Pacific

India has been quietly engaging with the island nations of the Pacific for a decade, and those efforts are increasing.

Accessing banking services in the Pacific is difficult, and it could soon become worse.

A spokesperson for a separatist group holding a New Zealand pilot hostage in Indonesia's Papua region say they plan to release him in August or September.

Mining companies hope to begin mining the sea floor for valuable metals soon — upping the stakes at a vote for the top role at the international regulator.

A gruesome video showing a bush-knife-wielding gang decapitating the dead body of a villager in PNG's East Sepik province emerges on social media, as local police use the footage to track down the alleged perpetrators. Warning, this story contains graphic content. 

One of only two Solomon Islands athletes at the Paris games, marathon runner Sharon Firisua was offered the country's wildcard spot in the flagship 100m heats, which kick off on Friday night.

Pacific Island nations are spending big to repay loans from China. But some say there are other roads available to them if they want to overcome their debt burdens. 

A "possibly unparalleled" desert, an archipelago with oceans "virtually free" from human exploitation and resting places for royals of old are among sites given world heritage status.

France has sharply rejected accusations that it undermined decolonisation in New Caledonia and says it's still deciding when a high-level Pacific delegation will be permitted to visit the territory.

Five years after Starlink satellites started orbiting the Earth, Pacific Island countries are still weighing up its benefits despite calls to approve its services.

Ni-Vanuatu seasonal workers brought a case to the Federal Court alleging they were subjected to persistent sexual harassment. They hope it will bring change for other women.

Pacific leaders are ramping up pressure on France over tensions in New Caledonia, pressing Paris to allow a "high-level" Pacific delegation to visit the troubled territory before a critical regional meeting next month.

The tree prized for its long, productive life is turning into a headache for the communities that have embraced it, creating a safety risk in some and leaving others with extremely old, unproductive plantations.

Police and officials in the Philippines are trying to reassure locals and tourists the area remains safe after a triple murder. 

Family and friends have paid tribute to boxer Lemuel Silisia who died in hospital days after competing in a professional bout in regional New South Wales.

Pacific Island workers coming home from Australia say it's a long and complicated process to get their superannuation — and the barriers appear to be stopping many from claiming their money.

China has handed over a massive newly-built presidential palace to Vanuatu days before the Pacific nation's prime minister is expected to visit Beijing.

A steep hike in visa fees is pushing current and prospective international students to consider other universities outside of Australia.

The Pacific's new top diplomat says it will be "hard" for the region to deal with China if Beijing behaves aggressively, or disregards the sovereignty of smaller island countries.

The Australian government is doubling the cost of student visa fees for international students, prompting outrage from student representatives who say that the price hike will drive potential students to competitors.

PNG has not had an accurate count of its population in 24 years and estimates vary by millions, but with a new census underway and officials heading to all corners of the country by road, boat and helicopter there could soon be a reliable number on exactly how many people are in the country.

An alleged murder involving two well-known writers and former friends has shocked the Pacific island nation of Samoa. Police are still piecing together what happened.

Solomon Islands Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele says he has asked Australia to help his country expand its police force to 3,000 officers after sitting down with Anthony Albanese for bilateral talks in Canberra.

Julian Assange is a free man, after a US federal judge sentenced him to time already served in prison. Look back through our blog to see how the day's events unfolded.

After 1,901 days in prison, Julian Assange could soon be a free man after striking a plea deal with the United States Government.