Fiji

In Fiji, a new chief from an eminent dynasty emerged before the crowds, shrouded in silence, accompanied only by the sound of birds. Audio

It is causing concerns among health educators in the country.

A Fijian political commentator predicts "it's likely" the "humble" son of Fiji's first prime minister "will be approached" to enter politics once he gains chiefly status. Audio

The warning comes after a video circulating on social media groups showed the Reserve Bank of Fiji governor promoting a "get-rich-quick" scheme.

Barbara Malimali - described as "universally corrupt" by the commissioner of the inquiry - was suspended by Fijian Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka on 29 May.

They're being honoured during historic ceremonies to confer three chiefly titles on the son of Fiji's first prime minister, who spent more than a decade exiled in Nuku'alofa.

"The response here in Fiji is about 15 years behind what is needed. We're still not getting testing done within a shorter period of time," UNAIDS Pacific adviser says. Audio

With Fiji in the midst of an HIV outbreak, UNAIDS warns that other Pacific Islands countries have all the risk factors of a similar crisis.

Beijing's embassy in Fiji says it is not interested in geopolitical competition, warning that its cooperation with Pacific Island nations "can never be erased by smears".

The Fijian prime minister says his country is ready to offer 5000 soldiers to help address the Australian Defence Force's personnel shortage. Audio

But Sitiveni Rabuka also stressed he doesn't believe that Beijing is actively looking for such a security foothold in the Pacific - because it doesn't need to.