China
U.S. report on Chinese ‘spy threat’ to universities may have ‘chilling effect’ on ties. A U.S. intelligence report labels China as the top espionage threat to American universities and technology, citing programs like the Thousand Talents Plan and the infiltration of operatives posing as students. Chinese academics warn the move could damage educational and research exchanges, discouraging student flows and fueling distrust. Orange Wang, South China Morning Post, August 28
Russian and Chinese submarines join forces in Pacific patrol first. Russian and Chinese submarines conducted their first joint patrol in the Sea of Japan and East China Sea, following the “Maritime Interaction-2025” drills. The 15-day operation included live-fire exercises, submarine rescues, and air-defense maneuvers. The patrol coincides with preparations for a major military parade in Beijing. Meredith Chen, South China Morning Post, August 28
Japan
U.S. Typhon missile system to temporarily deploy to Japan as part of exercise. The U.S. will deploy its Typhon missile system to Marine Air Station Iwakuni in Japan for the Resolute Dragon exercise from September 11–25. The move aims to boost joint deterrence and operational integration with Japanese forces. The system includes Tomahawk and SM-6 missiles and previously drew criticism from China during its 2024 deployment in the Philippines. Idrees Ali, Tim Kelly, and David Brunnstrom, Reuters, August 28
Japan says security ties with the UK at ‘a new level’ as aircraft carrier arrives in Tokyo. The HMS Prince of Wales became the first foreign aircraft carrier to dock in Tokyo, symbolizing deeper defense cooperation between Japan and the United Kingdom. Defense ministers praised their strategic alignment and reaffirmed joint fighter jet development with Italy under the Global Combat Air Program. Mari Yamaguchi, Associated Press, August 28
Japan says top trade envoy cancels U.S. trip as Tokyo calls for faster progress on deal. Japan’s Ryosei Akazawa canceled a planned Washington visit over delays in implementing a tariff agreement with the Trump administration. Tokyo demanded corrections to U.S. tariffs on Japanese goods and refunds of excess duties, following confusion over a July 15% tax deal. Mari Yamaguchi, Associated Press, August 28
South Korea
South Korea, U.S. agree to discuss nuclear reprocessing, minister says. Foreign Minister Cho Hyun announced that Seoul and Washington will begin talks on amending their nuclear agreement to allow fuel reprocessing, citing industrial and environmental needs. The U.S., wary of proliferation, has not yet committed to changes. Joyce Lee, Hyunjoo Jin, and David Brunnstrom, Reuters, August 28
Special counsel indicts ex-first lady on corruption charges. Former first lady Kim Keon Hee was indicted while in custody on charges including bribery, stock manipulation, and illegal campaign favors, becoming the first presidential spouse to face trial under arrest. She is accused of financing market fraud, accepting gifts via intermediaries, and arranging political nominations. Her husband, ex-president Yoon Suk Yeol, is also in jail. Lee Haye-ah, Yonhap News Agency, August 29
58% of S. Koreans think Lee-Trump summit served national interest: poll. A Gallup Korea survey showed 58% of South Koreans viewed President Lee Jae Myung’s summit with U.S. President Donald Trump as beneficial to national interests. Of those, 32% found it highly beneficial. The approval surpassed levels seen for former President Yoon's overseas trips. Kim Seung-yeon, Yonhap News Agency, August 29
North Korea
North Korea’s Kim Jong Un to meet with Xi and Putin. Kim Jong Un will attend a military parade in Beijing marking the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, joining Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin. The gathering, Kim’s first multilateral appearance, underscores growing ties among the three countries amid tensions with the U.S., South Korea, and Japan. Hyung-Jin Kim and Ken Moritsugu, Associated Press, August 28
India
Canada, India appoint new envoys to each other's countries in sign of improving ties. Canada and India named new high commissioners, signaling a diplomatic reset after ties were strained by allegations linking India to the 2023 killing of Sikh separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. The appointments follow a June meeting between PMs Carney and Modi, aiming to restore cooperation amid trade tensions and rising tariffs. Promit Mukherjee and Sakshi Dayal, Reuters, August 28
Thailand
Thailand set for bumpy ride as PM faces judgement day in court. The Constitutional Court will rule on whether suspended Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra violated ethics in a phone call with Cambodia’s Hun Sen, potentially making her the fifth premier ousted in 17 years. A dismissal would trigger complex negotiations for a successor, while survival risks prolonged instability. Panarat Thepgumpanat, Reuters, August 29
Vietnam
China’s top legislator to pay official visit to Vietnam, attend 80th National Day celebration. Zhao Leji, Chairman of China’s National People’s Congress and senior Communist Party official, will visit Vietnam from August 31 to September 2. He will co-chair a new cooperation committee with National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man and attend National Day festivities. Vietnam News, August 29
Myanmar
Myanmar’s military declares Karen National Union a terrorist group ahead of elections. Myanmar’s junta formally labeled the Karen National Union a terrorist group, criminalizing all affiliations as it prepares for December’s elections. The move targets KNU resistance, which includes sheltering activists and armed opposition. Officials cited threats to public safety and infrastructure. Associated Press, August 28
Myanmar junta confirms Min Aung Hlaing to visit China. Junta chief Min Aung Hlaing will attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit in Tianjin and later join the Victory Day Parade in Beijing marking WWII’s end. The visit, his second to China since the 2021 coup, aims to boost legitimacy ahead of Myanmar’s year-end elections. Meetings with Xi Jinping and other leaders are planned. The Irrawaddy, August 28
Philippines
Philippines open to discuss safety of Filipinos in Taiwan with China, foreign minister says. Foreign Secretary Theresa Lazaro told senators the Philippines is ready to talk with China about evacuating its citizens from Taiwan if conflict arises, citing nearly 200,000 Filipinos there. The remarks follow warnings from President Marcos and existing contingency plans with security agencies. Taiwan has pledged support in protecting overseas Filipino workers. Karen Lema, Reuters, August 28
Beijing says Philippines courts outside powers and causes trouble in South China Sea. China’s defense ministry accused the Philippines of destabilizing the region by conducting joint drills with Australia and courting foreign influence, while blaming the U.S. for encouraging “irresponsible actions.” The criticism follows large-scale exercises near disputed waters, as Manila intensifies defense cooperation with allies. Vanessa Cai, South China Morning Post, August 28
Malaysia
Malaysia’s parliament approves law to regulate government procurement. Malaysia’s lower house passed a bill to overhaul procurement processes and curb graft, aiming to prevent abuses like those seen in the 1MDB scandal. The law introduces penalties for rent-seeking and sub-contracting while standardizing agency procedures. Rozanna Latiff, Reuters, August 28
Kazakhstan
Kazakhstan plans major financial legislation reform. Kazakhstan is preparing sweeping financial reforms to boost long-term growth and stability, according to National Bank Chairman Timur Suleimenov. Measures include tax incentives for corporate lending, regulations for digital financial assets, and development of a National Digital Financial Infrastructure. Fatima Kemelova, The Astana Times, August 28
Turkmenistan
U.S. State Department: No improvement in Turkmenistan’s human rights record. The 2024 U.S. State Department report found no progress in Turkmenistan’s human rights conditions, citing torture-related deaths in custody, journalist harassment, media censorship, forced labor, child labor, and transnational repression. The report noted unresolved prisoner disappearances and continued restrictions on travel. Vagit Ismailov, Times of Central Asia, August 28
Kyrgyzstan
Kyrgyzstan begins building strategic highway to China’s Xinjiang. Kyrgyzstan has launched construction of the Barskoon-Bedel highway, part of a corridor linking Issyk-Kul to China’s Aksu prefecture. The 500-kilometer shortcut will save 12 hours of freight travel. Built by China Road and Bridge Corporation, the route includes tunnels for year-round use. Sergey Kwan, Times of Central Asia, August 28
East Asia
Pragmatism vs power: Why Lee Jae-myung can’t pivot toward Beijing. On the eve of China’s 3 September military parade, South Korea’s president visited Japan and the United States and declined Beijing’s invite, revealing limits to “pragmatic diplomacy.” Expected rebalancing meets structural constraints: reliance on U.S. deterrence, dual economic exposure, domestic consensus, and increasing rivalry. Sequenced outreach to Washington and Tokyo, the decision to uphold Japan agreements, and a three-stage denuclearization plan coordinated with the United States indicate only symbolic adjustment. Joint statements in Tokyo and Washington omitted Taiwan, showing caution rather than a turn. Deng Yuwen, ThinkChina, August 28
China’s Strategic Outlook on Ukraine and Global Equilibrium: A Dive into Beijing’s Pro-Russian Neutrality. A July 2 Brussels meeting saw Wang Yi argue China “cannot afford for Russia to lose,” linking a Ukrainian outcome to U.S. pressure in the Indo-Pacific while denying direct military or financial aid to Moscow. Beijing frames support as strategic and multidomain, from energy trade and yuan settlement to diplomatic messaging that resists explicit condemnations. If Russia weakens and U.S. pressure persists, Beijing is likely to deepen backing to preserve a Eurasian bulwark and a multipolar balance. Emanuele Rossi, China Observers, August 28
Seeing the glass half full amid Japan’s vacant housing crisis. Nomura’s 2015 projection of one-third vacant homes by 2033 looks overstated; the 2023 rate was 13.8 percent versus a 20.1 percent forecast. Policy changes matter: the 2014 Vacant Houses Act empowered municipal intervention, spawned akiya banks, and was followed by tax tweaks, inheritance registration, and state forfeiture options. Broad awareness campaigns further reduced inertia. Yet risks persist: vacancy remains high by OECD standards and could rise as the population ages; Tokyo’s “Your House’s Ending Note” guides end-of-life property choices to limit limbo cases. Julia Olsson, East Asia Forum, August 28
Surveillance, pressure, silence: Why China’s youth are falling apart. A student’s account illustrates how relentless competition, punitive school rules like 90-decibel “morning reading,” and pervasive monitoring such as cameras and AI attendance checks, drive anxiety, depression, and burnout from middle school through university. Campus controls restrict movement and speech, while exam-track tunnel vision crowds out exploration. Policy statements promise mental-health support, yet practice treats crises as individual failings and leaves intervention mechanisms weak. The result is a generation running without pause, accumulating invisible wounds. Li Kang, ThinkChina, August 28
China wants everyone to pay into the pension system — not everyone will. New judicial guidance effective September 1 invalidates any waiver of mandatory social-security contributions and lets employees seek compensation if firms fail to contribute, prompting backlash from workers and small businesses. Though legal obligations date to 2011, noncompliance is widespread. Coverage is large but uneven: 1.07 billion enrolled in basic old-age insurance, yet only about 246 million fully contribute to all schemes, and benefit gaps persist between urban employees and residents (roughly 3,500 RMB vs 223 RMB monthly). Stricter enforcement may spur underreporting and grey practices unless trust and targeting improve. Han Yong Hong, ThinkChina, August 28
Southeast Asia
The INF treaty’s demise helps hasten the missile race in Southeast Asia. Indonesia’s 2022 Khan SRBM purchase and 2024 Atmaca acquisition, with the first Khan delivered in August 2025, expand long-range strike options; the Philippines fields BrahMos batteries and weighs the U.S. Typhon system; Singapore adds Blue Spear and upgrades rockets; Vietnam moves toward BrahMos. This acceleration reflects China’s missile build-up and South China Sea militarization plus the INF Treaty’s collapse, while U.S. land-based systems such as Typhon and hypersonics advance. Regional procurements aim at deterrence, autonomy, and balance, but heighten signaling risks. Maula Mohamad Haykal, East Asia Forum, August 29
Prabowo’s Pardons of Political Opponents: A Step Towards an Integralist State? President Prabowo granted late-July clemencies to Thomas “Tom” Lembong and Hasto Kristiyanto, framing reconciliation while advancing consolidation. Lembong received an abolition canceling all proceedings and penalties; Hasto obtained amnesty, removing punishment but retaining conviction. The move weakens rivals, aligns with Prabowo’s preference for “polite” democracy, and reflects integralist-state thinking that prioritizes unity over contestation. Critics warn of judicial erosion and political bargaining. After release, Hasto attended PDI-P’s congress as Megawati secured a sixth term and urged support without formal coalition entry, while KIM Plus and constitutional restoration pushes continue. Made Supriatma, FULCRUM, August 28
Can the 13th Malaysia Plan’s Bold Education Reforms Pass the Test of Delivery? The 13MP (2026–2030) lowers Primary One entry to age six, makes one year of preschool mandatory at five, and, with the Education Act 2025 amendment, extends compulsory schooling to 12 years. Implementation risks include dual-cohort intake, uneven preschool capacity, and unclear lead agencies. 2024 data show MOE preschools serving 46.3% of children, highlighting access gaps. New governance bodies may streamline or duplicate oversight. Targets include exam credit thresholds, raising concerns about grade inflation and inclusion shortfalls for learners with disabilities. Wan Chang Da, FULCRUM, August 28
Central Asia
China remains pivotal to Central Asia’s balancing act. Leaders at the 17 June 2025 China–Central Asia Summit in Astana endorsed the “China–Central Asia Spirit” and signed a Treaty on Eternal Good-Neighbourliness, reinforcing Beijing’s economic and political footprint through trade, energy, and infrastructure while Central Asian states hedge to preserve autonomy. Rail and logistics changes signal a pivot toward the Middle Corridor, including Anaklia port investment, China Railway’s joint venture participation, and the Kashi–Andijan line, complemented by a Turkey–China Rail deal sending trains from Chengdu and Chongqing in July. Regional cooperation via C5 formats strengthens resilience even as debt and dependency risks persist. Richard Pomfret, East Asia Forum, August 28
South Asia
A China-India Reset? What to Know About the Modi-Xi Summit. Narendra Modi and Xi Jinping plan substantive talks on August 31, 2025 in Tianjin on SCO sidelines, the first visit to each other’s country in six years, following Wang Yi’s trip to restart engagement. Discussions center on the disputed border with an “early harvest” approach, trade imbalances, the restart of direct flights, water issues, and limited but visible steps like possible easing of bans on Chinese apps. The backdrop is strained U.S.–India ties after new tariffs and sanctions on Russian oil purchases, sharpening India’s hedging incentives. Alyssa Ayres, Council on Foreign Relations, August 28