Diplomacy & Security: East Timor President José Ramos-Horta told Nikkei’s Future of Asia that smaller, fragile countries “want to look up” to major powers, urging China, the US and Japan to lead prudently amid conflicts in Iran, Ukraine and Myanmar. Defence Cooperation: New Zealand and Timor-Leste signed an updated Defence Cooperation Arrangement, expanding training, education, capacity building, humanitarian and disaster relief, and maritime security. Regional Integration: Timor-Leste PM Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão wrapped up an official Vietnam visit and ASEAN Future Forum participation, with Vietnam backing Timor-Leste’s deeper ASEAN integration and full participation in cooperation mechanisms. Energy & Climate Risk: A Zurich Insurance report warns that 75% of Southeast Asia’s renewable energy generation capacity faces severe climate risk by 2030 (excluding Timor-Leste), but says early resilience investment could cut losses by 40–50%. Infrastructure & China Links: At Macao’s IIICF, Timor-Leste’s petroleum minister said the government is pushing South Coast projects like a Suai supply base and highway, exploring collaboration with major Chinese firms. ASEAN Football Broadcast: Timor-Leste is listed among confirmed 2026 World Cup broadcast rights holders, with ETO–TELCO set to air matches.