Pacific Islands Forum in Palau: Taiwan-China tensions are swirling around the 55th Pacific Islands Forum as several leaders skip or send deputies, with China warning over Taiwan’s participation and questions raised about outside influence—while Palau’s leaders insist climate, energy security, and drug-crime action stay front and centre. Smaller island priorities: Smaller Island States leaders met in Koror and pushed a united agenda on reliable air/sea transport, fisheries, health workforce support, procurement, and access to climate finance. Fuel security push: The US is set to announce a US$60m fuel security deal for the Pacific, alongside port investment plans tied to regional resilience. Community climate funding: The Pacific Resilience Facility is taking 14 community projects to pre-COP and COP31, focusing on water security, food production, coastal restoration, sanitation, renewable energy, and resilience. Deep-sea mining legal risk: A new report warns Pacific governments could face costly investor lawsuits if they tighten rules or change course on deep-sea mining—raising the stakes for Nauru and other seabed-facing states. Nauru-linked geopolitics: Nauru’s role in deep-sea mining governance is highlighted as Washington moves to open a second path for seabed extraction. Nauru Agreement fisheries shock: Tokelau lost over 60% of fishing revenue after expulsion from the VDS under the Nauru Agreement, forcing budget revisions and readmission talks.