Sophie Mak

Sydney

Sydney Reporter at Nikkei Asia

covering australia and the pacific islands for @nikkeiasia

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Articles

Kiribati ex-leader calls on Pacific to confront assertive China

Sep 4, 2024 | asia.nikkei.com | Sophie Mak |Rurika Imahashi

SYDNEY -- Pacific island nations must have "courage and dignity" and stand up to China's attempts to influence affairs in the region, former Kiribati President Anote Tong told Nikkei Asia in an interview on Tuesday.
PALM10: Pacific leaders discuss China, trade, and climate change

Jul 20, 2024 | asia.nikkei.com | Rurika Imahashi |Sophie Mak |Shaun Turton

TOKYO -- Leaders and representatives from 16 Pacific Island countries, plus Australia and New Zealand, gathered in Tokyo this week for the 10th Pacific Islands Leaders Meeting (PALM10). Japan has hosted a PALM meeting every three years since 1997, with this year's edition focusing on strengthening bilateral ties as China increases its clout in the region. On the sidelines of PALM10, Nikkei Asia interviewed officials from eight of those countries and regions. Here are excerpts from the interviews.
Australian zoos target roaring trade through luxury lodges and glamping

Jun 15, 2024 | asia.nikkei.com | Sophie Mak |Rurika Imahashi

CANBERRA -- In Australia, the dream of observing animals up close from the comfort and safety of a hotel room has become reality. Across the country, zoos are allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the sights and sounds of creatures big and small long after the gates close for the day.
Australian furnishings featuring Aboriginal artwork catch on

May 10, 2024 | asia.nikkei.com | Sophie Mak |Rurika Imahashi

SYDNEY -- Imbued with the ancient traditions, creativity and spirituality of Australia's Indigenous people, Aboriginal art is captivating people across the country and beyond. In recent years, mainstream retailers have embraced Aboriginal art, a sign of the growing appreciation for its cultural influence beyond the usual art aficionados and historians.
Solomon Islands election yields no majority for pro-China party

Apr 23, 2024 | asia.nikkei.com | Sophie Mak |Rurika Imahashi

SYDNEY -- Neither advocates nor opponents of a security pact with Beijing won a majority in the Solomon Islands' parliamentary elections, results announced Wednesday for the last of the legislature's 50 seats show.
Solomon Islands' pro-China prime minister reelected to parliament

Apr 19, 2024 | asia.nikkei.com | Sophie Mak |Rurika Imahashi

SYDNEY -- Manasseh Sogavare, the China-friendly prime minister of the Solomon Islands, has retained his seat in parliament after a general election held this week, local media reported late on Friday, as tensions surrounding relations with Beijing percolate in the Pacific island nation. Sogavare is now one step closer to becoming the Solomon Islands' first incumbent to be reelected consecutively as prime minister after serving a full term in office.
Australia cautions Beijing to 'respect' outcome of Taiwan elections

Jan 15, 2024 | asia.nikkei.com | Sophie Mak |Rurika Imahashi

SYDNEY -- Australia has called on Beijing to respect the "outcome of democratic elections" after a China-skeptic party and its leader won a tight three-way race in Taiwan's presidential poll. This weekend, voters handed the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) an unprecedented third consecutive term in office with its leader, William Lai Ching-te, set to be Taiwan's next leader.
Taiwan 'open' to deeper AUKUS ties amid election meddling fears

Jan 12, 2024 | asia.nikkei.com | Sophie Mak |Rurika Imahashi

SYDNEY -- Taiwan is "open" to deeper collaboration with the U.S., U.K. and Australia under the framework of the three nations' AUKUS security pact, the democratic island's chief representative in Australia told Nikkei Asia. Douglas Hsu said in an online interview on Friday that Taipei is interested in joining pillar two of AUKUS, which covers collaboration on cyber capabilities and information sharing.