Pacific Diplomacy in Palau: Taiwan will attend the 55th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders’ Meeting in Palau after being blocked last year over China objections, with PIF Secretary-General Baron Waqa calling Taipei a key development partner and noting this year’s “open invitation.” Regional Security Deadlock: Pacific foreign ministers in Suva failed to agree on a joint statement condemning China’s July ballistic missile test, with New Zealand’s Winston Peters saying Kiribati and Naoero (formerly Nauru) effectively blocked consensus and accusing “outsiders” of influence. Palau Governance Watch: Palau’s Office of the President recommends Airai for the new Belau National Hospital, but lawmakers question whether the $2.3M site study gives enough detail; meanwhile the AG’s Office is moving toward public access to the sex offender registry via an on-site computer, and confirms some assistant attorneys general are also doing private legal work under contracts. Deep-Sea Mining Pressure: Palau President Surangel Whipps renews calls for a moratorium and precautionary pause at the International Seabed Authority, arguing the deep ocean is a shared heritage. Connectivity Milestone: Australia says all PIF members are now linked to undersea telecom cables, with second connections supported for Palau to improve reliability. Local Community & Women’s Projects: Four Palau states launch the Kiwa Women’s Work Project, funding women-led coastal restoration and food security, and a Taiwan-Palau-Japan school chef competition promotes healthier school meals using local produce.