India–US Tech Push: Washington and New Delhi are moving from talks to projects on semiconductors, AI, quantum and critical minerals, with officials stressing “trusted” supply chains and economic security. Taiwan Under Pressure: The US urged American states and businesses to deepen Taiwan ties, saying engagement fits long-standing policy despite Chinese warnings. S. Korea–Japan Defence: Seoul and Tokyo reaffirmed denuclearization goals and agreed to deepen defence exchanges, including AI, search-and-rescue drills and cooperation between aerobatic teams. Philippines–China Sea Row: Manila hit back after Beijing rejected the 2016 arbitral ruling, with Defence Secretary Gilberto Teodoro calling China’s stance “insincere” and “duplicity.” India–Seychelles Diplomacy: PM Modi became the first Indian premier to address Seychelles’ National Assembly, pitching the Indian Ocean as a shared “ocean of opportunity” and underscoring maritime security and new pacts. Bangladesh–China Investment: Chinese firms proposed about $9.2bn in Bangladesh during Tarique Rahman’s China visit, including Mongla Port upgrades and major infrastructure and energy plans. Japan Bonds Plan: Japan’s finance ministry is considering expanding retail government bonds for individuals, including ideas like inflation-linked and longer-maturity products. China Dissident Reaches Canada: A Chinese political dissident who fled by dinghy to South Korea has arrived in Canada, seeking reunification with family. US FCC China Tech Ban: The FCC expanded bans on Chinese telecom and surveillance equipment, including legacy Huawei/ZTE/Hikvision gear. Weather Watch: India’s monsoon faces El Niño-linked risks, prompting contingency planning for rainfall deficits and farm impacts.