Pacific diplomacy & missile transparency: Palau’s President Surangel Whipps Jr pushed for a “unified” Pacific response to China’s July ICBM test, calling out short notice and urging respect for sovereignty and transparency. Regional unity under strain: The 55th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders’ Meeting in Palau ended with a rare split: Naoero (formerly Nauru) dissented from the agreed push for at least 24 hours’ advance warning, while Kiribati was absent from key sessions and later snubbed from the closing acknowledgements. Deportation deal scrutiny: Australia released terms for the NZYQ cohort, a plan to deport 350+ refugees and asylum seekers to Naoero, but an Australian senator says the disclosure raises more questions than it answers, including claims of withheld financial documents. Fisheries leadership: The Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency received FAO’s Margarita Lizárraga Medal for responsible fisheries management, with the award framed as recognition of Pacific collective action. Deep-sea mining debate: A new focus on the Clarion-Clipperton Zone highlights the race between species science and rules that could enable mining, with Pacific voices warning about permanent ecosystem damage. Climate finance push: The Green Climate Fund says it will speed approvals and expand direct access for national and regional institutions, aiming to reduce delays and intermediaries. El Niño risk for Nauru and neighbours: Pacific communities facing fuel stress are being urged to prepare for a potentially strong El Niño, with uneven rainfall impacts threatening water, food and children’s health. Local governance: Nauru’s economy and labour minister says the island lacks a clear framework to define and investigate “sham marriages,” proposing changes that could refer cases to immigration and tighten enforcement. Business & trade signals: China’s influence efforts and tourism “weaponising” claims around Palau also fed into the wider regional economic resilience conversation.