Regional Security: China launched live-fire drills across five maritime zones after Taiwan’s National Day, while North Korea fired multiple ballistic missiles, prompting a regional response. Markets: South Korea’s Kospi plunged 5.5% as doubts about AI spending and competition from Chinese chipmaker CXMT rattled investors; Samsung and SK Hynix shares fell sharply. China’s Trade: Exports jumped 36.3% in September and imports rose 31%, intensifying pressure on Beijing to address its widening trade imbalance. China–North Korea: A long-delayed bridge across the border river is set to open on October 15, potentially supporting closer economic ties. India–China: New Delhi rejected Beijing’s objection to official names for 28 places in Ladakh, reaffirming the territory is part of India. ASEAN: Timor-Leste is preparing to join the region’s digital economy through the ASEAN framework agreement, while China says it will push for stronger economic cooperation at next week’s APEC finance ministers’ meeting. Japan–Russia: Tokyo sought fair treatment and information after Russia detained a Japanese journalist on espionage allegations.