China
China bans dual-use item exports to seven European entities over Taiwan arms sales. China added seven European entities to its export control list and barred the transfer of Chinese dual-use items to them, saying they had participated in arms sales to Taiwan or colluded with Taipei. Four of the seven are Czech. Beijing said the measures would not disrupt normal China-Europe trade and could allow case-by-case exceptions if exports were deemed necessary. Shi Bu and Liz Lee, Reuters, April 24
China holds live-fire drills in waters near Luzon as U.S., Philippines stage war games. China said it recently conducted live-fire naval drills east of Luzon, describing them as necessary amid the regional situation, as the United States, the Philippines, and allies launched Balikatan exercises. The annual drills include new operations near Taiwan and the South China Sea, underscoring intensifying maritime tensions between Beijing and Manila. Reuters, April 24
China warns EU to remove firms and citizens from Russian sanctions list. China demanded that the European Union remove Chinese companies and individuals from its latest Russia-related sanctions package, warning it would protect their interests if the bloc refused. Beijing said the measures had damaged mutual trust, then added seven EU entities to its own export control list over Taiwan-related military support, deepening already strained ties. Alcott Wei, South China Morning Post, April 26
China and Mozambique to map critical minerals in insurgency-hit Cabo Delgado. China and Mozambique agreed to survey deposits of graphite, lithium, and rare earths in northern Mozambique while linking mineral development to infrastructure and local processing. The partnership also includes agricultural support and expanded security cooperation, as Maputo seeks Chinese capital and assistance to stabilize Cabo Delgado, where an Islamist insurgency has disrupted energy and mining projects. Jevans Nyabiage, South China Morning Post, April 25
Japan
Poll: 54% favor reining in prime minister’s power of dissolution. An Asahi Shimbun survey found 54% of voters want limits on the prime minister’s ability to dissolve the Lower House, while 41% want the power left unchanged. Support for restrictions was especially strong among opposition supporters and independents, with many saying snap dissolutions are unfair, costly, and disruptive to policymaking. Ryuichi Yamashita, The Asahi Shimbun, April 24
Japan mulls sending trade minister to China for APEC meeting in May. Japan is considering sending trade minister Ryosei Akazawa to an APEC trade meeting in Suzhou in May, which would mark the first visit to China by a Japanese minister since bilateral ties worsened last year. Akazawa is expected to seek meetings with senior Chinese officials as Tokyo and business groups look for ways to stabilize relations. Kyodo News, April 24
Tanker carrying U.S. oil arrives in Japan for 1st time since Iran war. A tanker carrying 145,000 kiloliters of U.S. crude arrived in Tokyo Bay, marking Japan’s first such shipment since the Iran war began in late February. The delivery reflects efforts by the government and oil wholesalers to diversify supply routes as the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz threatens energy flows from the Middle East. Kyodo News, April 26
South Korea
Main opposition party struggles to find June election candidates, bringing back old guards. South Korea’s main opposition People Power Party is struggling to finalize candidates for June local and by-elections, relying on veteran figures as internal divisions deepen and support falls. The party has yet to settle key races in places including Gyeonggi and Busan, while criticism of chairman Jang Dong-hyeok is growing. Recent surveys put PPP support at 20% or 15%, far below the ruling Democratic Party’s 48%. Park Ji-won, The Korea Times, April 24
Special counsel seeks 30-yr prison term for ex-President Yoon over alleged drone dispatch to Pyongyang. A special counsel team asked a Seoul court to sentence former President Yoon Suk Yeol to 30 years in prison and former Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun to 25 years over allegations that military drones were sent over Pyongyang in 2024. Prosecutors say the move was intended to provoke North Korean retaliation and create a pretext for Yoon’s failed martial law bid two months later. Chae Yun-hwan, Yonhap News Agency, April 24
North Korea
Russian parliament speaker in North Korea to mark Pyongyang's troop deployment in Ukraine war. Russian State Duma Speaker Vyacheslav Volodin arrived in North Korea to attend events commemorating Pyongyang’s troop deployment to support Russia in the Ukraine war. The visit centers on a ceremony marking the “liberation of Kursk” and underscores the rapid expansion of diplomatic and military ties since the two countries signed a mutual defence pact. Jack Kim, Reuters, April 25
North Korea's Kim says he will continue to support Russia's policies, state media reports. Kim Jong Un said North Korea would continue to fully back Russia’s policies on sovereignty, territorial integrity, and security during talks with Defence Minister Andrei Belousov. A Russian delegation also attended a memorial ceremony for North Korean troops killed in Kursk, as Pyongyang and Moscow reaffirmed plans to deepen their strategic partnership. Joyce Lee, Reuters, April 26
Russian defence minister visits North Korea. Russian Defence Minister Andrei Belousov arrived in North Korea for talks with the leadership and military officials and to attend commemorative events. His visit followed the arrival of Duma speaker Vyacheslav Volodin for the opening of a memorial to North Korean troops killed fighting for Russia in the Ukraine war, highlighting deepening military ties. Maxim Rodionov, Reuters, April 26
Thailand
Dozens of Thai opposition figures to go on trial over bid to amend royal insult law. Thailand’s Supreme Court said 44 current and former opposition lawmakers will stand trial from June 30 over their 2021 attempt to amend the lese-majeste law. The defendants include leaders of the People’s Party and former Move Forward figures, who could face lifetime bans from office if convicted. The party said it would fight the case and defend the legitimacy of parliamentary reform efforts. Panarat Thepgumpanat and Panu Wongcha-Um, Reuters, April 24
Thailand says China foreign minister expressed hope for improvements in Thai-Cambodia relations. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi told Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul that he hoped relations between Thailand and Cambodia would improve after two rounds of armed conflict last year. Thailand also said both Bangkok and Beijing attach great importance to tackling cyber scams, highlighting another shared concern during Wang’s visit. Reuters, April 24
Natthaphong sets out new direction. People’s Party leader Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut said he will stay on and shift the party toward tougher government scrutiny, stronger grassroots work, and future local election contests, including the Bangkok governor race. He said the party will launch a shadow cabinet, expand constituency organizing, and push policy work through House committees while keeping its focus on structural reform and transparency. Bangkok Post, April 26
People’s Party to name new secretary-general. The People’s Party was expected to appoint Phicharn Chaowapatanawong as secretary-general while keeping Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut as leader during an executive reshuffle linked to legal cases involving 44 former Move Forward MPs. Ten current People’s Party MPs are among those named, but the court did not suspend them from parliamentary duty pending a final ruling. Bangkok Post, April 25
Myanmar
ASEAN chair urges Myanmar to free more prisoners including Aung San Suu Kyi. The Philippines, as ASEAN chair, called on Myanmar to release more prisoners, including Aung San Suu Kyi, and said the recent amnesty was a positive step toward inclusive national dialogue. Manila reaffirmed support for a peaceful solution to Myanmar’s crisis, while noting Thailand had raised concerns about Suu Kyi’s welfare during talks with Min Aung Hlaing. Mikhail Flores and Karen Lema, Reuters, April 24
Myanmar's military-backed government imposes martial law in 60 townships. Min Aung Hlaing imposed martial law in 60 townships across conflict-hit states and regions, transferring executive and judicial authority there to military chief Ye Win Oo for 90 days. The government said the measure is needed to end armed terrorism and restore the rule of law, marking a major step to tighten control after the military-backed administration took office. Reuters, April 24
China backs Myanmar’s push to ease diplomatic isolation, stamp out telecoms scams. Wang Yi told Min Aung Hlaing that China would support Myanmar’s participation in more multilateral dialogue and promote positive interaction with ASEAN as Naypyidaw seeks to end its diplomatic isolation. Beijing also pledged closer cooperation to eliminate online gambling and telecoms fraud, while both sides stressed border stability and stronger practical cooperation in trade, energy, and investment. Vanessa Cai, South China Morning Post, April 26
Laos
Laos, China mark 65 years of ties amid expanding trade, investment. Laos and China marked 65 years of diplomatic relations by highlighting deeper economic ties, with two-way trade nearing U.S.$10 billion in 2025 and cumulative Chinese investment exceeding U.S.$18 billion. Lao and Chinese officials also pointed to rising tourism and the Laos-China Railway as symbols of closer integration, while calling for stronger cooperation in connectivity, trade, investment, and a shared-future partnership. Bounfaeng Phaymanivong, Vientiane Times, April 27
Cambodia
Draft law lowering conscription age finalized. Cambodia finalized a draft conscription law that would require men aged 18 to 25 to serve, lowering the upper age limit from 30 and extending total service from 18 to 24 months. Women would serve voluntarily. The revision would replace provisions in the 2006 law, which was never enforced, as Hun Manet pushes to create a trained reserve force. Sao Phal Niseiy, Cambodianess, April 24
Philippines
Philippines, Indonesia reaffirm strategic partnership. The Philippines and Indonesia reaffirmed their strategic partnership during the 8th meeting of their bilateral cooperation commission, expanding work on border agreements, defense and maritime ties, trade, energy, food security, legal cooperation, and people-to-people links. The two sides also discussed Myanmar, Cambodia-Thailand tensions, South China Sea disputes, and the Middle East’s impact on energy and food security. Javier Joe Ismael, The Manila Times, April 24
2 Americans die in Negros clash. Philippine officials said two U.S. nationals were among 19 people killed in an April 19 clash in Negros Occidental between government troops and the New People’s Army, though parts of the account remain disputed. The Commission on Human Rights is investigating amid conflicting claims over whether some of the dead were civilians, while Leila de Lima called for a congressional inquiry. Izel Abanilla and Arlie O. Calalo, The Manila Times, April 26
Luistro: Sara Duterte defense team conceded impeach case will reach trial stage. House justice committee chair Gerville Luistro said Sara Duterte’s lawyers effectively acknowledged that the impeachment case will reach a Senate trial by saying they will answer the allegations there. Luistro said the House only needs to establish probable cause, a low threshold, and argued COA disallowances and AMLC findings already provide enough basis to proceed. The committee plans to vote on probable cause after its April 29 hearing. Jan Escosio, Philippine Daily Inquirer, April 26
Indonesia
Indonesia reaffirms it has no plan to impose tolls in Malacca Strait. Indonesia said it will not impose tolls on ships transiting the Malacca Strait, after comments by Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa stirred concern earlier in the week. Purbaya said Indonesia would abide by UNCLOS rules governing international waterways. The clarification came as Asian governments weigh the vulnerability of major maritime chokepoints following disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz. Stefanno Sulaiman, Reuters, April 24
Indonesia refuses to send military to UK-France Hormuz mission. Indonesia rejected joining a proposed U.K.-France-led multinational mission to protect shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, with Foreign Minister Sugiono saying participation would violate Jakarta’s neutral and “free and active” foreign policy. He acknowledged the plan was discussed at an international summit even as two Indonesian tankers remain stranded in the Persian Gulf. Sugiono also reiterated that imposing transit fees in the Malacca Strait would be illegal under UNCLOS. Jayanty Nada Shofa, Jakarta Globe, April 24
Malaysia
Malaysia names former judge to head anti-corruption agency after scandals. Malaysia appointed former judge Abdul Halim Aman to lead the anti-corruption commission from May 13, replacing Azam Baki after years of misconduct allegations and renewed calls for his resignation. The government said Halim’s experience and integrity would help restore confidence and strengthen governance, following the king’s decision to choose the agency’s next chief. Rozanna Latiff and Xinghui Kok, Reuters, April 25
Taiwan
Taiwan foreign minister arrives in Eswatini after president's trip blocked. Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung arrived in Eswatini after Taiwan said Seychelles, Mauritius, and Madagascar revoked overflight clearances for President Lai Ching-te’s planned visit. Lin said Taiwan would not be deterred by “authoritarian forces,” while Lai declared that Taiwan has the right to engage internationally despite mounting external pressure. Ben Blanchard, Reuters, April 25
Kazakhstan
Kazakhstan plans more oil, gas cooperation with Uzbekistan, minister says. Kazakhstan says energy cooperation with Uzbekistan is expanding, with joint projects in petrochemicals, oil refining, transit, and supply already moving into implementation. Energy Minister Yerlan Akkenzhenov said the two sides are working on Russian gas transit to Uzbekistan, Russian oil supplies, and possible exports of Kazakh crude and petroleum products, underscoring closer regional coordination in the sector. Sadokat Jalolova, The Times of Central Asia, April 24
Kazakhstan, Oman deepen investment partnership with new agreement. Kazakhstan and Oman signed an investment cooperation agreement and advanced plans to expand collaboration in energy, logistics, mining, agriculture, digital technologies, and tourism. Officials highlighted a joint investment portfolio of about $3 billion and agreed to create a joint platform linking Samruk Kazyna and the Oman Investment Authority to support co-investment in priority sectors. Dana Omirgazy, The Astana Times, April 24
Kyrgyzstan
EU sanctions put Kyrgyzstan’s transit trade under scrutiny. The European Union tightened pressure on Kyrgyzstan in its latest Russia sanctions package, citing sharp increases in imports of sensitive goods from the EU and re-exports to Russia. The measures target dual-use technologies, banks, crypto-linked entities, and logistics firms, raising costs and compliance risks for trade. The move reflects Brussels’ view that Kyrgyzstan has become a persistent sanctions-circumvention route. The Times of Central Asia, April 24
Climate finance in Asia may be doing more harm than good. Climate finance in Asia is flowing too heavily into headline solar and wind projects while underfunding grids and battery storage needed to make those investments work. Vietnam and Indonesia show how that imbalance can strand assets, force curtailment, and even push countries back toward coal during demand surges. The remedy is to shift financing toward grid modernization, storage, and supporting infrastructure. Tim Daiss, Nikkei Asia, April 26
The Quad is on the brink of extinction. The Quad is losing coherence as Donald Trump skips summit diplomacy, presses India, Japan, and Australia on trade and defense spending, and fuels doubts about U.S. reliability. A Trump trip to China instead of India would deepen fears that Washington is sidelining allies’ interests. If the grouping weakens further, its members are likely to turn to narrower arrangements that depend less on the U.S. Derek Grossman, Foreign Policy, April 23
Regionalism is the Pacific’s antidote to global instability. Global shocks are hitting the Pacific through fuel prices, shipping costs, tourism, and supply chains, making economic vulnerability a central security issue. The region’s strongest response is deeper regional coordination through frameworks such as the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent, backed by better data sharing, crisis planning, renewable energy investment, and stronger institutions. Jose Sousa-Santos, East Asia Forum, April 24
East Asia
The other China flash point. The South China Sea, not just Taiwan, could trigger a U.S.-China conflict because repeated confrontations between China and the Philippines risk activating U.S. treaty obligations. Weak crisis-management channels, eroding norms, and failed diplomacy make escalation more plausible. Stronger deterrence, clearer redlines, and greater support for Southeast Asian maritime capacity are presented as the best way to reduce that danger. Henrietta Levin, Foreign Affairs, April 24
What does nuclear proliferation in East Asia mean for Russia? Debate over nuclear weapons in Japan and South Korea is intensifying as confidence in U.S. guarantees weakens and insecurity rises because of China’s buildup, North Korea’s threats, and Russia’s own behavior. The obstacles to proliferation remain real, but the risk has grown. For Russia, new nuclear states in East Asia would weaken the nonproliferation regime, complicate deterrence planning, and strain military resources in the Far East. James D.J. Brown, Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, April 24
The slow erosion of Japan’s arms export restraints. Japan’s approval of wider lethal defense exports under Sanae Takaichi marks a significant shift, but it is part of a long incremental loosening rather than a sudden break with the past. The change is driven by security concerns, industrial strategy, and partner diversification as U.S. reliability weakens. Public opposition remains substantial, and capacity limits mean Japan is unlikely to become a major arms exporter quickly. Corey Wallace, East Asia Forum, April 26
From airspace to sea lanes: a new front in U.S.-China rivalry. Control over airspace and sea lanes is becoming a tool of geopolitical pressure, illustrated by Taiwan President Lai Ching-te’s blocked Eswatini trip and the U.S.-Iran confrontation in the Strait of Hormuz. The shift turns transit systems once treated as public goods into instruments of coercion, raising risks for smaller states that depend on stable rules and open access. Miao Zong-Han, ThinkChina, April 24
Japan’s labour migration reforms leave foreign workers vulnerable. Japan’s planned replacement of the Technical Intern Training Program with the Employment for Skill Development program may improve job mobility and create a clearer route into skilled-worker status, but major vulnerabilities remain. Recruitment debt, weak oversight, low wages, stricter language rules, and limited access to long-term settlement mean risks and costs still fall heavily on migrant workers. Stefan Aichholzer, East Asia Forum, April 25
Japan should prepare for a brain drain. Japan’s fertility decline reflects a broader global trend, but weaker family support and gender equality have left its birth rate below the OECD average and made demographic recovery harder. Even with structural reforms, aging, labor shortages, and regional decline will persist. A growing risk is that highly educated young Japanese, attracted by better pay and opportunities overseas, begin leaving in greater numbers. Junya Tsutsui, Nikkei Asia, April 25
Southeast Asia
Why Vietnam is swinging in China’s direction. Vietnam is drawing closer to China not out of trust, but to hedge against a less predictable international environment and doubts about U.S. reliability. Under To Lam, Hanoi has shown greater interest in Chinese-backed rail, supply chains, and multilateral initiatives, while keeping strategic autonomy intact. The shift is best understood as a more pragmatic and selective embrace shaped by uncertainty rather than alliance politics. Nguyen Khac Giang, Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, April 24
Indonesia’s stock market plunge needs more than regulation. Indonesia’s response to its market sell-off and MSCI downgrade warning addresses real problems such as low free float, weak disclosure, and price manipulation, but technical fixes alone may not be enough. The deeper issue is a market structure that rewards speculation over productive investment. Stronger reform would tie public market access and state-backed financing more directly to real-economy activity such as manufacturing and infrastructure. Shirothi Nashuha, East Asia Forum, April 25