Climate-Security Push in ASEAN: The Philippines, as ASEAN chair, urged integrating climate resilience into the region’s security agenda, calling for better access to climate finance, technology and data at a Manila forum on the climate-conflict nexus. Bangladesh Garment Wages: A dispute over when the new three-year minimum-wage review clock applies could force Bangladesh’s garment sector into another wage showdown months sooner than manufacturers expect. Pakistan Counterterror Updates: Pakistan reported multiple intelligence-based operations in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa that killed several TTP militants, including a high-bounty figure. Taiwan Strait Tensions: A rare U.S. Navy P-8A transit through the Taiwan Strait drew attention ahead of Xi’s expected Washington visit, underscoring the dispute over whether the strait is international waters. Rare Earth Supply for Defense: The U.S. agreed to pre-pay $750m for rare earth minerals from Brazil’s Pela Ema mine to secure magnetic elements for technology and national security. Hormuz Shipping Pressure: France and Saudi Arabia called for “normal” navigation in the Strait of Hormuz as Iran’s parliament advanced a security bill introducing vessel fees and the U.S. expands secondary sanctions on Iran. Asia Data Center Boom: A report says Asia-Pacific could add $280b in data center capacity by 2030, with demand outpacing supply in underserved markets like Vietnam, the Philippines and Indonesia. Youth Protest Question: Analysis asks whether Gen Z street uprisings across Asia can translate into lasting institutional change, noting Nepal as the standout case.