Pacific Security & Trade: Australia and Fiji signed the Ocean of Peace Alliance and the Vuvale Union in Suva, locking in mutual defence and deeper economic cooperation, backed by a $1b package over 10 years, with Australia also opening the Pacific Australia Skills Hub and committing $145m for Fiji’s digital skills and TVET centres. Regional Tensions: Hours after the treaties, China test-fired a long-range ballistic missile from a nuclear submarine into “designated waters” in the South Pacific, prompting Australia and New Zealand to call it destabilising and raising concerns about transparency and the nuclear-free zone. Business & Growth: A Business Assistance Fiji/Business Link Pacific expo in Labasa is helping kava growers and other MSMEs pick up practical ideas for scaling up. Tax & Compliance: Fiji Revenue and Customs Service says it has collected $3.226b net revenue (95.7% of target) through stronger enforcement and smarter compliance, including $430.1m in June. Forestry Innovation: Fiji Pine opened a new research centre at Lololo Station to strengthen science-led plantation management and forest health. Climate-smart Farming: USP researcher Abhineshwar Vinay Prasad is developing climate-resilient taro practices to protect soil health and boost yields across Fiji and the region. Anti-corruption: Fiji’s High Court has frozen over $1.3m and blocked transfers tied to alleged misconduct under FICAC investigations involving former HEC chairman Stephen Chand.