09/19/2023 Newsletter

Happenings in Congress

• The Natural Resources Committee held a field hearing in Guam entitled “The Strategic Importance of the Pacific Islands to U.S.-led Global Security.”
• The Natural Resources Committee’s Indo-Pacific Task Force sent a congressional delegation to the Indo-Pacific, visiting the Marshall Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia, Palau and Guam.

In the News

• University of Guam pledges $709K to promote 'green growth' and sustainability in Micronesia – The University of Guam pledges the funds in support of environmental sustainability efforts on neighboring islands in the Pacific.
• New Zealand seeks new ships to replace ‘majority’ of naval fleet –New Zealand is looking to update its naval fleet.
• Prime Minister of Vanuatu ousted– the Prime Minister of Vanuatu was ousted after advocating for closer ties with the West, prompting backlash from pro-China forces in the government
• New Vanuatu prime minister wants to ‘revisit’ security pact with Australia – Vanuatu’s new Prime Minister says the Pacific Island nation will likely need to rethink a security agreement signed with Australia.
• China conducts major military exercises in Western Pacific-Several Chinese naval vessels have been seen in waters around Japan, Taiwan and the Philippines this week.
• U.S.-Indonesia security relations flourish in a changing Indo-pacific-Military ties between Washington and Jakarta see significant improvement in response to increased presence of Chinese naval ships.
• Forum foreign ministers address key priorities for the region - The Forum Foreign Ministers Meeting (FFMM) concluded last week with key Pacific priorities discussed by the foreign ministers of the Pacific Islands Forum member countries. These include implementation plan of the 2050 Strategy, global and regional strategic trends and dynamics, the climate crisis and a revitalized gender equality declaration.
• President Whipps calls for effective and durable partnerships and scaledup climate finance - Palau President and chair of the Pacific Small Island Developing States (PSIDS), Surangel Whipps Jr. says the slow progress on the Sustainable Development Goals achieved by Small Island Developing States to date is an indication that losses linked to vulnerability far outweighs development gains.

Pacific Voices

• On our playlist this week: Maoli - Rocky Road (feat. PeniDean)
• On our reading list this week: Witi Ihimaera – The Whale Rider