ASEAN Diplomacy & Shipping Risk: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio told ASEAN leaders in Manila that Iran’s demand to control and collect tolls in the Strait of Hormuz could threaten global shipping and set a dangerous precedent for other waterways. US–China Talks: Rubio met China’s Wang Yi to discuss groundwork for a possible Xi visit to the US in September, while both sides stressed managing differences amid South China Sea and Middle East tensions. Brunei–China Partnership: China’s Wang Yi said China and Brunei are setting an example for cooperation between large and small nations, pledging deeper trade, energy and AI collaboration with Prince Abdul Mateen. ASEAN External Links: ASEAN granted Turkey full Dialogue Partner status, expanding cooperation across political-security, economic and socio-cultural areas. Japan–ASEAN Security Focus: Japan’s Motegi pledged closer ASEAN cooperation on defending territories and territorial waters, plus economic security like critical mineral supply chains. Regional Economic Security: EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas warned Middle East conflict fallout could outlast headlines by disrupting energy, food and freight costs across Southeast Asia. Brunei Business & Tech: Nanta Tech Ltd signed an MoU with GM Biovalley to introduce and commercialise robotics and automation solutions across Malaysia, Brunei and Singapore.