Tropical Cyclone Tino storms through the region
Tropical Cyclone Tino has made its way through the region. Severe weather conditions have affected communities in Tuvalu, Fiji, Tonga, and Samoa. The weather system peaked at category three strength. In Tuvalu, the cyclone coincided with king tides to cause widespread flooding throughout the country. Around 200 people were evacuated and there has been widespread damage to infrastructure. In Fiji, two people are missing. Authorities have reported that there has not been extensive damage, although many people were forced to seek shelter in evacuation centres. This comes three weeks after Tropical Cyclone Sarai affected the country. In Tonga, the most severe effects were felt in the Ha’apai group of islands. In Samoa, there have been reports of property damage as a result of strong winds. The government of PNG has pledged 3 million kina (AU$1.2 million) in relief assistance to the affected countries.
Japan plans meeting with regional partners
The government of Japan is planning to meet with officials from the Pacific islands region in April. Defence Minister, Kono Taro, is expected to convene this meeting, a first for his ministry. Representatives from the region will be invited, including the defence ministers of Fiji, Papua New Guinea, and Tonga. Other countries with interests in the region, such as Australia, France and the United States are also expected to attend. The meeting will address the promotion of a “Free and Open Indo-Pacific”. This is largely seen as a push to contain China’s rise in the region, with a particular focus on maritime security. The participants are also expected to discuss how to improve ways of working together to respond to natural disasters. Japan has increased its presence in the region recently on other fronts, including the opening of an embassy in Vanuatu.
Bougainville work moves ahead
In Bougainville, there are significant things happening post last year’s referendum. The first meeting of the Bougainville Consultation Forum will be held in Buka on January 23rd. This starts the process of determining what will be put to the parliament of Papua New Guinea. This is the body that has the final sign-off on the results of the referendum under the terms of the Bougainville Peace Agreement. Meanwhile, ahead of the elections in Bougainville, the Parliament has voted to change the name of the government. What is now known as the Autonomous Bougainville Government is set to be renamed as the Bougainville Constitutional Transitional Government. The new government will be expected to take forward the negotiations with the government of PNG to give effect to the result of the referendum last year. In that vote, the result was overwhelmingly in favour of independence.
Kiribati gains ‘Approved Destination’ status from China
Kiribati has been given ‘Approved Destination’ status by China. Just months after Kiribati switched diplomatic allegiance from Taiwan to China, this announcement has been hailed as an achievement by both governments. It comes further to a visit to Beijing by President Taneti Maamu. The government of Kiribati has said that it intends to develop the Phoenix Island Protected Area to promote eco-tourism. Kiribati currently receives 5,000 tourists annually. A recent press release from the office of the Kiribati President (issued via Facebook) has raised concerns about the impact of Chinese propaganda. It painted a very positive picture about religious freedom in China. President Maamu’s office posted photos of the President of Kiribati attending church in Guangzhou province during his visit. Meanwhile a report in The Washington Posthas noted the increased focus of activity by China in relation to influencing media in the Pacific.
Chinese Spring Festival marked in Pacific island countries
Although the Spring Festival has yet to commence, there have been numerous events held in Pacific island countries to mark the occasion. The events were used to celebrate longstanding diplomatic relationships in some cases. They also provided opportunities to look back on shared joint achievement and look forward to future areas of cooperation. In Fiji, Ambassador Qian Bo said he looked forward to Fiji and China taking their comprehensive strategic partnership to a new level. In Vanuatu, Ambassador Zhou Haicheng announced that China would assist Vanuatu in hosting the 51st meeting of Pacific Islands Forum leaders later this year. But it was newly appointed Ambassador to Tonga, Cao Xiaolin, who stole the show. His comment that China, with a permanent seat on the UN Security Council, could ‘speak for Tonga’ has caused a few eyebrows to be raised.
Tess Newton Cain is an Adjunct Associate Professor at the Griffith Asia Institute.
