North Korea-US Diplomacy: Questions are growing over whether Donald Trump’s denuclearization goal is still central as he signals a possible meeting with Kim Jong-un later this year, while Pyongyang insists its nuclear status is irreversible. Korean Peninsula Tensions: China urged South Korea not to “take sides” between Beijing and Washington and called on the US to drop its “hostile” policy toward North Korea to ease tensions. Indo-Pacific Security: India and Japan agreed to deepen defense cooperation with a new maritime security MoU, including potential joint warship design and construction. Maritime Flashpoint: China has expanded operations east of Taiwan, including patrols and vessel questioning, raising fears of a more lasting “gray zone” presence. West Asia Pressure on Trade: Iran dismissed Trump’s economic threats as the US warns of coordinated isolation, while the wider conflict keeps shipping and oil risks front and center. China’s Property Fallout: Evergrande founder Hui Ka Yan was sentenced to life in prison as courts ordered major fines, underscoring how the property slump still weighs on China’s economy. ASEAN Football: Vietnam and Thailand set for the ASEAN Championship decider again, with Vietnam aiming to repeat its 2024 triumph. Sports (U18 Basketball): Gilas Pilipinas Youth reached the FIBA U18 Asia Cup quarterfinals after beating Syria and will face China next. Energy/Industry: Vale Malaysia targets steady 20 million tonnes of iron ore transshipment through Malaysia, citing safe, automated port operations. Green Finance (India): AMPIN Energy Transition secured $195m green financing for a 100 MW solar-wind-BESS hybrid project in Andhra Pradesh. Health Tech (Maldives): STO launched GE Healthcare’s portable V Scan ultrasound device to expand diagnostics beyond clinics.