Pacific Islands Forum prep: With just 51 days to go, Palau is ramping up for the 55th PIF Leaders Meeting, tackling hotel shortages by urging residents to list rooms on Airbnb and building a “progressive” security plan with Australian Federal Police support and 24-hour close protection for leaders. Regional security & China missile test: Pacific leaders, including Palau President Surangel Whipps, condemned China’s submarine-launched nuclear-capable missile test, saying it landed “right between our EEZs,” while officials argue it strengthens the case for Pacific-led security. Palau governance & courts: House Speaker Sabino Anastacio was sued/charged for misconduct in public office and violation of the Unified Tax Act, tied to alleged failure to obtain a business license over a China-linked land lease arrangement for a proposed Wyndham Globat Resort. Digital economy: A new piece looks at Palau’s fintech push—focused on improving payments and connectivity for a small, tourism-driven economy. Trade & tourism tech: Taiwan and Palau are partnering on “Smart Golf” development, launching a Smart Golf Experience Pavilion at the Taiwan–Palau Trade & Cultural Show. Public finance politics: A supplemental budget dispute between President Whipps and the Olbiil Era Kelulau ended in retaliatory line-item cuts, with the president’s office receiving no added supplemental funding. Weather watch (regional): A monsoon-linked tropical disturbance near Yap has prompted maritime and coastal preparations for rougher seas and heightened surf, even without direct land impacts.