US–NZ Port Push: The US and New Zealand have signed on to build a US$60m deep-sea port at Penrhyn on the former WWII base in the Cook Islands, with NZ managing the build and the project framed as a strategic response to rising great-power pressure. Micronesian Air Plan: Palau, the Marshall Islands, Kiribati and FSM are exploring a regional airline consortium to break United’s Island Hopper monopoly and target lower fares for locals and tourists. Marshall Islands Security Deal: In Majuro, the Marshall Islands signed the first State Partnership Program agreement, linking it with Guam and Nebraska National Guards for emergency management, cyber defense and security cooperation. PIF in Palau, Geopolitics Front and Center: The 55th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting is underway in Koror, with major absences and a tense backdrop over Taiwan participation and China’s pressure tactics. Taiwan vs China at PIF: Taiwan is back at the summit after being blocked last year, while China objects and has faced pushback over a travel advisory aimed at Palau. Climate Mobility Funding: New Zealand-backed Pacific Climate Mobility Partnerships Programme launched with NZ$17.9m to support people-centred relocation planning across vulnerable islands. Nuclear Disarmament Reminder: Nuclear test survivors and advocates marked the International Day against Nuclear Tests, spotlighting the long shadow of Semipalatinsk and renewed global nuclear modernization. Regional Security Signals: A US Coast Guard Fast Response Cutter Oliver Henry change of command highlighted ongoing search-and-rescue, disaster response and shiprider patrols across Micronesia. Nuclear-Free Pacific Debate: Pacific lawmakers in Tokyo praised a nuclear-free Pacific push as US defense researchers urge the opposite—stationing nuclear weapons on Guam.