Philippines-China Flashpoint: China barred Defense Secretary Gilberto “Gibo” Teodoro Jr. and his family from entering mainland China, Hong Kong and Macao, and banned Chinese entities from doing business with them, citing “irresponsible remarks” amid South China Sea tensions. AI Infrastructure Push: China is drafting a plan for a nationwide AI data-center network worth about 2 trillion yuan over five years, leaning on state firms and domestic chips to reduce reliance on U.S. suppliers. Human Rights Agenda: Beijing released its 2026-2030 national human rights action plan, framed around “smart tech,” with a forum in Beijing spotlighting development-centered governance. Regulatory Clampdown at Home: Beijing’s market regulator summoned major e-commerce platforms over irregular 618 promotions, including unclear subsidy claims and incomplete disclosure. Energy & Trade Leverage: A report highlights China-Russia efforts to build parallel energy systems that reduce exposure to Western-controlled shipping and payments, with Power of Siberia 2 as a key threat to U.S. LNG. Global Diplomacy via Culture: China expanded cultural dialogue efforts with Nigeria around the International Day for Dialogue Among Civilisations. Cross-border Health Crackdown: Nepal suspended three Chinese doctors’ temporary registrations after links to an illegally operating Kathmandu hospital.