Pacific Forum Power Shift: Palau has taken over the Pacific Islands Forum chair from Solomon Islands, with President Surangel Whipps Jr. stressing the “Pacific agenda must be driven by us” as leaders push climate, ocean protection and economic resilience. China-Taiwan Tensions: China’s envoy warned Taiwan’s presence at the Palau opening ceremony would bring “consequences,” while Australia said the Forum decides who attends; several leaders also skipped in-person participation, fueling claims of outside pressure. Solomon Islands Politics Spillover: New Zealand’s Winston Peters called PM Matthew Wale’s rushed return home a “setback” after a no-confidence motion and cabinet resignations. VAT Push in Honiara: Finance Minister Gordon Darcy Lilo says VAT’s policy decision is final and urged businesses to prepare now for registration, invoicing, record-keeping and input tax credits. SME Finance Relaunch: SICCI welcomed the reopening of the Small and Medium Enterprises Credit Guarantee Scheme to unlock lending for local businesses. Energy & Development: Solomon Islands met the World Bank on fuel prices and lowering electricity costs, while UNICEF and partners handed solar power to seven rural health facilities in Malaita. Local Business Growth: Firetree secured a Tesco listing for its 100% cocoa chocolate bar made with Solomon Islands cocoa; Shortland received a $1.5m China-funded fishing project under RSDP. Carbon Income for Landowners: Padezaka forest in South Choiseul was approved as an operational carbon project, aiming to generate benefits for about 4,000 landowners.