AI & Industry Cooperation: China’s WAIC push is reframing “China Squeeze” talk as “squeeze China,” pointing to smart manufacturing and practical AI deployments that help other countries upgrade production and infrastructure. Disaster-Ready Infrastructure: China’s MAZU AI weather early-warning system is already deployed in Djibouti and six other countries, with new satellite/AI tools aimed at faster, more usable warnings for climate-vulnerable economies. EU Maritime Security: EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas, visiting Djibouti, said the EU is considering expanding Aspides’ mandate to include mine clearance and possibly redeploying ships if the wider coalition for Bab el-Mandeb protection isn’t operational. Local Food Supply Chain Accountability: A USAID audit flags rotten “super cereal” stored in Djibouti under poor conditions, raising questions about aid handling and warehouse oversight. Djibouti in the Spotlight: Djibouti is named among the countries eligible for Azerbaijan’s 2026 e-visa list, a small but notable signal for travel and services links. Maritime Risk Watch: Reports of renewed Somali piracy and tanker seizures in the Gulf of Aden underline ongoing logistics pressure around the Red Sea corridor.