South China Sea Tensions: China’s military and coast guard carried out combat-readiness and law-enforcement patrols near Scarborough Shoal, while the Philippines said Beijing’s “drills” claims were unfounded after recent US-Philippines exercises. Regional Security at Shangri-La: The Philippines reiterated it remains under “severe threat” from China, even as ASEAN defence ministers pushed for free flow of trade through international corridors and stressed UNCLOS transit passage. Undersea Infrastructure Protection: Seventeen countries, including Brunei, launched voluntary guidelines to defend critical submarine cables and energy networks, citing growing risks to global communications and power. BrahMos Missile Deals: India’s defence secretary said Vietnam’s BrahMos agreement is already signed (not yet publicly announced) and Indonesia’s is in final stages, as defence ties deepen across ASEAN. Islamic Finance Watch: Fitch said the Philippines’ Islamic finance market is still small, despite recent sukuk and takaful progress, with ASEAN growth led by larger players like Malaysia, Indonesia and Brunei. Brunei Link in Energy Imports: Japan’s April crude imports showed Saudi dominance but also noted Brunei’s share among suppliers, amid wider shipping and Hormuz disruption concerns.