South China Sea Diplomacy: China and ASEAN foreign ministers urged a “complete and immediate” end to hostilities in the Middle East as US-Iran strikes drag on, while also pushing ahead with talks on a long-awaited South China Sea Code of Conduct; the US reiterated that any outcome must not undermine Washington’s interests and its treaty commitments to the Philippines. ASEAN Expansion & Rules: Sweden, Poland, Romania and Lithuania formally joined ASEAN’s Treaty of Amity and Cooperation, as Manila wrapped up ministerial meetings and highlighted ASEAN’s “convening power” amid geopolitical uncertainty. Philippines–China Friction at Sea: The Philippine Coast Guard condemned repeated China Coast Guard water-cannon attacks near Bajo de Masinloc/Scarborough Shoal during assistance operations, warning of collision risks. China Opens More to Visitors: China plans to refine visa-free transit and entry procedures by digitizing travel documents, widening expedited clearance, and extending online immigration services. Typhoon Noul Watch: China issued an orange alert as Typhoon Noul strengthens toward the southeast coast, with heavy rain and wind risks for Taiwan and nearby seas. China–Europe Shipping Route: Rosatom chief said China aims for more than 10 transit voyages to Europe via the Northern Sea Route this summer. China’s Math Spotlight: Wang Hong and Deng Yu won the Fields Medal, the first for Chinese nationals, sparking excitement across academia. Korea Business: A South Korean court ordered SK Group chairman Chey Tae-won to pay a record 944 billion won in a divorce case, drawing attention to the AI-linked conglomerate. Energy & Trade Disruption: Two Chinese supertankers exited the Red Sea via Bab el-Mandeb despite Houthi attacks, underscoring widening global shipping and oil-supply risks. Auto Industry Push: At the China Auto Forum, executives focused on talent shortages, “Physical AI” ambitions, and how joint ventures must rebuild in the EV era. Sports: Philippines’ women’s team was drawn with China in Group G for the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games, while Malaysia’s badminton campaign ended in the quarter-finals.