Australia

Dry conditions, high winds and extreme heat have each played a role in wildfires sweeping parts of Australia this week. HPRʻs Bill Dorman has more in today's Asia Minute.

What to do with trash is an issue not only in Hawaiʻi, but for locations around the world — especially islands. In Australia, the government is trying a new approach. HPR's Bill Dorman has more in today's Asia Minute.

Papua New Guinea officials say President Biden is scheduled to sign defense and surveillance agreements on his trip to the island nation next week. Washington is seeking to counter China’s growing influence in the region. HPR’s Derrick Malama has more in the Pacific News Minute.

While it’s usual spring weather around the islands this week, that’s not the case in many places in the Asia Pacific. Southeast Asia is suffering record heat, while colder-than-normal temperatures are hitting parts of Australia. HPR’s Bill Dorman has more in today’s Asia Minute.

Australia is planning the biggest shift in its defense spending since World War II. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese says times have changed and the country's defense policy needs to adjust. HPR's Bill Dorman has more in today's Asia Minute.

The Pacific Island of Vanuatu is asking the International Court of Justice to make a ruling on the climate crisis. That would include legal consequences for causing significant environmental harm. And the move has the backing of Australia. HPR’s Derrick Malama has more in today’s Pacific News Minute.

Regional tensions between the United States and China remain a concern for Pacific Island leaders. But when they gathered at the end of last week in Fiji, the leaders also had other topics on their agenda. HPR’s Derrick Malama has more in the Pacific News Minute.

The heads of five Micronesian nations hope that President Biden will soon visit their region for a leaders' summit. Experts say it would be a significant move in U.S. efforts to push back against Chinese influence in the region. HPR's Derrick Malama has more in today's Pacific News Minute.

The leaders of Australia and neighboring Papua New Guinea say they are finalizing a new security treaty — a move that comes as a challenge to China’s growing assertiveness in the region.

Extreme cold weather has been a focus for much of the United States in recent days. But in one part of the Asia Pacific, it’s a very different story. HPR’s Bill Dorman has more in today's Asia Minute.