Pacific Island links: Chinese aid in the Pacific, Melanesian Spearhead Group, Bainimarama and more

4 March 2015 11:32

Philippa Brant has released an interactive map of Chinese aid in the Pacific. The figures show the extent of China’s growing influence in the region, where it is likely to become the third biggest donor in the near future.
Kaliopate Tavola looks at how the Melanesian Spearhead Group could drive greater Pacific regionalism.
Fiji Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama was critical of Australia’s refugee resettlement process in a speech at the UN Human Rights Council.
Philip Alpers analyses the success of disarmament programs in the Pacific.
Matthew Allen explains the deepening standoff at the Goldridge mine in Solomon Islands, where water tailings are dangerously close to breaching the spillway.
Following a meeting with Indonesia’s Foreign Minister, PNG Prime Minister Peter O’Neill has expressed his support for West Papua’s application for membership of the Melanesian Spearhead Group.
Hundreds of refugees on Nauru have protested against their poor living conditions on the island.

'Down and out down under'