China's export controls spark protest from Japan;
...As Takaichi digs in;
Another flashpoint in Sino-Indian ties;
Despite ceasefire, Thai-Cambodian tensions persist;
China's new canal project for Southeast Asian trade

Hong Kong Tai Po fires spur CCP resentment;
Mongolia seeks economic acceleration through expanded rail links;
China-Japan tensions deepen;
Pakistan and China launch joint counterterrorsim exercise;
Taiwan gains U.S. reassurance

Fruits of the recent ASEAN summit;
APEC summit wraps with U.S.-China trade trucel;
Japan's new prime minister hits the ground running;
Australia and U.S. strike critical-minerals deal;
Pakistan-India tensions spike anew after terror attacks

Nepal forms interim cabinet, sets elections;
Beijing considers research lab at Scarborough Shoal;
Pakistan and Saudi Arabia follow diplomacy with dollars;
Japan picks Takaichi as LDP leader, set to become first female PM;
North Korea's new weapon

Japan writes a bigger defense check;
The Philippines plant another flag in the Luzon Strait;
Seoul bids on better relations with Beijing;
India joins Russia & Co. in armed exercise;
Australia-PNG defense pact delayed, but not derailed