Japan's SoftBank Group shares rose 4%.

Xiaomi launched the foldable Xiaomi 18 Fold, which it describes as a "mid-fold" between large and small foldables. Xiaomi Group chairman and CEO Lei Jun said the project began two years ago and underwent 20 months of R&D; the company positions the device as its highest-end phone. The 18 Fold has a 5.38-inch external display and a 7.58-inch internal display, both with aspect ratios near √2:1 (close to A-series paper). Xiaomi says both panels use "super-pixel" technology to boost clarity and lower power draw. The phone measures 5.02 mm single-side unfolded, 10.68 mm folded, and weighs 219 g.

Seoul says it is consulting with the US and other partners on a contribution to restore freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz and stabilise the Middle East, but no decision has been reached. The defence ministry shifted from signalling progress last week to a more cautious stance as US‑Iran clashes in the Hormuz area have resumed and there is pushback within the ruling party. Any overseas troop dispatch requires National Assembly approval; with the ruling party divided and parliamentary business—ministerial confirmation hearings and government audits—crowded, a deployment motion is unlikely to be tabled this month. Seoul says a deployment decision would affect sensitive ROK‑US negotiations, including fuel arrangements for nuclear submarines and transfer of wartime operational control; Washington has publicly criticised Seoul’s 'lack of contribution' and ordered reductions in theatre‑level ROK‑US joint exercises.