Solomon Islands

The United States has opened an embassy in the Solomon Islands in its latest move to counter China’s push into the Pacific. The embassy is starting small, with a chargé d’affaires, a couple of State Department staff and a handful of local employees.

Lawmakers in the Solomon Islands have voted to delay their nation’s general election from next year until 2024, a move that opponents say is a power grab and some fear could lead to further civil unrest.

Two United States officials, one of whom is the daughter of a former president, will visit the Solomon Islands this weekend where their fathers fought in World War II. HPR’s Derrick Malama has more in the Pacific News Minute.

Vice President Kamala Harris says the United States will continue to pay more diplomatic attention to Pacific Island nations. Harris made the comment directly to regional leaders last week — giving a virtual address to the Pacific Islands Forum while China competes for more influence in the Indo-Pacific. HPR’s Derrick Malama has more in the Pacific News Minute.

The Solomon Islands prime minister says he wants China to play a permanent role in training police in his country. It’s another sign that he intends to increase security ties with the world power. HPR’s Derrick Malama has more in the Pacific News Minute.

A top White House official says the United States plans to propose a new initiative to address issues in the Pacific this week as it scrambles to offset China’s increasing presence in the region. HPR’s Derrick Malama has more in the Pacific News Minute.

China has failed in its attempt to reach a security and trade deal with Pacific Island nations at a meeting in Fiji. But even though this proposal fell short, it contains elements that remain relevant to the region. HPR’s Derrick Malama has more in the Pacific News Minute.

Australia’s new government is approaching the end of its first week in office. And so far, at least one top official has spent more time overseas than in her own country. HPR’s Bill Dorman has more in this Asia Minute.

While much of the world remains focused on Ukraine, another area of concern for the U.S. is the Solomon Islands. A security agreement between China and the Solomon Islands is causing tension with Australia and the U.S. Tarcisius Kabutaulaka, an associate professor with the Center for Pacific Island Studies at the University of Hawaiʻi, helped The Conversation to unpack the strained diplomatic relations in the area.

Tough talk between the prime ministers of Australia and the Solomon Islands; An affordable housing project in Waipahu turns heads; A local comedian brings a touch of Hawaiʻi to sketch comedy in Chicago