Topic: Pacific Islands

While Governor Josh Green touts Hawaii's low COVID-19 mortality rates, the hosts point to data showing that Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders experienced some of the highest death rates in the country. The discussion questions the accuracy of the governor's "analytical" success story and the impact of strict island lockdowns.

Donald Trump emphasizes the need to rebuild the U.S. Navy to compete with China's rapid shipbuilding pace. A "boots on the ground" report from a transportation meeting in D.C. confirms that the Department of Defense is planning major paving projects for runways across the Pacific islands.

Leaders of the Pacific Islands Forum meet in Fiji to discuss regional security and the return of Kiribati to the group. The meeting aims to address Kiribati's close relations with China and the impact of climate change on the islands.

Australia is investing $700 million to acquire the U.S.-made HIMARS missile system to counter Chinese influence in the Pacific. Simultaneously, the Biden administration is reopening the U.S. Embassy in the Solomon Islands, which has been closed since 1993. The move follows a security pact signed between the Solomon Islands and China last year, prompting increased U.S. diplomatic engagement in the region.

The United Nations hosted a "Pacific Unite" webinar and concert for Pacific Island nations featuring a host named Aunty Tala. The event concluded with a song titled "We Will Rise," which included lyrics referencing a "New World Order" waiting behind closed doors. Critics suggest the messaging points toward globalist control over vulnerable island communities.

Joe Biden delivered a low-energy virtual speech to an Asian American Pacific Islander group that was marred by technical issues and environmental distractions. During the address, Biden's phone rang audibly, and a staff member was seen lurking in the background of the shot. The audio quality was further compromised by the loud honking of geese near the recording location.