China
Trump says he believes China got Iran to negotiate, AFP reports. Donald Trump told AFP he believes China helped push Iran into ceasefire talks in the war against Israel and the U.S. China’s foreign ministry welcomed the ceasefire and said Beijing had worked for lasting peace, while reiterating support for an immediate ceasefire and a diplomatic resolution, without detailing its role. Jasper Ward, Ethan Wang and Liz Lee, Reuters, April 8
PLA troops facing Taiwan Strait and Japan simulate response to nuclear attack. A recent Eastern Theatre Command exercise included rapid radiation detection, exposure screening, and full decontamination in a simulated nuclear attack scenario. State media said the drill was designed to improve emergency response in complex battlefield conditions. The report came amid concern over strikes near Iranian nuclear facilities and continuing tensions involving Taiwan and Japan. Liu Zhen, South China Morning Post, April 8
China's foreign minister to visit North Korea to bolster loosened ties. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi will visit North Korea on April 9 and 10 as Beijing and Pyongyang seek to revive ties that cooled after the pandemic and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The visit follows resumed flights and passenger train service and comes ahead of an expected Xi-Trump summit next month. Ethan Wang, Xiuhao Chen and Liz Lee, Reuters, April 8
Japan
Parties call for extra budget amid concerns over energy crisis. Calls are growing in Japan’s parliament for a supplementary budget to address rising energy costs just after the fiscal 2026 budget took effect. Lawmakers said the ¥1 trillion in reserve funds could be used for gasoline subsidies and other relief, but concerns remain that it may prove insufficient if the Iran conflict drags on and continues to disrupt global energy supplies. The Japan Times, April 9.
Japan PM urges Iran president to swiftly secure safe Hormuz passage. Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi urged Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian to quickly ensure safe passage for ships of all nations through the Strait of Hormuz and pressed for early de-escalation in the Middle East. She called the Strait an international public asset, welcomed the two-week ceasefire as a positive move, and said Japan hopes diplomacy will lead to a final agreement soon. Kyodo News, April 8.
Takaichi: Japan has enough petroleum to last through 2026. Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said Japan has secured enough petroleum to last through the rest of the year and into next year, while planning to expand supplies from outside the Middle East, including the U.S. She said reserve funds in the fiscal 2026 budget could be used if needed, but she is not considering a supplementary budget now because the effects of the Middle East situation remain difficult to predict. Nobuhiko Tajima, The Asahi Shimbun, April 8
South Korea
Economic volatility ‘somewhat’ eases after U.S.-Iran ceasefire: finance minister. Finance Minister Koo Yun-cheol said volatility in South Korea’s financial and foreign exchange markets had eased somewhat after the two-week U.S.-Iran ceasefire. South Korean stocks rose nearly 7% on Wednesday, and the won strengthened sharply against the U.S. dollar after President Donald Trump announced a suspension of strikes on Iran. Kim Han-joo, Yonhap News Agency, April 9.
Lee meets with ex-Japan PM Ishiba, thanks for support of mending ties. President Lee Jae Myung met former Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba and thanked him for helping stabilize South Korea-Japan relations and restore shuttle diplomacy. Lee said bilateral cooperation had progressed well during and after Ishiba’s term. Ishiba said advancing ties with South Korea had been his top diplomatic priority despite his short time in office. Yi Wonju, Yonhap News Agency, April 8
South Korea to push for the release of ships in the Strait of Hormuz. South Korea said it will work to move 26 South Korean-flagged vessels stranded in the Strait of Hormuz during the two-week U.S.-Iran ceasefire. Authorities will consult shipping companies, keep communications with related countries moving, and provide full support, while maintaining advice to avoid sailing near the strait because risks remain. Joyce Lee and Heejin Kim, Reuters, April 8
North Korea
Belarus to open embassy in N. Korea by Aug. 1: report. Belarus plans to open an embassy in North Korea by Aug. 1 under a resolution signed after President Alexander Lukashenko’s March visit to Pyongyang. The move follows his summit with Kim Jong Un and a friendship and cooperation treaty, underscoring closer ties between the two countries aligned in support of Russia’s war in Ukraine. Park Boram, Yonhap News Agency, April 9
North Korea rejects 90% of local party documents in post-congress crackdown. North Korea has launched a sweeping inspection campaign on party documents submitted by local Workers’ Party organizations after the Ninth Party Congress, with rejection rates reportedly nearing 90%. The stricter standards have heightened fear among officials, who risk dismissal or forced labor and ideological re-education if their paperwork is judged incompetent or politically deficient. Bak Hui-su, Daily NK, April 8
North Korea fires ballistic missiles as Pyongyang dismisses Seoul’s diplomacy hopes. South Korea said North Korea launched multiple ballistic missiles over two days, including short-range projectiles from Wonsan and another missile that flew about 700 km. The launches came as Pyongyang rejected hopes of improved ties, with a North Korean foreign ministry official insisting South Korea remains a hostile enemy despite recent interpretations in Seoul that tensions might be easing. Kyu-Seok Shim, Reuters, April 7
North Korea unveils cluster-bomb missile, electronic warfare capability. North Korea said it tested a cluster-bomb warhead on a ballistic missile, an electromagnetic weapon, carbon-fibre bombs, and a mobile short-range anti-aircraft missile system. Analysts said the trials point to a push to develop modern conventional warfare tools that could disrupt South Korea’s infrastructure and complicate regional security, while also underscoring North Korea’s interest in asymmetric weapons that can be mass-produced. Heejin Kim and Kyu-Seok Shim, Reuters, April 8
Vietnam
Vietnam's top leader will make four-day visit to China, Chinese state media says. Vietnam’s top leader To Lam will visit China from April 14 to 17, according to Xinhua. The trip would be his first overseas visit since becoming state president, and sources said he is expected to meet President Xi Jinping. Liz Lee, Reuters, April 9
Party leader, President To Lam to pay state visit to China. Party General Secretary and State President To Lam, his spouse and a high-level Vietnamese delegation will pay a state visit to China from April 14 to 17 at the invitation of Xi Jinping and his spouse. The trip comes soon after To Lam was elected to concurrently serve as Party leader and State President. Vietnam’s Foreign Ministry also noted that Xi congratulated To Lam on his election and affirmed readiness to maintain strategic exchanges and advance bilateral ties. Vietnam News, April 9
Thailand
Thailand confirms three deaths from vessel attacked in Strait of Hormuz. Thailand said three crewmen on a Thai-flagged vessel attacked in the Strait of Hormuz last month have died. Twenty crew members were rescued by the Omani navy. Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow said he will visit Oman in mid-April to seek help coordinating with Iran for the safe passage of nine stranded Thai ships. Chayut Setboonsarng, Reuters, April 8
EC vows fair probe into People's Party Spectre C case. Thailand’s Election Commission said the People’s Party will receive a fair and impartial investigation over allegations linking it to Spectre C, a media company in the same building as party headquarters, in a case that could lead to dissolution. The EC said the petition remains at the fact-finding stage and any decision will rest on evidence and law, not public opinion. Chairith Yonpiam, Bangkok Post, April 8
Myanmar
Ex-envoy to China named foreign minister as regime deepens Beijing ties. Min Aung Hlaing appointed former ambassador to China Tin Maung Swe foreign minister, signaling deeper reliance on Beijing as Myanmar’s regime faces growing isolation. Tin Maung Swe, a retired brigadier general, served in Beijing from 2022 until early 2026 and is seen as a figure able to manage ties with China and Russia. The report said his promotion followed a congratulatory meeting between Chinese Ambassador Ma Jia and Min Aung Hlaing. Maung Kavi, The Irrawaddy, April 8
Cambodia
Defense chief hopes for support as Russian warships visit. Defense Minister Tea Seiha visited two Russian Pacific Fleet warships, Sovershenny and Rezky, during their three-day stop in Sihanoukville and said he hoped the visit would deepen military cooperation. He called for closer work with Russia on training and future joint exercises as the two countries mark 70 years of diplomatic relations. Torn Chanritheara, Cambodianess, April 8
Cambodia resumes detained opposition leader’s appeal process: lawyer. A Cambodian court resumed Kem Sokha’s appeal more than 18 months after the last hearing in his treason case. Prosecutors asked the appeals court to uphold his 27-year sentence and house arrest. His lawyer called the delay unjust and said Sokha was ready for a political resolution and national reconciliation. Cambodianess, April 8
Philippines
Sara asks SC to stop hearing; lawmakers slam ‘cowardice’. Vice President Sara Duterte asked the Supreme Court to void the impeachment complaints and halt House justice committee proceedings, arguing the referral process violated the Constitution and the one-year bar rule. House lawmakers said the committee would continue unless a TRO is issued and accused her of trying to evade accountability. Franco Jose C. Baroña, Red Mendoza, Reina C. Tolentino, Aric John Sy Cua, and Allen Limos, The Manila Times, April 8
Sara warns against fraudulent activities allegedly under her name. Vice President Sara Duterte warned that people are impersonating her on the Signal app to carry out fraudulent activities. The Office of the Vice President released screenshots of messages purportedly from “Inday Duterte” asking for political contacts and support. Duterte urged the public not to engage, share personal information, or send money. Red Mendoza, The Manila Times, April 9
Indonesia
Indonesia seeks backing for 2029-30 UN Security Council bid. Indonesia is seeking support from African, Caribbean, and Pacific countries for its candidacy as a non-permanent U.N. Security Council member for 2029-2030. Deputy Foreign Minister Arrmanatha Nasir used meetings on the sidelines of the OACPS summit to lobby leaders and highlight cooperation on digital sovereignty, technological resilience, the blue economy, and climate resilience. ANTARA News, April 8
President Prabowo links overseas visits to oil supply push. President Prabowo Subianto said his recent and upcoming overseas trips are aimed at securing oil supplies as geopolitical tensions raise distribution risks. He said Indonesia is diversifying procurement sources, including through recent visits to Japan and South Korea, to protect energy security and economic stability while maintaining its “free and active” foreign policy. ANTARA News, April 8
Malaysia
Anwar: War pushing up freight and insurance costs, but Malaysia remains resilient. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said the U.S.-Israel-Iran conflict has sharply raised freight and insurance costs, making oil shipments more expensive even when fuel was bought before the war. He said Malaysia remains relatively stable, helped by strong foreign ties and continued passage for Petronas vessels, while warning recovery could still take three to five years. R. Loheswar, Malay Mail, April 9
Taiwan
U.S. senator urges Taiwan parliament to pass stalled defence spending plan. U.S. Senator Jim Banks urged Taiwan’s parliament to approve the stalled $40 billion special defence budget, saying passage would show China and the wider world that Taiwan is serious about peace through strength. The opposition-majority legislature is still debating the plan, while the KMT says it supports defence spending but will not sign blank cheques and also wants dialogue with Beijing. Ben Blanchard, Reuters, April 9
Taiwan opposition leader pledges reconciliation at memorial for founding father in China. Kuomintang chair Cheng Li-wun visited Sun Yat-sen’s mausoleum in Nanjing and called for reconciliation and unity across the Taiwan Strait, while also praising mainland China’s development. Taiwan’s ruling party and security officials responded that peace depends on defence strength and warned that Beijing uses military pressure and psychological coercion to divide Taiwanese society and obstruct arms procurement. Andrew Silver and Nicoco Chan, Reuters, April 8
Japan’s ‘imperialist forces’ divided Taiwan from mainland, KMT’s Cheng Li-wun says. In Nanjing, Kuomintang chair Cheng Li-wun blamed Japanese imperialism and later internal conflict for the division across the Taiwan Strait. She praised mainland China’s development, said Taiwan should not become a pawn in geopolitical competition, and reaffirmed the 1992 consensus as a basis for peaceful engagement. Taipei criticized the visit as aiding Beijing’s pressure campaign. Lawrence Chung, South China Morning Post, April 8
Bangladesh
Bangladesh seeks more fuel from India as neighbours repair ties. Bangladesh asked India for more fuel and fertiliser during Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman’s first ministerial visit to New Delhi under the new government. India said the request would be considered favourably, and talks also covered visa easing, security cooperation and the extradition of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Ruma Paul and Sakshi Dayal, Reuters, April 8
Kazakhstan
Tokayev to visit South Korea for key regional summit in September. President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev accepted an invitation to visit Seoul for the first Central Asia-South Korea summit in September. In talks with South Korean chief of staff Kang Hoon-sik, both sides said the visit could deepen strategic cooperation, with discussions also covering trade, investment, energy, transport, logistics, and potential Korean participation in oil, gas, mining, metallurgy, and nuclear energy projects. Dana Omirgazy, The Astana Times, April 8
Kyrgyzstan
Kyrgyzstan tests alternative transport route to Russia that bypasses Kazakhstan. Kyrgyzstan and Russia have tested cargo shipments along a proposed Southern Transport Corridor running via the Caspian Sea, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. Officials said the route could reduce Kyrgyzstan’s reliance on transit through Kazakhstan, where border delays have disrupted trade, especially for perishable goods, while preserving Kazakhstan as the main route to other Russian regions. Sergey Kwan, The Times of Central Asia, April 8
East Asia
The ‘becoming Chinese’ trend and Beijing’s soft power shift. Western social media users have embraced “Chinamaxxing,” treating Chinese practices such as drinking hot water, learning Mandarin, and qigong as forms of self-care and identity. The trend separates Chineseness from citizenship and shows how China’s affective soft power grows through digital habits, influencers, and online contact, not state messaging. Livestreams and videos from creators such as IShowSpeed, Hasan Piker, and Li Ziqi have exposed global audiences to daily life in China. The surge reflects discontent with the US-led liberal order and idealized views of China shaped by platforms that filter sensitive topics. Public diplomacy faces a shift toward participatory digital engagement. Pan Wang, East Asia Forum, April 8
China’s Energy Security Doesn’t Run Through Hormuz but Through the Electrification of Everything. China can absorb oil shocks from the Iran war not through petroleum reserves but through its control over domestic coal, which anchors industry and power generation. Coal gives Beijing near-term insurance, but the push to use more coal conflicts with plans to reach peak coal in the next few years. After the 2021 energy crisis, the coal industry used the focus on energy security to win approvals and expand capacity, with about 95 gigawatts added in 2024. Flat coal consumption in 2025 alongside rising electricity use points to renewables taking a larger role. The long-term strategy centers on electrification, cost-competitive solar power, and an electro-tech base that can reduce exposure to Strait of Hormuz shocks. Damien Ma, Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, April 8
Why the Iran war won’t shake China’s Middle East strategy. China has absorbed the oil shock from the Iran war through large oil reserves, pipeline links with Russia and Central Asia, African suppliers, and a faster transition toward renewables. Oil and gas from the Middle East matter, but dependence has fallen. China’s wider regional strategy also rests on trade, investment, and infrastructure across the Gulf, where ties with Saudi Arabia and other states have grown as trade with Iran has fallen. Rail corridors through Central Asia and Iran remain limited for energy transport, yet they extend China’s reach into Middle Eastern markets and logistics networks. Geography and geoeconomics, not wartime pressure, shape Beijing’s long-term position. Chen Xiangming, ThinkChina, April 8
The Chinese Era: How Young People’s Views of China Changed. “Chinamaxxing” packages Chinese habits, products, and wellness cues into a social media aesthetic that speaks to Western frustration with economic strain, weak public services, and the fading promise of the American dream. The trend presents China as orderly, calm, and culture-rich, which fits Beijing’s image of itself as a peaceful partner set against a chaotic West. That image leaves out housing stress, youth unemployment, harsh work culture, and other pressures in China. Unlike past state-backed messaging, these videos gained traction with Gen Z because they look playful and unscripted. Tourism, visa-free entry, and peer-to-peer exposure may deepen curiosity in Europe, though lasting popularity remains uncertain. Paulína Ovečková, China Observers, April 8
Beijing Is Trying to Break U.S. Narratives Over Taiwan. Beijing moved up Kuomintang chair Cheng Li-wun’s visit to China to challenge the view from Washington and Taiwan’s ruling party that peace in the strait rests on deterrence and arms sales. A Xi-Cheng meeting would present a rival claim that stability depends on the 1992 Consensus, dialogue, and opposition to formal independence. The visit gives the KMT a chance to argue that it can manage cross-strait risk through political contact, not just defense spending. Beijing frames the trip as a family matter across the strait, not a chapter in U.S.-China rivalry. The aim is to weaken the claim that peace and stability flow from Washington’s deterrence model. Deng Yuwen, Foreign Policy, April 8
Japan’s quiet break with pacifism is about to get louder. Japan’s Official Security Assistance ended a decades-long norm of aid without a military element by funding defense equipment for states that share concern over China’s power. The program began with grants for rescue, transport, surveillance, vigilance, and minesweeping gear, plus small budgets and limits meant to contain domestic unease and regional backlash. This restraint has kept opposition low but has done little to strengthen deterrence. Pressure from a less reliable United States and the political strength of Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi could push the program toward larger budgets, fewer export limits, and access to major weapons. Any expansion would need crisis management talks with China to reduce the risk of escalation in the East and South China Sea. Hiroaki Shiga, East Asia Forum, April 8
Hormuz closure: Time for Japan to expand its domestic energy resilience. Japan faces sharp energy risk from the Iran war because most of its oil passes through the Strait of Hormuz and LNG remains central to power generation after Fukushima. Oil and LNG price spikes expose an island system with no pipeline access, slow nuclear restarts, and few domestic options. Tokyo has eased limits on inefficient coal plants and holds about 4 million tons of LNG, enough for less than two weeks of average use, but those steps do not fix the core weakness. Higher fuel costs will feed through to electricity bills and consumer prices. The proposed path is broader LNG procurement, more non-Middle Eastern supply routes, grid upgrades, and more storage to cut exposure to future shocks. Tim Daiss, Nikkei Asia, April 8.
Southeast Asia
Banker in the Hot Seat: Who Is Vietnam’s New Prime Minister? Vietnam chose Le Minh Hung as prime minister as a bet on technocratic skill during a harder phase of growth. The former central bank governor built reserves, steadied the macroeconomy, and pushed banking digitization, though the Van Thinh Phat fraud case raised questions about oversight. His training and caution suit an economy with high credit levels, power shortages, and pressure for double-digit growth. Yet he enters office under To Lam’s concentrated authority, with a thin factional base and no provincial leadership record. His ties to the top leadership may ease coordination, but success will depend on room to shape policy, manage pressure from Washington and Beijing, and build a cabinet that can match reform goals. Nguyen Khac Giang, FULCRUM, April 8