Nuclear-Free Pacific Under Pressure: A new debate is flaring after China’s submarine-launched ballistic missile test in the Pacific, with New Zealand and Australia warning it clashes with the “ocean of peace” goal and renewed nuclear-free concerns under the Treaty of Rarotonga. Pacific Climate Stress: El Niño risk is rising as the Pacific Islands Forum’s emergency response mechanism has been triggered by fuel and transport shocks tied to the Iran war—now potentially compounded by a “very strong” El Niño later in 2026. Reef Heat Watch: World Reef Awareness Day coverage highlights how warming seas and El Niño can push coral reefs toward severe bleaching, with Asia-Pacific reefs already under major strain. Typhoon Bavi Readiness: Guam and the Northern Marianas are bracing for Typhoon Bavi, with rapid intensification forecasts and urgent calls for residents and mariners to act now. Space & Environment Link: NASA’s Swift Observatory rescue mission launched from the Marshall Islands, using a robotic craft to raise the satellite’s orbit and slow its fiery re-entry risk from solar-driven atmospheric drag. Aid Crunch for Small Islands: An OECD report warns global aid is dropping to the lowest level since 2014, threatening health and climate resilience funding across Pacific small island states. Fisheries Governance: Pacific fisheries ministers wrapped up key Forum Fisheries Committee talks in Wellington, setting priorities for regional cooperation.