China-ASEAN Expo: The 23rd China-ASEAN Expo and Business and Investment Summit opened in Nanning with a CAFTA 3.0 focus on trade, AI and new cooperation. Timor-Leste in the spotlight: Timor-Leste debuted as a full ASEAN member and co-organiser, with Baucau listed among showcases. Regional business matchmaking: Organisers say this year’s big shift is “ASEAN Requests, China Responds,” with more than 3,400 firms from 70+ countries attending. Asian Games logistics hit Timor-Leste too: At the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games, the flag-hoisting welcome ceremony was delayed and then disrupted for over an hour, with organisers citing “miscommunication” and “trouble,” affecting delegations including Timor-Leste. Diplomacy update (Vietnam): Vietnam’s top leadership issued ambassador appointment decisions including Pham Binh Dam to Timor-Leste. Disarmament progress (Lao PDR): Laos wrapped the Third Review Conference on Cluster Munitions, adopting a new Vientiane Action Plan for 2027–2031.