Pacific Fisheries & Ocean Governance: Forum foreign ministers in Suva urged urgent action to protect fisheries, back the Vakamanu Regional Pacific Fisheries Strategy 2026–2035, and push member-led, equitable management as climate and fuel pressures mount. SPREP Leadership: SPREP’s 5th Executive Board meeting in Samoa focused on how the agency will keep supporting Pacific communities facing climate change, biodiversity loss, pollution and disaster risks. Palau–China Maritime Tensions: Palau President Surangel Whipps Jr said Chinese research vessels enter Palau’s EEZ uninvited, raising surveillance and security concerns tied to the Ji Di icebreaker. FFA Economic Shift: The Forum Fisheries Agency is moving toward “value retention” and economic development for tuna and aquaculture, linking fisheries to sovereignty, revenue and food security. Palau Public Finance: Palau drew $45.8m in Compact Review Agreement and Compact Trust Fund funding through Q3 FY2026, with CRA/CTF funds making up about 32% of the annual budget. Climate Finance Coordination: Palau is drawing on Vanuatu’s systems to better turn climate priorities into bankable projects and track delivery. State Borrowing Bill: A new Palau bill would raise state borrowing authority from $2m to $5m to help fund infrastructure and revenue-generating projects. Fuel Crisis Watch: Pacific leaders are preparing for a prolonged fuel crisis as US–Iran tensions threaten supplies, raising costs and inflation risks. Palau Diplomacy: Ambassador Roland Merar presented credentials to Australia’s Governor-General, starting Palau’s first resident ambassador mission in Canberra since 1994. Regional Security Divide: Pacific foreign ministers again failed to agree on a joint statement condemning China’s nuclear-capable missile test, highlighting deep differences over militarisation and sovereignty. Cybersecurity Ranking: A global index ranked Palau among the lowest for cyber readiness, underscoring the need to protect critical systems.