Melanesian Ocean Corridor: Solomon Islands has joined the Melanesian Ocean Corridor of Reserves (MOCOR), a transboundary marine protected area linking Papua New Guinea, Vanuatu and Fiji, aiming to protect biodiversity across the Coral Triangle—but details on size, enforcement and community consultation remain thin, raising fears of “paper parks.” Critical Minerals Watch: The IEA warns that France’s push to secure critical minerals is colliding with riskier supply chains: investment in mining and refining fell, growth is concentrated in China and Indonesia, and export controls—especially rare earth restrictions—could expose huge downstream production outside China. Vanuatu–France Legal Fight: Vanuatu says it will take its decades-old sovereignty dispute with France over Matthew and Hunter islands to international legal bodies after talks failed, arguing island ownership determines rights to surrounding waters and resources under maritime law. New Caledonia Politics: Virginie Ruffenach has been elected president of the New Caledonia Congress after forming a coalition, pledging economic recovery and social rebuilding amid a divided pro-independence/loyalist landscape. Aircalin Fleet Upgrade: Aircalin has signed financing for its first A350-900, with delivery set for December 2026, supported by bank lending, airline equity and French state incentives—aimed at strengthening long-haul connectivity for Nouméa. Satellite Connectivity Trial (OPT-NC): OPT-NC completed its first satellite SMS test in New Caledonia with Lynk Global, showing direct-to-device messaging where terrestrial coverage is missing.