Clean Energy Finance: Palau is fundraising for a shift away from diesel, arguing the Pacific’s heavy fuel dependence makes renewable investment urgent—and hard to fund—while global clean-energy money largely sits in advanced economies and China. Regional Diplomacy: Australia’s Foreign Minister Penny Wong confirmed Fiji-Australia treaties will go to Australia’s Parliament, with the Ocean of Peace Alliance and Vuvale Union also set to be discussed at the Pacific Islands Forum Foreign Ministers Meeting in Fiji ahead of Palau’s Leaders Meeting. Deep-Sea Mining Fight: Pacific leaders are bracing for renewed pressure on deep-sea mining, with the U.S. moving toward seabed auctions in U.S. territories and island governments warning about food security and lack of consultation; meanwhile, the debate is shifting toward “follow the science” and stronger safeguards. Tuna Revenue: The U.S.-Pacific Tuna Treaty remains a key economic lifeline, with the FFA reporting a second 2026 distribution of about US$50.42m to Pacific parties. Palau Power Project: Solar Pacific’s Palau solar-plus-BESS augmentation is being financed via the Australian Infrastructure Financing Facility for the Pacific, with legal advisers highlighting the complexity of integrating storage expansions into existing grid and contracts. Security & Infrastructure: The U.S. Army has deployed an Avenger air-defense system to Palau, underscoring demand for fast, mobile protection across dispersed western Pacific positions.