China
Beijing ‘on high alert’ for South China Sea disruption after Philippine-India patrol: PLA. China raised its military readiness following the first joint maritime patrol between India and the Philippines in the South China Sea, which involved multiple warships and spanned waters near the disputed Scarborough Shoal. The PLA Southern Theatre Command said it would safeguard sovereignty and monitor any attempts to create tension. Alyssa Chen, South China Morning Post, August 5
China, Russia proceed to maritime patrol in Western Pacific after wrapping up Joint Sea-2025 naval drills. Chinese and Russian naval forces completed five days of exercises near Vladivostok featuring joint anti-submarine, air defense, and naval warfare operations, including the debut of the PLA Navy’s new rescue ship Xihu in submarine recovery training. The two nations began a joint Western Pacific patrol to demonstrate cooperation in safeguarding strategic maritime routes and countering security threats. Liu Xuanzun and Guo Yuandan, Global Times, August 5
Japan
Japan clinches landmark $6.5 billion warship deal with Australia to counter China. Japan secured a A$10 billion ($6.5 billion) agreement to build 11 Mogami-class frigates for Australia, marking its largest defense export since ending its arms sales ban in 2014. Three ships will be built in Japan, the rest in Australia. The deal enhances naval projection amid rising Chinese influence and boosts Japan-Australia security ties beyond the U.S. alliance framework. Kirsty Needham, Tim Kelly, and Alasdair Pal, Reuters, August 5
Ishiba, other party leaders disagree over U.S. tariff deal. Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba defended his decision not to sign a formal tariff agreement with the United States, arguing that delaying documentation would hinder the immediate reduction of mutual tariffs to 15%. Opposition leaders, including Yoshihiko Noda, criticized the lack of a written agreement as a risk for further U.S. demands and urged Ishiba to meet President Donald Trump. Shinichi Fujiwara, The Asahi Shimbun, August 5
Maehara steps down as Nippon Ishin co-leader along with three others. Nippon Ishin no Kai co-leader Seiji Maehara resigned Tuesday alongside three senior officials—Ryohei Iwatani, Tsukasa Abe, and Joji Uruma—following the party’s poor performance in the July 20 Upper House election. Maehara said the resignations aimed to restore public trust and unify the party as it faces uncertainty over its role as an independent opposition force. Eric Johnston, The Japan Times, August 5
South Korea
Wife of South Korea’s ousted ex-President Yoon appears for questioning over corruption allegations. Kim Keon Hee, the former first lady, faced a special prosecutor in Seoul over accusations of stock manipulation, bribery, and interference in political nominations. The probe is one of three targeting ex-President Yoon Suk Yeol, who was removed from office in April after a failed martial law attempt and was rearrested last month. Kim Tong-Hyung, Associated Press, August 5
Nat'l Assembly passes contentious broadcasting bill. South Korea’s National Assembly approved an amendment to the Broadcasting Act on Tuesday, expanding KBS’s board from 11 to 15 members and reducing government and legislative influence over public broadcaster appointments. The ruling Democratic Party pushed the bill through after the People Power Party staged a 24-hour filibuster and walked out in protest, warning the change could heighten progressive influence on public media boards. Yi Wonju, Yonhap News Agency, August 5
North Korea
No signs of N. Korea removing border loudspeakers against S. Korea: military. South Korea’s military said Tuesday that North Korea has not begun dismantling its border loudspeakers, a day after Seoul started removing its own as part of efforts to reduce inter-Korean tensions. Officials reported only routine North Korean military activity, while the South’s move follows President Lee Jae Myung’s earlier suspension of anti-Pyongyang broadcasts aimed at easing strained relations. Lee Minji, Yonhap News Agency, August 5
Thailand
Thailand blasts ‘fake news’ of plot to kill Hun Sen, Hun Manet. Thai Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa rejected Cambodian media reports claiming the Thai Air Force planned missile strikes to assassinate former leader Hun Sen and Prime Minister Hun Manet, calling the allegations “baseless and distasteful.” The Air Force and Foreign Ministry said the claims risk undermining ongoing border talks in Malaysia. Thai PBS, August 5
Thailand plans $572 million stimulus spending and will compensate border conflict casualties. Thailand approved a $572 million stimulus package to boost competitiveness and support student loans while also compensating victims of July’s deadly border conflict with Cambodia. Families of deceased government officials will receive 10 million baht, civilians 8 million baht, and the injured up to 1 million baht. The cabinet retained 25 billion baht for tariff relief after the U.S. imposed a 19% import duty. Kitiphong Thaichareon, Panarat Thepgumpanat, and Thanadech Staporncharnchai, Reuters, August 5.
Vietnam
Joint statement on upgrade of Vietnam-Egypt ties to Comprehensive Partnership. Vietnam President Luong Cuong and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi announced the elevation of bilateral relations to a Comprehensive Partnership during Cuong’s state visit to Cairo. The agreement seeks to deepen political trust and expand cooperation in defense, trade, investment, agriculture, technology, and cultural exchange, including the creation of a Vietnam-Egypt Business Council and enhanced collaboration in multilateral forums. Vietnam News, August 5
Myanmar
Myanmar junta reinstates warrantless arrests, home raids ahead of election. The military regime restored the suspension of key privacy law provisions, allowing authorities to raid homes, arrest citizens without warrants, and conduct broad surveillance. The move follows the lifting of emergency rule and is seen as an effort to suppress dissent before the December election, which opposition groups and Western governments denounce as illegitimate. Saw Mary, The Irrawaddy, August 5
Laos
Laos eyes deal with United Arab Emirates to ease fuel shortage. Laos is seeking a fuel supply arrangement with the United Arab Emirates to stabilize domestic energy markets and explore broader cooperation in trade, investment, and renewable energy. Both sides also agreed to move forward with a renewable energy memorandum of understanding covering technical exchanges and new energy development. Vientiane Times, August 6
Cambodia
Thai plot to assassinate Hun Sen and Hun Manet exposed. Cambodian authorities cited foreign intelligence alleging that Thailand planned to use AT-6 TH light attack aircraft with GPS-guided munitions to target Senate President Hun Sen and Prime Minister Hun Manet amid ongoing border tensions. The reports claim Thailand recently received aircraft and munitions, allegedly for precision strikes if control over disputed zones fails. Khmer Times, August 5
Cambodia condemns Thailand’s legal threats as diversion from humanitarian violations. Phnom Penh rejected Bangkok’s plans to pursue domestic and international lawsuits over alleged Cambodian military actions, calling them politically driven and “legally unfounded.” Cambodian officials said Thailand is deflecting from international scrutiny over alleged harm to civilians and repeated violations of humanitarian law near the disputed Choam Te area. Khmer Times, August 6
Philippines
Philippine fisheries vessel blocked by Chinese ships near Sandy Cay — group. A Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources vessel, BRP Datu Romapenet, was forced to retreat near Sandy Cay in the West Philippine Sea after being blocked by at least three Chinese maritime militia ships, according to maritime analyst Ray Powell. AIS data confirmed the vessel reversed course back to Pag-asa Island, with Chinese-flagged vessels operating nearby. Franco Jose C. Baroña, The Manila Times, August 6
India and the Philippines announce partnership to strengthen trade, defense and maritime ties. India and the Philippines upgraded their relationship to a strategic partnership during President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s visit to New Delhi, agreeing to expand trade, defense, and maritime cooperation. The deal also covers space, tourism, culture, and digital technology collaboration. Marcos said the partnership supports a free and open Indo-Pacific, while Modi emphasized regional security. Associated Press, August 5
Taiwan
PLA showcases amphibious attacks on Taiwan in latest episode of documentary. China’s People’s Liberation Army highlighted amphibious assault and landing operations in a new episode of its Forging Ahead documentary series, signaling its capabilities toward Taiwan amid rising cross-strait tensions. The episode depicted “cold start” transitions from training to simulated combat, including paratrooper infiltration, unmanned beachhead assaults, and maritime blockades. Liu Zhen, South China Morning Post, August 5
Bangladesh
Bangladesh vows democratic renewal on first anniversary of Hasina’s overthrow. Thousands of Bangladeshis marked the anniversary of Sheikh Hasina’s ouster with rallies and celebrations in Dhaka, as interim leader Muhammad Yunus announced the “July Declaration” to honor the 2024 student uprising and pledged national elections for February 2026. The government vowed to pursue constitutional reform and prevent future autocracy, while the opposition BNP welcomed the vote and called for broad political participation. Dhaka bureau and Sudipto Ganguly, Reuters, August 5
Northeast Asia
Misreading the News About Nvidia. Chinese regulators summoned Nvidia over cybersecurity concerns, but reports of an official People’s Daily broadside were inaccurate. A sharply worded essay ran on the People’s Daily Commentary WeChat account (an opinion venue) not in the newspaper’s authoritative pages. The piece’s tone and placement signal a tactical warning rather than a top-level institutional position, illustrating how China’s layered media ecosystem can be misconstrued abroad. David Bandurski, China Media Project, August 5
Who’s Afraid of Engagement? Practical exchanges—classrooms, labs, offices—remain critical for managing U.S.–China tension. Visa hurdles, compressed timelines, and distorted media narratives impede cooperation, yet person-to-person contact reduces anxiety and builds trust. Engagement grounded in everyday interactions can outlast political swings and keep channels open for broader stabilization. Yanqiu Zheng, U.S.–China Perception Monitor, August 5
Trump’s Tariff Blow to Taiwan. A 20% U.S. tariff on Taiwanese imports, higher than rates on Japan and South Korea, threatens competitiveness despite major Taiwan investments in America. Currency appreciation tightens margins, and critics fault Taipei’s handling, warning that trade pressure could undercut growth and complicate energy and industrial planning. Jens Kastner, Asia Sentinel, August 5
Reassessing the EU Business Environment: Insights from Chinese Direct Investors. Surveyed Chinese firms in the EU report a notable deterioration in operating conditions since 2019, citing procurement hurdles, opaque approvals, and perceived origin-based discrimination. New instruments such as foreign subsidies probes, due-diligence and forced-labor rules, raise compliance costs, prompting some to revise expansion plans. Even so, a significant share still prioritizes Europe for growth, especially in green and digital cooperation, indicating recalibration rather than exit. Ewa Radomska, China Observers (CHOICE), August 5
Southeast Asia
Thai-Cambodian Crisis Has Given the Thai Military a Boost. Escalating border frictions and nationalist mobilization have expanded the Thai military’s latitude at the expense of civilian oversight. Commanders tightened control over frontier zones, amplified patriotic narratives, and leveraged the standoff to sideline the government’s de-escalation efforts. Martial law in several provinces and heightened public support for the armed forces underscore entrenched civil-military imbalances and the fragility of Thailand’s democratic institutions. Paul Chambers, Fulcrum, August 5
South Asia
Bangladesh, A Year after the Uprising: Between Democratic Promise and Political Peril. One year after Hasina’s ouster, Bangladesh faces rising crime, political polarization, and religious intolerance. The interim administration under Muhammad Yunus pledges reform but struggles to restore order and public confidence amid mass detentions and persistent violence. Democratic prospects depend on stabilizing security while rebuilding consensus across fractured factions. Saqlain Rizve, South Asian Voices, August 5
China’s Giant Tibetan Dam Invokes Concern. China’s 60-gigawatt Tsangpo megadam advances despite protests and downstream alarm. Built near the Indian border, the project promises massive generation but risks ecological damage and strategic leverage over water flows. Beijing pledges no diversion; India weighs counters, and Tibetans warn of cultural and environmental loss. Nava Thakuria, Asia Sentinel, August 5
Oceania
Australia’s Generational Challenge with War. A new TV adaptation about a World War II POW doctor frames how distance from conflict shapes today’s attitudes. Lowy polling shows younger Australians less willing to fight, reflecting fragmented information, fewer family links to service, and rising skepticism, all factors that could hamper readiness as Indo-Pacific risks grow. Hugh Piper, The Interpreter (Lowy Institute), August 5