The United States has announced its plan to open an embassy in the Pacific Island nation of Vanuatu, its latest move to boost diplomatic relations in the region in response to Beijing’s growing influence. “Consistent with the U.S. Indo-Pacific strategy, a permanent diplomatic presence in Vanuatu would allow the U.S. Government to deepen relationships with […]

The commander of the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, U.S. Admiral John Aquilino, made an official visit to New Zealand on Aug. 1 to expand the partnership between the two countries as tensions in the region grow following Beijing’s intentions. “Our partnership runs very deep. We are doing many things together to continue to ensure peace and […]

New Zealand has formally designated the U.S.-based groups the Proud Boys and the Base as terrorist organisations. The move was approved by Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern on June 20 and publicly announced in the country’s official government newspaper, New Zealand Gazette, one week later. The Proud Boys is a fraternal group that described itself as […]

New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern met with U.S. President Joe Biden in the Oval Office on the backdrop of the increasing spotlight on climate change, gun control and rising tensions in the Pacific as China seeks to expand its influence in the region. Biden told Ardern the United States needed guidance from New Zealand’s […]

The Great Barrier Reef will not be added to a list of World Heritage Sites that are “in danger” after a UN panel on Friday agreed to defer a vote until 2022 amid pushback from Australia. The UNESCO World Heritage Committee was held virtually in the Chinese city of Fuzhou. The committee members agreed to an […]

The Australian Federal Court has found Google guilty of misleading customers about personal location data collection on android mobile devices in a world-first enforcement action by the country’s consumer watchdog. The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has been pursuing legal action against Google’s “misleading conduct” since Oct. 2019. “This is an important victory for consumers, […]