Indo-Pacific Security: Australia’s Lowy Institute warns China is building long-range missile capability that could hit Australia and still pressure the region economically in a wider US-China war, with Taiwan the PLA’s top priority. EU-China Tensions: EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas says the bloc has verified reports China trained Russian troops for Ukraine and is weighing sanctions; separately, the EU’s trade deficit with China hits a record €1bn a day, raising alarm over Europe’s industrial base. West Philippine Sea: Philippine generals and flag officers demand China remove a floating platform at Scarborough Shoal, calling it a sovereignty infringement; Manila also pushes back after Beijing sanctions Defense Sec. Gilberto Teodoro. Japan-Italy Defense & Minerals: Japan’s PM Takaichi and Italy’s Meloni agree to accelerate the trilateral next-gen fighter jet effort with Britain and deepen critical-minerals supply-chain cooperation, while both welcome a US-Iran interim deal. India-US Trade: USTR Jamieson Greer heads to India for June 23-24 talks to finalize an interim trade framework and move toward the first phase of a broader bilateral trade deal. India Economy: Retail inflation rises to 3.93% in May (food and fuel-led), while wholesale inflation jumps to 9.68%; unemployment edges up to 5.5%. India-Slovakia Pivot: Modi signs Slovakia MoUs on defence, digitization, nuclear and space ahead of G7, positioning Bratislava as a gateway to the EU. Energy Shock Watch: India’s government and analysts focus on whether Strait of Hormuz reopening after the US-Iran deal will ease oil and inflation pressures. Pacific Security: Fiji’s Tikoduadua warns Pacific leaders that drug trafficking and organised crime are multiplying alongside climate, food insecurity and housing pressures.