China–North Korea: Xi Jinping arrived in Pyongyang for a two-day visit, pledging deeper “combat friendship” and more frequent party-to-party and military communication, after Kim’s Beijing visit last September. West Asia Security: Israel carried out multi-city strikes across Iran, with blasts reported in Tehran and Isfahan, as both sides trade barrages amid US efforts to sustain a fragile truce. Taiwan Strait Tensions: Taiwan’s coast guard said it “expelled” four Chinese government ships from restricted waters after PLA activity near the island, following earlier warnings and heightened maritime monitoring. Philippines Earthquake: A 7.8 quake off Mindanao triggered tsunami warnings across parts of the Asia-Pacific, with evacuations and damage reported. India–Nepal Border: Nepal’s FM reiterated it is not seeking third-party mediation on the border dispute, while also framing a “reset” in ties with India. India Domestic Order: Jaipur temporarily banned internet access during a JDA anti-encroachment drive, with police deployed as religious structures face removal. Japan–Assam Diplomacy: Japan’s PM Sanae Takaichi is reportedly considering a visit to Assam for summit talks with Modi, potentially making Guwahati a key Northeast diplomatic venue. China Economy & Culture: China’s services trade grew 4.9% in early 2026, while “tongjin” anime-themed gold accessories spark licensing and cultural-identity debate. Regional Markets: Hong Kong stocks slid as rate-hike fears and AI rally unwind hit tech-heavy sentiment.