Taiwan-Palau diplomacy: Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim has departed on a five-day visit to Palau to deepen bilateral ties, boost tourism, and review Taiwan’s Diplomatic Allies Prosperity Project results in healthcare, fisheries, agriculture, and public infrastructure. U.S.-Palau infrastructure and security: U.S. Indo-Pacific Command leaders visited Palau to reaffirm the Compact of Free Association partnership and highlight joint-use construction projects, including the rehabilitated Sledge Airfield on Peleliu. Ocean and climate push: Palau President Surangel Whipps Jr urged urgent global action on ocean governance and climate change at the Island States Ocean Summit in Tokyo, warning island nations face worsening sea-level rise, coral bleaching, and acidification. Maritime risk for Palau-linked shipping: The Palau Ship Registry says a tanker reported in a Black Sea drone attack was no longer on Palau’s registry at the time, despite tracking databases showing Palau links. Local marine science and food security: PICRC backed Palau’s World Tuna Day with education, games, and support for the cook-off, tying tuna conservation to the Palau National Marine Sanctuary. Energy and industry tie-in (regional): ACEN secured about P2.9B in financing for a Zambales battery storage expansion, underscoring ongoing battery energy storage investment across the region. Sanctions ripple to shipping: A Palau-flagged chemical tanker imported for recycling in Bangladesh was stranded after U.S. sanctions, showing how enforcement can disrupt ship recycling timelines. Trade compliance in the Pacific: EU food safety training in Suva targeted Pacific Island-flagged freezer vessels, aiming to keep access to the EU seafood market.