The President of the Federated States of Micronesia, David Panuelo, speaks about the Suva Agreement, why he believes Kiribati can come back to the Pacific Islands Forum, and China's rising influence in the region.

US plans to open two new embassies in the region — one in Tonga, and another in Kiribati, just days after the Micronesian nation withdrew from the Pacific Islands Forum.

Independence leaders from New Caledonia are in Suva lobbying for Pacific Islands Forum support to hold another self-determination vote.

Suva’s Thurston Gardens has been home to Pacific Beat over the past few days but it's also home to a number of native bird species.

Australia is set to back Vanuatu's plea to have the International Court of Justice consider if inaction on climate change is considered a breach of human rights.

Art, music and dance have been on show at the Blue Pacific Village in Suva, across the road from the Forum Pacific Leaders Meeting.

The World Health Organization says Tahiti's main hospital is at full capacity as it is ravaged by a third wave of COVID-19 while in Fiji, the WHO is concerned at the spread of infections to rural communities.

As election campaigning continues in Fiji the mounting cost of living is among the key issues that voters will be considering when they head to the polls later this year.

Kiribati Opposition Leader Tessie Lambourne says she's shocked by the government's decision to withdraw from the Pacific Islands Forum. Ms Lambourne says the decision is puzzling and she's dismayed that the government made the move without any consultation.

Kiribati's opposition leader says her country's withdrawal from the Pacific Islands Forum without wider political discussion is out of order. Pacific leaders prepare for the opening of the 51st Forum Meeting but Kiribati and Marshall Islands won’t be taking part in the talks.