Critical Minerals Diplomacy: New U.S. Ambassador Jared Novelly says securing Cook Islands seabed minerals is now a top Pacific priority, ranking “either 1A or 1B” on his agenda, while warning small island states about China’s growing influence and supply-chain risks. Deep-Sea Tech Partnerships: Deep Sea Minerals signed an MOU with Impossible Metals to assess autonomous robotic nodule collection, including test mining, environmental monitoring and potential downstream supply-chain opportunities. Local Environment & Ports: The National Environment Service released the EIA for Avarua Harbour dredging by the Cook Islands Ports Authority, with public review open until July 26, aiming to restore safe harbour access as sediment build-up reduces depth. Fisheries Monitoring: The Cook Islands renewed its MoU with the Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency to keep the Regional Aerial Surveillance Programme operating in its EEZ to help detect and deter illegal fishing. Governance & Elections: Cook Islands opposition leader Te Ariki Heather says major talks with New Zealand could wait until after the Aug. 12 election and New Zealand’s later election. Regional Security Backdrop: China’s South Pacific missile test drew condemnation from New Zealand officials, adding to the wider defence-and-diplomacy pressure shaping Pacific business conditions.