Cleo Paskal

How the UK Is Undermining US Indo-Pacific Security

As Parliament reviews the transfer of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius, US access to the Diego Garcia base is no longer assured.

U.S.-Palau agreement shows new National Security Strategy in action

One of the new agreements with the United States is designed to help counter Chinese political warfare attacks on Palau. The initial cost to the United States is $2.2 million, exactly the sort of low-cost counter to China’s ability to disrupt and degrade the economy, politics and society of a key U.S. ally that is needed.

Death of Daniel Suidani shows how China gets the better of Quad

Daniel Suidani scared the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) more than Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, freedom of navigation patrols through the South China Sea, and a newly commissioned nuclear...

Australia Watches as Chinese Proxies Try to Jail Opposition

On October 20 the verdict is due in a legally spurious case of unlawful assembly against Daniel Suidani and another pro-democracy leader Celsus Talifilu in the Solomon Islands.

Indian Re-emergence and the Foreign Policy Boom

Look into India’s eyes today and you’ll see it—quiet, youthful confidence reshaping the nation and its place in the world.

U.S. can not afford to lose Diego Garcia

The base's land could soon be owned by China-tied Mauritius

CNMI: China eyes control of America’s Asian frontline

China needs to be emplaced in CNMI if it is going to take Taiwan. Usually the focus is on Guam, but widen the geographic aperture and it’s clear that whatever applies to Guam applies equally to CNMI. And Beijing knows it.

People vs CCP: Suidani and Talifilu fight the good fight

Fight for their families, faith, freedom—the things that make us human, and that build community. Beijing is terrified more people will understand that.

Urgent Need for New Approaches to Keep the Pacific Free

Excerpt The PRC has well-advanced plans for establishing influence that leads to control across much of the Pacific—plans that are essential if it is to achieve its other stated goals, such as taking...

At Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, China-Pacific Islands Relations Steam Ahead

While not groundbreaking, the meeting indicated steady progress towards China’s goal of a “shared future” with Pacific Island countries – including using them as strategic outposts.

FSM breaks ground on China-led airport reconstruction project in Woleai

Federated States of Micronesia President Wesley Simina officiated the May 26 groundbreaking ceremony for the reconstruction of the Woleai airport runway. ...

Palau deports Chinese criminals, reinforces Indo-Pacific security

If China goes after Taiwan without ‘disabling’ Palau, its Taiwan operation could be jeopardized. Which is one of the reasons the U.S. is putting new military infrastructure, or, in some cases, bringing back to life World War II era infrastructure, in Palau.

Crossroads of Competition

China in Southeast Asia and the Pacific Islands

Examining the Office of Insular Affairs’ Role in Fostering Prosperity in the Pacific Territories and Addressing External Threats to Peace and Security

China roils the Pacific waters courtesy Australia and New Zealand

China’s role in the region is a constant pressure in one direction. New Zealand and Australian policies towards the region have been naive at best, and the situation was worsened by U.S. State Department following Canberra and Wellington’s lead.

Who’s afraid of China? Palau inauguration calls bluff of ‘friends to all, enemies to none’

For all the regional talk of “Pacific family” and “friends to all enemies to none” who did – and who didn’t – show up for the Jan. 16 inauguration of Palau President Surangel S. Whipps Jr....

Deconstructing the Inauguration: No, not that one

We have a country that is geopolitically sophisticated, with close ties to the U.S., Japan and Taiwan, and is in a highly strategic location. So who showed up to Palau’s party, and who didn’t?

Australia vies with China to turn the Solomons into a police state

In October 2024, Suidani and Talifilu were arrested by Solomon Islands police under unusual circumstances. On December 19th, Australia announced it was giving Solomons AUS$190 million ‘to grow the size and capability of the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF), in response to a request by Solomon Islands’.

Palau is under attack from PRC

There is a spike in activity now because China sees Palau’s 5 November election as an opportunity to put in place representatives that are more in line with its ambitions.

Daniel Suidani’s arrest in the Solomons proves CCP is scared

At the start of this month, both Suidani and Talifilu were arrested on three counts of unlawful assembly related to the failed no confidence vote of 2021.