Pacific unity and security planning: Pacific foreign ministers urged the Pacific Islands Forum to keep “regional ownership” of its priorities as they endorsed a draft Regional Peace and Security Action Plan 2026–2030 ahead of the Palau-hosted 55th PIF Leaders Meeting. PIF summit politics: Ministers in Suva struggled to agree on a joint response to China’s recent ballistic missile test, with consensus rules and member disagreements leaving the region without a clear statement. Nuclear warning push: Palau President Surangel Whipps Jr. called for a “united front” against nuclear-capable weapons testing in the Pacific, arguing small states deserve transparency and notification. Regional connectivity milestone: All PIF members are now connected to global undersea cable networks, a major step for digital access and economic participation. Palau governance and courts: Ngardmau set a special governor election for Sept. 18 as Palau’s Supreme Court nears trial on former Gov. Jennifer Ngiraiwet’s challenge to her impeachment and removal. Environment and infrastructure: Palau entered drought conditions under Stage One of its National Drought Action Plan, while plans move forward to expand solar-linked battery storage with a 19.8-megawatt-hour system. Maritime cleanup: The U.S. Navy has begun removing derelict vessels from Koror waters, starting with sunken ships near Malakal Harbor.