Climate Diplomacy Under Pressure: PNG’s foreign minister says climate has slipped down the Pacific agenda as oil supply worries and strategic rivalry take over, after China’s missile test and Middle East conflict dominated Pacific Islands Forum talks. Maritime Security & Research Concerns: A Chinese icebreaker’s reported entry into Palau’s waters has raised fears that “environmental monitoring” could also support military intelligence, adding to regional unease over growing militarisation. Digital ID & Biometric Rules: PNG opened public consultation on three bills covering data protection, cybersecurity and verifiable credentials, including tighter safeguards for biometric data and rules for digital trust services. El Niño Water Stress: Communities across PNG and Fiji are preparing for worsening dry conditions, with Port Moresby facing a partial water shutdown as drought pressure builds. Renewables for Connectivity: Polar Power reports $7.9m in Pacific revenue since 2024 and repeat orders for solar-hybrid systems, supporting telecom broadband in remote island sites. COP31 Push: Forum foreign ministers backed stronger climate action ahead of COP31, calling for more climate finance, renewable investment and louder Pacific leadership. Coral Triangle LNG Backlash: Climate protesters accuse insurers of “corporate spies” while urging them to stop underwriting LNG expansion in the Coral Triangle.