China October 3, 2019 China tightens noose around Taiwan while challenging US primacy China continued its challenge to U.S. hegemony in the South Pacific when Beijing enticed two of Taiwan’s closest allies into its geopolitical orbit earlier this month.
Pacific September 20, 2019 Kiribati cuts diplomatic ties with Taiwan, second Pacific island nation in a week The Pacific island nation of Kiribati cut diplomatic ties with Taiwan on Friday, becoming the second country to do so this week and strengthening Beijing's hand.
Sharks September 17, 2019 Shark circles oblivious Australian surfer in drone footage A surfer in Australia was busy looking for his next wave when a drone user alerted him to a circling shark.
Australia September 17, 2019 Fire at Australia lab causes 100 containers of cattle semen worth thousands to explode A building in Australia that houses a cattle breeding laboratory was destroyed by a fire that wiped out more than 100 cryogenic cylinders filled with semen, according to officials.
Pacific September 16, 2019 New Zealand man arrested in ‘witchcraft’ deaths of 5 Fiji family members A New Zealand man described as a “healer” and “witch doctor” has been charged in the mysterious deaths of five family members in Fiji last month, local police said Sunday.
New Zealand September 14, 2019 New Zealand man brings professional clown to pink-slip meeting who mimed crying, made balloon animals A New Zealand advertising executive facing the bleak prospect of being fired decided to inject a bit of humor into the situation, bringing a professional clown to his pink-slip meeting instead of a colleague for emotional support.
Crime September 13, 2019 Angry seal 'helps' Australian police bust drug smuggling ring An international drug smuggling ring was busted in Australia with the help of an angry seal.
New Zealand September 13, 2019 Passenger flying from Argentina to New Zealand died minutes before flight landed: report A female passenger died minutes before her 13-hour flight from Argentina to New Zealand landed on Friday.
Australia September 12, 2019 Two teenagers arrested over Australian bushfire; firefighters continue to battle at least 50 blazes Two Australian teenagers were charged Wednesday in setting one of the dozens of destructive fires that have raged across the country’s eastern coast since last week as experts warned of potentially dire conditions ahead of this year’s bushfire season.
New Zealand September 12, 2019 New Zealand prime minister under pressure after party member accused of sexual assault New Zealand’s prime minister is facing pressure amid allegations that her party may have covered up a sexual assault complaint against one of its staffers.
September 11 September 11, 2019 New Zealand firefighters perform ‘haka’ to honor 9/11 first responders A group of firefighters in New Zealand on Wednesday paid tribute to 9/11 first responders with a traditional ceremonial dance, known as the haka.