Brunei in regional diplomacy: Brunei’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Sultan bin Saad Al Muraikhi met Saudi’s deputy foreign minister and Brunei’s second foreign minister Erywan Pehin Yusof on the sidelines of the TAC 50th anniversary event in Manila, discussing cooperation and mutual interests. South China Sea flashpoints: Tensions keep rising as the Philippines accuses China’s coast guard of firing water cannons and carrying out dangerous manoeuvres near Scarborough Shoal for a second straight day, with Manila calling the area a traditional fishing ground and part of its territory. ASEAN-China push on rules: ASEAN and China are aiming to wrap up a South China Sea Code of Conduct by year-end, but experts warn legal and coverage disagreements could stall progress. Regional security agenda: At the ASEAN Regional Forum, Dr S Jaishankar stressed “zero tolerance” for terrorism and urged safe, open international shipping routes. Brunei-linked tech and mobility: Korea’s weather agency says it has expanded real-time numerical forecasting data to 117 cities across Southeast Asia and includes Brunei; meanwhile, the Henley Passport Index again shows Singapore leading globally, with Brunei ranked 19th in access to 163 destinations. Local economy and skills: Royal Brunei Airlines and Aviation Australia signed an MoU to train future licensed aircraft maintenance engineers, building on RB apprentices studying in Brisbane. China navy visits Brunei: A Chinese PLA Navy fleet arrived at Muara for a four-day friendly visit, with joint activities planned with the Royal Brunei Navy. Sports (Brunei connection): Bermuda swimmers advanced in Commonwealth Games swimming, with Brunei’s Hayley Wong featuring in the 50m butterfly heat.