AGP Executive Report

Brunei-China Defence Ties: The Chinese Embassy in Brunei marked the PLA’s 99th founding anniversary with a reception at Muara Port, with guests praising China’s “peaceful development” and pledging to deepen military friendship. Regional Security & Diplomacy: As ASEAN-China push for a South China Sea Code of Conduct gathers pace, the US reiterated it will keep operating in international waters and won’t let any outcome undermine its interests. South China Sea Flashpoints: Philippines President Marcos delivered a veiled rebuke of China in his State of the Nation speech, vowing to defend the 2016 arbitration ruling; meanwhile, a Mandaue City Council resolution condemned China’s actions on Ayungin Shoal. Brunei in the Tech Spotlight: During APEC Digital Week, Brunei officials visited a Chinese “digital dentistry” demo at West China Hospital, highlighting immersive training and advanced medical tech. Regional Crime Cooperation: Malaysia’s MACC will host the ASEAN-PAC meeting in Melaka to strengthen anti-corruption work across the region.

Regional anti-crime push: The Philippine National Police hailed the 44th ASEANAPOL conference as a win for stronger cross-border cooperation, with resolutions urging real-time intelligence sharing, cybercrime investigations and joint action against online scam syndicates, while Timor-Leste was endorsed as ASEANAPOL’s 11th member. Cyber-scam crackdown: Singapore’s SPF and the FBI signed an MoU to deepen cooperation on online scams, cyber-enabled fraud and money laundering, building on a joint operation that helped prevent millions in losses. Brunei-China ties: Brunei welcomed a Chinese naval fleet for a friendly four-day visit, with joint activities planned, while China’s ambassador also visited Chung Hwa School Tutong to highlight education links and cultural ties. South China Sea flashpoints: A Vietnamese cargo ship sank near Fiery Cross Reef with 17 still missing, as China-Philippines tensions continued after water-cannon accusations near Scarborough Shoal. Climate resilience finance: Regional leaders warned climate adaptation funding is stuck due to a lack of bankable projects and clear metrics, even as Brunei-region partners push for more workable financing. Local relevance: Korea’s weather agency expanded high-resolution data sharing to Brunei and other island states, aiming to improve severe weather forecasting.

South China Sea Rescue: Search teams are still hunting survivors after a Vietnamese cargo ship, Khoi Nguyen 18, sank near Fiery Cross/Yongshu Reef in the disputed Spratlys. Chinese state media says 39 were rescued and 23 remain missing, while Vietnam says it coordinated closely and deployed rescue efforts with Chinese support. Regional Security Cooperation: ASEANAPOL chiefs meeting in the Philippines backed stronger intelligence sharing and joint action against transnational crime, including cyber scams, trafficking and terrorism, and agreed to further develop the Electronic Aseanapol Database System. Brunei-China Diplomacy: China’s FM Wang Yi met Brunei’s foreign minister Abdul Mateen in Manila, stressing long-standing ties and pushing cooperation in areas like energy and maritime development. Local Interest: A Bernama feature spotlights pandan kelupis in northern Sarawak, linking the dish to Brunei Malay and Kedayan heritage. Brunei in the Wider Region: A Chinese naval fleet arrived in Brunei for a four-day friendly visit, with joint activities planned.

China-Brunei Diplomacy: Chinese FM Wang Yi met Brunei’s Abdul Mateen in Manila, praising “exemplary” ties and urging deeper cooperation as China marks 35 years of diplomatic relations with Brunei. South China Sea Rescue: Search efforts continue for 23 missing after a Vietnamese cargo ship sank near Fiery Cross (Kagitingan) Reef; 39 were rescued as multiple Chinese and Vietnamese units joined the operation. Regional Security Push: The ASEAN Regional Forum again called for “complete denuclearization” of the Korean Peninsula, while also stressing full UN Security Council implementation. TAC Anniversary Meetings: Qatar’s Al Muraikhi held high-level talks in Manila with Saudi and Brunei foreign officials on strengthening bilateral relations. ASEAN Policing Cooperation: ASEAN police chiefs agreed to institutionalise a shared digital platform (E-ADS) to boost intelligence sharing and coordination against transnational crime. Brunei in the Spotlight: A Chinese naval fleet visited Muara for a friendly four-day stop, with joint activities planned. Brunei-linked Mobility: Brunei’s passport ranked 19th in the Henley index, with visa-free access to 163 destinations.

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.

Weather & Climate Tech: Korea Meteorological Administration expanded its KIM numerical weather data sharing to 117 cities across Indonesia, Malaysia, Papua New Guinea, East Timor and Brunei, aiming to help island states better forecast severe weather. South China Sea Diplomacy: Asean and China are pushing to wrap up a South China Sea Code of Conduct by year-end, but experts warn legal and coverage disagreements could still stall progress. Regional Security: India’s EAM S Jaishankar urged “zero tolerance” for terrorism and stressed safe, uninterrupted international shipping routes amid wider Middle East and maritime risks. Brunei Diplomacy: Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Sultan bin Saad Al Muraikhi met Saudi and Brunei’s Second Foreign Minister Erywan Pehin Yusof on the sidelines of the TAC 50th anniversary in Manila, discussing cooperation and mutual interests. South China Sea Flashpoints: China-Philippines tensions escalated again near Scarborough Shoal as Manila accused Chinese coast guard vessels of firing water cannons for a second day, creating a serious collision risk. Brunei-China Naval Ties: A Chinese PLA Navy fleet arrived in Brunei for a four-day friendly visit, with joint activities planned with the Royal Brunei Navy. Brunei Aviation Skills: Royal Brunei Airlines and Aviation Australia signed an MoU to train future aircraft maintenance engineers, building on RB apprentices studying in Brisbane.

South China Sea Flashpoint: The Philippines accused China’s coast guard of firing water cannons at Philippine government vessels near Scarborough Shoal for a second straight day, saying the incidents created a “serious risk of collision” and involved dangerous manoeuvres; China countered that it used lawful “control measures.” ASEAN Diplomacy in Manila: As ASEAN foreign ministers wrapped up meetings, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stressed Washington’s South China Sea interests and told Asian allies the US won’t abandon them even as it seeks more positive ties with Beijing. Ukraine Mediation Talk: Rubio also met Russia’s Sergey Lavrov, saying the US is ready to help end the “senseless war” in Ukraine but there’s “no quick path” and diplomacy needs sustained effort. Regional Security Agenda: The ASEAN Regional Forum opened amid Middle East turmoil and Strait of Hormuz concerns, with calls for safer international shipping and renewed diplomatic engagement. Brunei-China Naval Visit: A Chinese PLA Navy fleet arrived at Muara port for a four-day friendly visit, with joint activities planned with the Royal Brunei Navy. Local Relevance—Brunei in the wider region: Brunei’s passport ranked 19th globally in the Henley index, while Brunei Foreign Minister Abdul Mateen Bolkiah attended ASEAN ministerial events in Manila.

Brunei in the Region: Brunei’s passport sits at 19th in the Henley Passport Index 2026, with visa-free/visa-on-arrival access to 163 destinations—behind Singapore and Malaysia in Southeast Asia. South China Sea Tensions: The Philippines says China’s coast guard fired water cannon near Scarborough Shoal for a second straight day, escalating a fresh round of confrontations. ASEAN Security Talks: In Manila, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio told allies the Trump administration is ready to help end Ukraine’s war but warned there’s no quick deal, while regional security meetings focused heavily on the Middle East and Hormuz risks. Regional Law Enforcement: Hong Kong police attended the ASEAN Chiefs of Police Conference to boost cooperation against cross-border crime. Local Crime Link: A foreign national wanted by Brunei over an alleged ATM skimming scheme was arrested at Miri Airport and handed to Brunei for investigation. Health & Society: Malaysia’s Guardian launched a campaign to raise awareness of perimenopause, including lessons on how symptoms are often misread.

ASEAN Security Forum in Manila: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio told Asian allies the US won’t abandon them even as Washington seeks positive ties with Beijing, while also warning Iran’s Strait of Hormuz toll demands could set a dangerous precedent for global shipping. Ukraine peace push: Rubio met Russia’s Lavrov and said the Trump administration is ready to help end the “senseless war” in Ukraine, but there’s no quick deal. Regional security focus: The ASEAN Regional Forum’s agenda was dominated by the Middle East crisis and South China Sea tensions, with ministers calling for safer shipping lanes and renewed diplomacy. Brunei-linked crime crackdown: A foreign national wanted by Brunei for alleged ATM skimming was arrested at Miri Airport and handed to Brunei police for further action. Brunei/India tech talks: India’s Jaishankar met Brunei’s FM Prince Abdul Mateen in Manila, discussing AI, drones and digital cooperation. Trade and partnerships: Türkiye gained ASEAN Dialogue Partner status, aiming to expand trade, defense and energy ties with the bloc. Mobility rankings: Brunei was listed among the top passports in Southeast Asia in the latest Henley Passport Index.

Cross-border crime: A man in his 50s wanted by Brunei over alleged ATM skimming was arrested at Miri Airport after joint intelligence work by Royal Malaysia Police and the Royal Brunei Police Force, then handed over for Brunei investigations. ASEAN security diplomacy: Top diplomats gathered in Manila for the ASEAN Regional Forum as Iran’s Strait of Hormuz toll demands and attacks on shipping dominated talks, with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio warning it would set a dangerous precedent for global navigation. US-China talks: Rubio met China’s Wang Yi to discuss managing big differences ahead of Xi’s planned US visit in September, with both sides stressing preparation and “core interests.” South China Sea flare-up: The Philippines and China exchanged strong protests after a clash at Second Thomas Shoal, with the Philippines accusing China Coast Guard personnel of injuring a marine. Brunei-China ties: China’s FM Wang Yi praised China-Brunei cooperation as a model for large and small nations, citing plans to deepen trade, energy and maritime development. Finance/Islamic investing: Record Asset Management launched “Record Amanah,” a Sharia-compliant investment platform, noting a recent Brunei transaction.

ASEAN Diplomacy in Manila: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio told ASEAN partners the Strait of Hormuz toll demand by Iran could set a “dangerous precedent” for controlling international waterways, warning it threatens freedom of navigation and global shipping. US–China Talks: Rubio met China’s Wang Yi to discuss preparations for a possible US–China summit in September, as diplomats also weighed South China Sea tensions and the wider Iran conflict. Brunei in the ASEAN spotlight: Brunei, as ASEAN coordinator with the EU, was cited in remarks by EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas warning Middle East fallout could hit Southeast Asia’s energy, food and freight costs for the long run. Regional security pledges: Japan’s FM Motegi promised closer ASEAN cooperation to defend territories and territorial waters, while the Quad (US, Japan, Australia, India) reiterated maritime security and disaster response collaboration. ASEAN expands ties: Turkey was granted full Dialogue Partner status, upgrading Ankara’s institutional relationship with ASEAN. Local relevance: Brunei’s legislative council is set to convene its second meeting on Aug 3, and Brunei also launched a certification project for two eco-tourism sites.

ASEAN Diplomacy in Manila: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio warned ASEAN that Iran’s push to control and collect tolls in the Strait of Hormuz would set a “dangerous precedent” for freedom of navigation, even as he pledged Washington is “with ASEAN 100%.” US–China Talks: Rubio is set to meet China’s Wang Yi on the sidelines of ASEAN meetings, with expectations they’ll discuss a possible September Trump-Xi summit amid simmering US-China tensions. Brunei in the Regional Spotlight: Brunei’s Legislative Council will hold its second meeting of the year starting Aug 3, covering queries, ministerial statements and motions on national priorities. Brunei Tourism Move: Brunei launched a one-year Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) certification project for Ulu Temburong National Park and Luagan Lalak Recreational Park, aiming to boost sustainable ecotourism aligned with Vision 2035. South China Sea Flashpoint: Philippines accused China’s coast guard of injuring a Filipino sailor with a wooden baton near Second Thomas Shoal; China denied wrongdoing and blamed Philippine actions. Commonwealth Games Coverage: Glasgow 2026 is rolling out broader broadcast deals, with Brunei’s RTB Brunei among partners providing free-to-air coverage. Leadership Programme Call: UNITAR is accepting applications for Women’s Leadership in Disaster Risk Reduction for World Tsunami Awareness Day 2026, with Brunei listed among encouraged countries.

ASEAN Diplomacy in Manila: South Korea’s FM Cho Hyun is heading to the Philippines for ASEAN-related ministerial meetings, including a Korea-ASEAN foreign ministers’ session with Thailand, plus trilateral talks with the US and Japan—aimed at energy, economic security, AI cooperation and tackling online scams. Myanmar Peace Push: ASEAN foreign ministers agreed to develop benchmarks to track progress in Myanmar and discussed moving toward a longer-term special envoy, with Brunei proposing a support unit inside the ASEAN Secretariat. Brunei in the ASEAN mix: Brunei’s role shows up in the Myanmar envoy support idea as the bloc tries to revive the stalled Five-Point Consensus. South China Sea Flashpoint: The Philippines accused China’s coast guard of injuring a Filipino sailor with a wooden baton near Second Thomas Shoal, while China denied wrongdoing and blamed Philippine actions—raising fresh concerns for regional stability. Local Governance: Brunei’s Legislative Council will hold its second meeting of the year from Aug 3, covering queries, ministerial statements and motions. Sustainable Tourism: Brunei launched a one-year GSTC certification project for Ulu Temburong National Park and Luagan Lalak Recreational Park to strengthen eco-tourism management. Business & Tech: Nanta Tech signed an MoU with GM Biovalley to bring robotics and automation solutions to Malaysia, Brunei and Singapore.

ASEAN Diplomacy in Manila: Southeast Asia’s foreign ministers, meeting in Manila for the 59th ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, are set to press for calm as Middle East fighting—especially the Iran conflict—spills into wider risks, with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, China’s Wang Yi and Russia’s Sergey Lavrov among the key attendees. South China Sea Tensions: The Philippines accused China’s coast guard of injuring a Filipino sailor with a wooden baton near the Second Thomas Shoal, while China denied wrongdoing and blamed Philippine actions—another flashpoint in waters that also involve Brunei’s interests. Brunei Parliament: Brunei’s Legislative Council will hold its second meeting of the year starting Aug. 3, focusing on queries, ministerial statements and motions on national priorities. Sustainable Tourism Push: Brunei launched a one-year GSTC certification project for two ecotourism sites—Ulu Temburong National Park and Luagan Lalak Recreational Park—aimed at stronger environmental stewardship and community benefits. Regional Economic Link: ASEAN and Japan’s DISG Task Force adopted a joint declaration to deepen public-private cooperation across supply chains, innovation, AI/digital investment and energy transition. Brunei in the ASEAN Orbit: Brunei’s Foreign Minister Erywan Yusof attended the ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ meeting in Manila, underscoring Brunei’s continued engagement in regional diplomacy.

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.

ASEAN Diplomacy: Southeast Asia’s top diplomats meet in Manila as renewed Middle East fighting—especially the Iran war—tops the agenda, with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, China’s Wang Yi and Russia’s Lavrov among attendees, and a joint statement expected to urge de-escalation and renewed talks. Regional Security Drills: Australia’s Exercise Pitch Black 2026 officially kicks off in Darwin, bringing about 100 aircraft and 2,500 personnel from 20 nations; Brunei is listed among participating embedded personnel as the exercise runs from July 20 to August 7. Brunei Community & Culture: A drone show launches in Belait as part of the Imagine Drone Show Tour, backed by the Chinese Embassy and Hengyi Industries, aiming to blend technology with local heritage. Brunei Youth & Ideas: Brunei’s Economic Students’ Chamber holds a session on human-centred economics, covering diversification, youth development, AI and balancing efficiency with values. Travel Policy (Taiwan): Taiwan extends visa-free entry for Bruneian citizens (and others) under its New Southbound Policy until July 31, 2027.