A strategic partnership deal between China and the Cook Islands spans areas from deep-sea mining to education scholarships but excludes security ties, a document released by the Pacific island nation’s government showed. Western nations that traditionally held sway in the region have become increasingly concerned about China’s push for influence in the Pacific, after Beijing…
The apparent leader of a cultlike group known as the Zizians has been arrested in Maryland along with another member of the group, Maryland state police have said. Jack LaSota, 34, was arrested on Sunday along with Michelle Zajko, 33, of Media, Pennsylvania. They face multiple charges including trespassing, obstructing and hindering and possession of…
Trade between Great Britain and Ireland dropped more than €6bn in 2024 as post-Brexit frictions hit shipments across the Irish Sea. The value of imports and exports between the nations fell to about €32bn last year, down from €38bn in 2023, according to Ireland’s Central Statistics Office. A near-€3bn drop in chemical exports from Ireland…
Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed that, with Donald Trump’s support, his government will “finish the job” of neutralising the threat from Iran, amid US reports that Israel is considering airstrikes against Iranian nuclear sites in the coming few months. Trump has said he would prefer to make a deal with Tehran, but also made clear that…
Keir Starmer has urged Donald Trump to provide a US “backstop” to a European peacekeeping force in Ukraine, saying it is the only way to deter Russia from attacking the country again. The UK prime minister’s appeal to Trump came after an emergency summit in Paris that heard widespread calls by European leaders for a…
Nacc to investigate six individuals referred to body after robodebt royal commission following review Sarah Basford Canales The National Anti-Corruption Commission has announced it will investigate the six individuals referred to the body after the robodebt royal commission, following an independent review. The anti-corruption watchdog has released a statement confirming the six referrals would be…