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Nauru

The latest news, analysis and opinion on Nauru. In-depth analysis, industry insights and expert opinion.

Capital

Yaren

Head of State

President David W.R Adeang

Head of Government

President David W.R Adeang

Australia

Australia to send immigrants to Nauru after signing deal, including for funding

The deal is set to affect more than 220 immigrants in Australia, including some convicted of serious crimes.

30 Aug 2025 - 9:19PM

AIIB

China’s AIIB to double financing with help from private sector

26 Jun 2025 - 5:00PM

Pacific nations

Australia signs security treaty with China-friendly Nauru

9 Dec 2024 - 3:41PM

Australia

As Chinese banks circle, Australia pushes ANZ to stay in Pacific island nations

For years, Western banks have been closing branches throughout the South Pacific. State-owned Bank of China has shown it’s eager to step in.

12 Nov 2024 - 10:34AM

A Bank of China branch in China. The state-owned institution has been exploring options in Nauru and Papua New Guinea. Photo: Shutterstock

Banking & finance

AIIB adds new member as development bank embarks on grand global mission

Micronesian island of Nauru named as the 110th member of the Beijing-headquartered Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) on Thursday.

30 Sep 2024 - 1:27PM

US-China relations

As No 2 US envoy ends Pacific tour, Beijing scores a diplomatic win on Taiwan

After Beijing envoy demands ‘correction’, Pacific Islands Forum scraps Taiwan reference from its annual summit’s final communique.

1 Sep 2024 - 12:39AMvideocam

India

India ‘racing’ to get ocean licences to scout for critical minerals used in EVs

India plans to focus on a vast plain between Hawaii and Mexico known to hold large volumes of polymetallic nodules containing minerals used in electric vehicles and solar panels.

22 Jul 2024 - 6:00PM

Deep sea polymetallic nodules contain many elements critical to modern technologies. Photo: TNS

Japan

Japan talks with Pacific islands focus on climate, security issues take back seat

Among the areas of concern highlighted by Pacific island nations was Japan’s release of treated radioactive water.

20 Jul 2024 - 1:45PMvideocam

Australia

Australia urged to act as refugee health crisis intensifies in Papua New Guinea

A report by an asylum seeker support group found one-fifth of the remaining refugees are “so unwell their lives were at imminent risk”.

20 Jul 2024 - 1:52PMvideocam

Taiwan

US, Taiwan seek to expand island’s ‘meaningful participation’ in international community

At a meeting in Taipei, US officials reaffirm support for Taiwan’s ‘valuable expertise’ in addressing ‘urgent challenges’, as China sends 66 warplanes into the airspace around island.

24 Jun 2024 - 4:58AM

The election of William Lai as Taiwan’s president, the third consecutive presidential term for the independence-leaning Democratic Progressive Party, has increased tension between Taipei and Beijing. Photo: EPA-EFE

China-Vatican relations

Beijing hopes for better ties as Vatican seeks ‘stable presence in China’

Beijing’s pledge comes after Holy See hosts Shanghai bishop for Concilium Sinense centenary, offers to ‘renew and develop’ 2018 deal on appointing bishops.

22 May 2024 - 8:05PMvideocam

Shanghai Bishop Joseph Shen Bin with the Vatican Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, in Rome on Tuesday. Photo: AP

Israel-Gaza war

My Take | International court prosecutor rises to historic occasion

In applying for arrest warrants for top leaders of Israel and Hamas, Karim Khan of the International Criminal Court has stood up for global justice and international law against the manipulated so-called rules-based order.

21 May 2024 - 9:00PM

US-China relations

Bill would create US fund for nations facing Beijing ‘coercion’ on Taiwan

‘Taiwan Allies Fund’ would encourage nations that ‘lack the economic or political capability to effectively respond’ to retaliation from China.

11 May 2024 - 4:24AMvideocam

Australia

Australia boosts aid to Taiwan-ally Tuvalu to counter mainland China’s influence

China’s ambitions for a greater security presence in the Pacific became an election issue in Tuvalu in January.

8 May 2024 - 8:00PMvideocam

An aerial view of downtown and the airport runway in Funafuti, Tuvalu. Australia said it will quadruple its financial help to Tuvalu, as China also courts small island states. Photo: Getty Images

Taiwan

‘Vitally important’ US keep status quo on Taiwan policy: senior diplomat

Allies and partners described as more willing and comfortable to stand alongside Washington when they understand stance espouses ‘peace and stability’.

1 May 2024 - 6:50AMvideocam

Daniel Kritenbrink, US assistant secretary of state for East Asian and Pacific affairs, is a long-time diplomat. Photo: AP

Japan

To counter growing Chinese presence, Japan coastguard to train Pacific nations

The Mobile Cooperation Team initiative was first set up in 2017 as part of Tokyo’s efforts to train and equip the coastguards of Southeast Asian nations that felt threatened by China’s presence.

23 Apr 2024 - 1:16PMvideocam

Pacific nations

‘Calling for change’: will Solomon Islands lean closer to China after its polls?

Geopolitics looms large over the polls in Solomon Islands, where Beijing and Washington have been vying for influence for years. But for voters just struggling to make ends meet, Wednesday’s election may be decided by issues much closer to home.

17 Apr 2024 - 10:49AMvideocam

China’s Communist Party

China urges Asian neighbours to take peace and security ‘into their own hands’

Head of country’s legislature says region should resist ‘bloc confrontation’, calls for unity and independence amid ‘serious challenges’.

28 Mar 2024 - 7:13PMvideocam

Zhao Leji, chairman of the National People’s Congress Standing Committee, promised more economic cooperation from Beijing and pledged equal treatment for foreign businesses in the country. Photo: Reuters

US-China relations

A US governor in the Pacific plans ‘lonely’ pivot away from China

Long tied to Beijing for tourism and gambling income, Northern Mariana Islands needs more aid from Washington, says governor.

28 Mar 2024 - 10:41AMvideocam

US-China relations

US knew Nauru might cut ties to Taiwan before it did, official says

Daniel Kritenbrink, an assistant secretary of state, tells Senate hearing ‘we had known for some time [of Nauru’s concerns] … in this instance, they decided to flip’.

15 Mar 2024 - 7:59AM

Japan

Japan may be making its biggest security move in the Pacific Islands since WWII

Talks on March 19 are expected to involve Japan’s Self-Defence Forces and police taking part in local and regional responses as well as training.

13 Mar 2024 - 2:22PM

Police work at the site of a damaged building in Port Moresby on January 12 following deadly riots in Papua New Guinea’s capital. Photo: AFP

Taiwan

Taiwan thanks Tuvalu’s new government for retaining diplomatic ties

The small South Pacific state says it will uphold its relationship with Taipei and look at options to make it more durable.

29 Feb 2024 - 6:03PMvideocam

Tuvalu’s new government, led by Prime Minister Feleti Teo (front centre) has reaffirmed its diplomatic ties with Taipei. Photo: AFP

Diplomacy

China ahead of US in global diplomatic presence – but does it mean influence?

Beijing has 274 diplomatic missions around the world, compared with 271 for Washington, a new study has found.

27 Feb 2024 - 10:00AMvideocam

Pacific nations

Tuvalu’s Taiwan ties in the balance as Pacific nation gets new PM

The issue of diplomatic recognition is up for debate in the island nation, one of only three remaining Pacific allies of Taiwan. The new prime minister’s position on the subject has not been made public.

26 Feb 2024 - 3:31PMvideocam

Taiwan

Mainland China’s top Taiwan official pledges support for pro-unification forces

Wang Huning, the party’s No 4, tells a conference that officials must ‘advance the process of reunification’ this year.

24 Feb 2024 - 1:29AMvideocam

Beijing has vowed to continue with efforts to reunify Taiwan with mainland China. Photo: AP

Pacific nations

US’ funding deadlock may pave the way for more Chinese influence in the Pacific

The lack of urgency is causing alarm inside the United States among those hyper-aware of the speed at which China may step in while Congress dawdles over a small sum of money by aid standards.

21 Feb 2024 - 7:38PM

Secretary of State Antony Blinken, (centre right) meets with, from left, Marshall Islands Foreign Affairs and Trade Minister Jack Ading, Palau’s President Surangel Whipps, Jr., Blinken, and Micronesia’s President Wesley Simina on September 26, 2023, in Washington. Photo: AP

US-China relations

China will not fall into ‘trap’ of war in Taiwan Strait: Cui Tiankai

China’s longest-serving ambassador to Washington tells conference ‘someone’ may be preparing for proxy conflict with Chinese killing Chinese.

12 Feb 2024 - 9:28PMvideocam

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Taiwan

As Guatemala mulls trade ties with Beijing, Taiwanese warned to take notice

Academic says public must understand Taiwan’s small allies are important in helping raise motions in UN to support taking part in international organisations.

10 Feb 2024 - 2:27PMvideocam

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Nauru

Australia to send immigrants to Nauru after signing deal, including for funding

The deal is set to affect more than 220 immigrants in Australia, including some convicted of serious crimes.

China’s AIIB to double financing with help from private sector

Australia signs security treaty with China-friendly Nauru

As Chinese banks circle, Australia pushes ANZ to stay in Pacific island nations

For years, Western banks have been closing branches throughout the South Pacific. State-owned Bank of China has shown it’s eager to step in.

AIIB adds new member as development bank embarks on grand global mission

Micronesian island of Nauru named as the 110th member of the Beijing-headquartered Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) on Thursday.

As No 2 US envoy ends Pacific tour, Beijing scores a diplomatic win on Taiwan

After Beijing envoy demands ‘correction’, Pacific Islands Forum scraps Taiwan reference from its annual summit’s final communique.

India ‘racing’ to get ocean licences to scout for critical minerals used in EVs

India plans to focus on a vast plain between Hawaii and Mexico known to hold large volumes of polymetallic nodules containing minerals used in electric vehicles and solar panels.

Japan talks with Pacific islands focus on climate, security issues take back seat

Among the areas of concern highlighted by Pacific island nations was Japan’s release of treated radioactive water.

Australia urged to act as refugee health crisis intensifies in Papua New Guinea

A report by an asylum seeker support group found one-fifth of the remaining refugees are “so unwell their lives were at imminent risk”.

US, Taiwan seek to expand island’s ‘meaningful participation’ in international community

At a meeting in Taipei, US officials reaffirm support for Taiwan’s ‘valuable expertise’ in addressing ‘urgent challenges’, as China sends 66 warplanes into the airspace around island.

Beijing hopes for better ties as Vatican seeks ‘stable presence in China’

Beijing’s pledge comes after Holy See hosts Shanghai bishop for Concilium Sinense centenary, offers to ‘renew and develop’ 2018 deal on appointing bishops.

.css-1m2rp1p{color:#34b8b5;}My Take | International court prosecutor rises to historic occasion

In applying for arrest warrants for top leaders of Israel and Hamas, Karim Khan of the International Criminal Court has stood up for global justice and international law against the manipulated so-called rules-based order.

Bill would create US fund for nations facing Beijing ‘coercion’ on Taiwan

‘Taiwan Allies Fund’ would encourage nations that ‘lack the economic or political capability to effectively respond’ to retaliation from China.

Australia boosts aid to Taiwan-ally Tuvalu to counter mainland China’s influence

China’s ambitions for a greater security presence in the Pacific became an election issue in Tuvalu in January.

‘Vitally important’ US keep status quo on Taiwan policy: senior diplomat

Allies and partners described as more willing and comfortable to stand alongside Washington when they understand stance espouses ‘peace and stability’.

To counter growing Chinese presence, Japan coastguard to train Pacific nations

The Mobile Cooperation Team initiative was first set up in 2017 as part of Tokyo’s efforts to train and equip the coastguards of Southeast Asian nations that felt threatened by China’s presence.

‘Calling for change’: will Solomon Islands lean closer to China after its polls?

Geopolitics looms large over the polls in Solomon Islands, where Beijing and Washington have been vying for influence for years. But for voters just struggling to make ends meet, Wednesday’s election may be decided by issues much closer to home.

China urges Asian neighbours to take peace and security ‘into their own hands’

Head of country’s legislature says region should resist ‘bloc confrontation’, calls for unity and independence amid ‘serious challenges’.

A US governor in the Pacific plans ‘lonely’ pivot away from China

Long tied to Beijing for tourism and gambling income, Northern Mariana Islands needs more aid from Washington, says governor.

US knew Nauru might cut ties to Taiwan before it did, official says

Daniel Kritenbrink, an assistant secretary of state, tells Senate hearing ‘we had known for some time [of Nauru’s concerns] … in this instance, they decided to flip’.

Japan may be making its biggest security move in the Pacific Islands since WWII

Talks on March 19 are expected to involve Japan’s Self-Defence Forces and police taking part in local and regional responses as well as training.

Taiwan thanks Tuvalu’s new government for retaining diplomatic ties

The small South Pacific state says it will uphold its relationship with Taipei and look at options to make it more durable.

China ahead of US in global diplomatic presence – but does it mean influence?

Beijing has 274 diplomatic missions around the world, compared with 271 for Washington, a new study has found.

Tuvalu’s Taiwan ties in the balance as Pacific nation gets new PM

The issue of diplomatic recognition is up for debate in the island nation, one of only three remaining Pacific allies of Taiwan. The new prime minister’s position on the subject has not been made public.

Mainland China’s top Taiwan official pledges support for pro-unification forces

Wang Huning, the party’s No 4, tells a conference that officials must ‘advance the process of reunification’ this year.

US’ funding deadlock may pave the way for more Chinese influence in the Pacific

The lack of urgency is causing alarm inside the United States among those hyper-aware of the speed at which China may step in while Congress dawdles over a small sum of money by aid standards.

China will not fall into ‘trap’ of war in Taiwan Strait: Cui Tiankai

China’s longest-serving ambassador to Washington tells conference ‘someone’ may be preparing for proxy conflict with Chinese killing Chinese.

As Guatemala mulls trade ties with Beijing, Taiwanese warned to take notice

Academic says public must understand Taiwan’s small allies are important in helping raise motions in UN to support taking part in international organisations.

My Take | International court prosecutor rises to historic occasion