South China Sea Tensions: Four Chinese warships confronted a Philippine Navy frigate near Scarborough Shoal as Manila wrapped up Salaknib 2026, with radio challenges exchanged and China accusing a helicopter of entering its airspace—another sign of rising friction around US-Philippines drills. Diplomatic Back-and-Forth: Philippines Defence Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. hit back at China after Beijing rejected Manila’s push to comply with the 2016 arbitral ruling, calling the Chinese Embassy’s stance “insincere” and “duplicity,” while insisting the award is “final and binding.” ASEAN Policy Watch: A new analysis notes ASEAN’s AI guidance exists but remains non-binding, leaving protections uneven across member states as governments race to regulate. Regional Environment: The Singapore Institute of International Affairs issued a “red alert” for severe transboundary haze risk for Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore, warning higher energy and fertiliser costs could weaken fire-prevention efforts. Brunei-Linked Culture & Economy: Brunei is among countries highlighted in coverage of China’s overseas release of “Dear You,” while Brunei also appears in regional discussions on ASEAN science and innovation cooperation.