China
U.S. firms dash to recover tariffs paid on Chinese imports as refund system launches. U.S. importers rushed to use a new customs portal after the Supreme Court ruled that Donald Trump’s emergency-powers tariffs were unlawful. The system is expected to process about US$165 billion in refunds for 330,000 importers, much of it tied to Chinese goods. Companies said the launch was welcome but added new administrative burdens, and many expect the money to go straight to suppliers or newer tariffs. Khushboo Razdan, South China Morning Post, April 20
China ‘has to be involved’ in new nuclear arms control talks, U.S. senator urges. Senator Deb Fischer said China must be included in any future nuclear arms control framework and argued the U.S. should expand nuclear modernization, including buying more B-21 bombers. She said the expired New Start treaty constrained only Washington, while Beijing continued to reject joining a new accord with the U.S. and Russia and maintained that it does not seek an arms race. Yuanyue Dang, South China Morning Post, April 20
China’s Xi Jinping says Strait of Hormuz should be open in call with Saudi crown prince. Xi Jinping told Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman that the Strait of Hormuz should remain open for normal passage and called for an immediate, comprehensive ceasefire and a diplomatic resolution to the regional conflict. The call marked Xi’s first explicit appeal to reopen the waterway, as the blockade continued to disrupt oil flows, unsettle markets, and threaten wider economic fallout. Holly Chik, South China Morning Post, April 20
China changes tactics on Taiwan and Japan amid Middle East chaos. Beijing is using turmoil in the Gulf to cast itself as a voice of stability while sharpening military and diplomatic pressure closer to home. The analysis points to a shift in China’s Taiwan narrative toward the Kuomintang and the 2028 election, tougher messaging toward Japan, and a broader effort to gain influence as U.S. actions unsettle allies and trade. Peter Apps, Reuters, April 16
China warns against joint U.S., Philippines, and Japan drills eroding regional trust. China warned that military cooperation should not undermine regional trust or target third parties, as the U.S. and the Philippines began annual Balikatan exercises with expanded Japanese participation. Beijing said introducing external forces risks division and confrontation, and urged Tokyo to act cautiously after a Japanese destroyer that recently transited the Taiwan Strait joined the drills. Liz Lee, Ethan Wang, and Kaori Kaneko, Reuters, April 20
Japan
Takaichi’s ratings stay high with some wavering amid Iran impact. Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s support remained high by historical standards, though some polls showed slippage as voters weighed her handling of the Iran war’s impact on Japan. Weekend surveys put approval at 62% in ANN, 70% in FNN, 53% in Mainichi, 64% in Asahi, and 66% in Yomiuri, with Mainichi and Yomiuri each showing 5-point declines. Sakura Murakami, The Japan Times, April 20
Japan eases arms export rules to enable weapons sales. Japan revised its defense equipment export rules to allow overseas weapons sales as it seeks stronger security cooperation and a more robust defense industry. The changes scrap limits confining exports to five noncombat categories, create separate rules for weapons and non-weapons, and allow weapon exports to countries with agreements to protect classified defense information. Kyodo News, April 21
South Korea
S. Korea, China reaffirm need to ensure stable supply chains for critical minerals, rare earths. South Korea and China agreed to work together to stabilize supply chains for critical minerals, rare earths, urea, and other materials during their Joint Economic Commission in Beijing. The two sides also pledged closer communication through existing channels, support for bilateral trade and investment, progress in free trade talks on services and investment, and efforts to create a more stable and predictable business environment. Kim Seung-yeon, Yonhap News Agency, April 21
Bessent says S. Korea-U.S. critical minerals framework finalized. U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said South Korea and the U.S. have finalized a critical minerals cooperation framework meant to deepen collaboration, reinforce market-based principles, and address non-market policies and unfair trade practices. He and Finance Minister Koo Yun-cheol also discussed South Korea’s AI ambitions, foreign exchange volatility, and implementation of their trade and investment agreement under which Seoul pledged up to $350 billion in U.S. investment. Song Sang-ho, Yonhap News Agency, April 20
Lee appoints BOK governor after parliamentary confirmation. President Lee Jae Myung approved Shin Hyun-song’s appointment as Bank of Korea governor after the National Assembly adopted his confirmation report through bipartisan agreement. Shin takes office on Tuesday, ending concern over a leadership gap as domestic and external economic conditions worsen. Opposition lawmakers had raised questions over allegations involving his daughter’s passport, but lawmakers said avoiding a vacancy at the central bank was the greater priority. Kim Boram, Yonhap News Agency, April 20
North Korea
Russian interior minister arrives in North Korea for talks. Russian Interior Minister Vladimir Kolokoltsev arrived in Pyongyang for talks on law enforcement cooperation, according to Moscow. The visit adds to the expansion of ties between Russia and North Korea since the 2022 invasion of Ukraine and follows their 2024 strategic partnership treaty, which includes mutual defense provisions and has deepened military cooperation. Reuters, April 20
Central party inspection teams descend on Sinuiju factories, rattling local officials. North Korea has sent central party inspection teams to major factories in Sinuiju to check compliance with the Ninth Party Congress’ directives. Inspectors are scrutinizing party cell meetings, implementation records, personal notebooks, and computer files at the Sinuiju Pulp Factory and Rakwon Machine Factory, leaving local officials shaken and stoking resentment toward provincial officials who joined the audits. Bak Hui-su, Daily NK, April 20
North Korea resumes overseas labor deployment to China amid warming bilateral ties. Around 1,000 North Korean workers reportedly crossed into China through Dandong between April 12 and 16, marking an unusually large revival of overseas labor deployment despite U.N. sanctions. The workers were assigned to factories in Liaoning and are believed to have entered on short-stay or trainee visas rather than formal labor visas, as improving bilateral ties and Chinese demand for cheap labor drive the flow. Seulkee Jang, Daily NK, April 20
Thailand
People’s Party plans May Day rally. Thailand’s People’s Party called on workers and the public to gather at parliament on May 1 to submit its draft Social Security Bill and push reform of the Social Security Fund. The proposal calls for full disclosure of spending, an independent legal structure, a smaller board with proportional representation, and government-backed benefits with regular reviews of contributions, wage ceilings, and investment performance. Bangkok Post, April 21
Government plans to borrow 500 billion baht. Thailand’s government is studying an emergency decree to borrow up to 500 billion baht and raise the public debt ceiling to 75% of GDP from 70% to strengthen fiscal readiness. Officials cited risks from the Middle East war and a possible Super El Niño, and also discussed a separate decree to guarantee 150 billion baht in loans for the deficit-ridden Oil Fuel Fund. Mongkol Bangprapa, Bangkok Post, April 20
Court dismisses Senate suit alleging Election Commission collusion. Thailand’s Central Criminal Court for Corruption and Misconduct Cases dismissed a lawsuit accusing Election Commission members of malfeasance in a Senate election collusion probe. The court ruled that the reserve senator who filed the case lacked authority to do so, saying such complaints must be pursued by the attorney-general. The plaintiff said he would consider an appeal or other legal action. Bangkok Post, April 20
Myanmar
UN warns of ‘catastrophic hunger’ as Myanmar runs low on fertilizer, fuel. The World Food Programme warned that fertilizer and fuel shortages are pushing up rice production costs and worsening food insecurity in Myanmar. Farmers are cutting fertilizer use as prices surge, a shift that could reduce yields and further strain already fragile markets. Rising fuel costs and rationing problems are also discouraging planting, while abandoned farmland and conflict have deepened the crisis. Phoe Tar, The Irrawaddy, April 20
Regime steps up naval, drone operations in southern Rakhine. Myanmar’s regime has increased naval deployments and drone surveillance off southern Rakhine townships controlled by the Arakan Army, with local residents reporting more vessels operating closer to shore. Fishing boats have reportedly been detained or fired on, and fears of amphibious operations have grown. The regime has also intensified airstrikes on civilian targets in other AA-held areas in Rakhine. The Irrawaddy, April 20
Thai foreign minister to visit Myanmar this week. Thai Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow is due in Naypyitaw this week for talks with leaders of Myanmar’s new military-backed government on bilateral relations and the post-election situation. The visit would make him the first ASEAN leader to travel to Myanmar since the transition from junta rule, and could be seen as Thailand giving official recognition to the new government. The Irrawaddy, April 20
Laos
Laos-China Railway’s international passenger service surpasses 800,000 cross-border trips in three years. The Laos-China Railway’s international passenger service has carried more than 800,000 cross-border travelers from over 120 countries and regions since launching in April 2023. Railway operators said the route has become a major tourism corridor linking cities including Kunming, Luang Prabang, and Vientiane, with faster customs clearance, expanded seating capacity, shorter travel times, and strong first-quarter passenger growth in 2026. Vientiane Times, April 21
Laos-China Railway emerges as “green corridor” driving regional trade. The Laos-China Railway is accelerating regional trade by cutting transport times and costs, expanding daily freight services, and widening the range of goods moved across ASEAN markets. The report says new energy vehicles from Chongqing can now reach Vientiane in five days, while cargo volumes have climbed sharply, and Laos is positioning itself as a distribution hub for electric vehicles in the Indochina subregion. Bounfaeng Phaymanivong, Vientiane Times, April 21
Cambodia
Hun Sen meets king in Beijing, says health improving. Senate President Hun Sen said he met King Norodom Sihamoni at a hospital in Beijing and reported that the monarch’s condition had improved after prostate cancer surgery. Hun Sen said the king was able to communicate normally, though still receiving intravenous fluids as part of routine post-surgical care, and conveyed the king’s greetings and well-wishes to monks and citizens in Cambodia. Khmer Times, April 21
Philippines
Philippines, U.S. and allies start military exercises testing 'real-world' readiness. The Philippines and the U.S. launched Balikatan exercises featuring maritime strike drills near Taiwan, live-fire operations in the South China Sea, and the first active participation by Japan, Canada, France, and New Zealand. More than 17,000 troops are involved as Manila expands its security partnerships and showcases new assets, including BrahMos missiles. Nestor Corrales, Liz Lee, and Ethan Wang, Reuters, April 20
Philippines says U.S. access to bases limited by land issues. Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro said U.S. use of bases covered by the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement has been only marginal because of unresolved land and tenure issues and slow project execution. The delays affect sites expanded in 2023, including locations facing Taiwan and the South China Sea, even as Balikatan exercises get underway. Mikhail Flores, Reuters, April 21
Next Sara Duterte impeach hearing to tackle alleged unexplained wealth. The next House justice committee hearing on the impeachment complaints against Vice President Sara Duterte will focus on alleged unexplained wealth and incomplete SALN disclosures. The Ombudsman, AMLC, BIR, SEC, and former senator Antonio Trillanes IV are expected to testify or provide documents, while lawmakers may wrap up hearings by April 29 and move toward a probable-cause vote. Gabriel Pabico Lalu, Philippine Daily Inquirer, April 21
Strengthening Philippines’ defense ties vital amid China tensions — think tank. Expanding defense cooperation with allies should remain central to the Philippines’ strategy in the West Philippine Sea, Stratbase ADR Institute said, citing China’s continued pressure and the need for a stronger alliance-based posture. The group said the Balikatan exercises reflect that approach and argued Manila must uphold the 2016 arbitral ruling and avoid bargaining away sovereign rights. Franco Jose C. Baroña, The Manila Times, April 20
Indonesia
Indonesia says 15 killed during military operation in Papua. Indonesia said 15 people were killed and seven injured in Central Papua during an April 14 military operation against separatist rebels, after the national human rights commission said 12 civilians, including women and children, had been shot dead. Authorities said they were investigating the casualties, while the rights body urged the military to rethink operations in Papua. Ananda Teresia and Stanley Widianto, Reuters, April 20
Malaysia
Anwar: Malaysia and Singapore welcome temporary ceasefire, urge lasting solution to Middle East conflict. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said Malaysia and Singapore welcomed the temporary ceasefire involving the United States, Iran, Israel, and Lebanon, while urging a more comprehensive and lasting settlement. He said both sides backed diplomatic efforts, stressed freedom and security of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, and discussed energy resilience, including faster progress on the ASEAN Power Grid. Malay Mail, April 21
Taiwan
Consider Beijing’s 10-point plan, Taiwan business leaders urge ruling DPP. Taiwan business groups urged the DPP government to consider Beijing’s new cross-strait package, saying it could help tourism, flights, agriculture, fisheries, food exports, and small businesses. The government warned that similar measures had been suspended before and could expose industries to political risk, while business leaders and some analysts argued selective acceptance might ease economic pressure and avoid alienating swing voters. Lawrence Chung, South China Morning Post, April 20
Czech PM Babis criticises Senate leader’s Taiwan trip for damaging China business ties. Prime Minister Andrej Babis said the Czech government would not provide a government plane for Senate chief Milos Vystrcil’s planned Taiwan trip and wants a more pragmatic foreign policy that protects business ties with China. Babis said earlier Taiwan visits had hurt Czech commercial interests and argued diplomacy should focus on helping companies do business rather than values-based goals. Jason Hovet, Reuters, April 20
Chinese aircraft carrier sailed through Taiwan Strait, Taipei says. Taiwan’s defense ministry said China’s aircraft carrier Liaoning transited the Taiwan Strait on Monday, the first passage by a Chinese carrier there since mid-December. Taiwan said its armed forces maintained close surveillance throughout. The transit came days after China condemned a Japanese warship’s passage through the strait and amid near-daily Chinese military activity around Taiwan. Ben Blanchard, Reuters, April 20
India
India and South Korea plan $50 billion trade push with new deals. India and South Korea agreed to deepen cooperation in energy, critical minerals, shipbuilding, semiconductors, and steel as they seek to double bilateral trade to $50 billion by 2030. They also agreed to revive talks on their 2010 trade pact, create a ministerial-level economic cooperation committee, and work on easing non-tariff barriers and expanding market access. Joyce Lee, Manoj Kumar, Hritam Mukherjee, and YP Rajesh, Reuters, April 20
Kazakhstan
As world clamors for its critical minerals, Kazakhstan ups control and seeks bigger cut. Kazakhstan is tightening its grip on the mining sector as global demand for critical minerals rises, raising taxes, reintroducing licensing priorities, and expanding the state’s role in exploration and processing. Officials say the changes will secure more value for Kazakhstan, but Western miners and diplomats warn that shifting rules could weaken investor confidence and make the country look less predictable. Alexander Thompson, Eurasianet, April 20
Kazakhstan plans to build at least three nuclear power plants by 2050. Kazakhstan’s Atomic Energy Agency said the country aims to have at least three nuclear power plants operating by 2050, with the first project already underway, a second under consideration, and small modular reactors being explored for a third. The plan is intended to strengthen energy security, support industrial development, expand nuclear expertise, and build a broader domestic nuclear cluster. Dmitry Pokidaev, The Times of Central Asia, April 20
Tajikistan
Tajikistan digitizes free economic zones to attract global investors. Tajikistan is rolling out a unified online portal and “Single Window” system to simplify registration, taxes, visas, and work permits across its free economic zones. Officials say the overhaul will cut bureaucracy, speed processing, and support exports, while longer zone terms, lower land rents, and a multilingual investment catalog aim to draw more foreign investors. Caspian Post, April 20
East Asia
China seeks greater leadership in ocean governance. China’s 15th Five-Year Plan for 2026 to 2030 shows a change from participation in ocean governance toward influence over international maritime rules. Maritime policy now stresses development, use, and protection instead of simple expansion of the blue economy. Beijing keeps calls for a maritime community with a shared future, blue partnerships, and a fair international maritime order while moving from active participation to proactive rulemaking. Engagement in the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction Agreement and stronger involvement in fisheries forums reflect that direction. The plan also supports hosting international maritime organizations in China, gives less attention to a Maritime Basic Law, and drops explicit polar policy language while keeping polar regions within national security planning. Edward Sing Yue Chan, East Asia Forum, April 20
Beijing’s new Taiwan strategy runs through the ballot box. Beijing is moving from coercion toward influence inside Taiwan’s political system. Past pressure helped the Democratic Progressive Party in the elections of 1996, 2020, and 2024, so Xi Jinping’s meeting with Kuomintang chair Cheng Li-wun points to a new effort to make engagement with Beijing more acceptable to swing voters. Beijing followed the meeting with 10 cross-strait measures on tourism, agriculture, infrastructure, and flights, putting Taipei under pressure to accept benefits or reject them. The next test comes in Taiwan’s November 2026 local elections, which will show whether this approach moves the political center or strengthens distrust of Beijing. Robin Hu, Nikkei Asia, April 20
Petroyuan on the horizon: The Middle East crisis rewires global oil finance. The war around Iran and the near-closure of the Strait of Hormuz have given new force to oil trade and settlement in renminbi. China’s position as the largest energy importer creates room for more RMB use in long-term supply deals, while Iran’s sanctions pressure and transit leverage have tied currency choice to market access. This does not displace the dollar all at once. The dollar still benefits from deep markets, convertibility, legal confidence, and network effects in oil pricing. RMB growth is more likely to take shape in a parallel system linked to China’s trade networks, alternative payment channels, and states that seek cover from U.S. financial power. Chen Gang, ThinkChina, April 20
U.S. Volatility Is Advancing China’s Long Game. China views recent U.S. conduct as a source of strategic risk rather than a chance for public triumph. Concern centers on disorder in the Middle East, threats to energy flows through the Strait of Hormuz, and a wider breakdown in rules that support growth and trade. Beijing’s response is to deepen its strength in green energy, robotics, artificial intelligence for industry, advanced manufacturing, and finance. China is using each major shock to widen its role in supply chains, infrastructure, and energy transition, while also laying groundwork for wider renminbi use through bond markets and financial systems. The larger aim is not loud confrontation with Washington but a steady growth in global influence through industrial depth, credit, and continuity. Fareed Zakaria, Foreign Policy, April 20.
Southeast Asia
Cyberfraud in Southeast Asia: A New Battleground for the US and China? Scam centers across Southeast Asia have trapped about half a million people and generate tens of billions of dollars each year, with Myanmar, Cambodia, and Laos at the core of the trade. China and the United States both want to curb cyberfraud, but each brings tools that deepen rivalry. China relies on cyber sovereignty, surveillance systems, and joint policing, with strong results in cases involving Chinese citizens. The United States backs open systems, encryption, intelligence sharing, AI detection, and human rights protections. Southeast Asian states want help without losing autonomy or taking sides, yet this balancing act is likely to produce a fragmented regional response that leaves scam networks room to survive and adapt. Stephen Olson, FULCRUM, April 20
From Partnership Expansion to Strategic Coherence: Vietnam’s Next Foreign Policy Challenge. Vietnam’s wave of Comprehensive Strategic Partnerships marks a transformation from broad network building to the harder task of coordination. Fifteen top-tier partnerships now span major powers, middle powers, ASEAN states, and the European Union, giving Hanoi more room to protect strategic autonomy, reduce dependence on any one partner, and support regional stability. The challenge now is to align these ties with core priorities such as digital and green transition, maritime cooperation, supply chain resilience, human resource development, and inter-agency coordination. A more coherent approach could help Vietnam channel outside investment, technology, and capacity support into national development while also strengthening ASEAN centrality, regional integration, and dialogue among rival partners. Nguyen Chi Thanh, FULCRUM, April 20
South Asia
The U.S.–Iran War and Pakistan’s Peacemaking Diplomacy. Fighting between the United States, Israel, and Iran has widened into a regional crisis that has disrupted energy markets, raised instability, and produced fragile ceasefire efforts. Pakistan has used its border with Iran, ties with Washington, and balanced diplomacy to host talks in Islamabad, carry messages, and help secure a temporary ceasefire. Trust from both sides rests on strategic engagement, restraint, backchannel communication, and Pakistan’s stake in regional stability, energy security, and trade. The experience points to the value of calibrated neutrality, continuous dialogue, institutional coordination, and multilateral cooperation. It also shows the limits faced by a middle power that can convene rivals and lower tensions but cannot determine final outcomes without leverage over the main combatants. Zahid Anwar, CHINA US Focus, April 20