China–Laos ties: Chinese Premier Li Qiang pledged to deepen strategic communication and cooperation with Laos as the countries mark 65 years of diplomatic relations, pointing to zero-tariff trade, faster China–Laos railway work, and wider collaboration in energy, minerals, AI, and the digital economy. Laos–India health focus: Laos and India agreed to strengthen cooperation and explore upgrading relations to a Comprehensive Partnership, with talks covering public health, drug management, tourism, digital connectivity, and education. Nutrition in Laos: UNICEF-supported community treatment is helping Luang Prabang tackle severe acute malnutrition, with health workers providing ready-to-use therapeutic food and caregiver guidance. Maternity protection gap: The ILO warns that women in informal work and migrant workers across ASEAN still face uneven maternity benefits and healthcare support, calling for more integrated social protection and health systems. Cave rescue aftermath: An Australian diver returned home after helping free villagers from a flooded Laos cave system; the rescue continues for two missing men, while misinformation about the incident is being flagged as AI-generated. Wildlife and health link: Laos authorities, with Free the Bears, rescued 27 moon bears from an illegal bile farm, highlighting ongoing public health and welfare concerns tied to wildlife exploitation.