French Polynesia Politics: Pro-independence forces have won elections in French Polynesia, taking control of the regional assembly for five years and setting up a possible push for a referendum on the territory’s status; Tavini huiraatira (Oscar Temaru) won 44.3% in the second round and is expected to nominate Moetai Brotherson to lead the regional government, while France’s Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin said Paris will recognize the “democratic choice.” Pacific Security: China’s rare submarine-launched long-range missile test in the Pacific has triggered swift condemnation from Australia, Japan, New Zealand, the U.S. and others, with Beijing calling it routine training and saying relevant countries were notified in advance; regional groups also renewed calls to oppose militarisation and nuclear threats across the Blue Pacific. Fukushima Accountability: Pacific Islands Forum Secretary General Henry Puna is pressing for clearer, evidence-based answers on Japan’s plan to discharge treated Fukushima wastewater, including a frank dialogue with the IAEA. Marine Protection: A French marine foundation warns that more than a third of shark species are threatened with extinction, citing overfishing, the fin trade and climate change—an issue that hits Pacific ocean governance and conservation debates. Biodiversity in the Spotlight: King Charles visited London Zoo to mark partula snail conservation, with the painted markings used to track the snails’ return to French Polynesia later this year.