Philippines-ASEAN Diplomacy: President Marcos returned from a constructive Japan visit with P266.3bn in investment pledges, then Vietnam’s President Tô Lâm followed with 15 signed agreements—both moves framed as alliance-building amid South China Sea tensions and Middle East-driven economic stress. US-China-Iran Watch: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Washington has found no proof China aided Iran militarily, while urging Beijing to back efforts to keep Strait of Hormuz maritime traffic flowing. Energy & Trade Security: China says it’s building an “energy powerhouse” via green, resilient supply; South Korea’s trade with China swung to surplus on booming memory-chip demand. China’s Western Push: A report says Beijing is turning Xinjiang and Tibet into strategic hubs through transport, renewables, manufacturing and tourism. India Bio-Economy Push: DCPC Secretary Tejveer Singh says India has the science and biodiversity to lead bio-based agriculture inputs, highlighting BIOPSF 2026. South Pacific Pivot: Solomon Islands PM Matthew Wale says he’ll review a secretive 2022 security pact with China after Canberra and Washington raised concerns. India-Myanmar Connectivity: India and Myanmar agreed to boost trade via Rupee-Kyat and deepen cooperation in agro-processing, energy and mining. India-Oman CEPA: The CEPA took effect June 1, positioned as a stabilising Gulf trade corridor amid Hormuz risk. Sports & Society: India’s cricket tour of New Zealand is set for a 12-match all-format run; meanwhile, India faces renewed scrutiny over doping and education cheating scandals.