Taiwan–Palau Diplomacy & Tourism: Taiwan Vice President Bi-khim Hsiao wrapped a busy Palau visit with stops including Malakal Island development work, the Palau National Aquaculture Center and giant clam conservation, plus meetings at Belau National Hospital and the Belau National Museum—reaffirming people-to-people ties and long-running cooperation. Local Development & Culture: Hsiao also toured natural and historical sites like Peleliu and the Rock Islands Southern Lagoon, and attended a welcome banquet with President Surangel S. Whipps Jr., with tourism and sustainable partnership front and center. Disability Rights Milestone: Disability advocate Mataafa Faatino Utumapu was elected to the UN Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, a first for Samoa and a win for Pacific inclusion. Education Exchange: Four Palauan students graduated from Ming Chuan University in Taiwan, highlighting ongoing academic links. Oceans & Restoration Science: A Palau study reports first-ever signs that seabird recovery after invasive rat removal can drive land-to-sea ecosystem recovery—good news for reef resilience. Regional Safety Watch: The Mindanao (Philippines) 7.8 earthquake triggered tsunami warnings across the region, including Palau and Taiwan, reminding island communities to stay alert. Shipping & Security: A Palau-flagged tanker incident near Oman tied to renewed West Asia tensions left Indian crew members missing and others rescued, underscoring risks to maritime routes.