Philippines-Japan Business Push: President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s Tokyo roundtable with Japanese executives secured $3.4B in investment pledges, with deals spanning digital innovation, fintech and smart urban development via Ayala and firms including Mitsubishi, MUFG and KDDI. Philippines-Japan Marcom/Tech Deals: The MOUs also target AI-driven infrastructure and marketing tech, positioning the Philippines as a supply-chain and jobs destination. Pacific Security & Defense: Japan’s Type 88 missile system is highlighted as a potential boost to the Philippines’ archipelagic defense plan under CADC. US Strike Scrutiny: The US military carried out another lethal strike on an alleged drug boat in the eastern Pacific, killing two, as a Pentagon watchdog reviews whether targeting procedures were followed. China-US Trade Mechanism: The US moves to implement preliminary China-US trade consultation outcomes, including a new trade council and tariff reductions on $30B of goods. Asia Media/Marketing: India’s AMFI plans hyperlocal mutual fund campaigns based on regional money habits, while Perfetti says it’s using AI to negotiate cheaper media rather than just generate ads. Cyber/Media Risk: Google warns Chinese phishing-as-a-service is evolving to bypass multi-factor checks in real time. Culture Backlash: South Korea’s Yeoju ceramic festival faces backlash after Chinese-made souvenirs were handed out, prompting an apology and replacement plan.