AGP Executive Report

ASEAN Diplomacy & Energy Security: Top diplomats met in Manila for the ASEAN Regional Forum as the Iran war and Strait of Hormuz blockade threaten energy and food supply chains; US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and others are expected to push for a peaceful settlement. Philippines–US Economic Security Push: President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. met Rubio, with Washington pledging over US$100m in new foreign assistance tied to the Luzon Economic Corridor and a US-led Pax Silica push, including an Economic Security Zone in Clark. West Asia Fuel Shock Hits Malaysia: Malaysia raised unsubsidised fuel prices for July 23–29, citing higher Brent prices driven by US-Iran tensions and shipping risks through Hormuz. Storm Watch China: A tropical depression east of the Philippines is expected to intensify into a typhoon and make landfall on southeastern China. Pacific Scam Warning: UNODC says Asia-Pacific scam networks stole up to US$114.1bn in 2025, increasingly using AI and shifting operations toward Pacific islands. Human Trafficking Online: NAPTIP and UNODC warn traffickers are recruiting youth via fake online jobs and pushing cyber-enabled fraud. India–Pakistan at UN: India told the UNSC the Indus Waters Treaty can’t be separated from Pakistan’s alleged state-backed cross-border terrorism. Malaysia–Israel Entry Row: Anwar Ibrahim rejected US lawmakers’ demand to lift Malaysia’s restrictions on Israeli nationals, calling it “totally absurd.” Delhi Protests Disrupt Transit: Delhi Police confirmed targeting of RAF and officers during July 20 CJP protests; 16 metro stations were closed for security.

West Asia Shock to Asia-Pacific Costs: Malaysia raised retail prices for unsubsidised RON97/RON95 and diesel for July 23–29, blaming higher Brent crude after US-Iran tensions and Strait of Hormuz shipping risks. Tribal Sovereignty Clash: A major legal fight is escalating on the US Pacific Northwest coast as the Quinault Indian Nation seeks expansion of fishing treaty boundaries, pushing the dispute to the Ninth Circuit. Scam Economy Warning: UNODC says Asia-Pacific scam losses hit $88bn–$114bn in 2025, with Southeast Asia a hub and AI plus trafficked labor helping networks expand. India Courts and Education Politics: Delhi High Court allowed withdrawal of a broad PIL on Article 21 rights, while separate PILs seek NIA probe into the July 20 “Sansad Chalo” protest tied to alleged NEET leak violence; Assam Congress also demanded Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation. Digital and Tourism Moves in Taiwan: Taiwan launched a Tourism Institute and aims to pull in 10m international visitors annually; separately, Taiwan’s government warned KMT budget cuts could hurt its drone industry. Philippines Sports: Gilas Pilipinas 3×3 men booked the 2026 FIBA 3×3 U23 World Cup berth after strong Nations League Asia 2 results in Malaysia.

Philippines Politics: President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. will deliver his State of the Nation Address on July 27, with priorities for the final two years of his term amid impeachment moves against Sara Duterte and a push to prosecute corruption tied to flood-control funds; his trust rating fell to a record low of 34% in a Social Weather Stations poll. Energy Costs: The Philippines recorded the highest electricity rates in ASEAN in June, warning of another bill shock as Middle East hostilities keep energy prices elevated. US-ASEAN Diplomacy: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio told ASEAN counterparts Washington remains fully committed to the region, framing partnerships as central to US national interest. Pacific Security: Australia raised “strong concerns” with China over a nuclear-capable missile test near Tuvalu, as Pacific leaders struggle to agree on a unified response to protect the “ocean of peace” vision. Regional Cyber Cooperation: Cambodia hosted the Lancang-Mekong cybersecurity forum, with officials from six countries agreeing to strengthen cross-border action against ransomware and online scams. AI Governance for the Pacific: Australia will fund AI governance and risk-management toolkits for PNG and Pacific governments, aiming to help officials use AI safely and shape international standards. Scams Crackdown: Fiji’s Consumer Council urged a whole-of-society approach beyond awareness to tackle rising scams. Environment & Health: South Korea reported a sharp rise in shark sightings off its east coast as warming seas push predators north; New Zealand is rushing bird-flu vaccination for critically endangered species after H5N1 detections. Culture & Sports: Fiji’s U18 girls’ handball team received government blessing ahead of a historic World Championship debut, while Timor-Leste is courting Indian investment in LNG and refining as ties deepen.

ASEAN Security Talks in Manila: Southeast Asia’s top diplomats met in the Philippines as US-Iran fighting and a South China Sea clash raised alarms. ASEAN urged an immediate halt to Middle East hostilities and called for the Strait of Hormuz to reopen safely, warning the region’s heavy fuel dependence makes it especially vulnerable to energy and trade shocks. US Diplomacy in Southeast Asia: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio arrived in Manila for ASEAN and the East Asia Summit, signaling openness to meetings with China and Russia while Washington also criticized Beijing over injuries to a Filipino sailor at Second Thomas Shoal. ASEAN Treaty Expansion: ASEAN accepted Sweden, Poland, Romania and Lithuania into the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia, with formal accession signings set for Friday ahead of the pact’s 50th anniversary. Pacific Energy Pressure: A new analysis says the US-Iran conflict is pushing up fuel costs across Pacific islands that rely on imported petroleum, straining essentials from transport to health services. Global Hunger Update: UN reporting shows hunger fell for a third straight year in 2025, but progress is uneven and still far from 2030 goals. China-ASEAN Cooperation: China’s foreign minister said Beijing is ready to deepen cooperation with ASEAN as the region marks TAC’s anniversary.

Philippines Politics: President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. appoints former Albay Rep. Joey Salceda as secretary of the Presidential Legislative Liaison Office, tasking him with managing the president’s legislative agenda in Congress. Regional Security: ASEAN foreign ministers open their Manila meeting calling for unity as maritime tensions and conflicts persist; the bloc also pushes to strengthen its nuclear-free zone. South China Sea Tensions: Japan protests after a Chinese destroyer fired live rounds inside Japan’s EEZ near Okinotori, underscoring rising military coordination around the region. Taiwan Preparedness: Taipei will slow mobile internet during civil defence drills to test communications resilience amid growing China pressure. Philippines–New Zealand Ties: New Zealand and the Philippines sign a comprehensive partnership roadmap covering politics, defence and maritime cooperation, trade, and people-to-people links. Crime & Governance: A UNODC report warns South-East Asia’s criminal economy has become a tech-driven, transnational network that can outpace conventional policing. Bangladesh Rights: Bangladesh’s BNP government faces its first major test after the disappearance of fisherman Miraj Sheikh sparks enforced-disappearance concerns. Climate/Health: Nepal’s IMF successor talks continue after an ECF helped rebuild buffers; separate research maps breastfeeding initiation gaps, pointing to local support needs.

EV Market & Consumer Trust: BYD Sime Motors launched “BYD Certified,” its official certified pre-owned EV programme in Malaysia, with professional inspections, verified battery health, warranty coverage, financing and aftersales support. Work & Wellbeing: A Jobstreet Workplace Happiness Index survey in the Philippines found Gen Z workers (18–29) report the lowest satisfaction and the highest dread about going to work, with anxiety tied to workload and stress. Energy Costs: The Philippines’ DOE said June residential power rates were the highest in Southeast Asia, driven by Visayas grid “yellow alerts” and forced outages that increased reliance on costlier imported power. Digital Infrastructure: Indonesia’s Batam is seeing data center growth of about 22% year-on-year as new submarine cable links and hyperscale projects deepen its role as a digital hub. Indo-Pacific Security: Australia’s Army used an M1A2 Abrams disguised as a Chinese Type 99 for PLA-focused training, signaling how seriously Canberra is preparing for China-linked scenarios. Regional Diplomacy: ASEAN ministers met in Manila to discuss Myanmar and other regional conflicts. Sports & Inclusion: Korea’s Daejeon won the bid to host the 2029 Invictus Games, bringing the veteran sports event to Asia for the first time.

Indo-Pacific Diplomacy: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio heads to the Philippines for ASEAN and Quad talks, aiming to deepen Indo-Pacific security partnerships. Taiwan Security: Taiwan says Chinese coast guard and research vessel activity around the island jumped in June, and Taipei plans drills to simulate escalations that could threaten Pacific supply routes. West Asia Escalation: Fresh US-Iran strikes are reported, including power disruptions in Iran’s southwest and new drone incidents, raising risks for energy and regional stability. South Asia Politics: India’s Monsoon Session begins with a packed legislative agenda, including a bill to raise Supreme Court judge strength and other governance measures; Congress MPs also push for debate on a new anti-defection law. Sri Lanka Business: CMA Sri Lanka’s National Management Accounting Conference 2026 kicks off in Colombo, while the Exporters Association of Sri Lanka elects new leadership at its AGM. Sports & Culture: Commonwealth Games 2026 in Glasgow starts July 23; Taiwan’s cheerleading scene gets a spotlight; and Spain wins the World Cup final over Argentina. Earthquake Watch: A 5.5 quake hits Peru’s Andes, killing at least six and displacing hundreds.

Philippines Power Crunch: Manila’s grid is still flashing yellow alerts and rotating blackouts, clashing with earlier government promises of stable supply—while ecozone investors in Casiguran say they’re waiting for reliable electricity before committing to data-center and other power-hungry projects. US–Philippines Connectivity: The US Trade and Development Agency backs the Subic–Clark–Manila–Batangas cargo rail feasibility work, linking logistics for the Luzon Economic Corridor with US-funded port upgrades. West Asia Ceasefire Fallout: A US–Iran truce has unraveled amid renewed strikes, including claims tied to Iran’s Darkhovin nuclear site, as both sides trade accusations and escalate. Bangladesh Labour & Military Ties: Dhaka urges the ILO to speed up an Article 26 case, citing labour reforms, while a Bangladesh–US exercise “Tiger Lightning (TL)-2026” begins in Sylhet. ASEAN Battery Push: ASEAN shifts from EV adoption to battery manufacturing and grid integration, with a major battery tech conference focused on industrializing the value chain. Pakistan Fuel Shock: Petrol and diesel price revisions trigger higher transport fares and freight charges, with strike threats from fuel pump operators. North Korea Condemns Security Trilateralism: Pyongyang calls US–Japan–South Korea military coordination “collusion,” warning it destabilizes the peninsula and the wider Asia-Pacific. Kazakhstan Oil Pipeline Hit: Drone strikes force the Caspian Pipeline Consortium to halt loading at Novorossiysk, disrupting a key route for Kazakhstan’s oil exports.

Pacific Security Drill: Guam and Washington National Guard troops landed a C-130 on Palau’s Angaur Island runway in a readiness drill, showing how U.S. forces could keep operating if major bases were disrupted. AI as Geopolitics: A new AI cooperation push in Shanghai—backed by 29 states—signals AI governance is becoming a contest over rules, influence, and legitimacy, not just tech. Kashmir Diplomacy: Pakistan’s President Zardari and PM Shehbaz renewed support for Kashmiris’ right to self-determination, urging a UN-backed resolution. South Asia Politics & Society: Delhi’s APMC cracked down on Azadpur market encroachments, while Uttarakhand CM Dhami pushed wildlife-friendly plans for the Dehradun–Rishikesh road project. West Asia Tensions: Iran’s leadership escalated rhetoric against the U.S., and the Arab League/GCC condemned strikes on civilian infrastructure; the U.S. issued a worldwide travel caution. Urban Green Transport: Delhi plans 2,800 new AC electric buses under the PM E-Drive scheme from next year. Sports Culture: The World Cup final spotlighted Spain vs Argentina, with Messi returning to MetLife Stadium.

Philippines Sports: Former San Beda and National University guard JV Gallego, 28, died in a car crash on the North Luzon Expressway while returning to Manila with his wife, prompting tributes from teammates and the school community. West Asia Security: A viral claim that Iran attacked a major US base in the Gulf was debunked; the footage traces back to a 2020 Kuwait warehouse fire. India Security & Defence: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh reiterated India’s “zero tolerance” stance on terrorism, calling it a “Line of Action,” while pointing to record indigenous defence production and exports. West Asia Travel Advisory: The US urged citizens to avoid Lebanon and parts of Israel/Gaza due to “high tensions,” as US-Iran attacks continue. Kenya Cybersecurity: Hackers allegedly replaced President Ruto’s official website with a ransom demand of five Bitcoin (about KSh41m), renewing concerns over protection of public digital systems. Central Asia Mobility: Kazakhstan published a 2026 visa-free list for 48 countries, limiting stays to 30 days per visit. Sports & Culture: Spain and Argentina set for the 2026 World Cup final in New Jersey; in India, “Article 370” won Best Feature Film at the National Film Awards. Weather: Extreme summer heat and tropical threats are building across the Gulf, with Tropical Storm Elida monitored.

BIMSTEC Security: India hosted the 5th meeting of BIMSTEC national security chiefs in New Delhi, with Ajit Doval urging practical action against terrorism, organised crime, maritime and cyber threats, and disaster and energy risks. Indo-Pacific Diplomacy: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio heads to Manila for ASEAN-led meetings, with the West Philippine Sea expected to top the agenda as Washington deepens ties with President Marcos Jr. West Asia Ripple Effects: Iranian strikes hit Kuwait’s power and desalination plant, underlining how Gulf water supplies are vulnerable during the Hormuz conflict. Pacific Governance & Appointments: Samoa named Lealali Faletoese Asaua as the new CEO of the SNPF for three years, tasked with retirement savings and long-term fund sustainability. Kenya’s Meat Push: Kenya unveiled digital livestock traceability (ANITRAC) and wider reforms aimed at turning its livestock sector into a Sh1 trillion industry. Earthquake Shock: A 7.3 quake struck off Mexico’s Pacific coast near Guatemala, triggering tsunami warnings but with no major damage reported. Cambodia Tourism Tech: Legendary Entertainment plans to launch “Immersive Angkor,” a 3D immersive museum in Siem Reap, by late 2026 or early 2027.

Pacific Climate Shock: El Niño is strengthening and experts warn it could bring heatwaves, floods and droughts across Asia and the Pacific, with governments urged to prepare fast. Earthquake & Tsunami Alert: A 7.4 quake hit southern Mexico near Chiapas, triggering a Pacific tsunami warning and evacuations in coastal areas. West Asia Safety for Indians: India’s MEA says 14 Indian seafarers died and two are missing amid the West Asia conflict; authorities advise avoiding the Strait of Hormuz. AI Diplomacy: Xi Jinping called for a “symphony of global cooperation” on AI while pushing back against national-security “overstretching,” with Kazakhstan and others attending. Indo-Pacific Security Talks: Japan and Vietnam discussed possible joint development of fast landing craft, as defense ties deepen. Regional Politics: UN rights chief Volker Turk urged restraint in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir ahead of July 27 elections. Culture & Identity: Native Hawaiian language gains momentum, highlighted through Moana’s Hawaiian-language push and AANHPI voices at a TAAF summit. Sports: Kazakhstan set up an U18 Women’s Asia Cup semi-final with India after beating Thailand.

Philippines Justice Watch: The DOJ backed the NBI’s move to reopen the 2019 SEA Games probe, saying it’s evidence-led and not meant to pressure senator-judges amid VP Sara Duterte’s impeachment. US-China Sports & Tech Ties: A US lawmaker urged the NBA to reconsider Brooklyn Nets owner Joe Tsai’s role after Alibaba was labeled a Chinese military company by Washington. Myanmar Economy: Myanmar is expanding cotton cultivation to revive rural incomes and earn foreign exchange as it seeks a higher-value export lifeline. India Diplomacy: India launched its 2028–29 UNSC bid campaign, pitching “SHANTI” around Global South voice, peacekeeping reform, maritime security and counter-terror financing. Pacific Security & Diplomacy: PNG says it will shut Taiwan’s rep office, while Australia’s envoy warns the West is “gradually losing” influence in the Asia-Pacific. Pacific Drugs & Media: Tonga faces rising illicit drug pressure and growing risks for journalists as seizures climb. Fiji Labour Focus: A Fiji policy push argues employment must sit at the centre as skills gaps and migration worsen. Regional Climate & Water: Indigenous leaders tell governments “no more tokenism” ahead of COP31, while a new Asia-Pacific report urges stronger collective action to tackle water risks.

Indo-Pacific Security: The US-led RIMPAC 2026 drills are underway with 30 nations, 30 ships, five submarines, and 30,000 personnel around Hawaii, mixing maritime readiness with humanitarian and disaster-response practice. South China Sea: Fourteen countries and the EU reaffirmed the 2016 arbitral ruling as legally binding, rejecting China’s expansive maritime claims ahead of ASEAN talks. Climate & Indigenous Rights: Indigenous leaders from Australia, Aotearoa New Zealand, Fiji and the Solomon Islands told governments to stop “tokenism” and put Indigenous knowledge at the center of COP31 climate decisions. Afghanistan Diplomacy: UN chief António Guterres appointed Rabab Fatima of Bangladesh as Special Representative for Afghanistan and head of UNAMA. China–Central Asia Ties: Kazakhstan’s Tokayev met Xi Jinping in Shanghai, signing a 2027-2030 roadmap on trade, investment, AI and regional security. Energy: Indonesia kicked off the $21bn Abadi LNG project in the Masela block, with Inpex Masela leading and CCS included. Politics (India): Congress accused the BJP-led government of trying to “engineer a tainted” two-thirds majority in Parliament over the Delimitation Bill. Mobility (Asia–Gulf): Indonesia and Saudi Arabia agreed to expand air links, adding more airports for international flights. Markets (New Zealand): NZX 50 slid for a fourth straight session as tech stocks weighed and local power prices softened, while logistics and some financials gained.

Pacific Security & Diplomacy: Solomon Islands and Papua New Guinea wrapped up talks in Honiara on finalising their maritime boundary treaty work, with support from the Pacific Community and UNCLOS guidance. Climate Finance & Youth Voice: Pacific Islands Forum officials met in Fiji to build an investment-ready pipeline for climate and resilience projects ahead of the 2027 Pacific Climate Finance Investment Forum, while Pacific youth leaders urged stronger influence at COP31. Disaster Watch: Super Typhoon Bavi (Inday) killed at least 26 in the Philippines with widespread evacuations and damage; in Hawaii, Mount Kilauea’s 51st eruption sent up large smoke and lava plumes. Health & Immunisation: WHO/UNICEF estimates warn Western Pacific immunisation progress is uneven, with 1.7 million babies still “zero-dose,” and TB elimination could face new strain as climate worsens vulnerability. Regional Politics: Fiji’s Mahendra Chaudhry urged coup frontman George Speight to name those behind the 2000 racist takeover, as calls for closure grow. Tech & Work: Malaysia pushes an AI-ready workforce via its National AI Office, aiming to speed adoption and set ethical guardrails. Culture & Tourism: Vietnam’s tourism push is turning cuisine into a cultural asset, positioning gastronomy as a driver of longer stays and repeat visits. Business & Travel: Hilton expands Tempo by Hilton into multiple Chinese cities, betting on experience-led lifestyle travel.

South China Sea, 10-year mark: 14 countries and the EU reaffirmed the 2016 arbitral ruling as “final and legally binding,” while China again rejected it and kept tightening control through gray-zone tactics. West Asia tensions: CENTCOM reported a fresh wave of US strikes on Iran aimed at degrading threats to shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, as Iran’s hard-liners push escalation. Japan security signal: Japan’s top spokesman warned Tokyo is closely monitoring China’s recent submarine-launched missile test and said transparency remains a concern. AI push in China: Shanghai is set to host the biggest World Artificial Intelligence Conference, with major tech firms and a heavy focus on AI governance. Climate resilience in the Pacific: A new immersive documentary, “Solwata,” will premiere at Venice, spotlighting Solomon Islands communities facing relocation from sea-level rise. Finance access in Asia: A Visa report says only 3% of adult Filipinos have credit cards, pushing many toward informal lending; the gap is stark versus advanced Asia-Pacific markets. Cricket formats: The ICC approved major ODI and T20 World Cup format changes, including a new T20 structure for 2028.