ease their transition. Many have criminal convictions. The policy has been developed over a period of 12 months. Consultations were held with churches, traditional leaders and returnees themselves.
Pacific responses to Chinese missile test
China’s recent test firing of an inter-continental ballistic missile (ICBM) has drawn several negative responses from Pacific leaders. The reactions have been more robust than in 2024, when a previous test took place. PM Matthew Wale of Solomon Islands commented that this was not the action of a friend. Several leaders took the opportunity to call for no testing of missiles in reference to ongoing tests by the USA. The Pacific Islands Forum has not issued a statement on the matter.
About the author: Dr Tess Newton Cain is Principal Consultant at Sustineo. She is also a distinguished academic and researcher with over 25 years of unmatched experience in delivering exceptional policy, research, and analysis to drive strategic development across the Pacific islands region.
