China
Summer, Stolen: How Fake Factory Jobs Scammed China’s Students. Recruiters lured college youth with high-pay listings, then staged “orientations” under a Wuxi bridge, demanded fees, shuffled arrivals across cities, and delivered lower wages via layers of middlemen; some slept in overcrowded dorms, while police labeled disputes “financial” and offered limited help. Viral Douyin clips documented stranded jobseekers standing in the heat. Chen Yiru, Sixth Tone, August 25
Exhibition marking 80th anniversary of victory against Japanese aggression, fascism launched in Beijing. The National Art Museum of China opened a commemorative show featuring more than 300 works spanning Chinese painting, oil, woodblock, and sculpture, marking 80 years since victory in the Chinese People’s War of Resistance and the World Anti-Fascist War; the exhibition runs through September 18. Xinhua, August 25
Trump says China must ensure rare earth magnets or face 200% tariffs. U.S. President Donald Trump warned that China must guarantee the supply of rare earth magnets to the U.S. or face tariffs as high as 200%, acknowledging that such measures could sever bilateral trade. The statement came during his meeting with South Korean President Lee Jae Myung. Trump also said Chinese students would continue to be welcomed in the U.S. Frank Chen, South China Morning Post, August 25
Japan
No end in sight for LDP drama over Ishiba, whose fate is still up in the air. Internal uncertainty persists over forcing an early party leadership vote after July’s Upper House setback; a Jiji survey found 21 of 47 prefectural executives favor an election, two opposed, with many undecided. Polls show Ishiba’s approval rising to 35.4%, reducing momentum to oust him, while procedures to canvass lawmakers and chapters are being prepared. Kanako Takahara, The Japan Times, August 25
South Korea
Trump says U.S. to buy ships from S. Korea, revive domestic shipbuilding industry. After a July deal cutting U.S. tariffs on Korean goods to 15% alongside a $350 billion investment pledge and $100 billion in energy purchases, leaders agreed to expand shipbuilding cooperation. Trump said the U.S. will buy vessels from Korea and partner to build in America under MASGA, including new yards, training, and Navy MRO. Kim Eun-jung, Yonhap News Agency, August 25
Trump voices hope to meet N.K. leader Kim this year, eyes ownership of U.S. base land in S. Korea. Trump expressed willingness to meet Kim Jong-un this year, reiterated personal rapport, and floated U.S. ownership of land used by bases in South Korea while addressing alliance trade issues. He praised Korean shipbuilding and affirmed sticking to last month’s trade deal despite talk of renegotiation. Song Sang-ho, Yonhap News Agency, August 25
North Korea
North Korean agents pressure Chinese phone users as quarterly reviews loom. State security increased efforts in border areas to coerce suspected users into surrendering Chinese phones, employing home visits and threats ahead of performance reviews. Despite harsher penalties since COVID-19, many continue covert use; confessions are rare, and agents face a conflict of interest tied to bribe income. Lee Chae Eun, Daily NK, August 25
Thailand
Royal Thai Air Force chief to sign Gripen purchase deal today. Air Chief Marshal Panpakdee confirmed a signing in Sweden with Thai and Swedish counterparts, witnessed by the foreign minister, alongside offset arrangements with FMV and Saab. The new Gripens will replace F-16s at Wing 1, shrinking fleet size while raising capability, with emphasis on national security, technology transfer, and adherence to the UN Charter. The Nation, August 25
Laos
Northern Laos braces for heavy rains as Typhoon Kajiki prompts railway halt. With Kajiki moving inland, the Lao-China Railway suspended all passenger services on August 25–26 and offered free changes or refunds. Forecasts warn of heavy rainfall from the night of August 26, heightened flood and landslide risks in northern provinces, and possible outages, with winds near 165 km/h reported. Beatrice Siviero, The Laotian Times, August 25
Cambodia
NA approves amendment on citizenship revocation for treason. Cambodia’s National Assembly unanimously passed a draft amendment to the nationality law allowing the government to revoke citizenship from individuals convicted of conspiring with foreign powers to undermine national sovereignty. The change, endorsed by all 120 lawmakers, includes safeguards for birthright nationals and follows a constitutional amendment approved by royal decree. Officials say it aligns with national security interests and existing legal protections. Torn Vibol, Khmer Times, August 25
Indonesia
Gov’t to entirely control Indonesia’s rare earths. Indonesia will place full control of its rare earth elements under government authority, with the Energy Ministry overseeing upstream policies and the newly formed Mineral Industry Agency leading downstream production. Energy Minister Bahlil Lahadalia cited high market value and national interests as justification. Jakarta Globe, August 25
Singapore
Singapore retains top spot as most peaceful nation in Asia, takes sixth place in global rankings. Singapore ranked sixth globally and first in Asia in the 2025 Global Peace Index, excelling in safety, security, and absence of internal conflict. The index, compiled by the Institute for Economics and Peace, noted Singapore’s strict laws and low crime rates as key factors. Japan and Malaysia followed at 12th and 13th globally. Raul Dancel, The Straits Times, August 25
Kazakhstan
Tokyo steps up Central Asia engagement with high-level foreign minister visit. Japanese Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya visited Kazakhstan to deepen regional ties, meeting President Tokayev and Foreign Minister Nurtleu. Talks focused on energy, trade, nuclear disarmament, and connectivity. Japan emphasized economic cooperation without geopolitical competition and confirmed plans for direct flights to Tokyo. Fatima Kemelova, The Astana Times, August 25
East Asia
Marrying without love? China’s youth say yes to new marriages Young Chinese experiment with pragmatic unions such as AA marriages that prioritize financial independence and negotiated roles. Scholars warn these arrangements may weaken intergenerational caregiving as the population ages, challenging norms of elder support and spousal care. There are trade-offs between autonomy and family obligations and the trend’s social implications will require longer observation. Lim Zhan Ting, ThinkChina, August 25
Stepping Through the Door: Strategic Developments in Taiwan’s Space Program. Taiwan elevates space as a pillar of growth, security, and resilience, leveraging private manufacturers and establishing the Taiwan Space Agency in 2023 to align policy, industry, and applications. The program’s next phase requires stronger cross-government coordination and deeper integration across the value chain, from satellite communications and earth observation to downstream services, to convert capability into leadership and embed space in national strategy. Andie Wang, China Observers, August 26
Japan risks drifting under a lame duck prime minister. With defence outlays targeted at 2% of GDP by 2027, Tokyo still faces pressure from Washington, and Prime Minister Ishiba lacks leverage amid tariff disputes and weak domestic authority. A plan to rewrite wartime-history statements risks reopening settled issues, creating confusion without policy gains. The likely outcome is stasis until leadership changes, complicating defence negotiations and regional standing. Yukari Easton, East Asia Forum, August 26
Could Short-Term Dealmaking Hurt Long-Term U.S.-South Korea Relations? President Lee Jae Myung’s 25 August Washington visit follows a July tariff cut to 15% and a package pledging $350 billion in U.S. investment and $100 billion in LNG purchases, showing a transactional approach that may strain alliance trust. Risks include last-minute U.S. demands, potential troop reductions from 28,500, and renewed personal diplomacy with Pyongyang that sidelines Seoul. How Lee handles Taiwan contingency expectations and scheduling uncertainties will signal the partnership’s resilience under pressure. Emma Whitmyer and Darcie Draudt-Véjares, Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, August 25
Made in China 2025 – successful enough to make an industrial-policy sequel credible. China achieved strong positions in rail equipment, NEVs, and green tech, while lagging in robotics and aerospace, with COMAC’s C919 still dependent on foreign suppliers. Policy now turns horizontal: MIIT upgrades traditional industries, integrates industrial internet in parks, and seeks self-reliance across value chains, even amid overcapacity and price wars. Discussion of a “2035” successor underscores Beijing’s long-term security calculus and likely friction with the United States and EU as strategic tech ambitions expand. Andreas Mischer, MERICS, August 25
Southeast Asia
Fuelling Reform: Bolder Petrol Overhaul is Malaysia’s Best Bet. Malaysia plans to replace blanket RON95 subsidies with a targeted two-tier price, but leaders have narrowed eligibility to the top 5% of earners and foreigners and cut pump prices to RM1.99 per litre, shrinking expected savings. Implementation was pushed to the final quarter of 2025 as authorities refine an ID-card mechanism while quietly sidelining PADU data for means-testing, raising fairness and leakage risks. Adding quotas to cap subsidised volumes for eligible users could temper consumption without abandoning reform goals. Sustained fiscal relief hinges on resisting further political retreats and pairing reform with coherent, data-driven support for vulnerable groups. Amalina Anuar, FULCRUM, August 25
Oceania
Managing a mature Australia–China relationship. Canberra’s ties with Beijing have steadied after Prime Minister Albanese’s July 2025 visit, yet differences on security, politics, and trade remain. The recommended posture is pragmatic balance: cooperate where possible, state disagreements clearly, and avoid “China threat” alarmism while recognising risks from Taiwan contingencies and U.S.–China rivalry. Regional economic forums like RCEP and CPTPP offer venues to manage frictions if China advances internal reforms that address membership hurdles. Gareth Evans, East Asia Forum, August 25