Australia–Vietnam Diplomacy: Australia and Vietnam held “open, candid, and substantive” talks in Canberra, reaffirming rules-based trade and expanding cooperation on defence, digital, agriculture and energy. ASEAN–Bangladesh Ties: ASEAN missions in Dhaka pledged deeper partnership with Bangladesh across trade, education, culture and people-to-people links. Digital Infrastructure Push (Vietnam): Vietnam’s Politburo resolution calls for modern digital infrastructure, wider high-quality internet access and large data centres to power a national data platform. Fintech Skills Gap (Philippines): An ADB-GFI report warns the Philippines needs more advanced AI and cybersecurity talent as digital payments surge. Regional Security (US): A senior Pentagon official urged Asian allies to raise defence spending and deter aggression, stressing Washington is “digging in” to Asia. Central Asia–Afghanistan: Taliban ties with more regional and some European governments are expanding, but Afghanistan’s hunger crisis is deepening as aid retreats. Energy/Trade: Oil rose above $88 as US-Iran talks stalled, while Singapore stocks hit a record high on an AI-driven growth forecast upgrade. Transport & Industry: Etihad launched daily Abu Dhabi–Tashkent flights; Vietnam’s VinSpace signed with SpaceX for its first satellites in 2027. Humanitarian & Society: Nepal faces renewed LPG shortages tied to distribution disruptions, and India’s Jharkhand protests over exam-related police action continue.