In the latest episode of Nikkei Asia News Roundup, hosts Jada Nagumo and Brian Chapman discuss recent consumer spending trends across Asia .

The episode consists of:

• A selection of news headlines
• A glimpse into a notable story for deeper understanding
• A highlight of our best stories

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CANBERRA -- Australian rare earther miner and refiner Lynas has inked a binding letter of intent as it works to finalize a supply deal with the U.S. government.

TOKYO -- U.S. President Donald Trump has suggested he may delay his upcoming summit with Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping, if Beijing does not help to secure the safe passage of ships through the Strait of Hormuz.

BANGKOK/NAYPYIDAW -- Myanmar's parliament convenes Monday in the first legislative session since the military-led government took control in 2021.

TOKYO -- Japan and the U.S. have agreed to establish a framework for cooperating to address supply disruptions of critical minerals, aiming to ensure the ability to secure such key resources as rare earths.

Welcome to Your Week in Asia.

KAOHSIUNG, Taiwan -- When Wang Ting-yu browses job search websites in Taiwan, she does not like what she sees. "The salaries listed are all around 30,000 New Taiwan dollars," or about $950 a month, she said. "That's actually quite low."

BANGKOK -- Thailand's private and public sectors are teaming up to promote wellness tourism, offering services that combine medical care, beauty and travel to affluent foreigners as the country seeks to boost the economy.