China
Stricter Chinese scrutiny of offshore vehicles a blow for tech and biotech IPO candidates. Beijing is tightening scrutiny of offshore-incorporated vehicles used by Chinese tech and biotech firms seeking Hong Kong listings, creating new hurdles for U.S. dollar funds and overseas investors. Industry sources said regulators want to ensure sensitive assets do not escape oversight and are pushing companies toward mainland-incorporated H-share listings instead of red-chip structures. Julie Zhang, South China Morning Post, April 7.
China’s yuan may be going global faster than Western data suggests, analysts say. Analysts said mainstream measures may understate the yuan’s global role because more cross-border transactions are being routed through China’s own payment system and bilateral arrangements rather than SWIFT. That could explain why Beijing says the yuan is the world’s third-largest payment currency while Swift data placed it between fourth and sixth in 2025. Sylvia Ma, South China Morning Post, April 6
Japan
Japan arranging summit with Iran, Takaichi says. Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said Japan is preparing leadership-level talks with Iran and may also seek a separate call with U.S. President Donald Trump. She said Japan would do everything possible to find an off-ramp and restore peace, as Trump warned Tehran that the U.S. would bomb Iranian power plants unless the Strait of Hormuz was reopened. Sakura Murakami, The Japan Times, April 6.
Much-criticized retrial reform bill delayed by LDP lawmakers. Japan’s ruling party is withholding approval of a retrial reform bill after LDP lawmakers objected that it would still let prosecutors file time-consuming appeals against decisions granting retrials. The Justice Ministry is now considering restrictions on such appeals, but disagreement remains over whether that goes far enough to prevent further delays in redressing wrongful convictions. Yuki Nikaido, The Asahi Shimbun, April 6
South Korea
Cabinet approves motion to amend some texts in Constitution. South Korea’s Cabinet approved a motion on constitutional amendments that would tighten rules for declaring martial law and add the 1979 Busan-Masan protests and 1980 Gwangju uprising to the preamble. If lawmakers pass it, the changes would go to a referendum, potentially alongside the June 3 local elections. Kim Eun-jung, Yonhap News Agency, April 6
Lee set to meet with leaders of rival parties to discuss economic fallout from Middle East war. President Lee Jae Myung is set to meet ruling and opposition leaders to discuss the Middle East war’s economic impact. Officials said the talks may also seek to create a consultative body involving both sides to address livelihood issues. Yi Wonju, Yonhap News Agency, April 7
North Korea
South Korea says 'credible intelligence' indicates North Korean leader's daughter is successor. South Korea’s spy agency now believes Kim Jong Un’s teenage daughter has been positioned as his successor, citing her recent public appearance driving a tank as evidence. Lawmakers said the display was intended to highlight military aptitude and counter doubts over a female heir, though some analysts urged caution. Kyu-Seok Shim, Reuters, April 6
North Korea working on carbon-fibre ICBM for multi-warhead delivery, Seoul says. South Korean lawmakers said North Korea’s March solid-fuel engine test was intended for a carbon-fibre ICBM designed to extend range and carry heavier or multiple warheads. They said the new engine likely has greater thrust than a 2024 model already assessed as capable of reaching anywhere in the mainland U.S. Jack Kim, Reuters, April 6.
North Korea says South Korea’s Lee is ‘wise’ for expressing regret about drones. North Korea called President Lee Jae Myung’s expression of regret over drone incursions a wise and fortunate move. Kim Yo Jong said Kim Jong Un viewed it as frank and broad-minded. Lee said civilians, including an intelligence employee and an active-duty military official, were involved in actions that caused unnecessary tensions. Kyu-seok Shim, Cynthia Kim, and Jack Kim, Reuters, April 6.
North Korea distancing itself from Iran to leave door open for U.S. talks, Seoul says. South Korea’s spy agency said North Korea appears to be distancing itself from Iran by avoiding weapons support, condolences, and stronger public statements. Lawmakers said Pyongyang was managing its messaging to preserve space for a new relationship with the U.S. after the Iran war, while also trying to secure Russian oil. Jack Kim and Joyce Lee, Reuters, April 6
Vietnam
Tran Thanh Man re-elected as Vietnam’s National Assembly chairman. Vietnam’s National Assembly re-elected Tran Thanh Man as chairman for its 16th term with 100% of present delegates voting in favor. The session marks the start of the 2026-2031 legislature, which will focus on consolidating state personnel and setting five-year socio-economic plans, while electing other top state and government leaders in the coming days. Son Ha, VnExpress, April 6
First session of the 16th National Assembly lays foundation for full-term agenda. Lawmakers said the first session of Vietnam’s 16th National Assembly will set the agenda for the full term by consolidating the state apparatus, reviewing important draft laws, and deciding key national issues. Deputies also highlighted institutional reform, decentralisation, and preparations for 2026-2031 socio-economic, defence, and security strategies as central priorities for the new legislature. Vietnam News, April 6
Thailand
Cabinet approves Anutin’s five-pillar policy amid global economic risks. Thailand’s Cabinet approved Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul’s policy statement built around five pillars: the economy; foreign affairs and security; society; disasters and the environment; and public administration and legal reform. The government said it would address immediate problems, restructure the economy and society, expand digital public services, and organise work through five strategic clusters. The Nation, April 6
Anutin prepares revised oil plan as Middle East crisis drags on. Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said Thailand was revising its domestic oil management plan as the Middle East conflict threatens higher prices and tighter supplies. He said civil servants would face stricter work-from-home and energy-saving rules, while the public and private sectors were urged to reduce private car use, carpool, use public transport, and conserve electricity. The Nation, April 6
Myanmar
Wa become first ethnic force to congratulate Min Aung Hlaing on presidency. The United Wa State Army became the first ethnic armed group to congratulate Min Aung Hlaing on becoming president, and the NDAA soon followed. The report said the Wa and Mongla groups were seeking to preserve smooth ties with the military to protect their autonomous enclaves along the Chinese border, where both retain broad control despite regime claims. The Irrawaddy, April 6
Myanmar's new president Min Aung Hlaing faces genocide complaint in Indonesia. A criminal case accusing Min Aung Hlaing of genocide against the Rohingya was filed in Indonesia by Rohingya and Indonesian figures, including a former attorney general. The claimants said prosecutors accepted the case under provisions allowing universal jurisdiction for grave crimes. Myanmar has long denied genocide. Stanley Widianto, Reuters, April 6
Philippines
Army to showcase new tanks, artillery systems at Salaknib 2026. The Philippine Army said Salaknib 2026 will showcase newly acquired modernization assets, including Ascod tanks, self-propelled 155 artillery, and Atmos truck-mounted howitzers. The exercise, running to April 17 with U.S., Japanese, Australian, and New Zealand forces, will include live fire, aviation operations, command-post drills, and large-scale maneuvers. Officials said it also supports territorial defense and the transition to the broader Balikatan exercise. Izel Abanilla, The Manila Times, April 6
Marcos, Sara’s trust, approval ratings dip. Publicus Asia’s first-quarter survey found falling approval and trust ratings for President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Vice President Sara Duterte amid concerns over corruption, living costs, and governance. Marcos’ approval fell to 19% and Duterte’s to 28%, while their trust ratings dropped to 13% and 26%, respectively. The survey linked Marcos’ decline to the flood-control controversy, Duterte’s transfer and fuel prices, and Duterte’s slide to impeachment complaints and ICC developments. Kristina Maralit, The Manila Times, April 6
Malaysia
Iran says it does not forget friends as first Malaysian ship passes Strait of Hormuz. Iran’s embassy in Malaysia said the first Malaysian ship had passed through the Strait of Hormuz, after Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said talks with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian secured passage for seven stranded Malaysian vessels. Anwar said he told Pezeshkian the ships were critical for public needs and national oil supply, and the Iranian president immediately ordered that Malaysian vessels be allowed through. Malay Mail, April 6
Singapore
Parliament to discuss cushioning S’pore from Middle East conflict’s impact; three ministers to speak. Singapore’s Parliament is set to discuss measures to cushion the Middle East conflict’s impact, with Gan Kim Yong, K. Shanmugam, and Jeffrey Siow scheduled to speak. MPs filed 62 questions on energy prices, food costs, business pressures, worker support, and supply resilience, following earlier moves to bring forward Budget relief and coordinate the national response. Ng Wei Kai, The Straits Times, April 6
Kazakhstan
Kazakh government approves action plan to promote new Constitution. Kazakhstan approved a 36-measure plan to promote the new Constitution and support its implementation. The plan covers outreach, education, and legal measures, including accessible and English-language editions, digital distribution, curriculum updates, new courses on constitutional basics and law and order, and a unified media campaign across TV, radio, and online platforms. Zhanna Nurmaganbetova, Qazinform, April 6
Kazakhstan briefs diplomats on regional environmental summit in Astana. Kazakhstan briefed diplomats on preparations for the Regional Environmental Summit in Astana on April 22-24. Officials said the meeting will focus on regional cooperation, sustainable development, and practical climate solutions, while also promoting Kazakhstan’s proposals on water governance, climate policy, nuclear energy, the Aral Sea, and biodiversity. Dana Omirgazy, The Astana Times, April 6
East Asia
China’s renewable capacity is a security asset, not a liability. Oil shocks tied to Iran and the Strait of Hormuz have pushed fuel prices higher and exposed the difference between fossil fuel dependence and installed renewable capacity. Chinese-made solar panels and wind turbines pose supply concentration risks at the point of purchase, but once installed, they provide power for decades with little leverage for the exporter. That makes renewable deployment a security asset rather than a liability. Economies with more domestic renewable electricity face less exposure to oil and gas shocks, inflation, and power price spikes, as Japan’s 1973 crisis showed. Faster renewable adoption also lowers climate risks that can damage energy systems, so the sound policy choice is rapid deployment, not delay. Patrick Xue, East Asia Forum, April 6
When cost and practical application takes priority: China surpasses US in AI adoption. Chinese AI models moved from a US-dominated market in 2023 to parity in 2024 and passed the US in OpenRouter call volume in February 2026. Their edge rests on lower prices, strong performance, long context windows, multimodal tools, and an open-source ecosystem that cuts research and deployment costs. The change reflects demand from overseas developers, with most OpenRouter users outside China. Firms such as MiniMax, Kimi, GLM, DeepSeek, and Qwen gained ground through fast product updates, enterprise customization, and system design that reduces latency, power use, and inference costs. Yin Ruizhi, ThinkChina, April 6
China’s Absence Draws America Deeper Into Risky Wars. Washington’s war with Iran weakens the U.S. position against China because Beijing lacks the overseas military reach that forced U.S. restraint during the Cold War. China benefits when rivals are distracted, yet Beijing lacks control over Tehran and its interests in the Middle East center on stability and economic ties. The conflict disrupts oil markets, but China has stockpiles, diversified imports, and a broader energy mix. The greater danger for Washington is strategic overreach, weaker focus on East Asia, and fresh strain with allies whose support for the war is limited. Jo Inge Bekkevold, Foreign Policy, April 6
Taiwan and China are preparing for a summit, of sorts. Cheng Li-wun’s planned visit to China and expected meeting with Xi Jinping expose a struggle inside Taiwan’s Kuomintang and raise concern in Washington and Taipei. Beijing sees the KMT as its best path toward peaceful unification and may use Cheng’s words to influence Donald Trump before a planned Xi-Trump summit. Taiwan’s government warns against accepting China’s political narratives, while American visitors press for higher defense spending. Polls show distrust of China, weak support for unification, and concern that Cheng’s approach could hurt the KMT as factions in the party split between closer ties with China and stronger alignment with America. The Economist, April 6
Japan’s draft governance code revision contains little new meat. The draft revision of Japan’s Corporate Governance Code improves readability, clarifies the status of supplementary principles, urges stronger review of cash use for growth investment, and encourages advance financial disclosure before annual meetings. But those changes leave larger weaknesses untouched. The draft does not define corporate value, create incentives for majority independent boards, strengthen independent board leadership, describe the chair’s role, set committee rules, or address term limits. Nicholas Benes, Nikkei Asia, April 6
North Korea’s Ties With Belarus: Limited But Not Insignificant. Belarus and North Korea have raised ties through a friendship treaty, plans for a Belarusian embassy in Pyongyang, and cooperation in agriculture, education, healthcare, and exchanges. The relationship remains far less important to Pyongyang than its ties with Russia and China, yet it still serves North Korea’s push to widen links with anti-Western partners. Belarus offers access to Moscow, possible labor channels, and another source of foreign currency. The partnership also fits North Korea’s reading of wars in Ukraine and the Middle East as openings to tighten alignment with states opposed to the West. Minsk may serve as a channel for messages between Washington and Pyongyang, though a real mediating role looks unlikely. Edward Howell, CSIS, April 6
Southeast Asia
Turning Waste Into Wealth: Chinese Firms Are Expanding Into Southeast Asia. China’s waste-to-energy sector is moving into Southeast Asia as growth slows at home and regional cities face rising waste, weak infrastructure, and landfill pressure. Chinese firms had more than 43 overseas projects in 13 countries by mid-2025, with Vietnam, Thailand, and Indonesia as key sites. Long Build-Operate-Transfer concessions place waste handling and power generation in foreign private hands, which moves urban governance roles. Chinese firms bring financing models and technology suited to wet, low-calorific waste streams. Risks remain from put-or-pay contracts, fiscal lock-in, public distrust, and weak local regulation. Yichen Wang, FULCRUM, April 6
The Philippines Puts Its Budget on Blockchain: Will This Beat Corruption? The Philippines placed parts of its national budget on a public blockchain after the 2025 flood control scandal exposed anonymous insertions, rigged procurement, and false disbursements. The CADENA Act would require budget records from drafting through audit to appear on the chain within seven days with digital signatures tied to specific officials. Public blockchain design offers immutability, distributed verification, and traceable attribution. Main challenges include data sovereignty, public access for nontechnical users, and false inputs at the point of entry. Wider disclosure and a whistleblower incentive law could turn transparency into enforcement. David Lam, FULCRUM, April 6
South Asia
India’s Stranded Seafarers Hope New Delhi Can Save Them. The closure of the Strait of Hormuz left about 20,000 seafarers stranded on 2,500 ships, including an estimated 2,500 to 3,000 Indians. Repatriation efforts brought some India-flagged tankers home, but crews on foreign-flag and flag-of-convenience vessels remain exposed to attack, supply shortages, and weak oversight. India’s maritime labor system leaves many workers vulnerable to illegal fees, poor information, and abandonment. Some sailors accept danger pay because refusal can mean replacement or blacklisting. Safe passage now depends on diplomacy, while staying in place also carries a serious risk. Kanika Gupta, Foreign Policy, April 6