Pacific Islands Forum tensions: Taiwan claims China sent plain-clothes operatives to spy on meetings at this week’s Palau summit, while Beijing’s “wolf warrior” threats are blamed for leaders pulling out. Regional diplomacy: Pacific ACP leaders urged countries to ratify the EU’s Samoa Agreement, a 20-year partnership meant to boost cooperation across politics, trade and development. US-Pacific influence: A report says US deputy secretary Christopher Landau’s push is being undermined as China pressures Forum members not to attend, including leaders from Vanuatu and others. Security rethink: Britain and Australia are both recalibrating Pacific defense strategy, aiming for a more integrated security architecture. Football (Vanuatu in focus): Fiji’s Junior Bula Boys opened the OFC U-19 Men’s Championship with a 7-2 win over Vanuatu in Samoa, with Vanuatu scoring first before Fiji surged after halftime. Sports funding: Anthony Albanese announced $15.6m to help Pacific athletes and officials reach Brisbane 2032 and other major events. Music: Pacific Break 2026 entries reopen, with judges calling for authentic storytelling and bold, confident new sounds from across the region.