Port Security: Fiji Ports says alleged kava theft from inside shipping containers at Suva shows the security threat is “within the boundaries” of the port, with talks underway for a dedicated police office on-site and shared CCTV viewing with police. Domestic Aviation: Santo’s tourism body says Vanuatu’s domestic aviation crisis may look “over” from the capital, but travellers still face cancellations and schedule changes more than two years after Air Vanuatu’s liquidation. Regional Security: Australia’s Foreign Minister Penny Wong backs Pacific-led security talks as Forum foreign ministers meet in Fiji, but the Forum still fails to agree on a joint response to China’s July missile test—leaving the issue for leaders in Palau. PNG Election Prep: PNG PM James Marape says he will ask Timor-Leste for 200 defence personnel for a 1,000-strong regional election security and observation team for PNG’s 2027 vote. Diplomatic Moves: PNG and Vanuatu broke ground in Port Vila on a new PNG chancery, with Vanuatu donating land and pledging VT100 million. Fisheries Funding: The US-Pacific tuna treaty continues to deliver, with the FFA distributing a second 2026 payout of US$50.42m to Pacific island parties. Education Pressure: Pikinini Playtime warns Vanuatu’s literacy crisis—about 70% of children unable to read or write at expected levels—must be treated as a national emergency, focusing on better teachers, not just infrastructure.