Transportation
Qantas to double Japan flights in bet on global travel rebound
Australian carrier's Japanese service set to surpass pre-pandemic levels
Oceania
Indo-Pacific
Papua New Guinea, U.S. to sign defense, maritime agreements
Blinken to visit Pacific island nation next week; Biden pulls out of stopover
Trade
China resumes imports of Australian timber in sign of thaw
Uncertainties remain over Beijing's restrictions on barley, wine and more
International relations
U.S. agrees to renew strategic pact with 2nd Pacific island state
Move part of efforts to respond to competition from China
Indo-Pacific
Quad meeting in Australia canceled as U.S. politics pull Biden home
White House faces 'damage control' as debt talks also nix president's trip to PNG
Indo-Pacific
Biden cancels Quad visit to Australia to focus on debt limit talks
Historic Papua New Guinea trip also off the table in diplomatic setback
Supply Chain
Australian Strategic Materials gets U.S. buyer for rare-earth alloy
Sales to American magnet maker come as supply chains diversify from China
Indo-Pacific
U.S. agrees to renew strategic pact with Micronesia, says envoy
Washington eyes similar deal with Palau in face of China's Pacific influence
Commodities
Australia's Newcrest supports Newmont's $17.8bn takeover bid
Merger would be third-largest deal ever involving an Australian company
Opinion
U.S. technology controls fail to account for Pacific allies
Shift from outdated mindset needed to support collective regional security
Indo-Pacific
U.S. eyes access to Papua New Guinea naval base and airport
South Pacific competition intensifies following China’s deal with Solomon Islands
Travel & Leisure
Air New Zealand to offer beds in economy class from $250 each
Skynest available on Auckland to New York or Chicago flights
International relations
Australia trade minister 'pleased' with talks in China
2 sides discuss Chinese tariffs on Aussie wine, beef, barley
Politics
Micronesia's new president takes over from Taiwan-leaning predecessor
Wesley Simina faces diplomatic balancing act between China and U.S.
Economy
Australia budget surplus likely a one-off as spending surges
Canberra's finances face 'downside shock' after commodity price windfall
International relations
Biden to visit Papua New Guinea in a presidential first after G-7
U.S. deepens relations with PM Marape as China courts Pacific island region
Politics
Australia expands defense budget ahead of submarines purchase
Canberra lifts nuclear ambitions in light of China's growing heft in Indo-Pacific
Finance
PwC Australia CEO exits after leaked tax plans scandal
Treasurer calls sharing of government papers a 'shocking breach of trust'
Indo-Pacific
U.S. set to open Tonga embassy in May to counter China
Washington also engaging with Vanuatu and Kiribati in the Pacific
Work
Young Japanese seek way out of country, hit on working holidays
COVID era, weak yen and Japan's rigid work culture turn off nation's youth
