China
U.S.’ Bessent urges China to help open Strait of Hormuz. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent urged China to use its leverage over Iran to help reopen the Strait of Hormuz, arguing Beijing’s energy purchases give it influence and responsibility. He also pressed China to back an international shipping mission and said the coming Trump-Xi summit could provide a chance to address the crisis directly. Dewey Sim, South China Morning Post, May 4
China Coast Guard officers raise national flag at Tiexian Jiao in South China Sea, clean up garbage left by illegal Philippine personnel. China Coast Guard officers said they landed on Tiexian Jiao, raised the national flag, patrolled the reef, collected video evidence, and removed plastic bottles, foam boards, and other debris allegedly left behind by Philippine personnel. The report said officers also used metal detectors during a full inspection and handled what China described as an unlawful Philippine landing. Hu Yuwei, Fan Wei and Xue Ke, Global Times, May 4
China consul in Mexico calls protectionism a dead end as trade tensions with U.S. escalate. China’s consul in Tijuana warned that unilateralism and tariff barriers would benefit no one as U.S. pressure on Mexico over Chinese supply chains intensifies. She framed Chinese investment in Baja California as part of shared modernization, defended Beijing’s role in regional manufacturing, and promoted closer academic and AI cooperation with Mexican institutions. Igor Patrick, South China Morning Post, May 4
Japan
Australia, Japan strengthen critical minerals ties. Australia and Japan deepened critical minerals cooperation with A$1.67 billion in support and the prospect of more funding as they target supply-chain weaknesses in mining, refining, and manufacturing. The partnership covers projects in gallium, magnesium, fluorite, rare earths, nickel, and cobalt, reflecting both countries’ push to secure industrial inputs and reduce strategic vulnerabilities. Melanie Burton, Reuters, May 4
Revision groups, defenders of Article 9 rally on Constitution Day. Rival Constitution Day gatherings in Tokyo highlighted Japan’s divide over constitutional revision. Sanae Takaichi told pro-revision supporters the postwar charter should be updated to meet current needs, while opposition figures and peace advocates defended Article 9 as the core of Japan’s pacifist identity. Other parties signaled differing views on whether to amend the clause or formally recognize the Self-Defense Forces. Hayato Jinno and Mika Kuniyoshi, The Asahi Shimbun, May 4
Japan’s child population falls for 45th straight year to new low 13.29 million. Japan’s child population fell to 13.29 million as of April 1, down 350,000 from a year earlier, while the share of children in the total population dropped to a record-low 10.8%. The data underscored the deepening birthrate decline despite government support measures, with far fewer children aged 0 to 2 than those aged 12 to 14. Kyodo News, May 4
South Korea
Rival parties clash over DP's push for special counsel bill on prosecution's alleged fabrication. South Korea’s ruling Democratic Party is pressing a special counsel bill to investigate claims that prosecutors under the Yoon Suk Yeol administration fabricated evidence in cases involving Lee Jae Myung. The People Power Party says the measure is unconstitutional and meant to shield Lee, setting up a deeper political fight as the DP pushes for passage before the June 3 local elections. Yi Wonju, Yonhap News Agency, May 4
Presidential policy chief forecasts slower housing price growth beginning in May. South Korea’s presidential policy chief said housing price growth may slow from May as the government ends tax benefits for owners of multiple homes, a move that has already increased listings in Seoul’s most expensive districts. Officials say the policy is aimed at curbing speculation, normalizing the market, and preventing panic buying alongside a large-scale housing supply plan. Park Boram, Yonhap News Agency, May 4
South Korean-operated vessel ablaze in Strait of Hormuz; Trump says Iran fired at ship. A South Korean-operated cargo ship caught fire after an explosion in the Strait of Hormuz, though no casualties were reported and the blaze was extinguished. Seoul said the cause was still under investigation, while Donald Trump said Iran had fired on the vessel and urged South Korea to join a U.S.-led effort to guide stranded ships through the waterway. Hyunjoo Jin and Heejin Kim, Reuters, May 4
North Korea
North Korean women’s soccer club to make rare visit to South Korea for match. North Korea’s Naegohyang Women’s FC will play Suwon FC Women in Suwon on May 20 in the Asian Women’s Champions League semifinals, marking the first visit by North Korean athletes to the South in eight years. Seoul said it will provide only necessary support because the event is an international club competition rather than an inter-Korean one. Heejin Kim, Reuters, May 4
Trump-Kim meeting 'not currently' scheduled for upcoming Asia trip, White House official says. A White House official said no meeting between Donald Trump and Kim Jong-un is currently scheduled during Trump’s upcoming Asia trip, despite speculation that diplomacy with Pyongyang could resume around his visit to China. The administration has said Trump remains open to dialogue without preconditions, but observers say Beijing talks and Iran negotiations make a North Korea meeting unlikely for now. Song Sang-ho, Yonhap News Agency, May 4
Thailand
Thailand intensifies crackdown on nominee business networks. Thailand says it is expanding its campaign against nominee businesses through linked databases, tighter laws, and more aggressive investigations aimed at illegal operations and money laundering. Authorities said high-risk nominee companies fell 60% in the first quarter from a year earlier. Initial inspections also found that 6,551 foreign legal entities may have entered restricted business areas without permission. The Nation, May 4
Senate to meet over southern Land Bridge proposal. Thailand’s Senate is set to debate a motion urging the government to reconsider the 990-billion-baht Land Bridge project, as criticism grows over environmental risks, community disruption, and doubts about economic returns. A recent Nida Poll found most southerners support the plan, but more than half said they understand it only slightly, underscoring the widening controversy around the project. Bangkok Post, May 4
Cambodia
Cambodia signals UNCLOS legal move if Thailand exits maritime deal. Cambodia said it would turn to the U.N. Convention on the Law of the Sea’s compulsory conciliation mechanism if Thailand withdraws from the 2001 memorandum governing overlapping maritime claims. Phnom Penh called such a move deeply disappointing but said it would keep pursuing a peaceful, law-based settlement rather than allow the dispute to drift without an agreed framework. Meng Seavmey, Cambodianess, May 4
India-Cambodia drills reflect rising defence ties in Southeast Asia. Cambodia and India launched the second CINBAX joint military exercise in Kampong Speu, with a 120-member Indian Army contingent taking part in 15 days of training on counter-terrorism and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief. The drills build on the inaugural exercise in India last year and reflect Phnom Penh’s effort to diversify defence partnerships while preserving a balanced foreign policy. Meng Seavmey, Cambodianess, May 4
Philippines
Votes to impeach VP ‘all but certain.’ House allies of the impeachment effort said the votes needed to send articles against Sara Duterte to the Senate are effectively secured after the House Committee on Justice unanimously approved them. The four articles cover alleged misuse of confidential funds, unexplained wealth, bribery and graft, and Duterte’s alleged kill remarks. Reina C. Tolentino and Bernadette E. Tamayo, The Manila Times, May 4
Duterte’s detention under ICC review again. The International Criminal Court ordered prosecutors, the defense, and other participants to submit updated observations by May 8 on whether Rodrigo Duterte should remain in custody or be released, with or without conditions. The chamber said pre-trial detention must be reviewed at least every 120 days and noted that earlier rulings in 2025 and 2026 had already upheld his continued detention. Franco Jose C. Baroña, The Manila Times, May 4
Indonesia
Indonesia, Japan sign defence cooperation agreement. Indonesia and Japan signed a defence cooperation agreement covering the defence industry, personnel development, and disaster mitigation, while also discussing maritime security, joint exercises, military hardware, and defence technology. Officials described the pact as a milestone for closer security ties as both countries respond to a more tense regional and international environment. Ananda Teresia, Reuters, May 4
Malaysia
Malaysia to pursue balanced economic diplomacy without compromising energy security, says Anwar. Anwar Ibrahim said Malaysia will pursue reciprocal trade ties with partners such as Australia while protecting national interests, especially energy security. He said Kuala Lumpur will continue working with major partners including China and the U.S., but will not let trade talks override core domestic policies. He also argued that a pragmatic approach is needed to preserve investment inflows and support sectors such as E&E and AI. Malay Mail, May 4
Singapore
Singapore and New Zealand sign deal to keep supply chains open, say they are open to interest from other countries. Singapore and New Zealand signed a crisis-time trade pact to keep agreed essential goods flowing, including fuel, medical supplies, and construction-related products. Both governments said they hope the framework can expand into a wider network of trusted partners. The agreement gained added significance as the Middle East conflict disrupts energy supplies, with about one-third of New Zealand’s fuel refined in Singapore. Jun Yuan Yong and Lucy Craymer, Reuters, May 4
Singapore, New Zealand sign agreement to keep essential supplies flowing even during crises. Singapore and New Zealand signed a legally binding pact to keep food, fuel, healthcare, chemical, and construction goods moving during crises and supply-chain disruptions. The agreement also creates a framework for information-sharing and consultations during shocks. Both leaders said the model is open to other countries, and they jointly called for the immediate, unrestricted reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. Anjali Raguraman, The Straits Times, May 4
Taiwan
U.S. calls Taiwan 'trusted and capable partner,' praises its ties with Eswatini. The U.S. State Department called Taiwan a trusted and capable partner and said its international relationships, including with Eswatini, bring significant benefits. Washington said Lai Ching-te’s visit was routine and should not be politicized, backing Taipei after it blamed Chinese pressure for derailing an earlier trip. The remarks came as Beijing again criticized Lai’s outreach abroad. Ben Blanchard, Reuters, May 4
Bangladesh
Bangladeshi foreign minister to visit China from May 5 to 7, Chinese FM says. China said Bangladeshi Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman will visit from May 5 to 7 at Wang Yi’s invitation, framing the trip as a chance to deepen political trust and expand cooperation with Bangladesh’s new government. Beijing said it wants to use the visit to advance high-quality Belt and Road cooperation and strengthen the comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership. Global Times, May 4
India
Narendra Modi has extended his grip on India. Modi’s BJP won a major victory in West Bengal, expanded control in Assam, and strengthened its hold across India’s states. Hindu consolidation, anti-incumbent anger, and discontent with regional parties drove gains, though electoral roll revisions raised concerns about fairness. Results in Kerala and Tamil Nadu showed broader voter frustration with incumbents, giving opposition forces a chance despite Modi’s dominance. The Economist, May 4
Uzbekistan
Austria to use Uzbekistan as transit route for Afghan deportations under new agreement. Austria and Uzbekistan are set to sign a mobility agreement that would make Uzbekistan a transit route for deporting Afghans from Austria to Kabul, creating a second channel alongside Istanbul. The deal also covers readmission cooperation and legal migration pathways for Uzbek workers, reflecting Tashkent’s push to diversify labor destinations beyond Russia. Sadokat Jalolova, The Times of Central Asia, May 4
Turkmenistan
China signs billions worth of contracts with Turkmenistan, but no financing. Turkmenistan signed a $4.6 billion deal with a CNPC subsidiary to develop Phase Four of the Galkynysh gas field, but Ashgabat will fund the entire project, suggesting Beijing sees limited strategic value in providing financing. Chinese and Turkmen entities are also discussing cooperation in sectors including petrochemicals, magnesium alloys, transport, and communications. Carly Brant and Sean Kearin, Eurasianet, May 4
East Asia
Xi’s Forever Purge. Xi Jinping’s anti-corruption drive has become a system for party control, cadre management, policy enforcement, and ideological discipline. “Self-revolution” aims to prevent internal decay, strengthen governance, and secure Communist Party rule beyond any one leader. The campaign has cut graft and improved implementation in some areas, but it risks paralysis, weak feedback, elite depletion, and dependence on Xi’s central authority. Neil Thomas and Shengyu Wang, Foreign Affairs, May 4
What to Expect from the Superpower Summit in Beijing. Xi Jinping and Donald Trump seek stabilization at their May 14-15 Beijing summit, not a broad reset. Expected areas include Taiwan language, Chinese investment pledges, farm purchases, rare earth controls, military crisis channels, Iran, student exchanges, fentanyl precursors, and artificial intelligence. Deep rivalry will persist, but structured bargaining could support competitive coexistence and reduce pressure on countries caught between both powers. David Shambaugh, CHINA US Focus, May 4
Five things to watch as Trump goes to Beijing. Trump’s Beijing summit with Xi centers on extending the trade truce, managing Taiwan risks, shaping a bilateral framework, and addressing global crises. Beijing seeks stability, technology access, and limits on export controls. Washington wants purchase pledges, rare earth access, AI talks, and possible movement on Iran, arms control, and North Korea. Future meetings could deepen cooperation or revive confrontation if expectations fail. Patricia M. Kim, Brookings, May 4
China and the Strait of Hormuz Crisis. The U.S.-Israeli war against Iran has caused severe humanitarian damage, blocked oil flows, and left global trade exposed to shortages. China has gained standing by urging a ceasefire and open transit through Hormuz, though its role is limited by weapons and chemical trade with Iran. Fragile talks in Pakistan face mistrust, while both Washington and Tehran risk deeper losses from the prolonged impasse. Philip Cunningham, CHINA US Focus, May 4
China thinks America is declining but still uniquely dangerous. Chinese scholars and officials view U.S. power as fading, with Trump seen as proof and driver of decline. They cite economic weakness, military overreach, political polarization, and populism. Beijing remains cautious because many analysts see America as an anxious hegemon able to lash out. China’s leaders expect U.S. decline but respect its military, economic, and technological reach. The Economist, May 4
China’s regional slowdown: Painful but necessary? China’s first-quarter national growth reached 5%, but many provinces slowed, exposing strain in Liaoning, Hunan, Shaanxi, and other regions. Weaker local data may reflect economic reality after campaigns against statistical fraud and GDP-focused governance. Beijing’s lower growth target gives officials space to address debt, deflation, weak jobs, and industrial transition, yet balancing development with livelihoods remains an acute challenge. Chen Jing, ThinkChina, May 4
Could the Iran War Push Japan to Restore Russian Oil Imports? Japan faces pressure to secure energy as conflict with Iran disrupts Gulf supplies, yet expanded Russian oil purchases remain unlikely. Sanctions, insurance limits, payment barriers, and Sakhalin 2 technology restrictions constrain trade. Tokyo has relied on reserves, Middle East contacts, and alternate suppliers instead. China and India remain Moscow’s priority markets, while Japan’s pro-Russia lobby has lost influence. Vladislav Pashchenko, Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, May 4
Can Sports Diplomacy Open a Door on the Korean Peninsula? North Korea’s Naegohyang Women’s Football Club is set to visit South Korea for an AFC Women’s Champions League semifinal, marking the first North Korean athletic visit since 2018. Sports have supported inter-Korean diplomacy before, including the 2018 Pyeongchang opening. The match may test space for cultural exchange, drone-related dialogue, and a possible Trump outreach to Kim Jong-un after the Beijing summit. Victor Cha and Andy Lim, Center for Strategic and International Studies, May 4
Southeast Asia
How ASEAN Can Reduce Its Heavy Dependence on Imported Agricultural Inputs. ASEAN’s food security depends on imported fertilisers, pesticides, and seeds, exposing farmers to price shocks and geopolitical disruption. Fertiliser is the main bottleneck, with supplies tied to China, Russia, the Gulf, Canada, and the EU. Regional policy should reduce volumes through efficient application, expand nitrogen production, develop biofertilisers, build reserves, reform subsidies, coordinate research, and create stronger seed and pest-management systems. Paul Teng, FULCRUM, May 4
Thailand's embrace of Myanmar's generals redraws ASEAN's moral map. Thailand’s recognition of Min Aung Hlaing’s civilian presidency gives Myanmar’s junta regional legitimacy after a staged election, banned opposition, and continued detention of Aung San Suu Kyi. Bangkok’s envoy and ministerial visit signal a change from noninterference to support for military rule. The move weakens ASEAN’s Five Point Consensus, aids China’s regional position, and damages Thailand’s human rights standing. Pavin Chachavalpongpun, Nikkei Asia, May 4
Oceania
Australia’s right turns to One Nation. One Nation’s 2026 polling surge and strong South Australian result raise questions about whether Australia’s far right has built a durable constituency. Economic strain, migration concerns, inflation, and social media messaging have lifted its appeal. Some supporters may be protest voters parked outside Labor or the Coalition. Deeper class and party-system changes could give the party more staying power, though weak institutions may limit growth. Jill Sheppard, East Asia Forum, May 4