Tag

Pacific Region

All articles tagged with #pacific region

science4 hours ago•6 min saved

Rethinking sea-level baseline widens coastal risk estimates

A Nature study finds that hundreds of sea-level assessments underestimate baseline coastal water heights by about 1 foot, which could mean up to 37% more land could flood and 77–132 million more people could be at risk if sea levels rise ~3 feet by the end of the century, with the Pacific and Southeast Asia most affected; the discrepancy stems from how land and water elevations are measured and may require planners to account for waves and tides rather than assuming a zero baseline.

via PBS|

#baseline-height #climate-change #coastal-flooding

world5 months ago•3 min saved

Australia and Papua New Guinea Sign Defence Agreement Amid Diplomatic Challenges

Australia and Papua New Guinea signed a defense communique after plans for a formal treaty stalled due to internal cabinet issues in PNG. The agreement aims to strengthen security ties and counter Chinese influence in the Pacific, with PNG emphasizing its independent security choices. The treaty, which would be PNG's first new alliance in over 70 years, highlights regional security concerns amid China's growing presence.

via Reuters|

#australia #chinese-influence #defense-treaty

world6 months ago•3 min saved

Taiwan Reports 40% Rise in China's Pacific Military Spending to $21 Billion

Taiwan estimates that China spent $21 billion on military exercises in the Pacific region last year, nearly 40% more than in 2023, reflecting Beijing's expanding military footprint and activities in areas including the Taiwan Strait, South China Sea, and beyond, with significant increases in naval and air operations. The report highlights concerns over China's military expansion and regional stability.

via CNBC|

#china #military-expansion #military-spending

world8 months ago•2 min saved

China's Aircraft Carriers Increase Presence in Pacific Amid Regional Tensions

The USS George Washington departs Yokosuka Naval Base for its first deployment since returning to Japan, amid increased Chinese naval activity in the Pacific, including the presence of Chinese aircraft carriers Liaoning and Shandong near Japan's exclusive economic zone.

via Stars and Stripes|

#chinese-naval-activity #military-deployment #pacific-region

international-relations1 year ago•3 min saved

"US and China Resume Military Talks on Pacific Operational Safety"

After a nearly two-year hiatus, U.S. and Chinese defense officials have resumed talks on unsafe and aggressive incidents involving their militaries in the Pacific region, aiming to enhance safety in the air and at sea. The meeting in Hawaii marks a thaw in relations between the two countries, with discussions focusing on specific incidents and broader policy issues. Both sides have expressed commitment to open communication and have noted a reduction in unsafe incidents by Chinese military aircraft and ships in recent months. The talks come amid ongoing tensions over Taiwan and the South China Sea.

via ABC News|

#international-relations #military-talks #pacific-region

military-technology1 year ago•3 min saved

"US Air Force Tests Hypersonic Missile in Pacific Amid Uncertain Future and Geopolitical Tensions"

The US Air Force conducted a test of a new hypersonic missile, the All-Up-Round AGM-183A, on a B-52 bomber in the Pacific, marking the first time the US has tested a hypersonic weapon in the Western Pacific. The missile's future is uncertain, as it has had limited success in previous testing, leading to uncertainty about its continuation. The B-52 bomber, despite being over half a century old, continues to play a crucial role in long-range strategic bomber missions and is being updated to remain relevant in the 21st century.

via Business Insider|

#arrw-program #b-52-bomber #hypersonic-missile

international-relations2 years ago•2 min saved

"Nauru's Switch from Taiwan to China Sparks Diplomatic Tensions"

The Pacific nation of Nauru has announced the severing of formal diplomatic ties with Taiwan in favor of recognizing China, citing the decision as being in the best interests of the country and its people. China welcomed the move and expressed willingness to open a new chapter in bilateral relations with Nauru. This leaves Taiwan with only 12 diplomatic allies that recognize it as a sovereign state, and marks the latest development in the ongoing diplomatic tug-of-war between Taiwan and China in the Pacific region.

via Al Jazeera English|

#china #diplomatic-ties #international-relations

international-relations2 years ago•2 min saved

Australia and Papua New Guinea Forge Historic Security Pact Amid China's Pacific Policing Expansion

Australia and Papua New Guinea have signed a bilateral security agreement, strengthening their close ties. The agreement includes assistance for PNG's police and support for its legal system. It comes after PNG signed a defense deal with the United States in May. The agreement aims to enhance PNG's capabilities and contribute to Pacific-led regional security and stability. It covers various areas such as training, resources for judges, tackling gender-based violence, climate change, cyber security, and disaster relief. The agreement comes amid growing rivalry between the US and China in the Asia Pacific, with China increasing its security presence in the Pacific Islands.

via Al Jazeera English|

#australia #bilateral-relations #international-relations

international-relations2 years ago•1 min saved

China's assertiveness threatens security in the Pacific, says New Zealand PM

New Zealand Prime Minister Chris Hipkins has stated that the Pacific region is becoming less secure due to China's increasing assertiveness. He emphasized the need for New Zealand to work with like-minded partners while still engaging with Beijing. Hipkins acknowledged the challenges faced by small countries like New Zealand and highlighted the importance of managing the relationship with China carefully. Despite differences, China's ambassador to New Zealand, Wang Xiaolong, stated that relations between the two countries were healthy, stable, and thriving.

via Reuters|

#china #international-relations #new-zealand

natural-disasters2 years ago•0 min saved

Multiple Powerful Earthquakes Strike Alaska Peninsula, Triggering Tsunami Warnings

A magnitude 7.2 earthquake struck the Alaska Peninsula region, prompting a tsunami warning for South Alaska, the Alaska Peninsula, and nearby areas of the Pacific. The U.S. Geological Survey revised the magnitude down from an initial reading of 7.4, and the depth of the quake was revised to 32.6 km.

via Reuters|

#alaska-peninsula #earthquake #natural-disasters

cybersecurity2 years ago•1 min saved

Chinese Hackers Target U.S. Navy and Pacific Cyberinfrastructure

Suspected Chinese state-sponsored hacking group, Volt Typhoon, breached the US Navy as part of a broader campaign to disrupt communications in the Pacific region ahead of a possible crisis, according to Microsoft. The hackers gained access to targets in the US and Guam, home to a key US military installation in the Pacific. Microsoft said it had "moderate confidence" the breaches were carried out in preparation for future disruption.

via The Japan Times|

#chinese-hackers #cybersecurity #pacific-region

politics2 years ago•5 min saved

US signs defense pact with Papua New Guinea amid rising China influence.

The United States and Papua New Guinea signed a security agreement on Monday, which is part of broader American efforts to counter growing Chinese influence in the Pacific region. The two countries also signed a maritime surveillance agreement, and the United States agreed to provide the developing nation of 10 million people with $45 million in equipment and assistance. The security pact was supposed to be the defining moment from a historic trip for President Biden, who would have been the first sitting U.S. president to visit a Pacific island nation. However, Biden’s decision to cancel the visit due to the U.S. debt crisis was a blow for American credibility in the Pacific.

via The Washington Post|

#china #pacific-region #papua-new-guinea

politics2 years ago•3 min saved

Biden's Overseas Trip Cut Short by Debt Ceiling Crisis.

President Biden arrived in Japan for the G-7 summit but canceled visits to Papua New Guinea and Australia to return to negotiations over the debt ceiling, which could lead to a potential default in early June. The White House expects the G-7 nations to discuss global issues, including their support for Ukraine. The Quad alliance of the US, Australia, Japan, and India aims to combat China's growing influence and threat in the Pacific region. If all sides fail to reach an agreement, the US could default on its debt, leading to a sharp economic downturn.

via Fox News|

#biden #debt-ceiling #g-7-summit

politics3 years ago•7 min saved

AUKUS elevates Britain's global position in Pacific Heights.

The AUKUS defense pact between Australia, the UK, and the US marks a significant shift in the UK's focus towards the Pacific region, as officials scramble to reconsider and recalibrate Britain's place in the world after Brexit. The pact extends Britain and America's reach into a region that is rapidly becoming the key global theater for the century to come, and underlines the growing challenge posed by China's authoritarianism and assertiveness overseas. The high price of membership of AUKUS and engagement in the Pacific region is a necessary one, however, and defense chiefs insist that alliances and multilateral agreements are the way of the future.

via POLITICO Europe|

#aukus #china #pacific-region