US–South Korea Security: Seoul cut short joint drills with Washington at Trump’s request as the US pushes for North Korea talks, raising alarm that the move could embolden Pyongyang and unsettle allies. North Korea Diplomacy: Trump scaled back Korea–US exercises and floated a new Kim Jong Un summit push, while South Korea said the downsizing came from US requests. ASEAN Neutrality Meets Modern Warfare: A viewpoint argues Southeast Asia’s “mix-and-match” defense procurement is being overtaken by networked warfare, where sensors, digital links and electronic warfare make single-platform buys harder to sustain. Indonesia Peatlands & Climate Risk: Indonesia’s peatland restoration is highlighted as key to preventing El Niño-linked fires that have previously burned millions of hectares and hit health and economies across the region. Pacific Environment: NOAA-linked reporting reiterates the Great Pacific Garbage Patch as a vast rotating plastic accumulation, with debris spread across a huge ocean area. Thailand Insurgency Peace Talks: Thailand’s chief negotiator says Bangkok wants to shift away from a “deal or no deal” approach and revive a stalled peace process in the deep south. Regional Governance & Oceans: South Korea’s ruling party set up a special committee to back Busan’s bid for the 2028 UN Ocean Conference. Drug Trafficking Crackdown: Nigeria’s NDLEA says it dismantled an international cocaine cartel using Lagos as a transit hub, arresting “KC Luxury” and seizing 184.5 kg valued at N39bn. Asia Markets: Shares fell across Asia as AI stocks slid, with South Korea’s Kospi down 5.7% and chipmakers taking heavy losses. Sports & Culture: Japan’s Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games countdown hits one month, while BIGBANG marks its 20th debut anniversary with a new digital single.