Business Times

• SoftBank plans to invest up to 75 billion euros in French artificial intelligence infrastructure, marking the Japanese conglomerate's largest AI investment in Europe. • The initiative will focus on delivering data centers in Dunkirk, Bosquel, and Bouchain, with plans to develop further sites across France. • This strategic move aims to strengthen France's position as a primary European hub for next-generation digital infrastructure.

• US official Hegseth praised several Asian partners for increasing their security and defense spending during a forum on May 30. • He specifically recognized Australia, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, the Philippines, South Korea, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam for their contributions. • Notably, Taiwan and New Zealand were omitted from the list of partners stepping up their security efforts.

• During the Shangri-La Dialogue on May 30, US official Pete Hegseth praised several Asian partners for increasing their security and defense spending. • Hegseth specifically recognized Australia, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, the Philippines, South Korea, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam for their contributions. • The omission of Taiwan and New Zealand from the roll call of partners is a notable detail that may signal shifts in diplomatic priorities or strategic messaging.

• Japan's Nikkei stock index surged past the 65,000 mark for the first time in history, driven by investor optimism surrounding diplomatic talks with Iran. • The broader Topix index also saw significant gains, climbing 1.39% to reach 3,946.67. • This milestone reflects a positive shift in market sentiment as geopolitical tensions ease, potentially stabilizing regional trade and energy outlooks.