US-Pacific Security & Sovereignty: Pacific Elders warn that geopolitical competition is reshaping the region and urge Pacific security to stay under Pacific control, with institutions protecting sovereignty, transparency, and equal decision-making. Critical Minerals & China Influence: Newly appointed US Ambassador Jared Novelly says securing Cook Islands seabed critical minerals is now a top priority (ranked “1A or 1B”), while cautioning that China’s growing influence poses risks for small island states; he signals US companies could be introduced if allowed by local laws. Niue Business Angle: The same US envoy role covers Niue, keeping Niue tied to the minerals-and-investment push across the Cook Islands, Niue, and Samoa. Women’s Market Growth: In Samoa, UN Women and EMD announce a partnership under the M4C Life-Con Pacific Women’s Market Expo (15–18 July), aiming to expand market access and business opportunities for women-led vendors across the Pacific. Fisheries Governance: The 25th Forum Fisheries Committee Ministerial Meeting wraps in Wellington, with Niue’s outgoing chair Mona Ainu’u thanked and New Zealand’s Shane Jones set to lead 2026–2027.