Diplomatic outpost in Solomon Islands capital Honiara is aimed at countering China's push into Pacific and reopens after 30-year hiatus.
Violent tremor off the northern bay of the largest island Espiritu Santo sent people running to higher grounds as residents report some minor damage.
Sitiveni Rabuka becomes new prime minister after a coalition of parties vote to support him, signalling an end to Frank Bainimarama's 16 years of power in the Pacific archipelago.
Fiji's long-time prime minister said the military had been deployed to maintain "law and order", as the former coup leader refused to concede defeat after a close election.
At least five people died after a powerful earthquake hit a remote part of the Eastern New Guinea region.
Coffee is the country’s second-largest agricultural commodity after palm oil, accounting for 27 percent of all agriculture exports and six percent of the country’s GDP.
China's new security pact with the Solomon Islands has sparked fears in the United States, Australia, New Zealand and Japan that Beijing may establish a military presence in the South Pacific nation.
"The single greatest threat to our very existence is climate change, it threatens our very hopes and dreams of prosperity", said Fiji's defence minister during the 19th Shangri-La Dialogue.
PM Manasseh Sogavare rejects criticism of the new maritime investment deal with Beijing, saying it's a "normal bilateral development initiative" that is yet to be formalised.
Three-days of clan fights in the town of Paiam and nearby Porgera of Papua New Guinea have killed at least 17 people.
PM Manasseh Sogavare asks all allies, neighbours and friends to respect the Pacific nation's sovereign interests, saying cooperation with Beijing is not directed at any countries or external alliances.
China and the Solomon Islands have initialled a draft security agreement, sparking concerns among regional players such as Australia.
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