Philippines–Japan Ties: President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is set to sign a new double taxation convention with Japan in Tokyo, aiming to replace an outdated 1980 framework and boost cross-border investment, jobs, and connectivity. Human Rights: A Chinese dissident, Dong Guangping, was detained in South Korea after a 30-hour escape by rubber boat from China, his latest attempt to reach family in Canada. Medical Innovation: Guyana performed the world’s longest-distance robotic cardiac telesurgery, remotely operating on a patient in India over roughly 20,000 km via fibre-optic links. Regional Security: India’s Home Minister Amit Shah chaired a high-level Indo-Pak border security review in Rajasthan, pushing a “360-degree” framework and zero tolerance for illegal structures near the border. Ebola Watch: India reported no confirmed Ebola case, with authorities monitoring a suspected patient after a negative test. Pacific Infrastructure: Fiji says a Quad pledge could spur a Pacific port plan, including a new port project and improved maritime surveillance. China–Serbia: Serbia’s President Aleksandar Vucic highlighted deeper tech and industrial cooperation during his China visit, including Xiaomi’s automated EV production.