Japan-Russia Sanctions: Japan expanded sanctions on Russia, targeting 35 shadow-fleet vessels plus 33 companies and nine individuals, tightening payment and service rules. China Military Footprint: China is widening its military presence with a Laos air base, raising regional security concerns. Korea-Ukraine POW Row: South Korea threatened “additional measures” against Ukraine unless it apologizes over disclosure of North Korean POW transfers. US-South Korea Energy Deal: Seoul pushed back on Trump’s $54bn Alaska investment figure, saying it made no firm commitment; Trump also announced an $8.4bn enhanced oil recovery project. Rare Earth Deadline Crunch: China’s Nov 10 export-control expiry and a US defense procurement ban on Chinese-origin magnets are colliding, with analysts warning the gap is more about manufacturing know-how than money. Tech & Security: US prosecutors arrested a California man accused of smuggling $300m in Nvidia AI chips/servers to China via third countries. ASEAN Semiconductors: Indonesia is pushing an ASEAN semiconductor roadmap focused on research, supply chains, critical minerals and harmonized incentives. Philippines Politics: Manila’s Palace said Trillanes’ P319m China-linked funding claims about a Duterte family-linked firm should not be dismissed if evidence is sufficient. Sports: Djokovic survived a scare to reach the China Open quarters; Japan won women’s football gold over North Korea on penalties.