Diplomacy & Security: Palau President Surangel Whipps defended its Taiwan ties amid China pressure, saying Palau can choose partners and accusing Chinese vessels of unauthorized research in its EEZ, while calling for closer Japan cooperation on development, maritime security, and ocean conservation. Bilateral Projects: Taiwan VP Hsiao Bi-khim is set to visit Palau June 6–10 to meet Whipps and review Taiwan-backed healthcare, agriculture, and public infrastructure projects, including a push for sustainable tourism. Shipping & Sanctions: A US sanctions move has stranded a Palau-flagged chemical tanker, MAYMEI, off Bangladesh after it was sold for recycling, with the importer seeking to return the vessel. Maritime Registry Clarification: Palau Ship Registry says another reported Palau-flagged tanker, James II, had already been removed from its registry before a Black Sea drone attack. Local Business: A Palau laundromat feature highlights a growing coin-laundry scene driven by tourism and hospitality demand. Energy Costs & Work Patterns: A Palau-focused column argues that in island economies, compressing work into fewer days could better manage rising electricity and fuel costs. Regional Industry Risk: Myanmar’s Shan State blast killed at least 55 after mining explosives detonated in rebel-held territory, underscoring safety failures in extractive operations.