ASEAN & Diplomacy: East Timor President José Ramos-Horta told Japan’s Future of Asia forum that smaller, fragile economies “want to look up” to major powers, urging them to act prudently and provide stability. ASEAN Future Forum: Vietnam’s Prime Minister used the AFF 2026 platform to push ASEAN to shape regional rules, with Timor-Leste among leaders in Hanoi. Bilateral Security: New Zealand and Timor-Leste signed an updated defence cooperation arrangement covering training, maritime security, and disaster relief. Energy & Climate: A resilience report warns ASEAN renewable sites face heavy climate risk, with early resilience spending cutting exposure and boosting returns. Infrastructure Spotlight: At Macao’s IIICF, Timor-Leste’s petroleum minister said the country is advancing South Coast projects and exploring ties with Chinese firms. Blue Economy: Timor-Leste’s PM wrapped up Vietnam talks, with cooperation framed around deeper ASEAN integration and development. Health & Community: Australia’s COVID vaccine donations to Pacific nations topped 1 million doses, including 278,000 to Timor-Leste.