Australia-Naoero deportation deal: An Australian senator says the release of terms for the NZYQ deportation agreement still leaves major questions, including whether a separate memorandum covering the financial arrangement will be disclosed, as Australia prepares to resettle more than 350 refugees and asylum seekers to Naoero under long-running offshore processing. Pacific Islands Forum unity under strain: At the 55th PIF Leaders Meeting in Palau, leaders pushed for a stronger regional line on missile testing and ocean issues, but Naoero registered a rare dissent on the communiqué language calling for at least 24 hours’ advance warning—highlighting a split inside consensus. China missile test backlash: Australia and New Zealand leaders condemned China’s July ICBM test over the Pacific for inadequate notice, while China defended its “defensive” military policy and said relevant countries were informed in advance. Ocean and fisheries policy: Forum leaders backed a 2026 ocean statement covering sovereignty, fisheries, deep-sea minerals and marine pollution, and tasked the Pacific Ocean Commissioner’s office with preparations for the 2027 BBNJ talks. Climate finance and resilience: The Green Climate Fund signalled faster approvals and more direct access for Pacific national and regional entities, aiming to reduce delays and intermediaries. Nauru domestic governance: Nauru’s economy and labour minister said the island lacks a clear framework to investigate “sham marriages,” proposing changes that would let the registrar refer suspicious cases to immigration for assessment and possible criminal penalties.