Pacific diplomacy and security: Japan is stepping up engagement across the Pacific, using development finance, climate resilience, disaster management, maritime cooperation, people-to-people links—and increasingly security support—highlighted by moves with Fiji and the Solomon Islands, including a US$18.4m low-interest loan to Honiara. Niue in the spotlight from Washington: At a second White House summit with Pacific island leaders, the U.S. announced diplomatic recognition of Niue (and the Cook Islands) and promised new infrastructure funding, including support for undersea cable connectivity. Regional climate politics in Australia: Australia’s A$20m bill to host a COP31 pre-summit in Fiji has triggered a political fight in Canberra, with the Opposition arguing it’s misplaced spending amid cost-of-living pressure. SPREP governance and priorities: SPREP’s Executive Board meeting in Samoa reviewed the region’s environmental pressures—climate change, biodiversity loss, pollution and disaster risks—with Wallis-et-Futuna chairing the 5th EBM and setting priorities for new initiatives and partnerships. Local youth and defence-linked training: Blue Light’s Life Skills Camp, run with the New Zealand Defence Force, returned to Waiouru Military Camp and tested participants in sub-zero conditions, awarding Overall Excellence, Overall Merit and a Peers’ Choice.