Ocean & Climate Diplomacy: Palau President Surangel Whipps Jr urged urgent global action on ocean governance at the Island States Ocean Summit in Tokyo, warning that sea-level rise, coral bleaching and ocean acidification are already hitting island economies and sovereignty. Regional Ocean Management: The summit drew about 300 representatives from 30+ island nations, with leaders calling for financing, usable technology and stronger rules-based cooperation on biodiversity, plastic pollution and climate resilience. Palau–Taiwan Under Pressure: Whipps also defended Palau’s Taiwan ties amid China pressure, saying diplomatic choices are sovereign and citing documented unauthorized research activity in Palau’s EEZ. Coral Reef Collaboration: Palau participated in the 51st U.S. Coral Reef Task Force meeting in Puerto Rico, pushing science-based reef resilience and enforcement and watershed management cooperation. Local Governance & Business: Palau’s Senate rejected a House-amended Elite Visa bill after lawmakers added $8m+ in budget riders, sending the issue to conference talks. Trade & Sanctions: A U.S. sanctions move hit a Palau-flagged chemical tanker (MAYMEI) after it arrived in Bangladesh for recycling, leaving it stranded offshore as the importer seeks to return the ship.