Pacific Security: Pacific Elders warn that geopolitical competition is reshaping the region, urging Pacific leaders to keep security decisions sovereign and transparent, with peace defined as justice and stewardship—not just the absence of conflict. Missile Test Fallout: China’s nuclear-capable ballistic missile test into the South Pacific has drawn sharp criticism from Australia and New Zealand, while Papua New Guinea’s PM James Marape appealed for major powers to stop using Pacific waters for missile testing and militarisation. U.S.-Pacific Priorities: A new U.S. ambassador, Jared Novelly, says Cook Islands seabed critical minerals are now a top priority, while also warning Pacific states about China’s growing influence and pitching U.S. investment partnerships. Niue Link in U.S. Outreach: Novelly is also set to travel to Niue as part of his regional push, underscoring how Niue and the wider Pacific are being pulled into great-power competition over resources. Regional Diplomacy on Plastics: Fiji helped lead global plastics negotiations, co-facilitating talks on how a future treaty will be funded and implemented, stressing predictable support for small island states. Local Justice (Off-island report): In American Samoa, a woman reported an alleged alcohol-fuelled assault and disturbance involving two males, with one charged and a juvenile handled separately. Gender & Culture (Global Voices): A spotlight piece highlights that gender-diverse identities exist across many cultures, including Niue’s fiafifine, challenging the idea that fluidity is “Western” or new.