In 1995, the Okinawan community of Yomitan — which had been dispossessed of their lands during the Pacific War to allow for the building of a Japanese airfield — revealed their plans for the future of their village.
Tag: Pacific
Business leaders express support for multilateralism, global value chains to build back better post COVID-19
Oct 30, 2020 Picture: Bangkok (ESCAP news) – Eminent business leaders from across the Asia-Pacific region have expressed strong support for multilateralism and regional cooperation as well as increased public-private partnerships to build back better and more sustainably. They also underscored that as countries recover from the COVID-19 pandemic impacts, this is no time for … Continue reading “Business leaders express support for multilateralism, global value chains to build back better post COVID-19”
South Pacific: Tropical Cyclone Harold Update
The full extent of the impact of Cyclone Harold is still emerging. This was the strongest storm to hit the Pacific Islands (specifically Vanuatu, Fiji, the Solomon Islands and Tonga) since Cyclone Gita in 2018. While initial reports from some affected …
Cash-for-Passports in the South Pacific
The Solomon Islands is considering a controversial investment for a passport scheme; meanwhile Vanuatu is considering scrapping its own version.
Capitalism, the State Religion
Photograph Source: su-ch – CC BY 2.0 With Old Testament locusts and plagues re-emerging for the late capitalist era, one could be forgiven for imagining that an avenging God has been awakened. As the virus winds its way into the nooks and crannies of modernity, innocents are being sacrificed at the altar of ‘the economy’ … Continue reading “Capitalism, the State Religion”
Freedom from Fear: John Pilger Discusses Coronavirus Propaganda, Imperialism, and Human Rights
John Pilger is the world-renowned journalist and filmmaker. The author of several books and maker of over 60 documentaries (the latest being The Coming War on China and The Dirty War on the NHS), Pilger has won dozens of prestigious awards and has been honoured by several universities. I asked him about the coronavirus in … Continue reading “Freedom from Fear: John Pilger Discusses Coronavirus Propaganda, Imperialism, and Human Rights”
Postcard From Eastern Oregon: When Planting Food is Illegal
Finisia Medrano, far right, with some of her wildtending friends in eastern Oregon, Summer 2019 [Photo by Gabe Crawford] On Friday, April 3rd, Finisia Medrano—also known as “Tranny Granny”—died in Nevada. She was a well-known, or rather, notorious personality in rewilding / wildtending / primitive skills circles. Her name was praised and cursed, but even … Continue reading “Postcard From Eastern Oregon: When Planting Food is Illegal”
Taiwan donates further 6M surgical masks to help combat coronavirus
Taiwan’s government has pledged to donate a further six million surgical masks for use as personal protective equipment by frontline medical personnel combating coronavirus in America, Europe and the Asia-Pacific, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said April 9. According to the MOFA, one million masks will be delivered to the U.S. states most hard … Continue reading “Taiwan donates further 6M surgical masks to help combat coronavirus”
EU Will Mobilise And Redirect €119 Million To Aid Pacific Combat COVID-19
10/04/20- Suva, Fiji – The European Union (EU) will mobilise and redirect € 119 million (FJD 295 million) to respond to the coronavirus pandemic in the Pacific. Fifteen partner Pacific islands countries and four European Overseas Countries and …
Online journalist detained for quoting Cambodian prime minister’s advice on COVID-19
Cambodian journalist Sovann Rithy, wearing a scarf and the only one in the photo without a mask, inside a police office. Source Facebook page of the Phnom Penh Municipal Police Check out Global Voices’ special coverage of the global impact of COVID-19. Cambodian journalist Sovann Rithy of the TVFB digital news outlet was arrested on … Continue reading “Online journalist detained for quoting Cambodian prime minister’s advice on COVID-19”
Fiji: New Helpline For People In Crisis
Prem L. Singh providing tele-counselling via Empower Pacific’s 24-Hour helpline. (Photo: Empower Pacific) Lautoka City, usually bustling with people going about their daily routine, and streams of traffic commuting in and out of the city centre, is …
Pandemic Spreads in US Fleet, Sidelines Pacific Carrier, Upturns Navy Leadership
A U.S. carrier captain is fired and the navy secretary resigns in public uproar as COVID-19 cases spread through the fleet.
Don’t Get Too Excited, ‘Quad Plus’ Meetings Won’t Cover China
The Quad Plus may actually jeopardize what, in recent years, has become the Quad’s primary mission long-term: signalling unified resolve to counter China’s growing assertiveness in the Indo-Pacific.
Diageo donates ethyl alcohol to help combat COVID-19 in Southeast Asia
Apr 09, 2020 Picture: SINGAPORE, April 9, 2020 — Diageo, a global leader in beverage alcohol, has pledged to donate neutral spirit – a 96% strength ethyl alcohol used primarily in production of alcohol beverages, in support of efforts in Southeast Asia to tackle the challenge of COVID-19. Governments and communities in Southeast Asia, like … Continue reading “Diageo donates ethyl alcohol to help combat COVID-19 in Southeast Asia”
Pacific Islands: Widespread Damage Reported As Cyclone Harold Hammers Vanuatu And Fiji
Geneva/Kuala Lumpur/Suva, 8 April 2020 – As Cyclone Harold hammers Vanuatu and Fiji, initial reports show extensive damage across both island nations as the storm continues to sweep through the Pacific. Cyclone Harold hit Vanuatu on Monday night …
Novotech Data Shows Majority Of Australian Sites Are Open For Clinical Trial Activity
Part of New Series of COVID-19 Asia-Pacific Bulletins – Asia-Pacific’s largest specialist biotech CRO Novotech said the top 10 biotech sites in Australia were open for clinical trial activity with many sites modifying their practices to ensure continuity of …
When Asian Economies Rebuild After COVID-19, They Should Choose a New Path
The Asia-Pacific response to the coronavirus crisis must build a resilient and sustainable future.
Muhammad Ali’s Fight Against the Pentagon
Like many home-bounders during this coronavirus crisis, I’m watching movies on Netflix and Amazon Prime. I just finished watching a biography of Muhammad Ali, who was one of the greatest boxers of all time, if not the greatest. Perhaps the biggest demarcation point in Ali’s life occurred when he refused to comply with a draft … Continue reading “Muhammad Ali’s Fight Against the Pentagon”
BLM Timber Sale Increases Fire Risk, Reduces Climate Resilience and Harms Recreation
The Bureau of Land Management’s Medford District has proposed the Bear Grub timber sale in the mountains between Ruch in the Applegate Valley and Talent in the Rogue Valley. This project focuses on logging some of the driest watersheds in Western Oregon, including popular recreation areas along the East Applegate Ridge Trail, and in important … Continue reading “BLM Timber Sale Increases Fire Risk, Reduces Climate Resilience and Harms Recreation”
TC Harold Impacting Fiji Update From Save The Children New Zealand
TC Herald has changed course and will pass much closer to western part of Viti Levu. A hurricane warning is now in force from Nadi up to Pacific harbour. TC Herald will make landfall over Kadavu at 200km/hr wind speeds. As of this morning, one school …
Asia-Pacific Response To COVID-19 And Climate Emergency Must Build Resilient And Sustainable Future
The unprecedented public health emergency triggered by the COVID -19 pandemic and its multi-faceted impact on people’s lives around the world is taking a heavy toll on Asia and the Pacific. Countries in our region are striving to mitigate the massive …
Save The Children Staff Mobilise To Help Children Affected By Tropical Cyclone Harold
Save the Children staff in Vanuatu and Solomon Islands are ready to help hundreds of children affected by Tropical Cyclone (TC) Harold, the most powerful storm in the Pacific in at least two years, with winds gusting as high as 235km/h. Save the …
Oxfam Coordinates Response To TC Harold
Oxfam teams in the Pacific are already working with partner agencies and governments in Vanuatu and Solomon Islands in response to Tropical Cyclone Harold. The category 5 cyclone is now hitting Santo and Malo and moving into the Penama and Malampa Provinces, …
Taiwan, US hold virtual forum on combating coronavirus
Taiwan and the U.S. held a virtual forum on potential partnerships to combat coronavirus and how to expand Taiwan’s international participation March 31, spotlighting both sides’ interest in working together to manage the COVID-19 pandemic. Organized by the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Health and Welfare alongside Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in … Continue reading “Taiwan, US hold virtual forum on combating coronavirus”
Play The Diplomat’s Quiz: April 5, 2020, Edition
Test your knowledge of the Asia-Pacific region with The Diplomat’s weekly news quiz!
Fullerton Healthcare Redeems US$175m 7.0% Senior Perpetual Capital Securities
Underscoring Resilience Amidst COVID-19 Uncertainty SINGAPORE, Apr 6, 2020 – (ACN Newswire) – Fullerton Healthcare Corporation Limited (“Fullerton Health”), the leading integrated healthcare platform in the Asia Pacific, announces that it …
Crisis Stricken Vanuatu Hit By Climate-fuelled Tropical Cyclone Harold
SYDNEY , April 6, 2020 – As the world scrambles to contain the Covid-19 pandemic, Tropical Cyclone Harold has struck Vanuatu, with the devastation providing an unwelcome reminder that climate change remains the biggest threat facing the Pacific. Earlier …
Intrepid Ducks Explore South Pacific
Two intrepid New Zealand mallard ducks have turned up on the small New Caledonian island of Lifou. The two mallards, one drake and one hen, had been recently banded by Auckland/Waikato Fish & Game staff and volunteers as part of their annual …
Save The Children Prepares To Help Children Affected By Cyclone Harold
As COVID-19 cases surge across the world, Save the Children has warned that Pacific nations are among the most vulnerable to the ravages of the pandemic. Save the Children New Zealand is preparing to help hundreds of children in Vanuatu affected by Cyclone …
Aviation Industries Alone Stand to Lose $2 Trillion From the Corona Mind Virus
The losses for the wider global aviation industry, excluding airlines, from the coronavirus pandemic could exceed US$2 trillion this year, with millions of jobs at risk in Asia-Pacific alone, according to Zheng Lei, founder and president of the Institute for Aviation Research, an independent think tank. “Airlines are the key to the whole supply chain, … Continue reading “Aviation Industries Alone Stand to Lose $2 Trillion From the Corona Mind Virus”
How Southeast Asia’s Leading Flower Farm is Changing Women’s Lives in Central Highlands, Viet Nam
Apr 04, 2020 Picture: Agribusiness is critical to economic development. In Asia and the Pacific, it can provide opportunities for women to find good jobs earning decent salaries. ADB partners with agribusiness companies like Hasfarm Holdings, Southeast Asia’s leading flower company, to open up new career paths for women. “In all our financings, we systematically … Continue reading “How Southeast Asia’s Leading Flower Farm is Changing Women’s Lives in Central Highlands, Viet Nam”
Pacific Islands Forum Foreign Ministers To Consider Regional Response To COVID-19 Pandemic
SUVA, Fiji: The COVID-19 pandemic has forced the implementation of unprecedented response measures and restrictions by Governments across the Pacific region, in an effort to curb the transmission and spread of the virus in Pacific Island States. …
Andrew Cuomo Held New York’s Health Care Hostage to Undo Criminal Justice Reforms
New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo during a press conference at the Jacob Javits Convention Center on March 30, 2020. Photo: Albin Lohr-Jones/Pacific Press/LightRocket via Getty Images On Monday, New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo broadcast his now daily press briefing from the Jacob Javits Convention Center in New York City, which the Army Corps of Engineers is … Continue reading “Andrew Cuomo Held New York’s Health Care Hostage to Undo Criminal Justice Reforms”
Overseas Pacific Communities Prepare For COVID-19
While many Pacific nations are not experiencing large COVID-19 case numbers, local community groups are already mobilizing to prevent and prepare for the growing pandemic. One such group is the Kiribati Health Champions, comprised of women and young adults …
US Navy Aircraft Carrier Commander Seeks Evacuation of Entire Crew to Stem Outbreak of Coronavirus
The commander of the aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt has sent a four-page letter to his superiors appealing for the Navy to move nearly his entire crew into quarantine on the US Pacific island territory of Guam, where the vessel … The post US Navy Aircraft Carrier Commander Seeks Evacuation of Entire Crew to Stem … Continue reading “US Navy Aircraft Carrier Commander Seeks Evacuation of Entire Crew to Stem Outbreak of Coronavirus”
AM alpha acquires portfolio with 25 residential properties in Tokyo
Apr 01, 2020 • Successful acquisition of new buildings in the 23 special wards of former Tokyo City • Asia-Pacific region remains the focus of further direct investments Munich, March 17, 2020 –( ASIA TODAY )– The Munich-based family office AM alpha, which specializes in joint real estate investments with private and institutional investors, announces … Continue reading “AM alpha acquires portfolio with 25 residential properties in Tokyo”
US Marine Corps Halts 2,500-Troop Deployment to Australia Amid COVID-19 Travel Ban
Marine Corps Forces Pacific commander Lt. Gen. Lewis Craparotta announced Monday that this year’s six-month rotation of US Marines to Australia would not be taking place in April due to a newly initiated prohibition on overseas travel by the US Department of Defense. “In cooperation with the Australian government the MRF-D 2020 rotation is delayed … Continue reading “US Marine Corps Halts 2,500-Troop Deployment to Australia Amid COVID-19 Travel Ban”
Asia-Pacific Economies Hit Hard By Coronavirus Pandemic
Mar 31, 2020 Picture: The World Bank’s East Asia and Pacific Economic Update, April 2020, illustrates the damage down by the coronavirus on Southeast Asia’s economies Asia-Pacific’s emerging economies are facing a sharp slowdown in growth this year and regional GDP could even contract if the impact of the coronavirus outbreak is prolonged, the World … Continue reading “Asia-Pacific Economies Hit Hard By Coronavirus Pandemic”
Pacific Range – High Upon The Mountain
The post Pacific Range – High Upon The Mountain appeared first on CounterPunch.org.
World Bank Sees Coronavirus Outbreak Hitting Asia Hard
The World Bank estimates COVID-19 will cause economic growth to slow significantly this year in China and other East Asian-Pacific countries.
Beyond Chutzpah: US Charges Venezuela With Nacro-Terrorism
Photograph Source: Sabrina Laberdesque – Public Domain According to the parable, the ungrateful son takes out a life insurance policy on his parents, murders them to collect, and is caught and found guilty. At his sentencing, the judge asks if he has anything to say on his behalf. The son replies: “Have mercy upon me … Continue reading “Beyond Chutzpah: US Charges Venezuela With Nacro-Terrorism”
We’ve Met the Enemy and It’s a Tiny Virus
Photograph Source: U.S. Navy photo by Chief Photographer’s Mate Todd P. Cichonowicz – Public Domain Over the course of just a couple of days last week, the backbone of the US Navy’s Pacific fleet has just been shut down for the next month. The enemy that managed to cause this sudden surprise unilateral disarmament of … Continue reading “We’ve Met the Enemy and It’s a Tiny Virus”
Taiwan, Australia join forces on combating coronavirus
Taiwan and Australia have agreed to exchange materials used in the manufacture of items critical to combating the global outbreak of coronavirus first reported in the Chinese city of Wuhan late last year. Under an arrangement announced March 30 by the Ministries of Foreign and Economic Affairs, Taiwan will make available for purchase at … Continue reading “Taiwan, Australia join forces on combating coronavirus”
COVID-19 Cases Reported on Both US Aircraft Carriers in Western Pacific
Coronavirus cases have been found on USS Theodore Roosevelt and USS Ronald Reagan as well as a U.S. base in Japan.
Pandemic in the Pacific: COVID-19 to Hit Pacific Economies Hard
The Pacific’s lucrative tourism industry could collapse amid the lockdown on international travel.
Play The Diplomat’s Quiz: March 29, 2020, Edition
Test your knowledge of the Asia-Pacific region with The Diplomat’s weekly news quiz!
Alliance for the Wild Rockies Sues Trump’s Bureau of Reclamation for Bull Trout Fatalities in Saint Mary-Milk River Irrigation Project on the east Side of Glacier National Park
Bull trout are one of the largest native salmonids in Montana, capable of reaching three feet long and 25 pounds or more. A spectacularly beautiful fish, they once occupied an enormous range from the Rockies to the Pacific coast to the Yukon. But due to habitat destruction, dams, and irrigation dewatering, they were listed as … Continue reading “Alliance for the Wild Rockies Sues Trump’s Bureau of Reclamation for Bull Trout Fatalities in Saint Mary-Milk River Irrigation Project on the east Side of Glacier National Park”
MOFA inks 5 NGO partnership project agreements
Partnership project agreements paving the way for Taiwan’s expanded participation in global cooperation and humanitarian assistance were inked between the Department of NGO International Affairs under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and five nongovernmental organizations March 27 in Taipei City. Signed by department Director General Ming-chi Scott Lai, the pacts are with The Garden … Continue reading “MOFA inks 5 NGO partnership project agreements”
UNICEF Supports Pacific Island Countries To Protect Communities Against COVID-19 Pandemic
Pacific Island countries prepare to combat outbreaks UNICEF is supporting Pacific Island governments to help communities across the region prepare and respond to the threat faced by the COVID-19 pandemic. To date, UNICEF working together with …
Migrants in Hawaii care for the elderly, the aloha way
Mar 27, 2020 Picture: Migrants are playing an increasingly important role in the provision of health care around the world. The number of doctors, nurses and other medical professionals who move from developing countries to take up posts in developed countries is expected to rise as the global population of older persons and children continues … Continue reading “Migrants in Hawaii care for the elderly, the aloha way”