ASEAN-Russia Summit: Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. used the Kazan meeting to push deeper ASEAN-Russia cooperation on peace, maritime security, counterterrorism, trade and investment, and food/energy security. Korean Peninsula Diplomacy: At the G7 in France, South Korea’s Lee Jae-myung told US President Donald Trump it needs his help for peace; Trump pledged to play a role and discussed trilateral cooperation with Japan. Middle East Tensions: China welcomed the US-Iran phase-one MoU signing, urging all sides to honor commitments and warning against politicising trade and sanctions. Taiwan Arms Debate: Taiwan’s top US diplomat said the island still needs US weapons for self-defence as the $14bn package remains stalled. China Economy & Industry: China’s NDRC rejected subsidy claims and said competitiveness comes from multiple factors; China also reported May power use up 6.9% and set a Shenzhen IPO price for China Resources New Energy. AI & Energy: China said AI token use has surged massively, while it also led new offshore wind capacity globally in 2025. Weather & Markets: Southern China floods triggered higher-level emergency response, and the dollar hit a one-year high on Fed hike bets as Japan warned on yen weakness. Regional Watch: Philippines coast guard reported a new Chinese research vessel near Panatag (Scarborough) Shoal after a platform removal.