ASEAN Security Boost: ASEAN coast guard chiefs met in Manila to push the ASEAN Coast Guard Forum as an official ASEAN Sectoral Body, aiming to coordinate first responders and strengthen cooperation across shared waters. China–North Korea Diplomacy: Xi Jinping is set for his first North Korea visit in nearly seven years, offering Kim Jong Un a chance to deepen ties and seek economic support as Pyongyang balances Russia and China. EU Energy Shift: EU LNG imports fell in recent months, but reliance on US gas rose, underscoring how the Middle East war keeps energy costs and policy pressure high. Global Economy Warning: A World Economic Forum report says geoeconomic fragmentation is already costing $213–$307 billion a year and pushing inflation higher, with impacts spreading beyond rivals. Armenia at the Polls: Armenians vote in a parliamentary election seen as a referendum on EU integration versus staying in Russia’s orbit. Middle East Fallout: UN-linked agencies warn the Iran war is driving millions toward hunger as fuel, food, and fertilizer shocks ripple globally. EU–Afghanistan Diplomacy: The EU nominated Nicola Bellomo to lead its Afghanistan mission as engagement continues amid Taliban rule and human-rights concerns. AI and Public Ownership: OpenAI CEO Sam Altman met Bernie Sanders on public ownership in AI, as Trump also signals interest while regulators face rising backlash.