Western Province–China ties: Western Province Premier Billy Veo met China’s ambassador in Honiara to reaffirm cooperation, with priorities including energy, Gizo water desalination and infrastructure investment, and plans for a delegation to visit China to explore trade and investment. Mining law overhaul: The Government introduced a new Mineral Resources Bill 2025 to replace the 30-year Mines and Minerals Act, putting landowners and communities at the centre through a statutory Community Development Agreement framework, stronger land access and compensation rules, and tighter environmental safeguards. Public finance update: Finance Minister Gordon Darcy Lilo told Parliament debt remains within safety limits (debt-to-GDP 27.2%), while 2025 results showed revenue of about $4.1b against spending of $5.1b and a deficit of roughly $768m. Banking push: Cabinet approved work on a new national bank with a rural bank component developed with the World Bank, aimed at expanding formal services beyond communities left out by past credit union failures. Port and transport upgrades: Honiara International Port works moved into the next phase of the International Berth 1 upgrade, while LMCP also began installing permanent traffic signs on upgraded roads to improve safety. Security and enforcement: RSIPF received a $5.5m upgraded Tactical Training Centre from Australia’s AFP, and Australia is set to hand over the Lofung border and patrol boat outpost to strengthen western maritime coordination. Economic growth outlook: Real GDP growth for 2026 was revised up to 3.5%, supported by mining, agriculture, tourism and fisheries as logging declines. Freshwater resilience: Solomon Islands launched the PacFresH2O programme to protect freshwater resources and build climate resilience with partners including GIZ, SPC and Live & Learn. Business governance dispute: Attorney-General Gabriel Suri denied an ongoing business relationship controversy, saying his Panatina Chemists directorship ended in 2018 and his name should have been removed from company records.