China
Top Russian and Chinese envoys meet in Beijing to discuss Iran, Ukraine and Taiwan. Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov met in Beijing to discuss the Iran war, Ukraine, Taiwan, and wider regional tensions as both sides denounced unilateral hegemony and “small circles.” They also discussed a Xi Jinping-Vladimir Putin meeting later this year, reaffirmed strong bilateral ties, and called for closer coordination in multilateral forums. Lavrov warned of dangerous geopolitical games in East Asian flashpoints, including Taiwan, the South China Sea, and the Korean Peninsula. Mark Magnier, South China Morning Post, April 14
China's Shenzhou-21 astronaut crew to stay in space an extra month. China will extend the Shenzhou-21 crew’s stay aboard the Tiangong space station by about one month to further verify technologies related to long-term astronaut missions. The three astronauts, who launched on Oct. 31, have spent more than five months in orbit and completed tasks including installing space debris protection devices and inspecting extravehicular equipment. They will continue scientific and technological experiments during the extension. Farah Master, Reuters, April 17
Japan
Support for Takaichi's cabinet slightly lower at 59.1%, poll shows. Public support for Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s cabinet edged down 0.2 points to 59.1% in April, while nonsupport fell to 19.2%. The LDP remained the most popular party at 25.7%. Asked about Education Minister Yohei Matsumoto’s alleged affair, 30.6% said he should be removed, while 29.8% said that was not necessary. The Japan Times, April 16
Chinese Embassy in Tokyo says it received 2 terrorist threats in March. China’s embassy in Tokyo said it received two threats last month from people claiming ties to Japan’s Self-Defense Forces: a March 5 letter from a supposed “elite unit” and a March 31 bomb threat sent on social media. The embassy said it reported both cases immediately and urged Japan to prevent a recurrence. Kyodo News, April 16
South Korea
South Korean President Lee to make state visits to India and Vietnam. President Lee Jae Myung will visit India and Vietnam from April 19 to 24, beginning with New Delhi for the first visit by a South Korean leader to India in eight years. He will meet Narendra Modi on April 20 for talks on shipbuilding, AI, defence, and energy supply chains, with business forums also planned. Lee will then travel to Hanoi for a summit with To Lam on April 22, focused on energy, global supply chains, critical minerals, and cultural ties. Heejin Kim, Hyunjoo Jin, and Heekyong Yang, Reuters, April 16
Lee to attend talks on naval mission for Hormuz led by Britain, France. President Lee Jae Myung will join British- and French-led virtual talks on freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz. Seoul said it is preparing remarks on energy supply chains, the Middle East situation, and international solidarity to keep the route open. South Korea had already joined earlier France- and Britain-led consultations. Kim Eun-jung, Yonhap News Agency, April 16
S. Korea explores crude oil, naphtha supply with Algeria, Libya amid Mideast conflict. South Korean diplomat Park Jong-han discussed alternative crude oil and naphtha supplies with officials in Algeria and Libya as Seoul seeks more resilient energy routes. Libya’s National Oil Corp. signaled willingness to allocate supplies if conditions are met. Park also called for broader long-term cooperation with African oil producers. Kim Seung-yeon, Yonhap News Agency, April 17
North Korea
North Koreans trust foreign news but tune out state TV. Many North Koreans reportedly dismiss domestic broadcasts as propaganda because they clash too sharply with daily reality, while still treating the international news segment as broadly factual. Even so, interest remains low because foreign coverage is seen as selective and dominated by disasters and accidents. Sources also said poor electricity supply and access to Chinese television in border areas further reduce viewership, limiting the regime’s propaganda effect. Lee Chae Eun, Daily NK, April 16
Russia-occupied region in Ukraine seeks cooperation with N. Korea. Officials from the Russian-occupied Kherson region said they met North Korea’s ambassador to Russia to discuss possible cooperation in agriculture, humanitarian exchange, culture, sports, and education. Governor Vladimir Saldo said the two sides would seek business contacts for agricultural products, including vegetable oil, flour, and processed foods, and invited the ambassador to visit local farms. The talks add to signs of deepening ties between Pyongyang and Moscow. Lee Minji, Yonhap News Agency, April 16
Vietnam
NA chairman meets with Kazakhstan’s lower house speaker in Türkiye. National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man urged the legislatures of Vietnam and Kazakhstan to play a stronger role in improving legal frameworks and expanding business cooperation. Meeting Mazhilis Speaker Yerlan Koshanov in Istanbul on the sidelines of IPU-152, the two sides also backed more high-level exchanges, closer coordination in parliamentary forums, and wider cooperation in education, science, culture, tourism, and people-to-people ties following the upgrade of bilateral relations to a Strategic Partnership in 2025. Vietnam News, April 16
Vietnam, Côte d’Ivoire strengthen parliamentary, economic ties. National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man and Côte d’Ivoire National Assembly President Patrick Achi agreed to deepen parliamentary and economic cooperation during a meeting in Istanbul on the sidelines of IPU-152. The talks highlighted stronger trade and investment ties, greater use of traditional goods such as rice and cashew nuts, broader product diversification, and more exchanges between legislatures and committees. Vietnam News, April 16
Thailand
Supreme Court to review 44-MP Section 112 case on April 24. Thailand’s Supreme Court will decide on April 24 whether to accept an NACC petition against 44 former Move Forward MPs over their push to amend Section 112. The case is closely watched because 10 are now People’s Party MPs. The court is not ruling on the merits yet, and no suspension order has been issued. The Nation, April 16
Cambodia
Hun Sen pushes back on border critics. Hun Sen said Cambodia would pursue border claims against Thailand through diplomacy, not military force, arguing that armed confrontation would bring deaths, displacement, and economic damage. He said the government has no authority to cede territory, rejected calls for full transparency during sensitive negotiations, and accused overseas critics of trying to inflame tensions. Cambodianess, April 16
NBC rejects rumors of bank freezes, warns of legal action. Cambodia’s central bank denied social media claims that banks had frozen withdrawals or shut down, calling the reports false and destabilizing. The National Bank of Cambodia said the rumors appeared intended to trigger mass withdrawals, undermine confidence, and disrupt financial stability. It said authorities are investigating those responsible and urged the public to rely on official information only. Cambodianess, April 16
Philippines
‘Oil storage may not lower fuel prices’. Sen. Panfilo Lacson said Maharlika Investment Corp.’s plan for expanded oil storage could help prevent supply shortages but may not reduce pump prices because the state fund is designed to earn profits. The proposed project would use a consortium model, with PNOC contributing land or assets, MIC and private investors providing financing, and private firms running operations. Bernadette E. Tamayo, The Manila Times, April 16
House panel to tackle alleged unexplained wealth, SALN of VP Duterte on April 22. The House Committee on Justice will focus its next hearing on allegations of unexplained wealth and the SALNs of Vice President Sara Duterte as it weighs whether there is probable cause for impeachment. The Ombudsman has submitted the requested SALNs, and the panel has subpoenaed former senator Antonio Trillanes IV to attend the April 22 hearing. Reina C. Tolentino, The Manila Times, April 16
Indonesia
Indonesia encourages U.S. and Iran to continue dialogue. Indonesia urged Washington and Tehran to keep negotiating after their first talks in Islamabad failed to produce an agreement, calling the meeting an important initial step. Jakarta also called on all sides to exercise restraint, prioritize diplomacy, respect sovereignty and territorial integrity, and uphold international law and the UN Charter. ANTARA News, April 16
Indonesia says AS, Russia visits reflect free and active policy. Indonesia said President Prabowo Subianto’s visits to Russia and France, alongside Defense Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin’s trip to the U.S., show Jakarta’s ability to engage multiple partners at once under its “free and active” foreign policy. Officials said the approach keeps dialogue open with all strategic partners and should not be seen as taking sides. ANTARA News, April 16
Malaysia
Malaysia's Petronas to supply excess fuel to Australia as leaders vow closer energy ties. Malaysia said state energy firm Petronas would prioritize Australia for excess fuel supplies as Anthony Albanese and Anwar Ibrahim moved to strengthen energy security after disruptions caused by the Middle East conflict. Anwar said Malaysia could also trade urea for Australian mineral phosphates, while Albanese said Canberra had secured an extra 100 million liters of diesel from shipments from Brunei and South Korea. Christine Chen and Rozanna Latiff, Reuters, April 16
Taiwan
Parties debate KMT chair’s China trip funding. The Taiwan Foundation for Democracy said it has not reimbursed the KMT for Chairwoman Cheng Li-wun’s China trip and would review the application only after receiving receipts and a report. The KMT said the subsidy request followed proper procedures, while DPP officials questioned whether public funds should support exchanges in China that lack democratic elements. Fion Khan, Taipei Times, April 16
Taiwan to add up to 9 radar stations for maritime rescue, surveillance. Taiwan plans to add eight to nine radar stations by 2028 and improve data integration across 57 existing sites to strengthen maritime rescue, navigation safety, and environmental monitoring. The project will expand monitored waters, cover blind spots near Pengjia Islet, the Luzon Strait, and the Taiwan Shoal, and use AI to project currents and help contain oil spills. Sean Lin, Focus Taiwan, April 16
Xi Jinping stresses ‘patience’ on Taiwan reunification in talks with opposition leader. Xi Jinping told Kuomintang leader Cheng Li-wun that cross-strait issues had built up over time and would require patience and determination to resolve. Cheng said Xi also acknowledged Taiwan’s different social system and lifestyle, while a member of her delegation said his bottom line was opposition to Taiwan independence and foreign involvement. Xi did not raise “one country, two systems,” and Cheng later said a KMT victory in 2028 would provide a mandate for formal talks with Beijing. Phoebe Zhang, South China Morning Post, April 16
Nepal
Nepal panel to probe property, assets of politicians and officials. Nepal’s new government has created a five-member panel to investigate the property and assets of past and present politicians and officials as part of an anti-corruption drive. The body will be led by retired Supreme Court judge Rajendra Kumar Bhandari, and its findings are to be implemented by relevant agencies. Analysts said the probe is expected to cover hundreds of officeholders from the period after the monarchy was abolished in 2008. Gopal Sharma, Reuters, April 16
Bangladesh
Bangladesh needs to replenish capital in banks and private sector, finance minister says. Finance Minister Amir Khosru said Bangladesh must restore capital in its banking system and private sector before broader reforms can succeed, warning that many banks are nearly bankrupt and businesses are under severe strain. He also said the Middle East war has sharply raised energy costs for the import-dependent country, leaving it nearly $2 billion out of pocket, while weak business activity and tax revenues are adding to fiscal pressure. Rodrigo Campos, Reuters, April 16
Kazakhstan
Rubio meeting highlights Kazakhstan’s growing U.S. agenda. Marco Rubio’s meeting with senior Kazakh officials in Washington underscored a relationship increasingly centered on trade, investment, and regional economic coordination. The talks covered economic ties, peacemaking, and the C5+1 platform, while reaffirming U.S. support for Kazakhstan’s sovereignty. The visit also included outreach to Congress, reflecting Astana’s effort to broaden ties beyond diplomacy. Vagit Ismailov, The Times of Central Asia, April 16
Kazakhstan aims to increase agricultural exports to Turkey. Kazakhstan said it wants to expand agricultural exports to Turkey, including wheat, lentils, animal feed, and oilseeds, as agro-industrial trade between the two countries rose more than 25% to $360 million in 2025. Officials also discussed joint higher value-added production, stronger veterinary and phytosanitary cooperation, wider logistics links, and continued Turkish investment. Dmitry Pokidaev, The Times of Central Asia, April 16
No longer a startup market: Kazakhstan makes its case to U.S. investors. Senior Kazakh officials told U.S. investors that Kazakhstan offers a mature market anchored by energy, critical minerals, transport corridors, and digital reforms. They cited more than $17 billion in recent agreements, over 600 American companies operating in the country, and plans to deepen processing, advanced manufacturing, logistics, and higher-value industrial cooperation with U.S. partners. The Times of Central Asia, April 16
Tajikistan
Tajikistan to receive nearly €50 million from the EBRD to reduce electricity losses. The EBRD will provide Tajikistan with €49.6 million in loans and grants to modernize electricity distribution networks in the Sughd and Khatlon regions. The project will replace outdated infrastructure, introduce modern metering, and improve billing and revenue collection. The financing includes €28 million in loans on concessional terms, with repayment spread over 20 years. Vagit Ismailov, The Times of Central Asia, April 16
Turkmenistan
Welcome to Turkmenistan? President says he wants international tourists to visit. Turkmenistan used the TurkmenTravel-2026 conference in Ashgabat to promote tourism and signal a limited opening to foreign visitors. President Serdar Berdimuhamedov highlighted cooperation with international tourism bodies and attractions such as Ancient Merv, Nisa, Kunya-Urgench, and Ashgabat’s architecture. But strict entry controls, weak infrastructure, and limited transparency mean any tourism push still looks selective rather than transformative. The Times of Central Asia, April 16
Advantages of a UN Hub in Asia. The United Nations has moved toward a multi-centered network, yet East Asia still lacks a comprehensive hub that links development needs, technological change, and global governance. A new hub in Asia would expand participation by the Global South, reduce reliance on Western centers, and connect innovation with work on climate, public health, urban governance, and the digital divide. Singapore, Bangkok, Tokyo, Seoul, Gulf cities, Shenzhen, and Hangzhou each offer strengths and tradeoffs in cost, infrastructure, technology, and political trust. A two-step plan proposes pilot projects in Shenzhen and Hangzhou, then integration into UN training, operations, and data systems once those projects prove value and build confidence. Chen Xi, Wang Dong, Xiao Geng, and Zhu Xufeng, CHINA US Focus, April 16.
East Asia
Is China’s Alternative World Order Really Alternative? China presents itself as a defender of the UN and a challenger to US power at the same time. A Xinhua report casts Washington as the main source of global disorder and promotes the Global Governance Initiative as China’s answer to that crisis. Beijing seeks more influence inside the present UN system, not its removal. Sovereign equality and wider Global South participation sit at the center of this approach, with UN voting power as a key arena. China also pushes a people-centered model that places development, security, and stability above political and civil rights. This agenda aims to redirect the balance within the existing order rather than build a new one. Emma Belmonte, chinaobservers, April 15.
What if the Taiwan Strait were blockaded? A blockade in the Taiwan Strait would carry global costs that exceed those from the Strait of Hormuz because the waterway handles about one-fifth of maritime trade and Taiwan produces about 90 percent of the most advanced chips. Mainland blockade tactics could rely on legal declarations, exclusion zones, and pressure on carriers rather than direct attacks on ships. US intervention would shape the crisis, yet recent conduct in the Iran war suggests a gap between threats and action. Washington could avoid direct combat, lean on allies, and turn pressure into finance and technology. Any future Taiwan crisis would combine military, economic, and diplomatic contests. Sim Tze Wei, ThinkChina, April 16
Southeast Asia
The Iran war widens Indonesia’s fiscal faultlines. The 2026 US-Israeli war on Iran has raised oil prices, strained Indonesia’s budget, and narrowed room for policy action. Fuel subsidies, pressure on Pertamina, and a weaker rupiah threaten to push the fiscal deficit past the 3 percent legal ceiling if oil stays near US$100 per barrel. Higher energy costs also raise risks for food security, gas policy, export earnings, and sulphur supplies tied to nickel processing. Bank Indonesia faces a hard choice between currency support and growth, with reserve use and tighter financial conditions carrying costs. Budget cuts and fuel price changes look hard to avoid, and policy credibility now depends on a clear fiscal framework and a stronger inflation targeting regime. David Nellor, East Asia Forum, April 16
Indonesia’s ‘In-Between’ Foreign Policy. Indonesia’s foreign policy looks inconsistent, but that pattern reflects more than hedging among major powers. A long-standing self-image places the country between regions, power blocs, and political traditions, with bebas aktif serving as both principle and justification. Leaders frame changing choices as consistent with autonomy, moderation, and bridge building, while policies move in different directions. This in-between identity has helped Jakarta keep room to maneuver, yet rising great power rivalry makes middle positions harder to sustain as partners seek clearer signals and domestic audiences face mixed messages. Radityo Dharmaputra, FULCRUM, April 16
South Asia
India’s space industry is blasting off. India has built a commercial space sector around ISRO after the government opened the field to private firms in 2020 and set up IN-SPACe as a licensing and access channel. Revenues top $8 billion and startups cluster in Bangalore and Chennai, with firms pursuing launch services, satellite support, and defense work. The industry draws on ISRO contracts, lower launch costs shaped by SpaceX, and the prospect that the Gaganyaan mission will raise its profile. Development goals remain part of the plan, and the sector serves India’s push in advanced manufacturing and its aim to join the few states with crewed spaceflight. The Economist, April 16
Central Asia
Kazakhstan hedges in the new nuclear Great Game. Kazakhstan’s expanded civil nuclear partnership with the United States does not mark a break from its multi-vector energy policy. The FIRST program and the 123 Agreement give Astana room to study US small modular reactor technology, but no binding deal for construction exists. Energy policy still favors large conventional reactors with proven operating records, and official plans through 2035 do not include SMR deployment. Kazakhstan is examining SMRs for future use and for niche settings such as remote settlements and oil platforms, while avoiding the risks of early commercial adoption. The contest among major powers continues, but transparent and competitive contractor selection remains the central issue for nuclear projects in Central Asia. Shaimerden Chikanayev, East Asia Forum, April 16