Fiji

Barbara Malimali - described as "universally corrupt" by the commissioner of the inquiry - was suspended by Fijian Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka on 29 May.

They're being honoured during historic ceremonies to confer three chiefly titles on the son of Fiji's first prime minister, who spent more than a decade exiled in Nuku'alofa.

"The response here in Fiji is about 15 years behind what is needed. We're still not getting testing done within a shorter period of time," UNAIDS Pacific adviser says. Audio

With Fiji in the midst of an HIV outbreak, UNAIDS warns that other Pacific Islands countries have all the risk factors of a similar crisis.

Beijing's embassy in Fiji says it is not interested in geopolitical competition, warning that its cooperation with Pacific Island nations "can never be erased by smears".

The Fijian prime minister says his country is ready to offer 5000 soldiers to help address the Australian Defence Force's personnel shortage. Audio

But Sitiveni Rabuka also stressed he doesn't believe that Beijing is actively looking for such a security foothold in the Pacific - because it doesn't need to.

Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Biman Prasad told parliament that his government has guided the country to a better economic position than where he found it.

"We will not allow Fiji's ports and waters to become dumping grounds."

Fiji Police have commenced investigations into a Commission of Inquiry report on the appointment of the country's now sacked head of the anti-corruption office.

More than a year after police made the record haul in the country's tourism hub Nadi, seven people stood trial last week on several drug charges stemming from the January 2024 raid. 

A Fijian abuse survivor is urging the new head of the Catholic church to adopt a zero tolerance policy for child sex abuse.

Fiji's Minister for Public Works, Meteorological Services and Transport has visited the wreck of the Lomaiviti Princess II and other derelict vessels within Suva Harbour.