Pacific security & climate diplomacy: A Pacific security expert warns the region’s “crowded” architecture is getting more complex as Australia and Pacific partners form more defence alliances and new security groups, raising the risk that Pacific priorities get sidelined amid rising geopolitical competition. COP31 push: Solomon Islands’ Environment Minister Wayne Ghemu (speaking for the Pacific Islands Forum) urged stronger Pacific regionalism ahead of COP31, saying climate change is the Pacific’s existential threat and countries must speak “with one voice.” Ocean protection vs deep-sea mining: An OP-ED argues the deep-sea minerals debate is moving from simple “for or against” toward “follow the science, protect the environment, do no harm,” highlighting different Pacific approaches and the need for transparent safeguards. Kiribati conservation spotlight: IUCN provided technical advice on conservation status for more than 50 World Heritage sites, including the Phoenix Islands Protected Area in Kiribati. Tuvalu/Kiribati sea-level risk: Reporting on Tuvalu’s extreme vulnerability notes NASA-linked analysis that sea-level rise and storms are already affecting low-lying atolls—relevant for Kiribati too. Health funding for Kiribati: The ADB and Kiribati government signed an US$11m grant to complete the new Betio Hospital, aiming for operations by end of Q2 2028. Regional tensions over missile test: Analysts say Pacific nations struggled to agree on a united response after China’s missile test near Tuvalu, with differing ties to Beijing complicating the “ocean of peace” vision. RIMPAC SINKEX (environment angle): Multiple live-fire sinking exercises sank decommissioned ships off Kauai, with SINKEX conducted only after area surveys for people and marine life.