Global Trade & Ports: China’s ports keep topping the World Bank’s efficiency rankings, with seven of the top 10 spots in the 2025 Container Port Performance Index—automation and investment helping keep trade moving even as geopolitical shocks rattle routes. Philippines–China Tensions: Manila’s National Maritime Council pushed back after China barred Defense Secretary Gilberto “Gibo” Teodoro and his family, saying the sanctions clash with Philippine sovereignty and the 2016 arbitral award. Australia Security Watch: A Lowy Institute report warns China’s long-range strike threat to Australia will grow over the decade, with near-term risks also tied to cyberattacks and undersea cable disruption. Hong Kong Finance: China’s crackdown on overseas investment is unsettling Hong Kong banks and brokers as regulators review cross-border capital flows. China Economy: Retail sales are expected to fall 0.2% in May, signaling softer consumption and rising pressure on jobs and confidence. AI Market Buzz: Zhipu’s stock surged after it opened GLM-5.2, while ByteDance is reportedly in talks to buy AI chips from Iluvatar CoreX. South China Sea Legal Row: China reiterates the 2016 arbitration award is illegal and has no binding force, repeating its stance on UNCLOS violations. Culture & Trade: The 10th China–South Asia Expo in Kunming draws 560+ South Asian firms and 1,500 buyers, boosting people-to-people and business links. Youth Focus: Xinhua’s think tank highlights Chinese youth as “strivers and global contributors,” pointing to roles in aerospace, deep-sea tech and AI.