New Caledonia Politics: Virginie Ruffenach has been elected president of the New Caledonia Congress, striking a coalition deal with the pro-independence Eveil Océanien to secure a governing majority, as she vows to rebuild economic tools, repair social ties and restore trust after years of instability. Pacific Security: France’s Pacific commander says Beijing’s recent SLBM launch into the South Pacific was closely tracked, with France receiving advance notice and viewing the move as a test of nuclear deterrence credibility. Vanuatu-France Dispute: Vanuatu says it will escalate its decades-long sovereignty fight with France over Matthew and Hunter islands to international legal arbitration after talks failed, arguing island control also determines rights to surrounding waters and resources. Regional Diplomacy: A French ambassador in Bangladesh framed the Indo-Pacific as a zone for “free passage, peace and cooperation,” calling for a level playing field and concrete reciprocity as France seeks deeper ties with Bangladesh. Earthquake Watch: A shallow M6.3 quake southeast of the Loyalty Islands triggered low-casualty alerts because the shaking occurred over open ocean, with no injuries, damage or tsunami risk reported. Marine Conservation: Solomon Islands has joined the Melanesian Ocean Corridor of Reserves (MOCOR), expanding a transboundary marine protected area initiative launched by PNG, Vanuatu and Fiji. Energy Storage: CATL and Dutch firm Alfen plan to deploy 5 GWh of sodium-ion battery systems across Europe from 2027, targeting long service life and reduced reliance on lithium.