Vast, a Beijing-based AI startup generating 3D assets from text and images, raises ~$200M at $1B+ valuation, claims 20M global users (Bloomberg).

China releases footage of navy confronting Dutch frigate near Paracel Islands. PLA says it deployed warships, J-16 fighters and electronic interference after Dutch vessel entered claimed waters and launched helicopter.

China released footage of its navy and air force confronting a Dutch frigate near the Paracel Islands, which China controls but other actors contest. The PLA said it dispatched warships and J-16 fighters, issued warnings, and used electronic interference after the Dutch vessel entered what China claims as sovereign waters and launched a helicopter into contested airspace.

Akeso lung cancer drug extends survival 15% over immunotherapy in China trial, Reuters reports. The bispecific antibody outperformed standard treatment in a Phase 3 study.

Akeso Biopharma's lung cancer drug demonstrated a 15% improvement in overall survival compared to immunotherapy in a China-based trial, according to Reuters.

Japan will transfer six destroyers to the Philippines under a new defense agreement aimed at countering Chinese influence in the South China Sea and East China Sea.

Japan will transfer six destroyers to the Philippines for protection against China. The agreement on the transfer of ships was signed as part of expanding military-technical cooperation between the two countries. Representatives of Japan and the Philippines have recently stated that they face 'attempts by China to expand its influence in a number of disputed areas of the South China Sea and East China Sea.' Bilateral military cooperation between Japan and the Philippines includes joint exercises, radar data exchange and strategic dialogue.

Explosion in Myanmar's Shan State kills dozens near China border, local media report.

An explosion in Myanmar's northeastern Shan State near the China border has killed dozens of people, according to local media.