China-Middle East Tensions: Beijing urged the US and Iran to “exercise restraint” and pursue a ceasefire after Washington carried out strikes on Iranian targets following the downing of a US helicopter, warning against further escalation. Taiwan Strait Friction: China and Taiwan traded accusations over the legality of Chinese coast guard patrols east of the island, with Taipei saying merchant ships were harassed and Beijing insisting the patrols safeguard sovereignty. China-AI Race & US Pressure: A US update added major Chinese tech and EV firms to a military-linked blacklist, while analysts and commentators debated whether China is underspending on AI and chips compared with US pace. China-North Korea Reset: Xi Jinping returned to Beijing after a rare visit to Pyongyang, with both sides spotlighting expanded cooperation while avoiding denuclearization language. South Asia Trade: Sri Lanka’s commerce officials said the China-South Asia Expo in Kunming is a key South-South platform, with over 100 Sri Lankan firms taking part. Central Asia Water Security: Uzbekistan hosted the launch of a Central Asia Water–Land Nexus Programme as ministers warned rivers are shrinking and land management is failing under climate pressure. Philippines Customs: Manila’s Bureau of Customs seized abandoned Chinese onions worth P86.6m, citing unpaid entries and quality concerns. Korea Policing Reform: South Korea’s justice and police ministries began building a real-time system to track GPS-monitored stalking offenders, aiming to speed responses and protect victims.