Maritime Security: The Philippines’ National Maritime Council condemned Chinese maritime surveillance research vessels operating in Luzon waters, saying research near Pag-asa Sandy Cays is illegal under UNCLOS and reporting sightings across Batanes, Pangasinan and Palawan. Ocean Discoveries: A major Ocean Census update says scientists found 1,121 previously unknown marine species in a single year, including a “ghost shark” and bizarre deep-sea life, underscoring how much of the ocean still isn’t mapped. Regional Diplomacy: After Trump’s Beijing visit, China is reportedly welcoming another high-level stop from Putin, keeping great-power ties and trade tensions in focus. Timor-Leste Energy: With oil revenues running down, coverage highlights the push to move Timor-Leste’s Greater Sunrise project from debate toward fast infrastructure decisions. Local Watch: In the UK, a Home Office probe followed arrests of East Timorese workers after a coach sting, with questions about pre-employment checks still under review.