Pacific Oceans & Fisheries: Pacific Islands Forum leaders in Palau backed a 2026 Ocean Statement, pushing coordinated action on ocean sovereignty, illegal fishing, marine pollution and deep-sea minerals, and tasking the Pacific Ocean Commissioner’s office to prepare for the BBNJ talks in Jan 2027. Deep-Sea Mining Fight: A proposed Clarion-Clipperton Zone mining push is colliding with science and governance, with thousands of species reported in the area and calls for stronger rules and a moratorium/precaution as countries race to set terms. Missile Testing Tensions: The Forum’s final communiqué urged at least 24 hours’ notice for missile tests, but Naoero (Nauru) dissented, showing a rare split inside regional unity. Nauru in the Spotlight: Taiwan-linked reporting says a China SSBN missile test was tracked near Nauru, and multiple Pacific nations protested. Human Rights & Nauru: Human Rights Watch renewed criticism of Australia’s offshore detention system, saying thousands were transferred to Naoero over 25 years with serious mental and physical harm. Climate Pressure for Nauru: ChildFund New Zealand warns El Niño is likely to intensify drought and water stress in parts of Micronesia including Nauru, on top of fuel and food strain. Connectivity Costs: A broadband study ranked the UK 46th for average mobile data cost, highlighting how pricing and network performance vary widely. Regional Diplomacy: Kiribati was snubbed at the Forum closing after missing the retreat, adding to the week’s diplomatic friction. Trade/Development: A Belt and Road summit session highlighted “go global” strategies for Chinese firms using Hong Kong as a “super connector.”