Philippines-China Tensions: Manila’s defense chief Gilberto Teodoro Jr. demanded answers from Beijing over the May Sanjia Steel raid, while the Chinese Embassy in Manila called the accusations “unfounded” and said law enforcement was being politicized; the DND hit back that the embassy offered “no answers,” calling it evasiveness and an implied admission of culpability. AI Rules and Social Life: China rolled out national rules targeting AI systems meant to sustain emotional relationships, aiming to stop chatbots from replacing social interaction, psychologically controlling users, or driving dependence. Ethnic Unity Law Backlash: A fresh wave of criticism abroad followed China’s Ethnic Unity law taking effect, with Western media and rights groups arguing it pressures minority assimilation. US-China Tech Decoupling: The US moved to restrict Chinese AI models and push partners to “pick sides,” while also escalating drone tariffs up to 100%—a move analysts say deepens separation in drone supply chains. Trade Friction: Washington accused Chinese exporters of “Great Transshipment Scam” routing goods through third countries to dodge tariffs, which China rejected. Green Governance: Xinhua highlighted ecological restoration gains tied to China’s Ecological and Environmental Code, including Erhai Lake’s recovery and “quiet communities” to curb urban noise. Space and Science: China launched a new batch of low-orbit internet satellites via Long March-12, and Chinese teams topped the IOI 2026 informatics standings. Culture and Media: Indian epic “Ramayana” is surging in China online, with reports that the China cut may be 33 minutes shorter than the Indian version.