New Caledonia Politics: Virginie Ruffenach was elected president of the New Caledonia Congress on July 10 after forming a coalition, as the territory looks to rebuild economic tools, social cohesion and trust after years of instability. Pacific Diplomacy: Vanuatu says it will pursue international legal action against France over sovereignty of the Matthew and Hunter islands, arguing the dispute also determines rights to surrounding waters and resources. Pacific Security: France’s Pacific commander says France had advance notice of China’s SLBM launch and viewed it as a nuclear deterrence signal, underlining France’s role as a permanent Pacific power. Regional Environment: Solomon Islands has joined the Melanesian Ocean Corridor of Reserves (MOCOR), expanding a transboundary marine protected area initiative aimed at protecting biodiversity across Melanesia. Critical Minerals: The IEA warns critical minerals supply chains are becoming more concentrated, with China and Indonesia driving most refined output growth, while export controls raise major economic security risks. Business & Connectivity: OPT-NC and Lynk Global completed New Caledonia’s first satellite SMS test, enabling messaging in areas without terrestrial mobile coverage. Transport & Tourism: Carnival Adventure’s Port Vila stop was delayed after a technical issue with a pontoon door, leading to the cancellation of a Mystery Island visit and refunds/compensation for guests. Earthquake Watch: A shallow M6.3 quake hit southeast of the Loyalty Islands; no injuries or tsunami threat were reported, with impact limited by the open-ocean location.