Pacific Diplomacy at Risk: Pacific unity faces a stress test ahead of Palau’s PIF leaders’ meeting after foreign ministers failed to agree on a joint response to China’s July missile test, leaving no common regional position. US Visa Policy Impact on Vanuatu: The US Embassy in Port Moresby says Vanuatu’s permanent inclusion in the US Visa Bond Programme is meant to enforce immigration rules and cut overstays, with bonds capped at US$20,000. Regional Aviation Model: New Zealand FM Winston Peters points to the Cook Islands’ airline experience as a Pacific aviation success story, highlighting how support helped lift route growth. Governance & Extractives (Solomons): A workshop in Honiara urged stronger women’s participation and transparency in mining governance, including better community engagement in EITI processes. Climate & Youth Leadership: A Fiji conference heard calls for leaders to listen to young people as the region confronts climate distress and eroding trust in governance. SPREP Leadership: Wallis-et-Futuna chairs the SPREP Executive Board meeting, with Vanuatu in the Troika, focusing on Pacific environmental priorities. Sports (OFC): OFC Men’s Champions League semis set in Ba with Auckland City, Rewa, Galaxy and Central Coast chasing the final. Public Safety (Vanuatu-linked): US prosecutors allege a sham marriage network arranged 1,000+ fake unions, with the indictment listing Vanuatu among locations.