Critical Minerals Diplomacy: A U.S. envoy says Cook Islands seabed minerals are now a top priority, with Ambassador Jared Novelly warning Pacific states—including Niue—about the risks of China’s growing influence while pitching U.S. investment and partnerships. Regional Security & Sovereignty: Pacific Elders urged that regional security must stay in Pacific hands, calling for sovereignty, transparency, and equal decision-making as external competition reshapes the region. Tourism & Digital Services: South Pacific Pocket Guide launched VanuatuPocketGuide.com, a research-backed online travel platform meant to help independent travellers plan and to support local tourism operators with more coverage planned into 2027. Health & Food Systems: A separate global obesity roundup spotlights Nauru’s extremely high obesity rate and links the trend to past phosphate-driven economic shifts, imported diets, and limited fresh produce—useful context for Pacific health and food-industry planning.