China
China moves to regulate digital humans, bans addictive services for children. China’s cyberspace regulator issued draft rules requiring clear labels on digital human content and banning services that could mislead children or fuel addiction. The proposal would bar virtual intimate relationships for minors, ban creating digital humans from personal data without consent, and prohibit using them to bypass identity checks. Ethan Wang and Ryan Woo, Reuters, April 3
China ready to cooperate with Russia to ease Middle East tension, foreign minister says. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi told Sergei Lavrov that China was willing to work with Russia at the U.N. Security Council to cool tensions in the Middle East. Wang said the key to resolving navigation problems in the Strait of Hormuz was a ceasefire and repeated China’s support for dialogue and negotiation. Shi Bu and Ryan Woo, Reuters, April 5
China-Pakistan joint naval exercise concludes in north Arabian Sea. The China-Pakistan “Sea Guardian IV” naval exercise ended on April 1 in the northern Arabian Sea after beginning on March 25. The drills included harbor exchanges and live sea exercises, with Chinese and Pakistani ships alternating as command vessels during the operation. Global Times, April 1.
No more ‘cold peace’ across Taiwan Strait: former KMT chairwoman calls to rebuild trust. Former KMT chairwoman Hung Hsiu-chu called for cross-strait dialogue to break what she described as a state of cold peace, rebuild trust, and avoid conflict. She urged a return to the 1992 consensus and backed current chairwoman Cheng Li-wun’s China visit as a way to revive exchanges, industrial cooperation, and crisis-management mechanisms. Phoebe Zhang, South China Morning Post, April 3
Japan
Japan PM’s Cabinet support flat at 63%, half discontent with oil response. A Kyodo News poll found Cabinet support at 63.8%, nearly unchanged from March, while 49.3% said Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s response to oil shortages was insufficient. The survey also showed broad concern about the Middle East conflict’s effect on daily life, support for continued gasoline subsidies, and opposition to changing the Constitution to send the Self-Defense Forces to Hormuz. Kyodo News, April 5
Japan should lead efforts toward U.S.-Iran ceasefire, Mideast expert says. Jitsuro Terashima said Japan should take a proactive role in seeking an early U.S.-Iran ceasefire through stronger multilateral cooperation. He argued Japan should define a clear strategy in a world shaped by power politics and said many Japanese still view the Middle East too narrowly through the lens of energy. The Japan Times, April 5
Japan’s budget likely to be enacted as early as Tuesday. Japan’s fiscal 2026 budget could be enacted as early as Tuesday after the ruling coalition and supporting lawmakers appeared to secure an Upper House majority. The LDP won backing from opposition and independent members, while still seeking more support. Opposition parties, however, called for additional intensive deliberations before a final vote. The Japan Times, April 3
South Korea
Military helicopter mistakenly enters DMZ during wildfire operation last month. A South Korean Army Surion helicopter accidentally entered the DMZ buffer zone on March 23 while assisting wildfire operations in Yeoncheon. The aircraft reportedly lacked U.N. Command approval to enter the area, and authorities are investigating whether it flew past the Military Demarcation Line. North Korea showed no unusual response. Chae Yun-hwan, Yonhap News Agency, April 5
Lee aide floats possibility of another extra budget in H2 if Mideast crisis drags on. A senior presidential aide said South Korea could consider another supplementary budget in the second half if the Middle East crisis continues. Hong Ik-pyo said the current 26.2 trillion-won package was not election-driven and pointed to weaker growth forecasts, high fuel prices, and lingering supply disruption even after fighting ends. Kim Seung-yeon, Yonhap News Agency, April 5
PPP continues to fall 1 year after Yoon’s ouster. One year after Yoon Suk Yeol’s ouster, the People Power Party remained in deep decline, trailing the ruling Democratic Party by 30 points in a Gallup Korea poll. The report linked the slump to the party’s failure to break with Yoon and said the weak numbers were fueling anxiety ahead of June 3 local elections. Park Ji-won, The Korea Times, April 5
North Korea
N. Korea official arrested for citing wrong leader in lecture. A provincial party official in North Hamgyong was arrested after he mistakenly used Kim Il Sung's quotations during a lecture meant to promote Kim Jong Un’s ideology. The public detention was reportedly intended to show that even inadvertent errors undermining Kim Jong Un’s authority would bring punishment as North Korea sharpens its ideological supremacy. Jeong Seo-yeong, Daily NK, April 3
North Korea shifts education costs onto the public. North Korea formalized a law requiring institutions, enterprises, and citizens to support education financially, shifting costs from the central government to local bodies and the public. The law sets up sponsorship duties, performance evaluations, and penalties, including unpaid labor and criminal liability, for misuse of funds or failure to comply. Mun Dong Hui, Daily NK, April 3
Vietnam
Vietnam Q1 growth slows as costlier Middle East energy tests 2026 target. Vietnam’s economy grew 7.83% in the first quarter, down from 8.46% in the previous quarter, as heavier energy costs pushed inflation higher. Consumer prices rose 4.65% in March, and transport costs jumped 10.81%. Despite the pressure, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh said Vietnam would keep its 10% growth target through more public investment and diversified exports and supply chains. Khanh Vu and Phuong Nguyen, Reuters, April 4
16th National Assembly’s first session opens on Monday. Vietnam’s 16th National Assembly opened its first session in Hanoi with an 11-working-day agenda to review reports and make organisational decisions. The session will run in two phases, from April 6 to 12 and April 20 to 23, with extra days reserved if needed. Deputies also held a preparatory session, elected delegation leaders, and adopted the agenda. Vietnam News, April 5
Thailand
Pheu Thai plans overhaul of the SSF. Pheu Thai unveiled plans to amend the Social Security Act with a broad overhaul of the Social Security Fund, including changes to its board, expanded benefits, and wider coverage for informal and platform workers. The party also proposed tighter investment oversight, more transparency, and direct election of seven board members, while the Social Security Office said the fund remains stable. Bangkok Post, April 4
Cambodia
Cambodian parliament passes landmark cybercrime law after scam centre scrutiny. Cambodia’s parliament passed its first law specifically targeting scam centres, with penalties of two to five years in prison and fines of up to $125,000. Sentences can rise to 10 years and $250,000 for gang-run scams or cases with many victims. The law also punishes money laundering, data gathering, and recruitment for scams. Chantha Lach, Reuters, April 3
Hun Manet visits France with eye on strategic partnership. Prime Minister Hun Manet began a visit to France aimed at expanding cooperation in politics, security, trade, investment, and culture. He is set to meet President Emmanuel Macron to strengthen ties and discuss upgrading relations to a strategic partnership, while also exchanging views on multilateral issues and the Francophonie Summit that Cambodia will host in Phnom Penh in November. Khmer Times, April 5
Cambodia decries Thai military activities in occupied areas of Preah Vihear province. Cambodia protested what it called unlawful Thai military activity in occupied parts of Preah Vihear province, citing land clearing near the Preah Vihear Temple area, about 100 meters of barbed wire, and armored vehicle deployments. Phnom Penh said the actions violated the December 2025 ceasefire, infringed on its sovereignty, and should stop immediately. Sao Phal Niseiy, Cambodianess, April 5
Philippines
PH to maintain Myanmar ties after election. The Philippines said it will continue engaging Myanmar after Min Aung Hlaing’s election as president through Foreign Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro, acting as the ASEAN chair’s special envoy, and through both countries’ embassies. Manila also reaffirmed support for ASEAN-led efforts and called for renewed momentum toward implementing the Five-Point Consensus, especially ending violence and delivering humanitarian aid. Catherine S. Valente, The Manila Times, April 4.
Trust, technical issues cloud PH nuclear energy plans. Debate over the Philippines’ nuclear plans has exposed concerns about public trust, consultation, regulation, and site safety. Critics in Labrador said local support was overstated and consultations were lacking, while experts questioned whether safeguards would be enforced. Officials said policy work, investor interest, and the new independent regulator are advancing, but local readiness remains essential. Franco Jose C. Baroña, The Manila Times, April 5
Taiwan
Taiwan says it has assurances over LNG supplies from 'major' country. Taiwan said it received assurances from the energy minister of a major LNG-producing country that it would fully support Taiwan’s gas needs. Officials said Taiwan has alternate supplies from countries including Australia and the U.S., and CPC added that a new U.S. contract will provide 1.2 million metric tons annually. Ben Blanchard and Roger Tung, Reuters, April 4
WP disciplinary panel completes probe into Pritam Singh. The Workers’ Party said its disciplinary panel has finished investigating whether party chief Pritam Singh breached the party constitution after his conviction for lying to Parliament’s Committee of Privileges. The panel will submit its final report and recommendations to the central executive committee in April, after which notice of a special cadre members’ conference will be issued within two weeks. Samuel Devaraj, The Straits Times, April 4
Kazakhstan
Major hydrocarbon field discovered in Kazakhstan. KazMunayGas said a major hydrocarbon field has been identified in Kazakhstan’s Atyrau Region on the Zhylyoi Platform near the Caspian coast, with potential scale compared to Kashagan. Officials said the onshore location could lower development costs, but the deposits are deep and remain geological estimates rather than proven recoverable reserves. Exploration has begun, with a 5,750-meter well drilled at Karaton. Dmitry Pokidaev, The Times of Central Asia, April 3
Turkmenistan
Turkmenistan introduces fuel limits for vehicles leaving the country. Turkmenistan imposed new rules limiting the amount of diesel in vehicles leaving the country to 300 liters, with a fee of about $1 for each additional liter. The measure mainly affects heavy trucks and is being enforced at border checkpoints through fuel measurement, electronic records, and bank payment receipts. Authorities say it is meant to curb smuggling, fraud, shortages, and black-market distortions. Vagit Ismailov, The Times of Central Asia, April 3
Global foreign direct investment falters as Asian investment flows rise strongly. Global foreign direct investment has slowed since the 2008 financial crisis as tariffs, geopolitical tension, economic nationalism, and state capitalism have cut cross-border investment growth. Trump’s tariff agenda and investment pledges from firms and foreign governments have added uncertainty without creating a durable base for renewed investment. Restrictions on foreign ownership and strategic sector controls have spread in the United States, Europe, and Asia. Asia stands apart, with strong growth in inward and outward investment since 2017, led by China, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, and Taiwan. Regional trade and investment pacts such as ASEAN, CPTPP, and RCEP support intraregional flows that continue to expand despite weaker global conditions. Gary Hufbauer and Ye Zhang, East Asia Forum, April 5
East Asia
Xi Jinping’s forever war on corruption. China’s anti-corruption campaign has intensified since 2023, with detentions across the party state and the military, including senior officers and top commanders. The scale of the purge suggests not a solved problem but a conflict Xi Jinping cannot end. The campaign seeks to punish corrupt officials and deter others through fear and political education, yet new cases keep emerging among cadres Xi promoted and among rank-and-file members. That pattern points to weak progress in the effort to reshape party conduct and loyalty. Xi faces risk from any pause. A softer campaign could invite another wave of abuse and cast doubt on his claim to preserve party rule. Andrew Wedeman, East Asia Forum, April 4
The Unwarranted War against Iran: The U.S.-China Stakes. A month of U.S.-Israel war against Iran has disrupted oil flows through Hormuz, driven prices higher, caused mass casualties and displacement, and delayed a summit between Donald Trump and Xi Jinping. The United States faces high military exposure in the Gulf but less energy vulnerability because of domestic production. China has little armed presence, yet a greater economic risk because of import dependence. Iran’s leadership remains intact, while U.S. and Israeli air superiority has not produced a decisive victory. The conflict has damaged regional economies, strained Gulf modernization plans, and raised the cost of war for Washington. A longer conflict would deepen supply shocks, spread fiscal and security stress, and leave both powers paying different costs through strategy for the United States and energy for China. Dan Steinbock, CHINA US Focus, April 4
Deepening Strategic Alignment: Priorities for the U.S.-Japan Alliance. The United States and Japan face a harsher security setting under President Trump and Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, with pressure from China, North Korea, Russia, and conflict in the Middle East. Operational cooperation has continued in defense, economic security, and minilateral partnerships, but the alliance lacks a clear strategic vision. Priority areas include stronger command and control integration, clearer roles and missions, coordination on Japan’s new strike capabilities, deeper defense industrial cooperation, and stronger cybersecurity and intelligence sharing. Burden sharing should cover defense, trade, investment, and economic security. Japan can take a larger role in sustaining Indo-Pacific coalitions, while both governments can resume high-level strategic talks. Kristi Govella and Nicholas Szechenyi, CSIS, April 3
North Korea not ready for a female successor. Kim Ju-ae’s rise signals an effort to present North Korea as modern and confident after Kim Jong-un’s failed diplomacy with Donald Trump in Hanoi. The core issue is not designation but whether the system can accept a female ruler. Power in Pyongyang rests with male military elites whose loyalty has gone to male Kim leaders for three generations. Kim Jong-un built authority through purges backed by dynastic legitimacy, a path beyond the reach of a young daughter. In a succession crisis, Kim Yo-jong would stand as the stronger claimant because she has experience, ties to the security apparatus, and political weight. An heir on paper does not guarantee power. Mitch Shin, East Asia Forum, April 3
Southeast Asia
Fuel Crisis Forces Politically Perilous Trade-Offs in Indonesia. Indonesia has avoided an immediate fuel supply emergency because coal dominates its power mix, and officials say fuel reserves remain manageable. The main risk is a price shock that would raise inflation through transport and logistics. Passing higher costs to consumers could trigger protests in a country where fuel subsidies shape daily life and political legitimacy. Absorbing the shock through the budget would strain state finances and threaten patronage networks tied to President Prabowo Subianto’s rule. Relaxing the deficit cap could weaken investor confidence after negative outlook revisions from ratings agencies. A centralized governing style, weak coordination, and Prabowo’s tendency to read crisis through sabotage and disloyalty may leave the government unprepared for the choices ahead. Sana Jaffrey, Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, April 3
Indonesia and Australia step up defence cooperation. The Jakarta Treaty marks a new phase in Indonesia-Australia defence ties and seeks to steady a region shaped by US-China rivalry, defence pacts, and maritime tension. Australia gains a stronger link to Southeast Asia and a security partner beyond the United States. Indonesia gains deeper cooperation while keeping strategic autonomy. The treaty creates regular consultations at the leader and minister level and a channel for early exchanges on security threats. It opens scope for work on maritime security, cybersecurity, and defence industry projects. Trust gaps remain because of past disputes, sovereignty concerns, and debate over whether closer military access could test Indonesia’s free and active foreign policy. Marina Ika Sari and Dion Maulana Prasetya, East Asia Forum, April 3
Thailand’s economic recovery depends on opening up. Thailand’s new coalition has won on a promise of stability but inherits weak growth, high household debt, tight public finances, and export risks tied to US trade policy and a stronger baht. Exports carried the economy in 2025, yet investment remains trapped in old assets and has not built the base for green manufacturing. Limits on foreign ownership and restrictions on legal, accounting, and logistics services deter firms that support new industries. Thailand lags in free trade access, and many smaller exporters do not use tariff preferences because the rules of origin are costly. Recovery depends on trade and investment reform, including easier majority foreign ownership, CPTPP entry, an EU free trade agreement, and wider services liberalization. Ahmed Albayrak, East Asia Forum, April 2
South Asia
How China Reinvented the BRI. China’s Belt and Road Initiative has gone from big infrastructure toward a tool of industrial policy built around clean technology, critical minerals, and export expansion. Western tariffs and other trade barriers have pushed Chinese firms to move supply chains through lower-tariff countries, seed factories in intermediary markets, and use trade pacts to keep access to Western consumers. Investment has surged in technology, manufacturing, green energy, mining, oil, and gas, with Africa and Southeast Asia central to the push. Beijing is pairing projects with free trade agreements and zero-tariff offers to build a wider trade bloc, secure resources, absorb overcapacity, and deepen ties across the global south. Jessica C. Liao and Zenel Garcia, Foreign Policy, April 3
The rise of Pakistan in the emerging diplomacy over Iran. Pakistan has gained diplomatic weight in the Iran war because it remains usable to Tehran, Washington, Beijing, and key Muslim states. The spread of energy and shipping costs has raised demand for intermediaries, while Gulf states face limits from their ties to Washington. Islamabad has become a platform for de-escalation by hosting Saudi, Turkish, and Egyptian ministers, carrying proposals on Hormuz, and securing passage for extra Pakistani-flagged vessels. Its role draws strength from a stronger military reputation after the 2025 clash with India, deep arms ties with China, and a defense pact with Saudi Arabia. Pakistan cannot dictate terms, but it has become hard to bypass in diplomacy around Iran. Hao Nan, ThinkChina, April 2
Pakistan’s Peacemaking Is a Setback for India. Pakistan has used the Iran war to recast itself as a mediator between Washington and Tehran, host talks with Egypt, Turkey, and Saudi Arabia, and coordinate with China on a peace plan. This diplomacy has cut against Narendra Modi’s effort to isolate Islamabad and has exposed the limits of India’s standing with the Trump administration. Pakistan’s leverage rests on army chief Asim Munir, military channels, and ties across rival camps, but the role carries risk because failed talks could bring blame from all sides. India faces a region where Pakistan has regained influence and room to shape crisis diplomacy. Sushant Singh, Foreign Policy, April 3
The tumbling rupee is a big problem for Narendra Modi. The rupee has fallen against the dollar during the Iran war after a weak 2025, raising concern in a country that treats currency strength as a marker of national standing. Modi helped build that political meaning in 2013 when he blamed Congress for the rupee’s slide. The memory of the 1991 balance of payments crisis continues to shape public anxiety over depreciation. A weaker rupee will raise costs for energy, imports, and subsidies, even if exports gain. The danger for the government is a move toward 100 rupees to the dollar, a threshold with heavy political force. The Economist, April 5