India-Japan Strategic Push: PM Narendra Modi and Japan’s PM Sanae Takaichi expanded ties after their New Delhi summit, unveiling a first-ever defence co-development project plus new AI, semiconductors, critical minerals, healthcare and clean-energy agreements. China-EU Trade Talks: Beijing says ministerial China-EU trade talks will be held once or twice a year under a new mechanism, as the EU tightens steel and parcel rules to narrow a widening trade gap. Taiwan Strait Tensions: Taiwan condemned China’s coast guard and government vessels operating around the island, warning Beijing is trying to treat the strait as internal waters. Korea Peace Politics: South Korea’s President Lee Jae Myung met former President Moon Jae-in to revive the earlier peace policy toward North Korea. Japan Markets & FX: Japan’s yen strengthened on speculation of possible intervention, while Tokyo stocks slid as AI and chip-related shares dragged the Nikkei. ASEAN Focus: Malaysia’s Anwar Ibrahim pledged ASEAN unity and centrality, flagging AI, Myanmar and South China Sea concerns. China Domestic Policy: China extended unemployment insurance support through end-2026 to help firms retain jobs and hire youth. Sports & Culture: Japan’s football federation is expected to keep coach Hajime Moriyasu after World Cup exit; meanwhile, tourists are flocking to a Gimpo Starbucks with views of North Korea.