The two fishing vessels berthed briefly in the northern town of Luganville, a few hundred metres from a Chinese-funded wharf that has been the subject of widespread rumours it could serve as a Chinese military base.
The ships were then instructed to sail for Port Vila, where they have been berthed at an unused wharf in the capital.
“The crew on the fishing vessels will be subject to further investigation after undergoing quarantine,” Vanuatu police said in a statement.
A satellite image showing the location - indicated by red pins - where two Chinese vessels, suspected of illegal fishing, were detained by Vanuatu authorities. Photograph: Vanuatu Police
1 U.S. EMBASSY KOROR The 9th Mission Support Command’s Task Force Oceania Team Palau helped the U.S. Air Force and the U.S. Embassy at Koror carry out Operation Christmas Drop 2020. The success of OCD 20 was the result of months of planning and coordination between the U.S. military, the State Department, and several Pacific island countries.
Task Force Oceania’s Team Palau worked closely with local government officials in Koror, Kayangel, Anguar, Peleliu, Tobi, Sonsorol, and Pulo Anna islands to ensure the local communities would be ready to receive the Christmas bundles of food, tools, clothing, and toys.
The Palauan president-elect has vowed to stand up to Chinese “bullying” in the Pacific, saying that the archipelago nation is set to stand by its alliances with “true friends,” Taiwan and the US.
Surangel Whipps Jr, 52, a supermarket owner and two-time senator from a prominent Palauan family, is to be sworn in as the new president tomorrow, succeeding his brother-in-law, Tommy Remengesau Jr.
In a forthright interview, Whipps said that the US had demonstrated over the years that it was a reliable friend of Palau, most recently shown by its delivery of 6,000 doses of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine.
“It’s important for
Historic Kerikeri church organ damaged, locals urged to be vigilant
10 Jan, 2021 04:00 PM
4 minutes to read
Priest Stan Pilbrow and organists Jill Cottle and John Jackets with the damaged St James Church organ in Kerikeri. Photo / Peter de Graaf
Priest Stan Pilbrow and organists Jill Cottle and John Jackets with the damaged St James Church organ in Kerikeri. Photo / Peter de Graaf
Peter de Graaf is a reporter for the Northern Advocatepeter.degraaf@northernadvocate.co.nznorthernadvocat
Kerikeri residents are being urged to keep an eye on their historic treasures after the organ at one of Northland s oldest churches was damaged.
St James Church, built in 1878 just up the hill from the Stone Store, is unlocked during the day for visitors who want to learn about its history and locals who want a place of quiet reflection.