Pacific: Fiji, which had grown closer to Beijing under its former leadership, will now consult Canberra on security developments. Australia signed a new economic and defense alliance with Fiji on Monday, elevating ties between the two nations as Canberra seeks to check China's influence in region. Australian more...

Six countries in southern Europe have been hit by wildfires. One of the blazes, in southwestern France, could affect Monday's third stage of the Tour de France, authorities warn. Firefighters across southern Europe battled several wildfires on Sunday, with authorities in southwestern France warning that one blaze more...

The US is celebrating 250 years of independence with a massive fireworks display and military flyovers in the capital. Leaders from German Chancellor Friedrich Merz to India's PM Narendra Modi sent their well-wishes. But a dangerous heat wave has disrupted July Fourth events across the United States  What you need to more...

Never before has a June been as hot in Germany as in 2026. This has consequences not only for people and nature, but also for businesses. Heat reduces productivity and causes illness, while cooling is expensive. In southern France, firefighters battle several wildfires following the heat wave. A desk by the window, more...

Analysis: As China’s military expansion shakes up the Indo-Pacific region’s security order, it is becoming harder to argue that distance offers a form of protection for New Zealand. A recent Lowy Institute analysis notes that the Chinese DF-27 ballistic missile, with a range of 5,000 to 8,000 kilometres, is now more...

The Eurovision Song Contest is set to welcome another non-European participant: Canada. The country's finance minister said it offers "a platform for Canada to shine" at a time of heightened diplomatic tensions. Canada will take part in the next edition of the Eurovision Song Contest in Bulgaria in 2027, the more...

After the two earthquakes in Venezuela, almost 2,000 people are confirmed dead, and about 43,000 remain missing. Aid agencies warn of worsening hunger and disease amid an overwhelmed healthcare system. Rescuers in Venezuela raced to find survivors on Tuesday, nearly a week after twin earthquakes devastated parts of more...

Australia and Vanuatu have signed a deal seen as a bid to check China's growing security presence in the region. But an economic deal between Vanuatu and China is still in the works. Australia and Vanuatu on Monday signed an economic and security agreement that consolidates Canberra's status as the ​Pacific island more...

The World Health Organization (WHO) said over 1,300 excess deaths have been recorded in Europe since the record-breaking heat wave started around June 21. Germany logged yet another heat record at 41.7 degrees Celsius. What you need to know France has reported at least 1,000 more deaths than average during the more...

Electrification: New Zealand could be saving $9 billion a year by 2040 by switching average homes to solar, electric appliances and vehicles, a new report says, while also cutting greenhouse gas emissions and becoming less reliant on imported fossil fuels. That's according to Rewiring Aotearoa, a New Zealand more...