China
Chinese navy arrives in Sea of Japan just as Tokyo deploys long-range missiles. As Japan completed deployment of its new Type 25 long-range missiles in Kumamoto and Shizuoka, five Chinese navy vessels entered the Sea of Japan after crossing the Tsushima Strait. Beijing called Tokyo’s move offensive and expansionist, saying it broke Japan’s defensive stance and raised risks to regional peace. Tokyo also tracked a new Y-9 patrol aircraft variant over the East China Sea and scrambled fighters to intercept it. Liu Zhen and Dannie Peng, South China Morning Post, April 1
Chinese chipmakers claim nearly half of local market as Nvidia’s lead shrinks. Chinese GPU and AI chip makers captured 41% of China’s AI accelerator server market in 2025, according to IDC data reviewed by Reuters, cutting into Nvidia’s dominance. Nvidia still led with 55% and 2.2 million cards shipped, while Chinese vendors shipped 1.65 million. Huawei led local suppliers, followed by Alibaba T-Head, Baidu Kunlunxin, and Cambricon, as state spending and buy-Chinese pressure lifted demand through government projects. Che Pan and Laurie Chen, Reuters, April 1.
Ex-executive at Chinese state power firm Datang given suspended death sentence, state media says. A former senior executive at state power group Datang received a death sentence with a two-year reprieve for bribery, embezzlement, and abuse of power, according to Xinhua. The former general manager and deputy Communist Party chief was found to have accepted and embezzled especially large sums, a local court said. Under Chinese practice, the sentence can be reduced to life imprisonment if no new crimes are committed during the reprieve period. Yukun Zhang and Ryan Woo, Reuters, April 1
Japan
Japan and Turkey’s foreign chiefs agree to cooperate on Iran. Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi and Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan agreed in a phone call to coordinate closely on the Iran situation. Motegi expressed respect for Turkey’s diplomacy with Pakistan and other countries and said Japan would cooperate toward early de-escalation. Fidan said Ankara wanted to work with Tokyo on the issue. Motegi also spoke with Kuwait’s foreign minister about peace, stability, and safe navigation through the Strait of Hormuz. The Japan Times, April 2
Japan, France agree to boost cooperation on critical mineral supply chains. Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and President Emmanuel Macron agreed to deepen cooperation on critical mineral supply chains under a new road map aimed at diversifying suppliers and reducing dependence on China. They also backed close communication on Middle East tensions and crude supply. The two countries plan a high-level AI dialogue, wider nuclear cooperation, and coordination on the Group of Seven summit, while reaffirming concern over coercion in regional seas. Kyodo News, April 1
South Korea
Lee, Prabowo agree to elevate bilateral ties, expand defense industry cooperation. President Lee Jae Myung and Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto agreed in Seoul to raise bilateral relations to a special comprehensive strategic partnership and expand defense cooperation built around the KF-21 fighter project. They also agreed to work on stable energy and resource supply chains, electric vehicle cooperation, critical minerals, AI, renewable and nuclear energy, and regional peace, while signing 10 memorandums to deepen economic ties. Kim Eun-jung, Yonhap News Agency, April 1.
Trump says S. Korea ‘not helpful,’ cites U.S. troops near ‘nuclear force’ on peninsula. President Donald Trump said South Korea was not helpful to the United States as he pressed countries that depend on the Strait of Hormuz for energy to help reopen it. He cited American troops stationed near North Korea’s nuclear force and named South Korea, Japan, China, and France as countries that should act. His remarks came as the strait remained choked by Iranian attacks and oil market fears deepened. Song Sang-ho, Yonhap News Agency, April 1
South Korean politicians plan by-election strategies. South Korea’s approaching June 3 local elections are shifting attention to parliamentary by-elections and possible matchups involving Han Dong-hoon, Jo Guk and Song Young-gil. At least eight constituencies are effectively expected to hold contests, with more possible depending on regional primaries and resignations. None of the three politicians has confirmed a district, but analysts say these races could shape their future influence. The Dong-A Ilbo, April 1
North Korea
N. Korea discusses implementation of parliamentary decisions at Cabinet committee meeting. North Korea held an enlarged meeting of the ruling party committee of the Cabinet to discuss carrying out tasks outlined by Kim Jong Un in his parliamentary speech. Presided over by Premier Pak Thae-song, the meeting also approved expanded inspections to ensure implementation of the new national five-year plan following recent party and parliamentary sessions. Park Boram, Yonhap News Agency, April 2
North Koreans alarmed by Kim Jong Un’s police plan. North Koreans reacted with confusion and alarm after Kim Jong Un announced plans to establish a police system, questioning how the move fits decades of education portraying police as class enemies. Many also fear the change will formalize tighter surveillance and harsher crackdowns on daily life under a more specialized public order apparatus. Eun Seol, Daily NK, April 2
Vietnam
Vietnam plans to build more crude oil storage facilities. Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh urged Vietnam to expand crude oil storage capacity by building a national reserve facility in Nghi Son and similar projects elsewhere. He said larger reserves would strengthen energy security, reduce exposure to volatile global markets, improve the efficiency of the Nghi Son refinery, and support wider economic growth. VnExpress, April 1.
NA Standing Committee convenes 56th session. Vietnam’s National Assembly Standing Committee opened its 56th session to review amendments to the Law on Social Insurance, the key five-year plans for 2026 to 2030, budget and public debt matters, and preparations for the first session of the 16th National Assembly. Chairman Tran Thanh Man also called for a broad legal system review to improve coherence, transparency, and effectiveness. Vietnam News, April 1.
Thailand
People’s Party says new cabinet should tackle energy crisis immediately. Thailand’s opposition People’s Party urged the new cabinet to address the energy crisis immediately and disclose fuel supply information to calm fears of shortages. Spokesman Parit Wacharasindhu also called for clear Songkran measures, including better public transport, stronger road safety and steps to maintain public confidence during the holiday. Bangkok Post, April 1
People’s Party rejects ethics breach arguments. Thailand’s People’s Party said proposing legal amendments is a core duty of lawmakers and should not be treated as a serious ethical violation. The statement followed a National Anti-Corruption Commission move to petition the Supreme Court over 44 former Move Forward Party MPs who proposed amending Section 112. Bangkok Post, April 1
Myanmar
Myanmar’s NUG and four ethnic armies form unified resistance command. Myanmar’s shadow National Unity Government, the CRPH, and four ethnic armed organizations launched the Steering Council for the Emergence of a Federal Democratic Union to coordinate political and military strategy against military rule. Leaders said the new body was meant to overcome years of fragmented coordination and present a united front at home and abroad. Ah Htoi, The Irrawaddy, April 1.
Myanmar opposition alliance says political solutions needed alongside armed struggle. A new opposition alliance inside Myanmar, the Political Coordination Body, issued nine demands as Min Aung Hlaing was nominated for the presidency, including the release of all political prisoners, repeal of conscription, protection of freedoms, humanitarian access, and inclusive dialogue on a federal democratic union. Ye Ni, The Irrawaddy, April 1
Philippines
Iran asked to count PH as ‘nonhostile’ nation. Manila asked Iran to classify the Philippines as a non-hostile country so Philippine-bound oil tankers can pass safely through the Strait of Hormuz. Officials said the request was vital to protect seafarers and the energy supply, and Iran signaled willingness to help. The Philippines also pledged deeper cooperation with Tehran, especially on energy. Dexter Cabalza, Philippine Daily Inquirer, April 2
PH condemns latest China aggression in West Philippine Sea. The Philippine government condemned what it called aggressive and dangerous actions by Chinese maritime forces against Philippine vessels, aircraft, and fisherfolk in the West Philippine Sea. The National Maritime Council said the incidents endangered lives, violated international law, and undermined regional peace and stability, while asserting that Philippine operations in the area are lawful under UNCLOS and the 2016 arbitral award. Catherine S. Valente, The Manila Times, April 2
Indonesia
As KF-21 jet set for June, Korea now eyes Indonesian shipbuilding deal. South Korean President Lee Jae Myung said Seoul wants to expand defense ties with Indonesia beyond the KF-21 fighter program by pursuing shipbuilding cooperation and supporting naval modernization. The joint KF-21 project, long the focus of bilateral defense ties, is expected to be completed in June, according to a South Korean government statement issued during President Prabowo Subianto’s visit. Jayanty Nada Shofa, Jakarta Globe, April 1
Jokowi, Iran ambassador discuss Middle East tensions, peacekeepers deaths. Iran’s ambassador to Indonesia, Mohammad Boroujerdi, met former president Joko Widodo in Solo to discuss Middle East tensions, bilateral ties, and the deaths of Indonesian peacekeepers in Lebanon. Jokowi said peace and stable international relations were essential to avoid energy crises and supply chain disruption, while Boroujerdi thanked him for his solidarity with the Iranian people. Grace el Dora, Jakarta Globe, April 1
Malaysia
Anwar: Petronas to help govt guarantee steady oil and gas supply until May. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said Petronas’ planning would help Malaysia maintain sufficient oil and gas supplies at least through May. He said the government had set up special committees, introduced early measures, and would adopt austerity steps and a more moderate Aidilfitri celebration. Malay Mail, April 1
Taiwan
World does not need a crisis over Taiwan, opposition leader says ahead of China trip. Kuomintang chairwoman Cheng Li-wun said the world does not need a Taiwan crisis as she prepared for a six-day trip to China at Xi Jinping’s invitation. Cheng said she would promote peace and reconciliation across the Taiwan Strait and within Taiwan’s own politics. Beijing called the visit part of a shared push for peace, while Taipei said China’s aim to annex the island would not change through party contacts. Ben Blanchard, Reuters, April 1
Lai once more urges legislature to pass defense bill. President William Lai urged the legislature to pass the general budget, saying a 216-day deadlock was harming Taiwan’s development, constitutional order, and crisis response. He said delays threatened AI infrastructure, semiconductor research, transport projects, and emergency reserves needed for disasters and epidemics. Lai also warned that failing to fund strategic technology initiatives would hurt competitiveness and discourage foreign investment. Jonathan Chin, Taipei Times, April 2
Foreign minister mum on invitation to pro-Taiwan Honduran politician. Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung did not confirm whether Taiwan plans to invite Honduran National Congress Speaker Tomás Zambrano, despite his public support for restoring ties. Lin said Taiwan has maintained close connections with friends in Honduras since relations were severed in 2023 and would continue inviting important political figures from non-diplomatic partners. Joseph Yeh, Focus Taiwan, April 1
Kazakhstan
Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan tout themselves as “strategic tandem.” Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan presented their ties as a strategic tandem and allied relationship during Kazakh Foreign Minister Yermek Kosherbayev’s visit to Tashkent. Officials stressed closer coordination on governance, trade, investment, connectivity, culture, and water-energy issues. Kosherbayev said bilateral trade in 2025 approached $5 billion, up more than 16% year-on-year. Eurasianet, April 1
Kazakhstan secures $125 million in export deals with China on first day of SCO forum. Kazakhstan signed about $125 million in export contracts with Chinese partners on the opening day of an SCO-related forum during Trade Minister Arman Shakkaliyev’s visit to China. The agreements covered feed flour, oilseeds, and other agricultural products. Officials also discussed investment projects, environmentally friendly production, and stronger regional cooperation, while highlighting steady growth in Kazakhstan-China trade. Fatima Kemelova, The Astana Times, April 1
Kyrgyzstan
Corruption probe against former Kyrgyz security chief widens with arrest of his brother. Kyrgyz authorities arrested Shairbek Tashiev, brother of former security chief Kamchybek Tashiev, as a corruption investigation widened after the ex-official’s February dismissal. The interior ministry said the case involves alleged graft tied to oil resale and estimated state losses at 4.1 billion soms. Shairbek Tashiev was placed in temporary detention in Bishkek. Aigerim Turgunbaeva and Lucy Papachristou, Reuters, April 1
Kyrgyzstan develops territories received from Tajikistan. Kyrgyzstan moved land and real estate received from Tajikistan into state ownership after the border agreement. The assets will be registered and handed to local administrations in Batken and Leylek for distribution to residents who lost homes or property. Authorities will also inventory land plots and draft settlement master plans as demarcation continues. Rayana Amankulova, The Times of Central Asia, April 1
East Asia
China opens its capital account on its own terms. China is widening capital account access through a state-managed system built on selective channels, close monitoring, and risk controls. Beijing links this opening to renminbi internationalization, not to full capital freedom or reserve currency status. The renminbi now plays a larger role in China’s own trade and financial flows, with wider use in trade settlement, swap agreements, commodity deals, and payment systems. Foreign exchange reserves also support overseas development finance that extends the currency’s reach. This model aims to expand trade, investment, and monetary autonomy while preserving domestic stability and limiting exposure to dollar-based financial pressure. Monique Taylor, East Asia Forum, March 31
Hormuz chokes: China’s ‘world supermarket’ Yiwu feels the pain. War in Iran and disruption in the Strait of Hormuz have cut orders, trapped shipments, and raised freight costs for Yiwu merchants selling into the Middle East. One PPE trader has 12 containers worth 4 to 5 million RMB stuck in Dubai after Iraqi ports shut. Routes through Turkey or Saudi Arabia cost much more than past sea freight. Yiwu sent almost 15% of its 2025 exports to the Middle East, so the shock hits forwarders and firms with no direct buyers there as oil-linked raw materials rise in price. Merchants still expect the region to remain a key market after the fighting ends. Meng Dandan, ThinkChina, April 1
China quickly boosts energy security as Iran war drags on. China has moved fast to shield its economy from the oil shock caused by the Iran war and disruption in the Strait of Hormuz. Years of stockpiling left Beijing with an estimated 1.2 to 1.3 billion barrels of government-controlled crude, equal to about 70 days of use, yet officials kept those reserves closed to refiners. Instead, state firms resumed Russian crude purchases after a US waiver, fuel export controls were tightened to protect local supply, and pump price rises were capped in part by refiners absorbing costs. Beijing also released fertilizer reserves, curbed fertilizer exports, and leaned on coal-based conversion industries, pipeline gas, and coal to manage stress. Vandana Hari, Nikkei Asia, April 1
Xinjiang’s rising job market: A blessing and a burden?. Xinjiang’s job market has improved as economic growth, policy support, and new sectors draw local workers back and attract applicants from other parts of China. Interviewees describe more openings than in past years, with strong interest in government posts and public institutions. Yet the gains are uneven. Energy and state sectors do not create enough broad entry-level work, small firms remain weak, and infrastructure gaps limit fields such as artificial intelligence. Some Uighur professionals say outside applicants with stronger credentials have squeezed local minorities, while experts note that language rules, location, and sanctions can deepen exclusion. New platform work has opened more jobs but also added new demands. Li Kang, ThinkChina, April 1
Don’t Stop Me Now: Chinese Cars Are Having a Good Time in Europe. Chinese car exports to Europe are rising despite EU duties on battery electric vehicles, with strong gains from Chinese brands and from Western firms that use China as an export base. Europe’s trade defenses have had weak effects, while Chinese producers benefit from scale, price pressure at home, and demand in Europe. The EU’s Industrial Accelerator Act would tie support to local content rules, but delays, narrow coverage, and political resistance may limit its force. More restrictive steps could follow, including duties on plug in hybrids, wider resilience tests, and cybersecurity rules, though each path carries legal, economic, and political costs. Gregor Williams, Rhodium Group, April 1
Southeast Asia
Chokepoint in the Gulf: What the US-Israeli War on Iran Means For Southeast Asia’s Food Security. War in Iran and disruption in the Gulf have squeezed oil, gas, and fertilizer flows, raising food costs across Southeast Asia. The region relies on imported energy and imported fertilizers, with strong exposure in countries such as Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, the Philippines, and Thailand. Higher fuel prices lift production, storage, and transport costs, while costlier fertiliser is set to cut yields and tighten food markets in coming months. Rice faces less immediate pressure, but later planting seasons and other crops may take harder hits. Export bans would worsen volatility. ASEAN is urged to pool purchases, ease port rules, support efficient farm inputs, and build stronger regional fertiliser and energy resilience. Elyssa Kaur Ludher and Paul Teng, FULCRUM, April 1
Why Thailand’s Constitutional Reform May Stall. Thailand’s referendum delivered a clear vote for drafting a new constitution, but legal barriers and political incentives make near-term change unlikely. The 2017 charter protects the order set after the 2014 coup, weakens electoral change, and gives strong powers to courts and independent agencies. Any rewrite needs prior amendment of the amendment rules, Senate backing, and three referendums under court rulings. Bhumjaithai now leads the lower house and holds strong sway over the Senate, which gives it power to block deeper reform. The party backed the referendum, yet its main focus is economic relief and political control, not structural constitutional change. Purawich Watanasukh, FULCRUM, April 1
Oceania
Education is Australia’s strategic edge. Australia’s education sector gives a middle power a strong tool for security, resilience, prosperity, and regional influence. Universities support defence skills, research partnerships, and work on fields such as hypersonics, while education links also strengthen health security, digital resilience, human capital, and cooperation across the Asia Pacific. International students shape views of Australia and add soft power value. The sector also faces weak points. Research tied to sovereign capability depends on revenue from foreign enrolments, policy settings lack coherence, and institutions face resource strain and competing priorities. Education should be treated as part of statecraft and coalition building, not as a domestic concern alone. Tom Barber, Bec Strating, Greta Nabbs-Keller, East Asia Forum, April 1