Macron’s Military Push In Indo-Pacific: France Allocates €13B To Fortify Its Territories In ‘Hotly Contested’ Region

French President Emmanuel Macron’s recent tour of Southeast Asia, covering Vietnam (25–27 May), Indonesia (27–29 May), and Singapore (29–30 May), marked a major diplomatic initiative to deepen France’s strategic engagement in the Indo-Pacific....

Six high-end beachside hideaways for wannabe David Attenboroughs

David Attenborough’s latest film, Ocean, is not only his most spectacular, it also contains, he says, an important message. Thanks to the release of billions of tonnes of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, most of which is absorbed into our...

Coral resilience defies alarmist claims of climate catastrophe

Coral reefs have repeatedly recovered from bleaching events, demonstrating adaptability despite warming trends. Studies show French Polynesian reefs rebounded to pre-disturbance levels within 5–10 years after mass bleaching. The Great Barrier Reef...

French Polynesia Sees Record Tourism Numbers in 2024

Tourism in French Polynesia is expected to remain at record levels in 2025, according to a press release. The newly inaugurated Papeete cruise terminal, launched in February 2024 and has become a key hub in the region’s growing cruise market. In...

No winter water too cold for Canberra’s international swimming sensation

Posted on 22 July, 2025 Imagine a –8-degree morning in Canberra and you wake up at dawn to begin a marathon swim in Lake Burley Griffin. Alternatively, imagine taking a cold plunge in an ice bath, only staying there for 53 minutes. This is just a...

Cook Islands and French Polynesia look to strengthen cooperation

RAROTONGA (COOK ISLANDS GOVT) — Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown, met virtually with Moetai Brotherson, President of French Polynesia, last week reaffirming the historical ties between their peoples and to discuss opportunities for enhanced...

Amb. Petra Sigmund on Germany-Japan Security Cooperation 

Japan and Germany are drawing closer as strategic partners, strengthening their ties across Asia and Europe. Bound by shared values of liberal democracy and a rules-based international order, the two nations are deepening their security...

Cook Islands, French Polynesia strengthen bilateral relations,eye key agreements

Prime Minister Mark Brown and the President of French Polynesia, Moetai Brotherson, pictured in 2023 during the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting in Rarotonga. LOSIRENE LACANIVALU/23116062 The Cook Islands has strengthened its relations with...

‘Playing gods with the cradle of life’: French Polynesia’s president issues warning over deep-sea mining

French Polynesia’s president has issued a stark warning over the risks of deep-sea mining, saying it will be allowed in his territory “over my dead body” as he argues the potential for environmental damage outweighs any benefits. Moetai...

WHO pushes for safer, affordable surgeries across the Pacific

Surgery is meant to save lives, but in the Western Pacific, it can lead to financial hardship, long delays, or preventable deaths. The World Health Organization (WHO) is urging health ministers to prioritise safer surgical practices within the...

Luxury cruises just got more affordable – with a $1,500 flight credit, this small-ship cruise is unlocking travel to French Polynesia!

Paul Gauguin Cruises, part of the PONANT Explorations Group, is offering Australian travellers an AUD1,500 per person flight credit* on select 2025 and 2026 voyages aboard the newly refurbished m/s Paul Gauguin. “We are delighted to extend this...

Delta is ending flights to Tahiti in French Polynesia

There will be one less flight to paradise later this year. Delta Air Lines has officially filed plans to stop flying to Faaa International Airport (PPT) in Papeete, French Polynesia, as first seen in Cirium schedules and later confirmed by an...

China rejects 'false narratives' on Pacific military base claims

China has been building roads and bridges, and addressing development issues that respond to people's urgent needs, the Chinese embassy in Fiji says. Photo: RNZ Pacific/ Koroi Hawkins China says it is not interested in geopolitical competition,...

Stat of the week: French is spoken in four Pacific Community members: French Polynesia, Wallis and Futuna, Vanuatu, and New Caledonia

Did you know? Stat of the week: 33% of boys versus 46% of girls aged 7–14 in Tuvalu have achieved minimum proficiency in mathematics. Our stat of the week celebrates #InternationalDayOfHappiness and #FrenchLanguageDay, both on 20 March. Our...

Governor receives update from Google on Pacific Connect Initiative submarine cable landings

ON Wednesday, May 14, 2025, Gov. Arnold I. Palacios welcomed representatives from Google, SubCom, and NEC to his office in Saipan for an update on the Google Pacific Connect Initiative and the upcoming landing of submarine cables in the CNMI....

The UK, France, and Italy Coordinate an International Indo-Pacific Aircraft Carrier Operation

Following a week-long port visit to Singapore, the Royal Navy’s flagship has begun preparations to carry out joint operations with the Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force. The carrier airwing of HMS Prince of Wales will reportedly conduct flight...

James Ellsmoor | International Sustainability Summits highlight benefits of collaboration, inclusivity

OVER THE course of the past few weeks, several major regional and international events focused on sustainability and the environment have served as a reminder that to achieve the prosperous future we want for local, regional, and global...

U.S. Sailors, Marines Join Partners for Biennial Exercise in Philippine Sea

Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force, U.S. Navy and U.S. Marine Corps forces with Royal Australian Navy, Royal Canadian Navy, and French Navy sail and fly together in the Philippine Sea, Oct. 20, 2025, in support of Annual Exercise 25. US Navy photo...

Fijian Flying circus to tour French Polynesia

“This is an incredible opportunity to showcase the vibrancy and artistry of Fiji on an international stage,” said Navitalai Waqavotuwale, VOU’s artistic director. The Nadi-based VOU’s Fijian Flying Circus. Nadi-based VOU’s Fijian Flying Circus...

French parliament: Government should apologize for nuclear tests in Polynesia

France's parliament has called on the government to apologize for nuclear tests France conducted in the South Pacific for three decades and amend the compensation law for residents suffering health damage. France staged 193 nuclear tests over a...