US–China Summit: Trump and Xi kept the tone cooperative in Beijing, but left Taiwan and other fault lines unresolved, with both sides signaling they’ll keep talking while competition over trade, security, and tech leadership stays sharp. North Korea on the Sidelines: The Korean Peninsula got barely any spotlight at the summit, suggesting Pyongyang’s nuclear issue is slipping down Washington’s agenda even as US and Japan push for tougher pressure. Cyber Threats: Kaspersky says North Korea-linked Kimsuky is using AI-linked techniques to upgrade malware, including campaigns aimed at South Korea’s government authentication systems—while crypto firms warn AI is now accelerating attacks on older smart contracts. Crypto Crackdown: Binance Research reports law enforcement and partners recovered about 11% of illicit crypto volume in 2025, and Tether’s T3 unit says it froze $450M in suspected illicit USDT. Defense Cost Shock: A new CBO estimate puts Trump’s “Golden Dome” missile shield at up to $1.2T over two decades, far above earlier promises. Health Watch: A hantavirus outbreak is tied to a bamboo-seed boom in the Andes, with health authorities tracking the mouse reservoir behind transmission.