Marshall&nbsp;Islands President Hilda Heine narrowly survived a vote of no confidence Monday, seeing off a challenge she alleges was orchestrated by Chinese-backed business interests intent on undermining the Pacific nation's sovereignty.

The vote to topple Heine, the first and only elected female leader of a Pacific island nation, split parliament 16-16, one short of the 17 her opponents required.

In front of a packed public gallery, Heine and her allies spent 45 minutes defending the government's record, including claims from the opposition it had sullied the country's international reputation and eroded voting rights.

Once the vote was confirmed, Speaker Kenneth Kedi -- who had backed the no-confidence move -- congratulated Heine and declared parliament was in recess.

Heine said in the days leading up to the vote that the opposition's stated reasons for trying to unseat her were a "smokescreen" to cover their real motives.

She said the no-confidence motion was actually prompted by her government's refusal to back plans for an independently administered tax haven on an atoll within the Marshalls.

The proposed Rongelap Atoll Special Administrative Region (RASAR) is the brainchild of Cary Yan, a Chinese businessman and&nbsp;Marshall&nbsp;Islands citizen who launched the concept in Hong Kong earlier this year.

The idea is that the territory would be self governing and completely tax free, making it an attractive option for hi-tech firms.

Heine's government has rejected the proposal over concerns it could be vulnerable to money laundering and passport-for-sale scams.

She suggested last week that the RASAR could be a Trojan horse for China to take over part of her country.

The no-confidence vote was "an effort by certain foreign interests to take control of one of our atolls and turn it into a country within our own country," she told Radio New Zealand.

Beijing has used billions of dollars in investment to court influence with tiny island nations across the Pacific Ocean, a region considered strategically important as a maritime gateway to Asia.

Heine said she was determined to protect her country's sovereignty.

"We have to be cautious knowing what the geo-political situation is in the Pacific region," she said.

"I think it's important for the government to do its own due diligence and ensure that the sovereignty of the country is secure."

Marshall Islands President Hilda Heine narrowly survived a vote of no confidence Monday, seeing off a challenge she alleges was orchestrated by Chinese-backed business interests intent on undermining the Pacific nation's sovereignty.

Marshall Islands President Hilda Heine narrowly survived a vote of no confidence Monday, seeing off a challenge she alleges was orchestrated by Chinese-backed business interests intent on undermining the Pacific nation's sovereignty. The vote to topple Heine, the first and only elected female leader of a Pacific island nation, split parliament 16-16, one short of the 17 her opponents required. In front of a packed public gallery, Heine and her allies spent 45 minutes defending the government's record, including claims from the opposition it had sullied the country's international reputation and eroded voting rights. Once the vote was confirmed, Speaker Kenneth Kedi -- who had backed the no-confidence move -- congratulated Heine and declared parliament was in recess. Heine said in the days leading up to the vote that the opposition's stated reasons for trying to unseat her were a "smokescreen" to cover their real motives. She said the no-confidence motion was actually prompted by her government's refusal to back plans for an independently administered tax haven on an atoll within the Marshalls. The proposed Rongelap Atoll Special Administrative Region (RASAR) is the brainchild of Cary Yan, a Chinese businessman and Marshall Islands citizen who launched the concept in Hong Kong earlier this year. The idea is that the territory would be self governing and completely tax free, making it an attractive option for hi-tech firms. Heine's government has rejected the proposal over concerns it could be vulnerable to money laundering and passport-for-sale scams. She suggested last week that the RASAR could be a Trojan horse for China to take over part of her country. The no-confidence vote was "an effort by certain foreign interests to take control of one of our atolls and turn it into a country within our own country," she told Radio New Zealand. Beijing has used billions of dollars in investment to court influence with tiny island nations across the Pacific Ocean, a region considered strategically important as a maritime gateway to Asia. Heine said she was determined to protect her country's sovereignty. "We have to be cautious knowing what the geo-political situation is in the Pacific region," she said. "I think it's important for the government to do its own due diligence and ensure that the sovereignty of the country is secure."

Marshall Islands leader survives no-confidence motion

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/india-a-world-power-hope-for-strong-ties-marshall-islands-president-to-wion-169848">India a world power, hope for strong ties: Marshall Islands president to WION</a>

Hilda Heine, Marshall Islands first women president, spoke to WION and shared her views on India-Pacific ties, PM Modi, climate-change and her interest in Bollywood.&nbsp;

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The Election Commission on Saturday announced dates for the Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Rajasthan, Telangana and Mizoram Assembly elections.&nbsp;

While polls in Chhattisgarh are likely to be held in two phases, elections in the other states might see polling in one phase.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/jammu-and-kashmir-20-killed-13-injured-as-minibus-falls-into-gorge-near-banihal-169825">Jammu and Kashmir: 15 killed, 19 injured as minibus falls into </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/jammu-and-kashmir-20-killed-13-injured-as-minibus-falls-into-gorge-near-banihal-169825">gorge</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/jammu-and-kashmir-20-killed-13-injured-as-minibus-falls-into-gorge-near-banihal-169825"> near Banihal</a>

At least 15 people were killed and 19 injured when a minibus fell into a deep gorge along the Jammu-Srinagar national highway near here, a senior police officer said on Saturday.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/google-ceo-secretly-met-pentagon-leaders-over-ai-project-report-169834">Google CEO secretly met Pentagon leaders over AI project: Report</a>

Google's India-born chief executive Sundar Pichai quietly paid a visit to the Pentagon to ease tensions that erupted after employee outrage prompted the tech giant to sever a controversial defence contract to analyse drone video, according to a media report.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/entertainment/nana-patekar-dissmisses-allegaions-of-sexual-harassment-imposed-on-him-169847">Nana Patekar dismisses sexual harassment allegations, says, 'A lie is a lie'</a>

Nana Patekar on Saturday denied sexually harssing Tanushree Dutta on the sets of 'Horn Ok Pleassss'.&nbsp;

"I said this ten years ago... A lie is a lie (Dus saal pehle bol chuka hoon, ab jo jhoot hai woh jhoot hai')", said Patekar after returning from Jodhpur at the airport.

India a world power, hope for strong ties: Marshall Islands president to WION Hilda Heine, Marshall Islands first women president, spoke to WION and shared her views on India-Pacific ties, PM Modi, climate-change and her interest in Bollywood.

India a world power, hope for strong ties: Marshall Islands president to WION Hilda Heine, Marshall Islands first women president, spoke to WION and shared her views on India-Pacific ties, PM Modi, climate-change and her interest in Bollywood. Election Commission announces dates for Assembly polls in five states, results on December 11 The Election Commission on Saturday announced dates for the Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Rajasthan, Telangana and Mizoram Assembly elections. While polls in Chhattisgarh are likely to be held in two phases, elections in the other states might see polling in one phase. Jammu and Kashmir: 15 killed, 19 injured as minibus falls into gorge near Banihal At least 15 people were killed and 19 injured when a minibus fell into a deep gorge along the Jammu-Srinagar national highway near here, a senior police officer said on Saturday. Google CEO secretly met Pentagon leaders over AI project: Report Google's India-born chief executive Sundar Pichai quietly paid a visit to the Pentagon to ease tensions that erupted after employee outrage prompted the tech giant to sever a controversial defence contract to analyse drone video, according to a media report. Nana Patekar dismisses sexual harassment allegations, says, 'A lie is a lie' Nana Patekar on Saturday denied sexually harssing Tanushree Dutta on the sets of 'Horn Ok Pleassss'. "I said this ten years ago... A lie is a lie (Dus saal pehle bol chuka hoon, ab jo jhoot hai woh jhoot hai')", said Patekar after returning from Jodhpur at the airport.

News brief: Big stories of the day

Hilda Heine,&nbsp;Marshall Islands first women president, spoke to WION and&nbsp;shared her views on India-Pacific ties, PM Modi, climate-change and her interest in Bollywood.&nbsp;

She is the first woman president of any Micronesian country, and only the fourth woman to serve as head of government for any independent Pacific nation following Jenny Shipley and Helen Clark of New Zealand and Julia Gillard of Australia.

On ties with India, Heine told WION that the two countries have a developing partnership and hopes for stronger ties, calling India a world power.&nbsp;

She further lauded the solar alliance partnership saying that India will be able to assist them. Heine hopes to develop a yoga curriculum with India's help.

Marshall Island hailed prime minister Narendra Modi's <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/modi-inaugurates-first-health-centre-under-ayushman-bharat-scheme-130470">"Ayushman Bharat" </a>which aims to provide a service to create a healthy, capable and content new India.&nbsp;

Heine said that India's plan on healthcare initiative is exciting which she looks forward to.&nbsp;

She also said that Marshall Islands is encouraging partnership with Pacific island countries.

Heine addressed the ongoing climate issues saying that they plan on launching strategies in the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/more-pacts-needed-to-fight-climate-change-emmanuel-macron-35364">Paris agreement</a> and further discouraged countries which have stepped out. She further called for India's support in the agreement.&nbsp;

Marshall Islands is playing an important role in the issues of <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/climate-change-could-raise-food-shortage-globally-study-127813">climate chang</a>e and nuclear non-proliferation.

Talking about gender equality and women leadership Heine said that 50% of the world population is constituted by women who need to be better represented.&nbsp;

Her biggest challenge is to empower women all across Pacific Island countries.&nbsp;She was the first person in the Marshall Islands to earn a doctorate degree and also founded Women United Together Marshall Islands, a woman rights group.&nbsp;

She urged for multilateralism, adding that Marshall Islands may be small but exerts a moral leadership. "Bigger countries should understand that small countries have a role," Heine told WION.&nbsp;

The president also said that big countries like China are interested in an establishment in the Pacific and further require a rule of law. She said that one must understand the intentions of the countries.&nbsp;

Heine told WION that Marshall Islands have been presented by Indo-Pacific strategy by <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/australia-us-japan-in-indo-pacific-infrastructure-push-155981">US, Japan and Australia</a>, adding that most island countries are on board.&nbsp;

From 1946 to 1958, Marshall Islands was the site where the US conducted 67 nuclear tests.&nbsp;

US tested the world's first hydrogen bomb, code-named "Mike", at the Enewetak atoll in the Marshall islands in 1952.&nbsp;

Nuclear testing began in 1946 on bikini atoll. Several tests later, authorities were forced to give up. The 15-megaton castle bravo test in 1958 led to a significant fallout in the region.&nbsp;

Today, Marshall Islands is the most vocal opponent of nuclear tests. With its focus on non-proliferation and global peace, Marshall Islands is touted to play a significant role in the indo-pacific region.&nbsp;

Lastly, Heine shared her interest in Bollywood. "I have seen Bollywood movies. Your culture is very vibrant, rich and diverse. I invite Bollywood to come to Pacific," she said.

Watch the full interview on WION on Saturday at 2100 IST and Sunday at 2000 IST.

Hilda Heine, Marshall Islands first women president, spoke to WION and shared her views on India-Pacific ties, PM Modi, climate-change and her interest in Bollywood.

Hilda Heine, Marshall Islands first women president, spoke to WION and shared her views on India-Pacific ties, PM Modi, climate-change and her interest in Bollywood. She is the first woman president of any Micronesian country, and only the fourth woman to serve as head of government for any independent Pacific nation following Jenny Shipley and Helen Clark of New Zealand and Julia Gillard of Australia. On ties with India, Heine told WION that the two countries have a developing partnership and hopes for stronger ties, calling India a world power. She further lauded the solar alliance partnership saying that India will be able to assist them. Heine hopes to develop a yoga curriculum with India's help. Marshall Island hailed prime minister Narendra Modi's "Ayushman Bharat" which aims to provide a service to create a healthy, capable and content new India. Heine said that India's plan on healthcare initiative is exciting which she looks forward to. She also said that Marshall Islands is encouraging partnership with Pacific island countries. Heine addressed the ongoing climate issues saying that they plan on launching strategies in the Paris agreement and further discouraged countries which have stepped out. She further called for India's support in the agreement. Marshall Islands is playing an important role in the issues of climate change and nuclear non-proliferation. Talking about gender equality and women leadership Heine said that 50% of the world population is constituted by women who need to be better represented. Her biggest challenge is to empower women all across Pacific Island countries. She was the first person in the Marshall Islands to earn a doctorate degree and also founded Women United Together Marshall Islands, a woman rights group. She urged for multilateralism, adding that Marshall Islands may be small but exerts a moral leadership. "Bigger countries should understand that small countries have a role," Heine told WION. The president also said that big countries like China are interested in an establishment in the Pacific and further require a rule of law. She said that one must understand the intentions of the countries. Heine told WION that Marshall Islands have been presented by Indo-Pacific strategy by US, Japan and Australia, adding that most island countries are on board. From 1946 to 1958, Marshall Islands was the site where the US conducted 67 nuclear tests. US tested the world's first hydrogen bomb, code-named "Mike", at the Enewetak atoll in the Marshall islands in 1952. Nuclear testing began in 1946 on bikini atoll. Several tests later, authorities were forced to give up. The 15-megaton castle bravo test in 1958 led to a significant fallout in the region. Today, Marshall Islands is the most vocal opponent of nuclear tests. With its focus on non-proliferation and global peace, Marshall Islands is touted to play a significant role in the indo-pacific region. Lastly, Heine shared her interest in Bollywood. "I have seen Bollywood movies. Your culture is very vibrant, rich and diverse. I invite Bollywood to come to Pacific," she said. Watch the full interview on WION on Saturday at 2100 IST and Sunday at 2000 IST.

India a world power, hope for strong ties: Marshall Islands president to WION

The president of Marshall Islands Hilda Heine said that the country has a developing partnership with India.

In an exclusive interview with WION, she said that India being a developing country was able to understand the Marshall Islands.

Terming India as a world power she said that the island country was looking forward to further strengthen its ties with India.&nbsp; 
 
She also appreciated India's solar alliance partnership and sought its assistance in developing solar power in Marshall Islands. She also added that it was developing yoga curriculum with India's help.

She praised India for its support to the Paris agreement and said that it was very disappointing as the big emitter had stepped out of the agreement.&nbsp;

Referring to the climate change as an existential threat she said it was a launching the 20150 strategy under Paris agreement.&nbsp;

Heine also backed India's bid at the United Nations Security Council and said that the UN needs to reform to meet the current situation.&nbsp;

Speaking of woman empowerment she said that the women need to be well represented in the world.&nbsp;

She said that women accommodated 50 per cent of the world population. However, there were very fewer woman leaders in the world.&nbsp;

She also said that it does best for the Pacific island countries was the biggest challenge for her.

Heine said that the bigger countries should understand that small country have a role to play.

She further added that Marshall Islands was a small country but it exerts a moral leadership.

She also said that there was a competition in "their part of the country" as big countries like China were trying to establish in Pacific. However, she added that a rule of law was required and they need to understand the intentions of the countries.&nbsp;

Heine concluded by saying that the Indian culture was very vibrant, rich and diverse and added that she had watched Bollywood movies.

She also invited Bollywood to visit Pacific.

The president of Marshall Islands Hilda Heine said that the country has a developing partnership with India. In an exclusive interview with WION, she said that India being a developing country was able to understand the Marshall Islands.

The president of Marshall Islands Hilda Heine said that the country has a developing partnership with India. In an exclusive interview with WION, she said that India being a developing country was able to understand the Marshall Islands. Terming India as a world power she said that the island country was looking forward to further strengthen its ties with India. She also appreciated India's solar alliance partnership and sought its assistance in developing solar power in Marshall Islands. She also added that it was developing yoga curriculum with India's help. She praised India for its support to the Paris agreement and said that it was very disappointing as the big emitter had stepped out of the agreement. Referring to the climate change as an existential threat she said it was a launching the 20150 strategy under Paris agreement. Heine also backed India's bid at the United Nations Security Council and said that the UN needs to reform to meet the current situation. Speaking of woman empowerment she said that the women need to be well represented in the world. She said that women accommodated 50 per cent of the world population. However, there were very fewer woman leaders in the world. She also said that it does best for the Pacific island countries was the biggest challenge for her. Heine said that the bigger countries should understand that small country have a role to play. She further added that Marshall Islands was a small country but it exerts a moral leadership. She also said that there was a competition in "their part of the country" as big countries like China were trying to establish in Pacific. However, she added that a rule of law was required and they need to understand the intentions of the countries. Heine concluded by saying that the Indian culture was very vibrant, rich and diverse and added that she had watched Bollywood movies. She also invited Bollywood to visit Pacific.

Back India's bid at United Nations Security Council: Marshall Islands President Hilda Heine

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Marshall Islands leader survives no-confidence motion

News brief: Big stories of the day

India a world power, hope for strong ties: Marshall Islands president to WION

Back India's bid at United Nations Security Council: Marshall Islands President Hilda Heine