Maritime security & diplomacy: Taiwan’s Coast Guard Administration confirmed it donated a decommissioned patrol vessel to the Philippines and plans a high-profile CGA visit in October 2027, underscoring how coast-guard cooperation is being used to navigate China-linked “gray zone” pressure. Regional fisheries leadership: Pacific countries backed stronger, Pacific-led tuna management at FAO COFI37 in Rome, highlighting science-based monitoring and compliance and recognizing the Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency’s long-running role. Palau tech & resilience: Palau is moving toward wave-energy development as a Taiwanese team surveys seabed sites for a gravity-based wave system, aiming to test with real Palau wave data before construction. Palau health innovation: During Pacific Islands Forum week, Palau Medical Hub signed its first cooperation agreements on digital health, healthier care facilities, integrative health, and portable diagnostics. Cyber safety in Palau: Palau’s Office of the Special Prosecutor and Financial Intelligence Unit warned of rising online financial scams using social media, AI, and deepfakes, urging residents to report suspicious activity. Energy & environment: U.S. engagement in the Pacific is shifting toward private-sector-led growth, with Palau specifically included in announced support spanning energy security, maritime security, digital technology, and scientific cooperation. Local risk & public concern: Reports say U.S. plans to expand Palau’s main port and deepen the harbor have reignited WWII-era fears among residents about becoming a target in a potential superpower conflict.