US-China Diplomacy: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio met China’s Wang Yi in Manila, saying they discussed Xi’s planned Sept. visit and “laying the groundwork” for a positive trip, while Rubio also flagged concern over Japan-China tensions. South China Sea Flashpoints: Rubio called China’s actions “disturbing” after a Chinese coast guard fired a water cannon at a Philippine vessel near Scarborough Shoal; Manila and Beijing traded blame at ASEAN talks. ASEAN Security & North Korea: South Korea urged North Korea to return to dialogue at the ARF, but Pyongyang skipped the forum again for a second year. Regional Energy/Scams Cooperation: Japan pledged closer energy-security and anti-scam work with ASEAN-plus-three partners, including coordination with China and South Korea. China-Taiwan Pressure in the Pacific: China praised Papua New Guinea for closing Taiwan’s economic office in Port Moresby, warning Taiwan’s “separatist stance” will face setbacks. Tech & Markets: China’s Zhongji Innolight is set for a massive HK IPO on the AI optical boom, while Reuters reports Intel and AMD are signing longer-term CPU purchase commitments with Chinese data-center customers as prices surge. Heat & Food Supply: Japan’s heatwave sent hundreds to hospital in Tokyo, and South Korea is importing more eggs to stabilise prices after an HPAI shortfall. Crime Watch: Malaysia police busted an online love-scam call-centre targeting Japanese victims, arresting seven Chinese nationals.