China
Trump ally Steve Daines to visit China as U.S. turns up pressure before May summit. Senator Steve Daines will lead a bipartisan delegation to Shanghai and Beijing from May 1, just ahead of Donald Trump’s planned summit with Xi Jinping on May 14-15. The visit comes as Washington increases pressure on Beijing over trade, artificial intelligence, and Iran. Daines has cast the trip as a chance to study China’s infrastructure and innovation ecosystem, while broader tensions continue to shape summit expectations. Khushboo Razdan, South China Morning Post, April 23
China teases new aircraft carrier in video, vows to build up islands. China used a navy anniversary video to hint at a possible fourth aircraft carrier, potentially its first nuclear-powered one, while also calling for stronger protection and development of the many islands it claims. The messaging linked Beijing’s military buildup to Taiwan and the South China Sea, where China continues to expand facilities and press its territorial claims. Ryan Woo and Xiuhao Chen, Reuters, April 23
China’s Russia ties mean EU trade deal is off the table, Finland says. Finland’s foreign minister, Elina Valtonen, said China’s ties with Russia should block any move toward an EU-China trade deal, arguing Beijing’s stance on the Ukraine war has deepened political distrust. She said any talks would need backing from all 27 EU member states, while wider trade tensions, overcapacity concerns, and Europe’s lack of a unified China policy also weigh on the relationship. Finbarr Bermingham, South China Morning Post, April 23
ChiNext, Shenzhen’s Nasdaq, emerges as investor darling as start-up indexes smash records. ChiNext has surged to record highs after Chinese regulators unveiled sweeping reforms that allow pre-profit tech listings and introduce market makers to improve liquidity. Investors have been drawn to the board’s stronger earnings outlook, renewable-energy exposure, and established growth companies. The ChiNext 50 Index has climbed 18% this year, while profits for listed firms are forecast to rise 44%. Zhang Shidong, South China Morning Post, April 24
China rejects U.S. criticism of pressure on Taiwan flight permit. Beijing rejected Washington’s accusation that it pressured Seychelles, Mauritius, and Madagascar to revoke overflight clearances for Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te’s planned trip to Eswatini. China said the criticism distorted the issue and urged the U.S. to stop interfering in what it called an internal matter, while Taiwan maintained that economic coercion had forced the cancellation. Mei Mei Chu, Reuters, April 23
Japan
Japan begins selling lethal weapons after lifting of ban. Japan has entered the lethal weapons export market after revising its defense equipment transfer rules and is already promoting sales to partners. Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi discussed Mogami-class frigates with New Zealand’s leader, while the planned transfer of used destroyer escorts to the Philippines is expected to become an early deal. Tokyo sees such exports as a way to strengthen cooperation with like-minded countries and respond to China’s growing presence. The Asahi Shimbun, April 23
Japan lower house passes bill for new intel body, enactment by July likely. Japan’s House of Representatives passed a bill to create a national intelligence committee aimed at centralizing information gathering on threats including foreign espionage and economic security. Backed by the ruling bloc and several opposition parties, the measure is now likely to clear the upper house by mid-July. A supplementary resolution was added to address concerns over privacy and political neutrality. Kyodo News, April 23
Bolstering U.S. presence in Japan “top priority”: senior Pentagon official. A senior Pentagon official said strengthening the U.S. military’s presence and posture in Japan is a top priority as Washington works to restore deterrence in the Indo-Pacific amid China’s rise. John Noh also urged allies and partners to raise defense spending and carry more of the security burden, while describing Japan as central to a stronger denial defense along the first island chain. Kyodo News, April 23
South Korea
South Korea, Vietnam sign 73 business deals as Lee visits Hanoi, document shows. South Korean and Vietnamese companies signed 73 mostly non-binding agreements during Lee Jae Myung’s visit to Hanoi, spanning technology, energy, infrastructure, semiconductors, data centers, rail, wind power, and unmanned vehicles. The deals followed 12 intergovernmental pacts signed a day earlier and came as Korean firms pressed Vietnam to ease problems involving incentives, tax refunds, and rising labor costs. Francesco Guarascio and Jihoon Lee, Reuters, April 23
South Korea tells U.S. lawmakers it will ensure no discrimination against U.S. tech firms. South Korea said it would ensure U.S. digital companies do not face discriminatory treatment or unnecessary barriers after American lawmakers protested regulatory pressure on firms, including Coupang. Seoul said its handling of Coupang’s major data breach followed domestic law and procedures regardless of nationality, and rejected linking the issue to broader security negotiations with Washington. Heejin Kim, Reuters, April 23
S. Korea, 4 Commonwealth army chiefs discuss expanding military cooperation. South Korea’s army chief met counterparts from Britain, Australia, Canada, and New Zealand to discuss the security situation on the Korean Peninsula and broader regional challenges. The sides agreed to deepen cooperation through high-level exchanges, army-to-army meetings, and joint exercises during a visit tied to Battle of Gapyeong commemorations. Choi Kyong-ae, Yonhap News Agency, April 23
S. Korea-Moldova economic cooperation pact takes effect. A new economic cooperation agreement between South Korea and Moldova has entered into force, creating a framework for broader collaboration in energy, transportation, science, and technology. Seoul said the pact would widen access for Korean companies to the region as Moldova pursues industrial modernization and digital transition. Kim Seung-yeon, Yonhap News Agency, April 24
Thailand
Experts given 15 days to give opinions on ballot barcodes. Thailand’s Constitutional Court gave court-appointed experts 15 days to submit views on a case challenging the use of barcodes and QR codes on election ballots. The Ombudsman said it had received 21 complaints arguing the features could make votes traceable and violate ballot secrecy. The court also rejected a private individual’s separate filing, saying he lacked standing. Bangkok Post, April 22
Anti-graft body to respond to ‘double standards’ criticism. Thailand’s anti-graft agency said it would clarify criticism over alleged double standards after dismissing a case against former transport minister Saksayam Chidchob involving concealed shares and false asset reports. Commissioner Prapas Kong-ied said cases should not be compared directly because the agency focuses on intent in asset concealment, while constitutional rulings address qualifications for office. Bangkok Post, April 23
Myanmar
Myanmar regime ratchets up atrocities against civilians in heartland. Myanmar’s military has intensified airstrikes, shelling, village burnings, and killings across resistance-held areas in Sagaing, Mandalay, and Magwe during its 100-day surrender ultimatum. Thousands have fled as raids hit villages and populated areas, while resistance groups continue rejecting Min Aung Hlaing’s demand that they lay down arms and join peace talks. The Irrawaddy, April 23
Sinicization of Myanmar’s borderlands spreads as MNDAA erases Ta’ang identity. The MNDAA has replaced Ta’ang-language village signs with Chinese and Burmese in northern Shan State’s Kutkai Township, fueling fears of cultural erasure. Residents and civil society groups say the group is also restricting Ta’ang symbols, suspending Ta’ang-run schools, and expanding Chinese-language use as it consolidates control over key trade corridors near the China border. Zaw Myat Khant, The Irrawaddy, April 23
Min Aung Hlaing targets ASEAN re-entry as key to ending isolation. Min Aung Hlaing is seeking renewed engagement with ASEAN, using his new civilian title to push for Myanmar’s return to the bloc’s summits despite years of exclusion. Thailand has backed a step-by-step approach, but other members remain resistant as the regime continues airstrikes and still has not met ASEAN’s Five-Point Consensus. Maung Kavi, The Irrawaddy, April 23
Laos
Chinese firms eye investment opportunities in Laos. A delegation from 12 Chinese companies visited Laos to explore opportunities in construction, energy, mining, digital technology, and finance as both countries deepen development cooperation. Talks covered transport planning, the Laos-Vietnam railway, real estate, smart cities, urban infrastructure, and production technologies. The visit comes as China remains Laos’ top foreign investor and as rail connectivity, power projects, and bilateral trade continue to expand. Vientiane Times, April 24
Cambodia
U.S. imposes sanctions on Cambodian senator and 28 others for alleged crypto-romance scams. The United States sanctioned Cambodian senator Kok An and 28 other individuals and entities over alleged crypto-romance scams that officials said stole millions of dollars from Americans. Treasury said Kok An used political connections to shield scam centers and that trafficking victims were forced to work in the compounds. The action also included criminal charges, asset freezes, and seizures tied to related fraud networks. Andrea Shalal, Reuters, April 23
Thai-Cambodian Trade Flows Despite Tensions. Cambodia-Thailand trade continued in the first quarter but fell sharply as border tensions and shifting consumer behavior disrupted commerce. Bilateral trade dropped 39.4% year-on-year to just under $700 million, with Cambodian exports down 29% and imports down 42.4%. Economists said agriculture was hit hardest, while rerouted shipments and higher costs accelerated efforts to diversify sourcing and strengthen domestic production. Heang Tong, Cambodianess, April 23
Cambodia, China Upgrade Dialogue Amid Growing Global Complexity. Cambodia and China agreed to raise their strategic dialogue from a 2+2 to a 3+3 format by adding interior and public security ministers, signaling broader coordination on security and governance. Officials said the shift reflects deeper political coordination and shared views on regional and global challenges, while expanding cooperation in areas including digital transformation, green development, supply chains, finance, and people-to-people ties. Sao Phal Niseiy, Cambodianess, April 23
Philippines
ICC rules that Philippine ex-President Duterte must stand trial for murder. International Criminal Court judges confirmed murder charges as crimes against humanity against former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, clearing the way for a trial. The court said there were substantial grounds to believe he played a key role in killings tied to the anti-drug campaign, while Manila said it respected the ruling and that justice should serve both the accused and the victims. Stephanie van den Berg, Reuters, April 23
Dissenting Opinion: ICC judge says court may have overstepped legal bounds in jurisdiction case. A dissenting ICC judge argued the court should not have retained jurisdiction over Rodrigo Duterte’s drug war case because a preliminary examination before the Philippines’ withdrawal from the Rome Statute did not amount to a matter formally under consideration. He said only authorization of a full investigation could have triggered jurisdiction in time, though the Appeals Chamber’s majority allowed the case to proceed. Franco Jose C. Baroña, The Manila Times, April 24
Marcos to pay state visit to Japan in May. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. will make a state visit to Japan from May 26 to 29 at the invitation of the Japanese government. During the trip, Marcos is scheduled to meet Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi to discuss the strategic partnership between the Philippines and Japan. The Manila Times, April 24
Indonesia
Indonesia pushes for South China Sea CoC this year. Foreign Minister Sugiono said Indonesia wants the South China Sea code of conduct completed and signed this year to avoid further delays. He said the agreement should help resolve maritime disputes and promote the waters as a region of peace and cooperation. ASEAN foreign ministers also agreed in January to finalize the code this year, while talks involving China and claimant states continue. ANTARA News, April 23
Indonesia Denies Malacca Strait Tax Plan After Finance Minister’s Joke. Indonesia said it has no plan to levy ships using the Malacca Strait after remarks by Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa sparked reactions abroad. Foreign Minister Sugiono said any toll would violate UNCLOS and stressed support for free passage and freedom of navigation. Malaysia and Singapore also underscored that decisions on the strait cannot be made unilaterally. Jayanty Nada Shofa, Jakarta Globe, April 23
Malaysia
Malaysia's king says he will choose next anti-graft agency chief. Malaysia’s King Sultan Ibrahim said he will determine the next head of the anti-corruption agency as chief commissioner Azam Baki faces pressure to resign over misconduct allegations that he denies. The issue has added strain within Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s administration, while the king said the appointment should not be politicized and stressed the importance of an effective anti-graft body. Ashley Tang and Rozanna Latiff, Reuters, April 23
Singapore
Singapore emerging as neutral ground as AI firms navigate Sino-U.S. rivalry. Singapore is becoming a preferred base for AI companies seeking distance from the political and regulatory risks tied to U.S.-China rivalry. Chinese firms see the city-state as a way to reassure international clients and protect intellectual property, while U.S. firms value easier access to foreign talent. Its appeal is rising alongside incentives for AI investment, talent, and IP registration. Fanny Potkin, Xinghui Kok, and Claire Fu, Reuters, April 24
Taiwan
U.S. official urges Taiwan parties to pass special defense budget. A senior Pentagon official urged Taiwan’s political parties to cooperate on approving the proposed special defense budget, saying Washington has multiple tools to support Taiwan’s security. John Noh said Taiwan must move faster to strengthen self-defense, while Admiral Samuel Paparo stressed the importance of timely arms deliveries and warned that China’s military activity near Taiwan amounts to rehearsals for possible forced unification. Elaine Hou and Ko Lin, Focus Taiwan, April 23
Ocean Affairs Council minister visits Taiping for first time in 7 years during drill. Ocean Affairs Council Minister Kuan Bi-ling visited Taiping Island to observe a maritime rescue exercise, the first trip there by an OCA chief in seven years. The drill simulated intercepting a suspicious cargo ship, rescuing injured crew after a collision, medical evacuation by C-130 aircraft, and oil spill containment, as Taiwan highlighted Taiping’s role as a humanitarian and supply base in the South China Sea. Chang Yi-lien and Joseph Yeh, Focus Taiwan, April 23
Uzbekistan
Uzbekistan, Jordan establish joint cooperation commission. Uzbekistan approved an agreement with Jordan to create a joint commission on bilateral cooperation, formalizing a new mechanism to coordinate work across multiple sectors. The agreement was signed in Samarkand in August 2025, and Uzbekistan’s Ministry of Investments, Industry and Trade was designated to implement it, with the Cabinet and relevant agencies overseeing execution once it enters into force. Uzbekistan Daily, April 23
Uzbekistan expands Afghan rail capacity to support growing trade. Uzbekistan has completed a new 1,000-meter siding at Afghanistan’s Naibabad railway station to raise freight capacity, reduce congestion, and speed loading and unloading. The upgrade strengthens the Hayraton-Naibabad-Mazar-i-Sharif corridor, which links Central Asia with South Asian markets, and reflects continued efforts by Uzbekistan Railways and its partners to modernize cross-border logistics infrastructure. Sadokat Jalolova, The Times of Central Asia, April 23
Tajikistan
Varesh Airlines to resume some Tajikistan flights during uneasy ceasefire. Varesh Airlines said it will resume Mashhad-Dushanbe flights on Friday as a ceasefire between Iran and the United States eases tensions enough for limited service to restart. The move restores an important link between northeastern Iran and Central Asia, though uncertainty remains over peace talks and the safety of shipping and transport routes tied to the Strait of Hormuz. The Times of Central Asia, April 23
East Asia
Beijing bets on embodied intelligence to secure structural power. China is placing embodied intelligence within its AI+ industrial strategy to upgrade manufacturing, replace labor in hazardous or repetitive work, and shape supply chains and standards. Funding has surged, and Beijing sees robots as growth engines and tools of influence. Limits remain in fragmented technology, costly data, uncertain returns, component restrictions, and humanoid robot hype, making real deployment more important than prototypes. Leci Zhang and Yiran Xing, East Asia Forum, April 23
China's humanoid robotics boom is no startup success story. Unitree’s humanoid robot boom reflects China’s party-state cultivation system and challenges the pure startup success story. Certifications, tax incentives, grants, procurement access, state funds, credit support, IPO guidance, and standards bodies help firms absorb early risk and scale. Beijing accepts waste across many failures to create champions, as in electric vehicles while trade tools struggle to address the infrastructure behind low-cost exports and domestic rules at global scale. Christopher Nye, Nikkei Asia, April 23
Two Sessions: breaking the local habit. Beijing is turning its unified market campaign into law to curb local protectionism, subsidy workarounds, and capacity races in sectors such as solar, new energy vehicles, energy storage, and semiconductors. The 2026 agenda centralizes project approval, tightens procurement and bidding rules, expands standards and quality regulation, and recasts local governments as service providers while transferring cushion to weaker provinces from fiscal strain. China Policy, April 23
Bend or ban them: Independent religious groups defy China’s Communist Party despite growing crackdown. China has arrested hundreds of underground Protestant leaders and believers, marking a severe campaign against worship outside state control. Xi Jinping’s religious Sinicization agenda has expanded legal tools, surveillance, intimidation, and assimilation across faith groups. Independent churches, Falun Gong, and other gray-zone communities show limits to party control, while rights advocates and some foreign officials call for stronger condemnation and pressure on Beijing. Daria Impiombato, Merics, April 23
How China and Russia Can Exploit the Iran War. Russia and China see the U.S.-Israeli war on Iran as a way to drain American power, study U.S. military systems, weaken alliances, and damage the rules-based order. Moscow gains from oil relief, drone cooperation, and transatlantic strain. Beijing presents itself as a calm diplomatic actor while aiding Iran. Washington should avoid maximalist aims, restore diplomacy, and deny rivals a prolonged Gulf conflict. Jon B. Alterman and Ali Vaez, Foreign Affairs, April 23
Xi Jinping wants a powerful currency. America’s war has helped. China’s yuan is gaining comfort currency appeal as countries and firms seek hedges against dollar dependence, sanctions risk, and America’s Iran war. CIPS transactions rose in March, mBridge use expanded, and low Chinese rates encouraged panda and dim sum bonds. The yuan remains below dollar system, but payment rails and cheap funding can blunt the dollar’s use as an economic weapon without replacing it as the reserve anchor for markets.The Economist, April 23
How South Korea Might Fight a North Korean Invasion in a Dual-Contingency Scenario. South Korea could face a North Korean invasion with delayed US reinforcement if Taiwan and Europe crises absorb allied forces. Initial defense would depend on standing forces, stocked equipment, missile defenses, airpower, counter-battery fires, resilient command systems, and industrial mobilization. Seoul might stop a rapid breakthrough, yet prolonged combat, munitions shortages, civilian disruption, and nuclear escalation risks would make victory without external support difficult. Ju Hyung Kim, 38 North, April 2
North Korea as It Is. North Korea’s nuclear arsenal has made complete denuclearization a distant goal, after decades of failed U.S. bargaining, sanctions, and broken deals. Washington should pursue a cold peace that protects the homeland, limits testing, reduces escalation risks, opens crisis channels, and weakens Pyongyang’s links with Moscow and Beijing. Strong allied deterrence with Japan and South Korea remains needed to prevent first use and avoid war. Victor Cha, Foreign Affairs, April 21
Grounded: Taiwan President Lai Ching-te has nowhere to fly. Beijing’s pressure forced Lai Ching-te to postpone a visit to Eswatini after Seychelles, Mauritius, and Madagascar revoked overflight clearance. Taiwan’s diplomatic space has narrowed under Lai, with no U.S. transit and only 12 formal allies left. China pairs coercion with state visits and one-China messaging. Future travel may depend on U.S. help, while cross-strait tensions shape Taiwan’s 2028 campaign. Sim Tze Wei, ThinkChina, April 23
Southeast Asia
Danantara’s Patriot Bond and the Unchanged Role of Chinese-Indonesian Conglomerates. Danantara’s Patriot Bond recasts Indonesia’s state business patronage through an investment vehicle that raises private capital for strategic projects while limiting parliamentary scrutiny and moving risk to firms. Chinese Indonesian conglomerates remain central because they hold deep capital, depend on regulation, and face political exposure. The Nine Haji narrative functions as symbolic populist counterweight, not evidence of a change in economic power under Prabowo’s centralised development strategy and fiscal pressure. Leo Suryadinata and Siwage Dharma Negara, FULCRUM, April 23
South Asia
India–Bangladesh reset requires structure beyond sentiment. India and Bangladesh face a fragile reset after Bangladesh’s 2026 political transition, with trade, connectivity, strategic balance, and institutions shaping prospects. Visa restoration signals engagement, but durable progress needs customs alignment, viable transit corridors, timely Indian project delivery, and formal mechanisms for security, water sharing, migration, climate resilience, and dispute resolution that can withstand electoral change and reduce dependence on leader alignment. Amal Chandra and Abhijay A, East Asia Forum, April 23