ASEAN Diplomacy: Philippines-hosted ASEAN ministerial meetings wrapped up with new regional agreements and a Joint Communiqué, as foreign ministers stressed Asean’s role as a dialogue platform amid rising geopolitical uncertainty. Treaty Expansion: Sweden, Poland, Romania and Lithuania formally joined the ASEAN Treaty of Amity and Cooperation (TAC) during a Manila ceremony marking the pact’s 50th anniversary, reinforcing norms of peaceful relations and non-interference. Middle East Shock to Asia: Oil market stress deepened as Red Sea tanker attacks and renewed US-Iran strikes pushed Middle East crude premiums to two-month highs, raising costs for Asian refiners and adding pressure to already volatile trade routes. South China Sea Tensions: China and the Philippines clashed again around disputed shoals, including water-cannon incidents, underscoring Manila’s continued push to operate within its waters. Tech & Business: Intel’s upbeat revenue forecast tied to data-center AI demand lifted sentiment, while CIMB flagged Malaysia’s telecom outlook as it weighs Digital Nasional’s share transfer and earnings impacts. Culture & Media: China’s UNESCO envoy highlighted digital tools for safeguarding world heritage, and Malaysia’s MIFFest founder Joanne Goh pitched the festival as a Southeast Asia industry hub.