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"Chinese is the language of the future," say Fijian students

Students experience paper folding during a celebration to mark the International Chinese Language Day in Suva, Fiji, April 15, 2025. (Photo by Xie Di/Xinhua)by Guo XinhuiSUVA, April 17 (Xinhua) -- "I love learning Chinese, because it is the language of the future," said Jope Rokotuibau, a Fijian student who was participating in a vibrant celebration to mark the International Chinese Language Day.The event was held on T

India's campaign ends at ITTF World Cup 2025 as Manika Batra, Sreeja Akula exit in Group Stage

Macau [China], April 16 (ANI): India's challenge at the ITTF World Cup 2025 came to an early end on Wednesday, as Paris 2024 Olympians Manika Batra and Sreeja Akula failed to advance beyond the group stage of the prestigious table tennis tournament in Macao, as per the official website of Olympics.com

World No. 30 Manika Batra was knocked out after losing her Group 16 encounter to Brazil's Bruna Takahashi, ranked

Brussels' Sanctions Backup Plan; Visa-Free Travel Rules Face Overhaul

Welcome to Wider Europe, RFE/RL's new newsletter focusing on the key issues concerning the European Union, NATO, and other institutions and their relationships with the Western Balkans and Europe's Eastern neighborhoods.

I'm RFE/RL Europe Editor Rikard Jozwiak, and this week I am drilling down on two issues: the EU getting legally creative on Russia sanctions, and widening the scope of its visa liberalization sus

5.0-magnitude earthquake strikes Tonga islands

NUKUALOFA, 2nd April, 2025 (WAM) -- A 5.0-magnitude earthquake struck the Tonga Islands in the South Pacific today.

According to the United States Geological Survey, the earthquake occurred 173 kilometres southeast of Pangai at a depth of 10 kilometres. No reports of human or material damage have been received.

Tonga is located northwest of New Zealand and Australia and is an archipelago comprising 176 scat

Magnitude 5.0 earthquake strikes Fiji

SUVA, 29th March, 2025 (WAM) -- A magnitude 5.0 earthquake struck the coast of Fiji in the South Pacific, the European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre (EMSC) said.

The quake occurred on Friday, about 557 km south of Fiji's islands, at a depth of 370 km.

There were no immediate reports of casualties or damage.

Tourism to Continue to Drive Growth in the Pacific, but at a Slower Pace ADB

MANILA, PHILIPPINES (9 April 2025) — Economic growth in the Pacific is projected to moderate to 3.9% in 2025 and 3.6% in 2026, according to the Asian Development Outlook (ADO) April 2025 , the Asian Development Bank's (ADB) flagship economic publication, released today. The outlook reflects anticipated easing in tourism, a key growth driver in many

Fiji steps up efforts to fight against dengue fever

SUVA, April 19 (Xinhua) -- Fiji's health authorities are stepping up their efforts to fight against dengue fever as the number of confirmed cases continues to rise.

The country's health ministry declared an outbreak in the Central Division after more than 1,000 cases were recorded in the first quarter, with most of the cases in urban areas.

Targeted spraying, clean-up campaigns and community visits are be

Fiji Taxi Association calls for stronger action to ensure drivers' safety

SUVA, April 19 (Xinhua) -- The Fiji Taxi Association is pushing for clear rules that allow drivers to refuse passengers when they feel unsafe, calling on the transport authority to take stronger action to safeguard drivers across the country.

Local media reported on Saturday that violence against taxi drivers in Fiji is on the rise. The report said several drivers have taken to social media in recent weeks, shar

Philippines to establish embassy in Suva, Fiji

SUVA, April 17 (Xinhua) -- The Fijian cabinet has endorsed a request from the Philippines to establish an embassy in Suva, capital of Fiji, according to a local media report on Thursday.

The report said the establishment of the embassy in Fiji will enhance the growing level of engagement between Fiji and the Philippines, particularly in critical areas such as labor mobility, agriculture, security, climate change

Fiji launches new policy to boost affordable housing

SUVA, April 17 (Xinhua) -- Fiji's Ministry of Housing has officially launched the National Housing Policy 2025-2030, aiming to improve access to affordable, adequate and inclusive housing across the country.

The new policy prioritizes regulatory reform, the expansion of social housing programs, and enhancing affordability through strategic partnerships and targeted support for low-income households, reported Fij

Fiji, New Zealand to further bilateral ties

SUVA, April 17 (Xinhua) -- Fiji and New Zealand have reaffirmed the strength of their partnership and a vital role in advancing stability and prosperity across the Pacific.

New Zealand Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Winston Peters led a cross-party delegation to Fiji this week, Fiji Broadcasting Corporation reported on Thursday.

In a meeting with Fijian Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka, they agr

China to continue expanding imports from Fiji: ambassador

SUVA, April 17 (Xinhua) -- China will continue to expand imports of Fijian specialty goods, support Chinese enterprises to invest in Fiji, and encourage tourists to visit Fiji, said Chinese Ambassador to Fiji Zhou Jian here on Wednesday.

The ambassador made the remarks at a press conference on China's position regarding the U.S. imposition of reckless tariffs on its global trading partners.

China and Fiji

Feature: "Chinese is the language of the future," say Fijian students

by Guo Xinhui

SUVA, April 15 (Xinhua) -- "I love learning Chinese, because it is the language of the future," said Jope Rokotuibau, a Fijian student who was participating in a vibrant celebration to mark the International Chinese Language Day.

The event was held on Tuesday at Yat Sen Secondary School in Suva, treating attendees to a diverse array of performances, including music, dances, poetry reading an

Magnitude 6.5 earthquake strikes Fiji Islands region

SUVA, 14th April, 2025 (WAM) -- An earthquake of magnitude 6.5 struck south of the Fiji Islands on Monday, the United States Geological Survey (USGS) said.

The quake was at a depth of 174 km, USGS added.

Three tropical cyclones swirling in South Pacific

SOUTH PACIFIC, 26th February, 2025 (WAM) -- Three tropical cyclones are spinning in the South Pacific, an occurrence that scientists say is unusual.

Tropical cyclones Rae, Seru and Alfred are all churning as the region is at the peak of a season that starts in November and ends in April.

The storms are called cyclones when they happen in the Southwest Pacific and hurricanes when they form in the North Atlan