China-ASEAN Security & Diplomacy: At the Shangri-La Dialogue, Vietnam’s leader urged “peace, trust, and development,” while US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth warned of “rightful alarm” over China’s military buildup, underscoring a widening gap in how the region wants security handled. India–Nepal Border Row: Nepal PM Balendra Shah said both sides should use historians, surveyors and experts to resolve the Kalapani-Lipulekh dispute, while also claiming Nepal has “encroached” on Indian territory—prompting fresh political heat. Asia-Pacific Forest Protection: IUCN and FAO co-led a Southeast Asia and Pacific push to conserve primary forests, backed by major GEF funding and country projects in Laos, Papua New Guinea and Thailand. EV Supply Chain Geopolitics: A report highlights China’s dominance in EV magnet supply and the scramble to secure rare-earth inputs outside China, as governments try to reduce strategic bottlenecks. Tourism Hit by Iran War Costs: Soaring fuel prices and uncertainty tied to the Iran conflict are straining Southeast Asia’s tourism economies, with flight cancellations and higher ticket prices. India Markets Watch: RBI’s upcoming policy decision and Iran-war risks are set to steer the rupee and bond outlook. China Youth Migration Focus: China ordered tighter tracking and services for distressed migrant and left-behind children, as migrant children now outnumber left-behind peers. Regional Culture & Soft Power: Japan’s Music Awards Japan expands an Asia-wide International Special Award, while China’s Young Pioneers reported 112 million members ahead of International Children’s Day.