China
U.S. intelligence indicates China preparing weapons shipment to Iran, CNN reports. U.S. intelligence indicates China is preparing to deliver new air defence systems to Iran within weeks, CNN reported, citing people familiar with recent assessments. The report said Beijing may route the shipment through third countries to conceal its origin and that the systems could include MANPADs. Donald Trump warned China could face big problems if it proceeds. Akanksha Khushi, Jonathan Landay, Reuters, April 11
China will not tolerate independence for Taiwan, Xi tells island’s opposition leader. Xi Jinping told Kuomintang chairwoman Cheng Li-wun that China would “absolutely not tolerate” Taiwan independence and called for efforts toward reunification during their meeting in Beijing. Cheng said both sides wanted peace and hoped the Taiwan Strait would not become a flashpoint or a chessboard for outside forces. Taiwan’s government said only Taiwan’s people can decide the island’s future. Liz Lee, Reuters, April 10
Beijing pledges better Taiwan air and travel links after KMT leader’s mainland China trip. Beijing announced a 10-point package after Kuomintang chairwoman Cheng Li-wun’s mainland visit, promising to restore passenger flights between several mainland cities and Taiwan, ease restrictions on individual travel, and expand youth, agricultural, and fisheries exchanges. The measures also included support for closer links involving Kinmen and Matsu and plans to explore a normalized communication mechanism between the Communist Party and the KMT. Carol Yang, South China Morning Post, April 12
China targets middlemen in renewed crackdown on ‘hidden’ corruption. China’s top judicial bodies issued new guidance clarifying how criminal law applies to intermediaries in bribery cases as part of a broader push against “hidden corruption.” The interpretation says middlemen who facilitate bribes, exploit influence or use fictitious relationships can face criminal penalties, and it sets clearer standards for valuing disguised bribes such as equity stakes, jewellery and other assets with uncertain market prices. He Huifeng, South China Morning Post, April 11
Japan
LDP’s new vision says constitutional revision ‘critically needed’. The ruling Liberal Democratic Party’s new policy vision says revising the Constitution is critically needed to respond to a changing international order. The document says Japan should create a Constitution with its own hands and prepare the capabilities needed for a national existential crisis. It also reaffirms the party’s commitment to freedom, democracy, and conservatism while rejecting extreme politics and the exclusion of differing views. The Japan Times, April 10
Japan downgrades description of China in annual diplomatic report. Japan’s 2026 Diplomatic Bluebook describes China as an “important neighboring country,” down from “one of the most important bilateral relations” a year earlier, reflecting strained ties after Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s remarks on a possible Taiwan contingency. The report says China has intensified unilateral criticism and coercive measures against Japan, but Tokyo’s policy of pursuing constructive and stable ties with Beijing remains unchanged. Kyodo News, April 10
Push to revise Japan’s pacifist constitution gains steam. Debate over revising Japan’s postwar Constitution has intensified after the Liberal Democratic Party’s landslide Lower House victory gave it the two-thirds majority needed to initiate amendments there. Lawmakers discussed starting with less contentious changes, such as extending Diet terms during emergencies, while others pushed to address Article 9 and the status of the Self-Defense Forces. Major hurdles remain in the Upper House and in a required national referendum. Hayato Jinno and Mika Kuniyoshi, The Asahi Shimbun, April 10
South Korea
South Korea close to securing oil supplies from Kazakhstan, minister says. South Korea is close to securing crude oil supplies from Kazakhstan as it seeks alternatives to Middle East energy sources disrupted by the war in Iran. Industry Minister Kim Jung-kwan said specific volumes and details could be announced early next week after talks during a recent visit to Kazakhstan. Seoul is pursuing longer-term supply diversification, with about 70% of its oil imports coming from the Middle East. Jihoon Lee, Reuters, April 12
Top security adviser says transit through Strait of Hormuz not going smoothly, vows to seek alternative routes. South Korea’s national security adviser said shipping through the Strait of Hormuz remains largely disrupted despite the two-week U.S.-Iran ceasefire, and that Seoul will keep pursuing alternative shipping lanes and supplies of crude oil and naphtha. Wi Sung-lac said vessel traffic had not risen much since the truce and warned that more than 2,000 trapped ships, including 26 Korean-flagged vessels, could face delays and safety challenges. Yi Wonju, Yonhap News Agency, April 10
Nat’l Assembly passes 26.2 tln-won extra budget bill to mitigate fallout from Mideast war. South Korea’s National Assembly approved a 26.2 trillion-won supplementary budget to address the economic impact of the Middle East conflict. The package includes cash assistance for the bottom 70% of income earners, covering about 35.8 million people, and an additional 200 billion won to stabilize naphtha supplies. Cheong Wa Dae said the government would quickly roll out support, including transport discounts and fuel subsidies for farmers and fishermen. Yi Wonju and Kim Seung-yeon, Yonhap News Agency, April 10
North Korea
China's top diplomat meets North Korea's Kim, calls for closer coordination. Wang Yi told Kim Jong Un that China and North Korea should strengthen communication and coordination on major international and regional affairs during his visit to Pyongyang. Kim also called for intensified exchanges and contacts at various levels, while Wang said China was willing to deepen interactions and practical cooperation. The visit is part of efforts to advance ties after the pandemic froze exchanges. Shi Bu, Xiuhao Chen, Ethan Wang, Ryan Woo, Heekyong Yang and Hyunjoo Jin, Reuters, April 10
Vietnam
Vietnam extends fuel tax suspension until end of June. Vietnam extended its suspension of fuel taxes until the end of June from April 15 to stabilize the domestic market as the Iran war continues to disrupt supplies. The National Assembly approved the continued suspension of environmental protection and special consumption taxes, a measure in place since late March. The finance ministry said the tax break would cut monthly state revenue by 7.2 trillion dong, while fuel price increases have added to inflation pressure. Khanh Vu, Reuters, April 12.
Thailand
Thailand will introduce support measures to ease impact of high oil prices, minister says. Thailand plans to approve measures to cushion the impact of higher oil prices, including support for welfare-card holders, fisheries and transport, plus soft loans for fertilizers, EVs and solar panel installations. Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas said the government is also planning a borrowing guarantee for the Oil Fuel Fund, while keeping any oil tax cut as a last resort. Kitiphong Thaichareon, Orathai Sriring and Chayut Setboonsarng, Reuters, April 10
MPs slam govt’s oil strategy. Opposition lawmakers attacked the government’s handling of the energy sector during Thailand’s policy debate, accusing it of benefiting from flawed oil management, overlooking alleged fuel hoarding, and failing to ensure transparency. People’s Party lawmaker Rangsiman Rome raised questions about political connections linked to a major fuel seizure, while Thai Pakdee’s Warong Dechgitvigrom alleged that 600 million to 700 million litres of diesel had effectively disappeared from the system. Aekarach Sattaburuth, Bangkok Post, April 10
Anti-graft body defends case against ex-Move Forward MPs. Thailand’s National Anti-Corruption Commission said its case against 44 former Move Forward Party MPs rests on their conduct in pursuing amendments to the lese-majeste law, not on their constitutional right to propose legislation. The NACC has asked the Supreme Court to consider lifetime political bans, including for 10 sitting People’s Party MPs, after concluding their actions could undermine protections for the monarchy. Bangkok Post, April 11
Myanmar
Min Aung Hlaing vows to normalize Myanmar-ASEAN ties despite genocide charges. In his first speech after being sworn in as president, Min Aung Hlaing pledged to normalize Myanmar’s ties with ASEAN despite remaining barred from the bloc’s summits. The article says ASEAN is divided over engagement, with Thailand and Cambodia congratulating him while the Philippines insists on implementation of the Five-Point Consensus. It also notes legal proceedings in Timor-Leste and Indonesia accusing him of war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide. The Irrawaddy, April 10
Cambodia
“Even with 1% chance,” Cambodia sticks to diplomacy to solve border issue, Hun Manet says. Prime Minister Hun Manet said Cambodia will keep pursuing peaceful diplomacy with Thailand over the border dispute even if the chance of success is minimal. He said bilateral negotiations remain the top priority because they are the fastest and most practical option, while regional and international avenues remain open. Cambodia, he said, will defend its territorial claims but seeks a lawful resolution that avoids bloodshed. Torn Chanritheara, Cambodianess, April 11
Cambodia's king undergoing treatment for prostate cancer. King Norodom Sihamoni said he has been diagnosed with prostate cancer and is undergoing treatment in China. The 72-year-old monarch said he would extend his stay in Beijing for between one and three months on doctors’ advice. Sihamoni has been Cambodia’s king since 2004, while the monarchy now plays a largely ceremonial role in the country’s political system. Reuters, April 10
Philippines
Philippines says any energy deals with China must respect its sovereignty. The Philippines said any oil and gas cooperation with China would have to comply fully with its constitution, laws and sovereign prerogatives. The statement followed renewed discussion of possible talks on energy cooperation in the South China Sea, where the two countries have long-running maritime disputes. Manila and Beijing resumed talks late last month, including on energy and fertilizer supply issues linked to the Middle East conflict. Karen Lema, Khanh Vu, Reuters, April 12
Marcos announces big fuel price rollback. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said fuel prices will be cut next week, with diesel down by at least P20 per litre, gasoline by P4.43, and kerosene by P8.50. He said the rollback would help drivers, commuters, and households hit by high crude prices, while the government continues broader relief efforts under its state of energy emergency and UPLIFT response framework. Kristina Maralit, The Manila Times, April 12
Food insecurity looms, Imee warns. Sen. Imee Marcos warned that high fuel costs could trigger food insecurity if farmers and fishermen cut back work, pushing up prices. She renewed her call to suspend VAT on petroleum products for poor and vulnerable sectors, especially fisherfolk, and backed legislation requiring clearer disclosure of fuel price components and a rules-based pricing reference system to improve transparency and accountability. Bernadette E. Tamayo, The Manila Times, April 12
Indonesia
Indonesia President Prabowo to visit Russia, meet Putin, minister says. President Prabowo Subianto will travel to Russia in the coming days and is expected to meet Vladimir Putin, according to Indonesia’s foreign minister. The visit is set to include talks on a possible purchase of Russian oil as Indonesia seeks alternative supplies amid a global crunch linked to the Iran war. The Kremlin said preparations for contact between the two leaders were underway. Stefanno Sulaiman, Reuters, April 11
Singapore
Australia, Singapore leaders pledge closer energy ties to tackle global supply shock. Anthony Albanese and Lawrence Wong pledged closer cooperation to secure diesel and LNG flows as Middle East disruptions strain fuel markets. Australia gets a large share of refined fuel from Singapore, while Australia supplies about a third of Singapore’s LNG imports. The two leaders said their commitments would be reflected in a legally binding protocol to their existing free trade pact. Xinghui Kok, Helen Clark, Reuters, April 10
Taiwan
China offers incentives to Taiwan following opposition leader's visit. China unveiled 10 measures for Taiwan after Kuomintang chairwoman Cheng Li-wun’s trip, including easing tourist curbs, facilitating food and fishery sales, allowing certain Taiwanese television content and exploring a regular communication mechanism with the KMT. Beijing tied some steps to opposition to Taiwan independence. Taiwan’s government said the measures imposed political conditions, while the KMT welcomed the announcement. Ben Blanchard, Reuters, April 12
Taiwan spotted Chinese warplanes as Xi met opposition leader in Beijing. Taiwan’s defence ministry said it detected 16 Chinese warplanes near the island on Friday, around the time Xi Jinping met Kuomintang chairwoman Cheng Li-wun in Beijing. Taiwanese officials said China was pairing peace messaging with sustained military pressure, while Cheng described her trip as a reconciliation mission and called for the institutionalization of peace across the Taiwan Strait. Ben Blanchard, Reuters, April 11
Kazakhstan
Parliamentary election to be held in Kazakhstan in August, president says. President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev said Kazakhstan will hold a parliamentary election in August, without naming an exact date. The vote follows March approval of a new constitution that streamlines parliament, restores the office of vice president, and reduces the legislature from two chambers to one. The new single-chamber Kurultai will have 145 deputies elected for five-year terms. Mariya Gordeyeva, Reuters, April 10
Kazakh MP calls for a legislative ban on radical religious movements. Mazhilis deputy Kazybek Isa called for a legislative ban on radical religious movements, saying their spread threatens social stability and national security. He argued that existing rules on extremist and radical groups are fragmented and proposed a more comprehensive preventive framework, along with tighter oversight of self-styled religious preachers and stricter enforcement of face-covering identification rules. Dmitry Pokidaev, The Times of Central Asia, April 10
Tajikistan
ADB growth forecast points to strong expansion in Tajikistan. The Asian Development Bank forecast Tajikistan’s economy to grow 7.3% in 2026 and 6.8% in 2027 after an estimated 8.4% expansion in 2025, driven mainly by industrial growth and the services sector. The outlook also points to higher inflation, rising to 4.0% in 2026 and 4.5% in 2027, while warning that the economy remains vulnerable because exports are still concentrated in raw materials and lower-value goods. Sadokat Jalolova, The Times of Central Asia, April 10
East Asia
Xi doubles down on state-led growth. China’s 15th Five-Year Plan deepens Xi Jinping’s state-led model by tying development to security, self-sufficiency, and control of frontier technologies. The plan channels more investment into biotechnology, robotics, quantum computing, green energy, and artificial intelligence while giving less weight to structural reform, household consumption, and inequality. Official data show rapid growth in high-tech production, yet the model still risks waste, duplication, strained public finances, and weak support for workers outside advanced sectors. The plan keeps supply-side industrial upgrading at the center, preserves a large goods trade surplus, and aims to export Chinese standards, services, and integrated technology packages that expand China’s economic reach and geopolitical influence. Anthony Saich, East Asia Forum, April 12
The Chinese Communist Party’s vision of Ecological Civilization: An explainer. Ecological Civilization is the Chinese Communist Party’s environmental vision and a core part of Xi Jinping Thought. It presents China as the leading force in a global move beyond industrial civilization, links growth with environmental limits through the Two-Mountain Theory, and frames a Beautiful China as part of the 2050 goal of national rejuvenation. The concept draws on Marxism and selective readings of classical Chinese philosophy, yet it preserves a developmental model built on growth, technology, and party control. It guides domestic targets for pollution, electric vehicles, waste, and villages, and it supports green Belt and Road projects abroad. Its value as soft power remains constrained by ambiguity, Sino-centrism, and doubt about its wider appeal. Lisa Zhang, Swedish National China Centre, April 10
China’s quiet harvest: As America fights, Asia turns to Beijing. The war involving the United States, Israel, and Iran has exposed China to energy and shipping shocks, yet it has also left Beijing better placed than many Asian states to manage fuel, fertilizer, and supply disruptions. Strategic stockpiles, refining capacity, state control, and investment in renewables and electric vehicles have given China buffers that many neighbors lack. Fertilizer export controls protect China’s home market while giving Beijing leverage over states facing food and subsidy stress. In Southeast Asia, governments still see China as a source of material stability even when they resist its security power. The crisis may deepen Asia’s dependence on Chinese resilience and expand Beijing’s political room. John Calabrese, ThinkChina, April 10
Positioning the KMT in the U.S.–China–Taiwan Triangle: Cheng Li-wun’s Early Tenure. Cheng Li-wun’s rise as KMT chair marks a symbolic break as a former DPP figure and the party’s second woman leader, yet her early appointments point to continuity with old party networks rather than renewal. Her rhetoric casts the United States as a source of risk, questions arms spending, and frames China as a path to order, shared nationhood, and renewed dialogue. She has narrowed the KMT’s past ambiguity on the 1992 Consensus and reopened party channels with Beijing, including a chair-level China visit. This strategy energizes deep-Blue supporters but may weaken ties with Washington and alienate moderate, young, and swing voters ahead of future elections. Lyle Morris and Sheng-Wen Cheng, Asia Society, April 10
Taiwan’s Political Crisis Is a Security Nightmare. Taiwan’s divided government after the 2024 elections has hardened into a struggle between the presidency and legislature, with stalled budgets, repeated procedural conflict, and a weakened Constitutional Court. The sharpest clash concerns the 2026 central budget and a 1.25 trillion NTD special defense package, which the KMT and TPP have blocked while pressing for smaller alternatives and wider legislative control. This deadlock delays military planning, clouds coordination with the United States, and weakens public trust. Polling also shows more fluid views among younger voters on identity and cross-Strait policy. Beijing can exploit these fractures as Taiwan faces pressure from China and growing doubt about its political unity. Bonnie S. Glaser and Jennifer Lan, Foreign Policy, April 10
Southeast Asia
ASEAN’s Gulf ties put diversification to the test. ASEAN has struggled to turn diversification goals into deeper Gulf trade links, with ASEAN-GCC trade at US$130 billion in 2023, the Gulf share of ASEAN trade down to 3.8 per cent, and Gulf investment negligible. Agreements since 2024 widened cooperation to small business, private sector dialogue, and sustainable growth, while bilateral deals with the United Arab Emirates and talks with Indonesia point to new momentum. The Iran war and the Strait of Hormuz closure exposed Gulf risk and underscored the value of diversified markets and energy ties. ASEAN exports little machinery and electronics to Gulf states. A trade and investment framework, stronger export promotion, and revived business forums would test whether diversification can move from promise to practice. Jaideep Singh, East Asia Forum, April 10
Bank Indonesia’s independence under pressure. Concern over Bank Indonesia’s independence rose after the nomination of Thomas Djiwandono as deputy governor, with markets reading the move as a sign of greater political influence over monetary policy. The rupiah hit Rp 16,985 per US dollar, stocks lagged regional peers, and demand for government bonds weakened. Indonesia built central bank credibility after the Asian financial crisis through legal reforms and a clear mandate for rupiah stability, which helped bring inflation down. That credibility faces strain from a broader central bank mandate, closer fiscal-monetary coordination, possible bond operations that support fiscal goals, and tighter fiscal space. Clear boundaries between fiscal and monetary policy remain central to stability, growth, and investor confidence. Deni Friawan, East Asia Forum, April 10
Popularity, Platforms and Potential Power: The Political Rise of Indonesian Governors. Indonesian governors face tighter fiscal limits, yet some retain strong public approval. A February 2026 Indikator Politik survey across 20 provinces found average approval at 67.4 per cent, with Dedi Mulyadi, Sultan Hamengkubuwono X, and Sherly Tjoanda above 80 per cent. Their ratings exceed public satisfaction with provincial government performance, which points to the force of personal appeal. Social media plays a central role. Dedi uses stories, field visits, and public interaction to project closeness. Sherly presents programs, policy results, and development plans, while adding direct contact with residents. This popularity is feeding national political capital, but long-term support still depends on governance results. Burhanuddin Muhtadi, FULCRUM, April 10
Malaysia is Asia's quiet overachiever. Malaysia has posted two years of growth above 5%, backed by strong trade, foreign investment, tourism, private consumption, and spending on infrastructure and data centers. Demand for electronics has lifted exports, and the country holds strong positions in semiconductor supply chains, including processor and amplifier chips. Foreign investment approvals have led the region since late 2021, with most approved manufacturing projects put into effect. Tourism also surged, pushing Malaysia past Thailand as ASEAN’s top destination in 2025. Risks remain from the Middle East war, higher subsidy costs, fiscal pressure, and possible US tariffs on semiconductors. Even so, Malaysia is resilient, well prepared, and placed to sustain its recent gains. Yun Liu, Nikkei Asia, April 12
Vietnam’s rice fields need better incentives. Vietnam’s rice sector feeds over 90 per cent of the population but produces 7 per cent of national emissions, making farm incentives central to the net zero goal. Low-emission methods such as alternate wetting and drying, tighter use of fertilizer and seeds, and better straw management have worked in pilot areas, but farmers face weak profit gains, higher costs, limited information, poor monitoring systems, and fragmented landholdings. Cooperatives can lower transaction costs, but many lack capacity. A government-led Emission Reduction Fund could buy verified carbon credits from farmers, reduce market risk, and link carbon finance to rural income, training, data quality, and green labelling. That model would fit Vietnam’s state-led system and support a 2026 carbon market pilot. Thang Nam Do, East Asia Forum, April 11
South Asia
Pakistan Walks a Tightrope on Iran. Pakistan is trying to mediate between the United States and Iran while honoring a mutual defense pact with Saudi Arabia. This dual track shows Pakistan’s effort to avoid a hard choice between Tehran and Riyadh, even as its economy depends on Gulf energy, finance, and remittances. The Iran war has raised fuel prices, forced austerity measures, and pushed Pakistan to seek alternate oil routes and naval escorts. Islamabad has used diplomacy with Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Turkey, and China to support a cease-fire and talks in Islamabad. Success would raise Pakistan’s regional standing and strengthen its case for debt, energy, and investment relief. A wider war involving Saudi territory would end that hedge. Salman Masood, Foreign Policy, April 10
Central Asia
Kazakhstan’s referendum reshapes its political system. Kazakhstan approved a new constitution on 15 March 2026 with 73.1 per cent turnout and 87.2 per cent support. The changes replace the bicameral parliament with a unicameral chamber, create a vice presidency, moved elections to full proportional representation, and expand the role of the People’s Council. The reforms leave presidential power intact. They seek to strengthen governance, speed lawmaking, improve accountability, secure succession, and preserve policy continuity after Amanat’s declining dominance and weaker party discipline in the 2023 election. The changes may tighten party loyalty and reduce space for dissent, while leaving open questions about legitimacy, power balances, political engagement, and the durability of the new order. Riccardo Pelizzo, East Asia Forum, April 11