Independent voices from Australia, New Zealand & the World● RADIO Advertise with us

DOWNUNDERVOICESAustralia · New Zealand · World

31 August 2026

Great power rivalry threatens to overshadow a summit of some of the world's smallest island nations

Downunder Voices Newsroom

ShareFacebook Email

Great power rivalry threatens to overshadow a summit of some of the world's smallest island nations

As countries like China and United States compete for influence in the Pacific, island nation leaders' ability to find consensus at their annual forum has come under pressure.

About this report

This article contains independently written commentary and community perspective from Downunder Voices.

Join our community

Follow Downunder Voices

Join thousands of readers following news and community stories from Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific.

Follow on Facebook Submit your story

More from World

Supreme Court lets construction continue on Trump's $558m ballroom

31 August 2026

Supreme Court lets construction continue on Trump's $558m ballroom

A divided Supreme Court has allowed the White House to continue construction on a $558 million ballroom project as lawsuits play out, a win for US President Donald Trump as he remakes the capital in his image.

Source: https://www.abc.net.au/news/feed/45910/rss.xmlOriginal source

White House construction on $400m ballroom can go on, says US Supreme Court

31 August 2026

White House construction on $400m ballroom can go on, says US Supreme Court

The decision replaces a temporary order issued earlier this month.

Source: Al Jazeera EnglishOriginal source

Three minors killed in Colombia armed group crackdown

31 August 2026

Three minors killed in Colombia armed group crackdown

Rights groups warn that armed groups are increasingly recruiting children to their ranks through social media.

Source: Al Jazeera EnglishOriginal source

Read Next

What voters in the U.S. can learn from Australia’s political system

31 August 2026

What voters in the U.S. can learn from Australia’s political system

The overall tone of a parliamentary session I attended during a recent visit was kind, even jovial. It reminded me that we have to learn how to argue without the anger that’s infected our politics.

Source: https://www.bing.com/news/search?q=Australia+politics&format=rssOriginal source

The little coastal corner of Perth sending shivers through Australian politics

31 August 2026

The little coastal corner of Perth sending shivers through Australian politics

The Secret Harbour byelection confirms suspicions that One Nation has made inroads into outer suburban Australia, and can draw votes away from Labor heartlands.

Source: https://www.bing.com/news/search?q=Australia+politics&format=rssOriginal source

We Were Wrong About How the Extinct Tasmanian Tiger Hunted Its Prey

31 August 2026

We Were Wrong About How the Extinct Tasmanian Tiger Hunted Its Prey

A dramatic new interpretation of thylacine anatomy has discovered that the extinct Tasmanian tiger killed prey more like a reptile than a mammal.

Source: https://www.bing.com/news/search?q=Australia&qft=sortbydate%3d%221%22&format=rssOriginal source

Live: Oil prices surge on latest US-Iran flare-up, ASX to slip as housing slump continues

31 August 2026

Live: Oil prices surge on latest US-Iran flare-up, ASX to slip as housing slump continues

The latest flare-up in hostilities between the US and Iran have led to a 3 per cent surge in the oil price. The Australian share market is likely to start its day lower. House prices are falling in most of the nation's capital cities. Follow the day's events on the ABC News live markets blog.

Source: https://www.abc.net.au/news/feed/45910/rss.xmlOriginal source