Indo-Pacific Security: Italy says it will deepen its presence in the Indo-Pacific, including a planned naval patrol ship call at Yokosuka near Tokyo in September, as it pushes “freedom of navigation” and warns against coercion in the Taiwan Strait and South/East China seas. South China Sea Tensions: The US accused China’s Huangyan Dao nature reserve of being “destabilizing” amid Philippine provocations, while Chinese experts dismissed the move as US encouragement for Manila to disrupt peace. Border Naming Row: Chinese experts hit back at India’s map “standard names” for 27 locations in China’s Zangnan, calling it self-deception that could complicate border talks. Typhoon Watch: Typhoon Peilou formed in the western North Pacific, creating a rare three-typhoon situation alongside Dolphin and Chan-hom. Trade Shift: Germany’s exports to China fell more than 12% in H1 as China upgrades manufacturing, widening the bilateral trade deficit. ASEAN Unity: Cambodia’s FM marks ASEAN’s anniversary, arguing the bloc’s success depends on active participation across society, not just governments. Pacific Diplomacy: Pacific Island ambassadors in Abu Dhabi backed Bahrain and condemned Iranian attacks, warning about risks to navigation and regional stability. Bangladesh Trade Push: Bangladesh moves toward EU free-trade talks while pressing for RCEP entry. Climate & Disasters: Indonesia closed Mount Bromo national park as wildfires spread, mobilizing aircraft and hundreds of firefighters. Economy: The Philippines’ BSP is expected to deliver another rate hike despite a growth slump, aiming to bring inflation back toward target.