ASEAN Diplomacy in Manila: Brunei’s Foreign Minister Erywan Yusof is among officials attending the 59th ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Pasay, running until July 24, with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and China’s Wang Yi also present, as ministers flag regional flashpoints including the Middle East and other crises. Brunei Parliament: Brunei’s Legislative Council will hold its second meeting of the year from Aug. 3, covering queries, ministerial statements and motions on national priorities. Eco-Tourism Push: Brunei launches a one-year GSTC certification project for Ulu Temburong National Park and Luagan Lalak Recreational Park to boost sustainable management aligned with international standards. South China Sea Tensions: The Philippines accuses China’s coast guard of injuring a sailor with a wooden baton near Second Thomas Shoal, while China counters with claims of dangerous actions by Philippine boats. Regional Security Drills: Brunei is listed among embedded participants for Australia’s Exercise Pitch Black 2026, running July 20–Aug. 7, as 21 nations train across northern Australia amid wider Indo-Pacific tensions. Travel Rules, Region-wide: Vietnam publishes its 2026 visa-free framework including Brunei, while Taiwan extends visa-free entry for Bruneian passport holders until July 31, 2027. Local Business & Lifestyle: Karrus Automotive Group is appointed Meguiar’s exclusive distributor for Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei, and Brunei’s Belait hosts a drone show as part of the Imagine Drone Show Tour.