China
Russian and Chinese navies carry out artillery and anti-submarine drills in Sea of Japan. Russia and China held joint naval drills in the Sea of Japan featuring artillery fire, anti-submarine operations, air defense exercises, and coordinated search and rescue missions under the “Maritime Interaction-2025” framework. The exercises involved destroyers, submarines, and a Chinese submarine rescue vessel and were scheduled before recent U.S. submarine deployments in the region. Mark Trevelyan, Reuters, August 3
China’s top legislator calls for building community of shared future at global parliament summit. Zhao Leji, chairman of the National People’s Congress Standing Committee, told the sixth World Conference of Speakers of Parliaments in Geneva that China seeks closer cooperation with global legislatures to promote peace, security, and sustainable development. He urged parliaments to uphold multilateralism, protect sovereignty and support fair trade. Global Times, August 2
Japan
Japan to ramp up measures against foreign election interference. Japan plans to expand regulatory and cybersecurity efforts to counter foreign election meddling after suspected disinformation campaigns surfaced during the July Upper House election. The National Cybersecurity Office will lead a coordinated government response, including content blocking and bot removal. Officials cited interference risks from Russia and China. The Japan Times, August 2
South Korea
Lee’s approval rating rebounds to 63.3%. President Lee Jae Myung’s approval rating rose to 63.3%, up 1.8 percentage points from the previous week, while his disapproval fell to 31.4%, according to a Realmeter poll. The rebound followed the South Korea-U.S. tariff deal that lowered reciprocal tariffs to 15% and Lee’s calls for stricter workplace safety after recent industrial accidents. The Democratic Party’s support climbed to 54.5%, while the People Power Party dropped to 27.2%. Yi Wonju, Yonhap News Agency, August 4
Tariff deal offers framework but sticking points remain ahead of Korea-US summit. President Lee Jae Myung’s upcoming summit with U.S. President Donald Trump will tackle unresolved economic issues despite a new tariff deal lowering duties on Korean exports to 15%. Key sticking points include nontariff barriers on agriculture, digital services, and sensitive technologies. Korean officials insist rice and beef remain protected, while U.S. claims of broader market openings signal likely pressure for further concessions. Kim Hyun-bin, The Korea Times, August 3
North Korea
Head of N. Korea’s assembly holds talks with Russia, 3 other nations in Geneva. Pak In-chol, chairman of North Korea’s Supreme People’s Assembly, met with parliamentary leaders from Russia, Mongolia, Vietnam, and Laos on the sidelines of the World Conference of Speakers of Parliament in Geneva. Russian speaker Valentina Matvienko praised the “close friendship” between the countries’ leaders and reaffirmed bilateral solidarity under the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. Park Boram, Yonhap News Agency, August 3
Thailand
Rally repeats calls for PM Paetongtarn to resign. Thousands of demonstrators gathered at Bangkok’s Victory Monument demanding suspended Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra step down amid anger over her leaked phone call with former Cambodian leader Hun Sen and ongoing border tensions. Protest leaders accused her of undermining national security and emboldening Cambodia, while calling for coalition parties to withdraw from the government and for a firm stance on sovereignty ahead of next week’s border talks. Anucha Charoenpo, Bangkok Post, August 2
Vietnam
State President Luong Cuong arrives in Cairo, beginning state visit to Egypt. State President Luong Cuong and his spouse Nguyen Thi Minh Nguyet arrived in Cairo on August 3 to begin a state visit at the invitation of President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi. He will hold talks with Egypt’s top leadership, deliver a policy speech at the Arab League headquarters, and meet Vietnamese citizens in Egypt. The visit is expected to deepen bilateral ties after seven years. Vietnam News, August 3
Myanmar
Coup leader rebrands regime and declares second chapter of rule. Myanmar junta chief Min Aung Hlaing dissolved the State Administration Council and created the National Security and Peace Commission as he launched the “second chapter” of his rule ahead of a planned December election. The reshuffle retained key allies, imposed martial law in over 60 townships, and followed new electoral laws imposing harsh penalties, including the death sentence, to deter dissent and secure his continued grip on power. The Irrawaddy, August 2
Laos
Laos, Russia strengthen partnership with nuclear roadmap, key agreements. Laos and Russia deepened ties during President Thongloun Sisoulith’s July 30–August 1 visit to Moscow, signing seven agreements on nuclear energy, health, education, environmental protection, and legal cooperation. The nuclear roadmap aims to expand applications in medicine, agriculture, and energy. Thongsavanh Souvannasane, The Laotian Times, August 1
Philippines
Senate must not rush decision on impeachment trial – Legarda. Senator Loren Legarda urged the Senate to delay its decision on whether to proceed with Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment trial until the House of Representatives exhausts all legal remedies. The Supreme Court ruled the complaint unconstitutional, citing the one-year limit for impeachment. Senate President Francis Escudero said the chamber will debate and vote on August 6 after studying the 97-page decision and concurring opinions. Bernadette E. Tamayo, The Manila Times, August 4
Hontiveros best bet vs VP Duterte in 2028 polls – Trillanes. Former Senator Antonio Trillanes IV said Senator Risa Hontiveros is the strongest candidate to challenge Vice President Sara Duterte in the 2028 presidential election, citing her record of opposing the Duterte family and holding the vice president accountable. He dismissed Senators Bam Aquino and Francis Pangilinan and former Vice President Leni Robredo, pointing to their ties with the Senate majority and past reluctance to pursue ICC cases against Rodrigo Duterte. Faith Argosino, Philippine Daily Inquirer, August 3
Kyrgyzstan
Foreign ministers of Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan discuss key aspects of interaction. Kyrgyz Foreign Minister Jeenbek Kulubaev hosted Kazakh Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Murat Nurtleu in Bishkek on August 1–2 for talks covering political, trade, transport, energy, cultural, and migration cooperation. The ministers reviewed progress on joint projects, including border checkpoint modernization, and initialed documents for the upcoming Supreme Interstate Council meeting. Anastasia Bengard, 24.kg, August 2
Northeast Asia
The End of Globalization as We Know It: How Chinese Experts and Netizens Debate the US-China Trade War. Chinese analysts view the US-China trade conflict as a turning point in global economic relations, suggesting an erosion of free trade and a pivot toward a multipolar trade system. While Beijing projects resilience, experts stress the need for domestic reforms to address overcapacity and stimulate consumption. Many advocate for shifting trade focus toward the Global South. Online discourse blends satire of US policy with nationalistic appeals for “patriotic consumption,” yet anxiety over job losses and inequality persists. Despite public defiance, expert commentary reveals enduring economic dependence on exports and caution about overstating China’s strength. Katja Drinhausen and Christina Sadeler, MERICS, August 1
U.S. and Chinese AI Strategies – Competing Global Approaches. The U.S. and China unveiled rival AI strategies in July 2025. The U.S. emphasizes alliances and ideological screening, tying AI exports to political alignment and promoting deregulated development. In contrast, China adopts an open-access model, courting Global South nations with fewer political conditions and encouraging cooperation. While both countries prioritize infrastructure and talent, the U.S. leans on private-sector innovation, and China maintains centralized oversight. China’s inclusive approach may secure greater international influence, particularly in emerging markets. Analysts warn that America’s exclusionary model could limit global reach despite technological advantages. Leonardo Dinic, CHINA US Focus, August 1
Japan Rolls the Dice but China Holds the Cards in Rare Earth Strategy. Japan is escalating efforts to secure rare earth supply chains amid China's tightening export controls, which have disrupted global industries from automotives to defense. While China temporarily resumed exports under a trade deal with the U.S., enduring restrictions and strategic licensing conditions signal long-term volatility. Japan’s counterstrategy includes decades-long investments in overseas mining, refining, recycling, and innovation, all coordinated through state-industry bodies like JOGMEC. Its partnership offer to the U.S. spans technical collaboration in refining and semiconductors, timed as India halts rare earth exports to Tokyo. Japan’s legal compliance with WTO norms enhances its reliability, but changing global regulatory landscapes pose risks. Moon Hwan Lee, East Asia Forum, August 2
Authoritarian Leisure: North Korea’s Wonsan-Kalma Tourism Project in Comparative Perspective. North Korea’s Wonsan-Kalma Beach Resort appears aimed at domestic tourists, perhaps a move toward consumption-led growth and internal legitimacy. Drawing from historical parallels in Nazi Germany and East Germany, the resort mirrors systems of leisure designed to reinforce regime control and social cohesion. This initiative reflects rising disposable income among citizens, with the resort functioning as both economic stimulus and social incentive. By absorbing excess purchasing power, the state seeks to manage inflation while promoting loyalty. However, challenges may arise as citizens demand more personalized experiences, potentially undermining state control. The resort exemplifies a subtle transformation in North Korea’s governance and economy. Ruediger Frank, 38 North, August 1
US-China Tariff Truce: Quiet Compromises Set the Stage for a Long Trade War. China and the U.S. extended their tariff truce by 90 days following trade talks in Stockholm, with subtle concessions indicating ongoing mutual compromise. China lifted its ban on rare earth magnet exports, while the U.S. eased restrictions on Nvidia’s H20 chip sales. Despite high headline tariffs neither side escalated, signaling recognition of strategic limits. Meanwhile, U.S. trade deals with Japan, the EU, and South Korea, demanding large investments and purchases, underscored Washington’s use of tariffs as geopolitical leverage. China is responding by deepening ties with the Global South and focusing on domestic demand. Han Yong Hong, ThinkChina, August 1
Southeast Asia
Royal Consolidation Reduces Thailand’s Coup Risk. Thailand’s recent return to civilian rule has revived political instability, but the likelihood of another military coup remains low due to royal consolidation. The 2017 Royal Service Administration Act and 2019 emergency decree placed Bangkok’s key military regiments under King Rama X’s direct control as Unit 904, effectively removing the army’s traditional coup-making tools. Unit 904 now commands six battalions and serves as a stabilizing force under royal authority. Economic concerns, including U.S. tariffs and a fragile economy, further disincentivize military intervention. Political mechanisms, such as constitutional court actions and coalition maneuvering, offer alternative power-changing pathways. William J Jones, East Asia Forum, August 2
Information as Ammunition: How the Thai-Cambodian Border Clash Became a Cyber War. The Thai-Cambodian border conflict has evolved into a digital confrontation where each side uses social media as a weapon. Thailand’s military harnesses hashtags to rally nationalist sentiment and crowdsource public support, while Cambodia spreads disinformation, including recycled videos misrepresenting battlefield events. The digital battlefield blurs the line between civilians and combatants, complicating conflict narratives and inflaming public tensions. Despite the conflict not being classified as interstate war, the legal framework under international humanitarian law remains vague regarding online influence operations, exposing civilians to real-world harm from false narratives. Experts urge reforms to address disinformation in modern warfare. Surachanee Sriyai, FULCRUM, August 1