Pacific Security: China’s rare submarine-launched ballistic missile test in the Pacific has triggered fast condemnation across the region, with Beijing insisting it was “routine” training and not aimed at any country, while analysts say the move is more about strategic and political signalling than technical novelty. Local Economy & Jobs: Solomon Islands’ GREAT Coalition policy push focuses on a productive economy—local content rules for government contracts, lower electricity tariffs, and support for agriculture, fisheries, tourism, manufacturing and the digital economy. Ocean Governance: The Wildlife Conservation Society and Makira-Ulawa Province signed a landmark MoU to strengthen marine spatial planning, expand protected areas, improve fisheries management, and build community-led ocean stewardship under the Bezos Earth Fund project. Infrastructure Testing: Solomon Islands commissioned its first Universal Testing Machine to boost local quality control for construction materials, with training for ministry technicians. Science & Skills: A Southern Cross University report highlights how a New Colombo Plan sports science placement at SINIS is turning into longer-term collaboration between Solomon Islands and Australia.