Philippines–China Row: China hit back at Philippine Defence Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr after he said Manila faces “severe threat” from Beijing, questioning the sincerity of Chinese humanitarian support and warning the remarks damage trust. Public Transport Pay: Singapore will raise starting pay for new bus captains by S$450 a month (with government funding) and add S$2,000 sign-on bonuses from Jan 1, 2027, alongside a one-time adjustment for current captains to improve retention. Temasek & Middle East: Temasek chairman Teo Chee Hean said public-service instincts help navigate a “stark” investment reality, and noted Temasek’s “significant” Middle East presence amid long-lasting second-order effects from the Middle East conflict. Shangri-La Fallout: US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth used Shangri-La to argue for “partners, not protectorates,” urging allies to boost defence spending as China’s military expansion shifts the balance of power. US Trade Pressure: The US proposed new Section 301 tariffs tied to forced-labour import enforcement, with rates varying by country performance. Local Culture & Soft Power: Dua Lipa’s Google Maps list named Singapore’s Maxwell Food Centre as a favourite, spotlighting hawker culture alongside major regional entertainment.