Diplomacy & Visits: Taiwan Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim has departed for a five-day trip to Palau to deepen ties, boost tourism, and review Taiwan’s Diplomatic Allies Prosperity Project results in healthcare, fisheries, agriculture, and infrastructure. Regional Ocean Governance: As the new Office for Pacific Ocean Commissioner (OPOC) sets up in Palau, Pacific partners in Nadi are rallying behind its mandate, with Palau urging the office’s independence to coordinate ocean policy as needs grow. Security & Sovereignty: Palau has protested to Russia over a fake-news operation targeting Pacific leaders and raised concerns about Russian-linked activity in Palau’s telecom infrastructure; it has also protested China over an unauthorized Chinese research vessel entry into Palau’s EEZ. Public Safety: Palau’s Bureau of Public Safety says it’s short 45 officers, with patrol shifts sometimes running on just four, straining crime prevention. Economy & Finance: A proposed Palau Savings Bond Program would aim to keep more deposits at home to fund local businesses and infrastructure, reducing reliance on overseas borrowing. US-Palau Partnership: USINDOPACOM commander Adm. Samuel Paparo visited Palau, reaffirming the Compact of Free Association and highlighting rehabilitated strategic airfield access. Maritime Risk (Global, with Palau link): US sanctions have left a Palau-registered tanker stranded in Bangladesh after it was listed over alleged Iranian petrochemical links.