AGP Executive Report

BRICS Summit in New Delhi: Leaders including Xi, Modi and Putin are converging for the 18th BRICS meeting as India pushes the bloc to cut trade barriers, link payment systems and keep sea lanes open, with Modi stressing freedom of navigation and seafarer safety amid West Asia and Ukraine shocks. India-Russia and India-Iran diplomacy: Modi met Putin to review defence, energy and trade ties, while also holding talks with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, who vowed Iran “will not be bullied” and urged dialogue to resolve the West Asia crisis. West Asia shipping risk: Saudi Arabia shut a major oil pipeline after attacks, as Houthis seize Yemen’s Red Sea coast and islands near Bab el-Mandeb, raising fears for oil shipments to Asia. South Asia wildlife crackdown: Nepal hosted adoption of the “Kathmandu Declaration” to curb illegal wildlife trade through regional coordination, intelligence sharing and financial investigations. Regional security and disarmament: Central Asian foreign ministers marked 20 years of the Central Asia nuclear-weapon-free zone, warning arms-control erosion and mistrust are straining global security. Markets: Asia stocks slid in a broad risk-off move as oil prices jumped and the KOSPI fell below 7,000.

WHO Leadership Crisis: Saima Wazed, Sheikh Hasina’s daughter, resigned as WHO’s South-East Asia regional director after a fraud probe and a committee recommendation to end her term, with an interim officer set to run the office. Taiwan–China Tensions: Taiwan Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim made a rare Europe trip to Italy for a democracy forum, drawing sharp Chinese condemnation and diplomatic objections. South Korea Travel Rules: Seoul published the full list of 116 countries eligible for K-ETA, letting travelers use electronic authorization instead of a traditional visa. Indo-Pacific Security Drills: Japan, South Korea and the US wrapped Exercise Freedom Edge 26, training across maritime, air, cyber and medical operations in the region. Russia in the Pacific: Three Russian Pacific Fleet vessels left Vladivostok for long-range Asia-Pacific deployment, with exercises against airborne and unmanned threats. Central Asia–Korea Pivot: South Korea will host the first Korea–Central Asia Summit in Seoul, aiming for a long-term partnership framework and a “Seoul Declaration.” BRICS Momentum: Kazakhstan’s Tokayev will visit India for BRICS outreach talks (Sept 12–13) before heading to South Korea (Sept 14–16). Sports: Pakistan and Sri Lanka meet in the Women’s Asia Cup semi-final, with the winner facing India in the final.

West Asia Flashpoint: Oil jumped above $105 a barrel as attacks around the Strait of Hormuz and Red Sea routes raised supply fears, pushing up India’s crude import costs and keeping markets on edge. Diplomacy at BRICS: India’s Modi is set to meet Putin and Iran’s Pezeshkian as West Asia escalation strains BRICS consensus talks, with Iran and the UAE reportedly clashing over wording on war responsibility. Pacific Online Safety: A new Pacific-focused documentary highlights how social media shame, cyberbullying and privacy harms are reshaping communities in Fiji and Aotearoa, as New Zealand weighs restrictions on youth access. Health Leadership Shake-up: WHO Southeast Asia chief Saima Wazed resigned after fraud allegations tied to travel and credentials, following Bangladesh’s wider political fallout. Regional Connectivity: The US, Philippines and Japan launched the Luzon Economic Corridor Investment Forum in Manila, pitching private investment across transport, energy and digital infrastructure. Climate Justice in Nepal: Nepal’s speaker says the country faces disproportionate climate damage, urging global support after deadly floods and wildlife impacts. Finance Innovation: BlackRock won Hong Kong authorization for a tokenised HKD money market fund, while DBS expanded DBS MAX with multi-gateway digital collections.

Philippines–France Defence Ties: The Senate foreign relations committee approved a Status of Visiting Forces Agreement with France, opening the door to joint exercises, intelligence sharing and humanitarian relief, with talks also underway for the UK. BRICS Watch: China still won’t confirm Xi Jinping’s India trip for the New Delhi BRICS summit, even as leaders gather Sept 12-13 and India tries to balance China, Russia and Western ties. Online Hate Probe: Singapore police questioned five people over alleged racist comments tied to Nepal flood coverage and Air India investment. WHO Shake-up: Saima Wazed, WHO Southeast Asia regional director and Sheikh Hasina’s daughter, resigned amid fraud allegations and an unpaid leave dispute. Energy Shock: Oil stayed above $100 as West Asia tensions around the Strait of Hormuz stoked inflation fears and dragged Asian markets. Business & Jobs: Vietnam expects stronger hiring in Q4; Sri Lanka marked 10 years malaria-free; Hong Kong Customs fined a forwarder for exporting Chinese medicines without licences. Aviation & Travel: EgyptAir plans a new Cairo–Singapore–Sydney route from early 2027; ITB India wrapped with thousands of travel meetings. Tech & Safety: Meta is in talks with South Korea on teen social media limits; Okta named a new APJ partner chief.

ASEAN Digital Resilience: Malaysia and other ASEAN states are urged to build resilient telecom networks using an ecosystem approach—mixing terrestrial and satellite links, disaster-ready protocols, and coordination among governments, regulators, operators and humanitarian groups. West Asia Flashpoints: The Iran–US confrontation is intensifying, with strikes and missile attacks raising risks for shipping through the Strait of Hormuz and the Red Sea, threatening energy prices and regional security. UAE–Germany Ties: UAE President Sheikh Mohamed arrives in Berlin for a state visit expected to deepen cooperation in AI, energy and investment. South Asia Diplomacy: Bangladesh may skip India-hosted BRICS talks in New Delhi amid strained India–Bangladesh relations. WHO Leadership Fallout: Saima Wazed, WHO’s Southeast Asia head and Hasina’s daughter, resigns after fraud allegations. Pacific Islands Diplomacy: Naoero (Nauru) opens its Jerusalem embassy, becoming the third Pacific Island nation to do so. Education & Skills: Australia’s PISA results show continued declines, while construction leaders push to recruit young workers as trade shortages grow. Earthquake Response: Papua New Guinea’s quake death toll rises to seven as officials assess damage in East Sepik. Data Centres: Thailand suspends data centre projects amid power and community concerns, moving toward new oversight rules.

Philippines Governance Watch: The Philippines placed 59th in the 2026 Chandler Good Government Index, ranking sixth among eight Southeast Asian countries, with its strongest score in financial stewardship (32nd). BRICS Diplomacy: President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. will travel to New Delhi for the 18th BRICS Summit on Sept. 12-13, aiming to align priorities tied to peace and security, people empowerment and prosperity as ASEAN chair. Fishing Oversight: The Supreme Court struck down a vessel-tracking rule for commercial fishing, but kept the Fisheries Code’s broader limits on fishing in municipal waters—setting up a new enforcement debate. West Asia Escalation: Houthi attacks deep into Saudi Arabia hit energy infrastructure and an airbase, underscoring how regional conflicts are feeding off each other. Terror Tracker: Afghanistan’s Taliban rejected Pakistan’s claim that Masood Azhar is hiding in Afghanistan, while Kabul reiterated Afghan territory won’t be used against others. Public Health Milestone: Bhutan became the second country globally to eliminate dog-transmitted rabies as a public-health problem, after WHO validation. AI and Growth: The IMF says AI could add 0.2 to 1 percentage point to Asia’s annual growth by boosting productivity and automation amid ageing pressures. Thailand Tech-Driven Military: Thailand is rolling out nationwide AI training across its army, navy and air force, with access for government officials. Transport Disruption: Thailand’s Airport Rail Link runs fewer trains after wheel wear sidelined four, with full service expected by Sept. 14.

UN Diplomacy: Bangladesh’s Khalilur Rahman was sworn in as UNGA president for the 81st session, with the theme “Restoring trust, managing transformation,” giving Dhaka a major platform ahead of the September high-level debate. Public Health: WHO congratulated Bangladesh for cutting maternal mortality ahead of the 2030 SDG deadline, praising skilled midwifery and community-linked services. Regional Politics: Singapore PM Lawrence Wong unveiled the next phase of “Greater Sentosa,” including new attractions on Pulau Brani, a resort, land reclamation and a new people-mover system. Central Asia Cooperation: Kazakhstan’s Qurultay deputies backed the Central Asia–China political parties dialogue priorities for 2026-2030, spanning transport, digital tech, AI, energy and education. Energy & Climate: Pagasa urged Philippines water planning as El Niño is expected to sharply reduce rainfall, with dry conditions forecast across dozens of provinces. Finance: Pakistan’s Bank of Punjab shareholders approved a Rs30bn Punjab government equity injection to expand lending capacity. Security: Iran’s president vowed continued resistance until “aggressors” regret, as regional navigation risks around Hormuz remain a concern.

Nuclear Power Surge: Global nuclear generation hit a fresh record in 2025, with Asia driving most of the growth as China, India, South Korea and Japan expand or restart programmes. Disaster Response Reform: Indonesia’s House Speaker Puan Maharani urged unified national leadership for disaster handling, pushing faster warnings, evacuations and safety nets. Climate Finance Push: Jordan’s King Abdullah ordered a comprehensive, coordinated national strategy for green and climate finance, including private-sector support and major Green Climate Fund backing. Clean-Tech Trade Shift: Southeast Asia is buying record volumes of Chinese clean-energy gear—batteries, grids, EVs and solar—signalling a new export boom beyond Europe. Middle East Energy Logistics: Qatar’s first LNG tanker was reported to have cleared the Strait of Hormuz, hinting at a possible partial restart of exports after disruptions. Pacific Debt Pressure: A Pacific-focused group warns debt risks are structural, worsened by slower growth, climate disasters and shrinking grants. AI Safety Warning: UN rights chief Volker Turk called for “cast-iron” AI safety guarantees, warning only a few actors hold near-unlimited power. Tech Disruption: Telegram users across India and parts of Asia reported outages and message/login disruptions.

UN Diplomacy: UN chief António Guterres met Bangladesh’s President-elect Dr Khalilur Rahman in New York ahead of UNGA 81, as Bangladesh prepares to lead the UN’s top forum again after four decades. Pacific Politics: China’s envoy Qian Bo told Pacific Islands Forum leaders in Palau that Beijing will back energy transition, “blue partnerships” and trade with Pacific states, while stressing adherence to the one-China principle. West Asia Watch: India’s EAM S. Jaishankar briefed parliament on India’s Gulf ties and said India is against war and violence, warning that Strait of Hormuz disruptions raise prices and strain supply chains. Macau Economy: Macau’s Dora Ng reiterated a push to lift non-gaming value-added to about 60% of GDP by 2030 under its 2026-2030 plan. Climate & Disasters: Hurricane Lowell is closing in on Hawaiʻi, with emergency preparations for Kauaʻi and Niʻihau; meanwhile El Niño is strengthening, raising risks of hotter, drier conditions across southern Africa. Sports: Pakistan booked Women’s T20 Asia Cup semis with a 72-run win over Hong Kong. Regional Security: China and Central Asia agreed to deepen public security and internal affairs cooperation, including anti-transnational crime efforts.

Markets & Rates: New Zealand’s NZX 50 slipped 0.2% as investors weighed strong US jobs data and higher oil, while South Korea’s Kospi jumped on AI optimism after a new OpenAI model. Aviation & Policy: Malaysia hosts the DGCA/61 civil aviation conference (Sept 7-11) on “Smart Skies,” with 500+ delegates from 35 countries focusing on safe, secure, sustainable growth. Regional Media Diplomacy: The Asia-Pacific Media Forum in Shenzhen drew 400+ reps from 42 regions, launching the Shenzhen Consensus and new cooperation mechanisms ahead of APEC. Geopolitics & Security: Philippines Defence Secretary Gilberto Teodoro says US-South Korea drill cuts could give China room to “reassert itself,” but insists Washington’s assurances to Manila remain unchanged. Pacific Politics: Solomon Islands PM Matthew Wale survived a no-confidence push, a setback for efforts to tilt Honiara toward Beijing. Disaster & Climate: Nepal’s floods are expected to drive major hydropower insurance losses, while South Africa braces for severe storms and hail. Tech & Internet: APNIC 62 opens in Mumbai with a focus on AI, cybersecurity, and resilient internet infrastructure. Sports & Diplomacy: A trophy standoff looms again at the Women’s Asia Cup final in Dubai, with Mohsin Naqvi expected to attend.

Philippines in Regional Spotlight: PCSO chief Melquiades Robles was elected vice chairman of the Asia Pacific Lottery Association, a first for a Filipino leader, as the group pushes responsible gaming and innovation. China–US Military Signals: A commander-level meeting between China’s Eastern Theater Command and US Pacific Command has renewed attention on Taiwan-related risk management and communication channels. Middle East Tensions Spill Over: Lebanon’s President Joseph Aoun urged Washington to halt Israeli strikes after deaths in south Lebanon, as the region remains locked in a fragile truce atmosphere. Tourism and Security: Indonesia tightened entry rules amid controversy over Israeli travelers reaching Bali via “calling visa” systems and second passports. Volcanic Disruption: Indonesia’s Mount Anak Krakatau eruption grounded flights across eight airports, stranding about 170,000 passengers. Tech and AI Infrastructure: MongoDB named Richard Scott SVP for Asia Pacific and Japan, betting on the shift from AI experiments to production-ready data platforms. Sports & Culture: The AJP Asia Jiu-Jitsu Championship wrapped in Abu Dhabi, while Jammu & Kashmir’s IFFJK unveiled an international jury lineup. Climate Focus in South Asia: Nepal’s envoy to Bangladesh pressed for joint environmental action ahead of COP-31, linking Himalayan impacts to regional cooperation.

Women’s Asia Cup: India crushed Pakistan by 7 wickets after skittling Pakistan for a record-low 55, with spin twins Shree Charani and Prema Rawat leading the rout. Pacific Safety & Climate: Pacific leaders warned that the 1.5°C overshoot threat will hit food, fisheries and island survival, as communities brace for El Niño-linked extreme weather and water stress. Nepal Disaster Response: Singapore police opened an investigation into racist xenophobic comments tied to the Nepal-Tibet flood tragedy and Singapore Airlines’ Air India investment, with platforms asked to remove posts. Solomon Islands Politics: A no-confidence motion against PM Matthew Wale was withdrawn, defusing a fast-moving domestic crisis. Energy Transition Watch: India curtailed nearly 11 terawatt-hours of solar power over 15 months despite rising demand, highlighting grid and storage limits as the next bottleneck. Regional Diplomacy: Japan plans to use ODA to upgrade Indonesia’s fishing ports to boost maritime surveillance, while Japan also pushes anime and manga promotion in the Global South. Geopolitics: Analysts say India-China talks keep stalling, and China’s pressure on Taiwan allies is intensifying across the Pacific.

Pacific Diplomacy & Climate Finance: Cook Islands’ PM Mark Brown returned from the Palau summit with major funding for ocean protection and a NZ$101m Penrhyn port project, while Pacific leaders pushed unity on 1.5°C, climate action and disaster resilience. Regional Security: Pacific leaders again raised alarm over China’s missile test and urged stronger intelligence-sharing and action on security commitments. South Asia Politics & Defence: Pakistan marked Defence Day with tributes to martyrs and veterans; India’s PM Modi used a Delhi University speech to tout 7.8% growth and warn Pakistan that any “misadventure” would be met with strikes inside its territory. Women’s Cricket: India crushed Pakistan in the Women’s Asia Cup T20, bowling Pakistan out for a record-low 55 and winning by seven wickets. Food Crisis Risk: A “super” El Niño could drive 49m more people into hunger as aid shortfalls bite, with Asia and Africa facing the toughest impacts. Digital & Remittance Moves: Western Union and JuanPay expanded remittance access across about 1,400 Philippine outlets. AI for SMEs: APEC officials highlighted how AI and connectivity are helping Asia-Pacific small firms automate and grow.

Pacific Climate Diplomacy: Pacific Islands Forum leaders in Palau put 1.5°C and climate survival at the centre, backing COP31 work and calling for faster action and better climate finance. China Missile Tensions: Pacific leaders also demanded 24-hour advance notice for ICBM tests after China’s July launch passed over islands with limited warning; Beijing said it’s committed to peace and denied military expansion. Regional Media Push: The Asia-Pacific Media Forum opened in Shenzhen with calls for stronger cooperation on fact-checking, shared reporting and AI-era misinformation challenges ahead of APEC. Indonesia Haze Crisis: Thick smog from fires in Borneo and Sumatra has forced school closures and spread haze to neighbours, with emissions compared to past strong El Niño years. India-Poland Strategic Partnership: Jaishankar said new agreements are in the works across cybersecurity, space, clean energy and critical minerals. India-Japan Cricket Diplomacy: India and Japan will mark 75 years of ties with a special men’s T20I in Tochigi. Business/Finance: IFM Investors is opening a Singapore office to expand Asian private credit.

Pacific diplomacy & security: Pacific Islands Forum leaders voiced concern over China’s missile test, while China said its defense policy is defensive and offered to work with South Pacific states for peace; the summit also failed to reach a unanimous condemnation, with Naoero dissenting. Climate & governance: UN members voted to adopt a new world map that reflects countries’ true relative sizes, backing Africa’s push to correct Mercator-era distortions. Energy & industry: India’s ₹37,500-crore coal gasification incentive scheme drew zero bids so far; in the US, regulators are set to decide on the Union Pacific–Norfolk Southern merger after a long review. Asia-Pacific economy & tech: China unveiled APEC SME platforms in Guangzhou and Shenzhen focused on AI empowerment; Macao’s Sam Hou Fai met Malaysia’s PM Anwar Ibrahim to deepen trade and tourism ties. Business moves: Metso won a €30M Asia-Pacific copper supply order; Clark Pacific broke ground on a new Coolidge plant to triple capacity. Human impact: UNICEF reported 20 million internet-using children faced tech-facilitated sexual abuse across 21 countries.

Pacific Security & Climate: Pacific Islands Forum leaders wrapped in Palau with a “Belau Declaration” urging urgent fossil-fuel cuts and bigger climate finance to keep 1.5°C alive, while also issuing a joint call for at least 24 hours’ advance notice of missile tests after China’s July launch; Naoero dissented and Taiwan kept its “development partner” status. Trade & Diplomacy: New Zealand’s Todd McClay said a deeper trade push with Canada is coming soon, as Australia’s Don Farrell argued for “free and fair” trade under CPTPP. Energy Transition: Mingyang Smart Energy says it wants to expand in Malaysia across offshore wind, solar, batteries and hydrogen to back the NETR. Finance & Digital Assets: BitGo opened a Singapore office, citing a tripled Asia-Pacific client base and rising institutional activity. Business Travel: Garuda Indonesia is offering 170,845 free domestic roundtrip seats for eligible international arrivals from 10 countries. Tech & Media: China’s Asia-Pacific Media Forum opens in Shenzhen ahead of APEC “China Year,” with outcomes expected before the November APEC leaders’ meeting. Weather Preparedness: UK officials urged households to stock food and water ahead of an extreme El Niño forecast.