Pacific Islands Forum turmoil: Palau has taken over the PIF chair, but the leaders’ meeting in Koror is already marked by empty seats and rising geopolitical heat, with China warning of “consequences” after Taiwan’s foreign minister attended the opening ceremony and Beijing-linked pressure blamed for last-minute no-shows. Solomon Islands politics at home spills into region: Opposition says PM Matthew Wale’s early departure from the PIF is a “national embarrassment,” while NZ Foreign Minister Winston Peters calls it a setback for the summit and questions why a no-confidence motion was moved during a critical regional event. Diplomacy & multilateral access: Switzerland offered Solomon Islands financial and logistical help to reopen a permanent diplomatic mission in Geneva, aiming to strengthen access to UN and other international bodies. Mining governance pressure: Transparency Solomon Islands urges stronger landowner consultation and calls for changes to the proposed Mineral Resources Bill, including removing a “constructive consent” provision. Business finance: SICCI welcomed the relaunch of the Small and Medium Enterprises Credit Guarantee Scheme as a key step to unlock local lending. Tax reform groundwork: Government held a Tax Policy Work Programme consultation, with VAT preparation a central focus. Trade & services: SINU will host the 2026 National Trade Fair (Sept 7–14), and UNICEF and partners delivered solar power to seven rural health facilities in Malaita.