Pacific security & crime-fighting: Australia unveiled a A$600m plan to disrupt cocaine smuggling across the “Pacific drugs highway,” targeting cartels using semi-submersibles after multiple “narco-subs” were found in the Solomon Islands and Marshall Islands and major seizures were reported across the region. Maritime safety & shipping risk: Palau-flagged LPG carrier Horizon 1 was attacked near Khor Fakkan while other tankers under flags including Palau, Comoros and Zimbabwe were hit amid the West Asia conflict; crews were reported safe. Local tourism & environment protection: U.S. Navy divers removed abandoned derelict vessels and hazardous material in Koror under Pacific Partnership 2026, citing risks to marine life and tourism. Regional development partnerships: Solomon Islands and Canada discussed education, labour mobility, affordable energy and connectivity—aiming for practical outcomes. Food-safety scrutiny: Consumer reports in Palau raised questions about handling and reporting of ready-made food contamination, pushing for clearer complaint channels. Diplomacy with economic links: Taiwan’s President Lai received Palau’s new ambassador, thanking Palau for backing Taiwan’s international participation. Climate & resilience push: Pacific leaders in Palau focused on renewable energy, ocean priorities and climate finance access ahead of Pre-COP and COP31. Energy infrastructure angle: Palau-linked regional talks also echoed the wider push for solar-plus-storage and grid upgrades across the Pacific. Kava trade protection: Pacific leaders endorsed a KAVA Declaration to protect cultural and economic value, even as “Pacific Kava” is being claimed in the U.S.