China
Chinese and Russian navies patrol the Pacific after wrapping up joint military drills. China and Russia launched their sixth joint Pacific patrol following the conclusion of the “Joint Sea 2025” drills near Vladivostok. The exercises featured live-fire drills, submarine rescue operations, and coordinated responses to simulated air and surface threats. The Chinese Navy deployed advanced destroyers, a new rescue ship, and marine units, while Russia contributed warships and a rescue vessel. Enoch Wong, South China Morning Post, August 6
China is willing to work with Brazil to deepen cooperation: Chinese FM on growing Brazilian diplomatic presence in Beijing. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said Wednesday that China welcomes Brazil’s expanded diplomatic footprint in Beijing, including new military and law enforcement attachés. He emphasized that under the leadership of both presidents, China-Brazil relations have produced mutual benefits and serve as a model for cooperation among major developing nations. Global Times, August 7
Japan
U.S. says Japan has no tariff stacking relief for 15% rate. A White House official confirmed Thursday that Japan will not receive tariff-stacking relief under its recent trade deal with the U.S., meaning the new 15% duty will apply on top of existing rates—unlike with the European Union. Japanese officials had anticipated otherwise, prompting criticism from opposition lawmakers over the lack of a written agreement. Kyodo News, August 7
Sanseito leader meets in Tokyo with co-head of Germany’s AfD. Sanseito leader Sohei Kamiya met with Tino Chrupalla, co-leader of Germany’s far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, for an hour in his Tokyo Diet office on August 5. Kamiya described the exchange as supportive and said he plans to visit Europe soon. The AfD, recently labeled a “right-wing extremist” group by Germany’s domestic intelligence agency, became the country’s second-largest party in February’s general election. Takashi Kida and Taro Saito, The Asahi Shimbun, August 6
South Korea
South Korea, U.S. to conduct major joint military drills starting August 18. South Korea and the United States will begin their 11-day Ulchi Freedom Shield drills on August 18, though 20 of 40 field training events will be rescheduled to September due to heat and to maintain readiness year-round. The exercises will test responses to North Korea’s missile threats but not nuclear tests. Jack Kim and Heejin Kim, Reuters, August 7
Special counsel makes 2nd attempt to execute detention warrant for ex-President Yoon. A South Korean special counsel team on Thursday made a second effort to detain former President Yoon Suk Yeol at Seoul Detention Center for questioning over alleged election meddling. Yoon has been jailed since July 10 over a failed martial law attempt and is accused of receiving illicit polling support to influence the 2022 election. Investigators warned they would use force if necessary after Yoon physically resisted the first attempt. Lee Haye-ah, Yonhap News Agency, August 7
India
India's Modi to visit China for first time in 7 years as tensions with US rise. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will travel to China on August 31 to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit, marking his first visit in over seven years amid strained U.S.-India relations. The trip follows stalled trade talks and President Trump’s imposition of steep tariffs on Indian exports, with further penalties threatened over Russian oil imports. India expects up to $64 billion in export losses from the new U.S. trade stance. Nikunj Ohri, Sarita Singh and Shivam Patel, Reuters, August 6
Trump to put additional 25% import taxes on India. President Donald Trump signed an executive order imposing an additional 25% tariff on Indian imports in response to New Delhi’s Russian oil purchases, bringing total U.S. tariffs on India to 50%. The move, which takes effect in 21 days, drew condemnation from India’s government and raises concerns over a sharp drop in Indian exports to the U.S. amid escalating global trade tensions. Josh Boak, Rajesh Roy and Fatima Hussein, Associated Press, August 6
Vietnam
Vietnam reports strong January-July trade data, imports from U.S. rise 22.7%. Vietnam’s exports rose 14.8% year-on-year to $262.44 billion in the first seven months of 2025, while imports climbed 17.9% to $252.26 billion, driven by a 22.7% increase in purchases from the U.S. following tariff cuts. Exports to the U.S. surged 27.8% ahead of new American tariffs, widening Vietnam’s trade surplus with the U.S. to $74.6 billion. Khanh Vu, Reuters, August 6
Myanmar
Myint Swe, president under Myanmar's junta, dies, state broadcaster reports. Myint Swe, who became Myanmar’s president during the 2021 military coup and served as a key figurehead for the junta, died Thursday at age 74 after a year on medical leave. A former general and vice president, he assumed the presidency after the arrest of Win Myint and Aung San Suu Kyi. His role helped provide legal cover for junta decrees amid ongoing civil conflict. John Mair, Reuters, August 7
TNLA steadily losing ground before scheduled ceasefire talks in China. The Ta’ang National Liberation Army’s negotiating leverage has weakened as junta forces retake key territory in northern Shan State ahead of upcoming ceasefire talks in China. The military recaptured Nawnghkio and is advancing toward Mogok, intensifying pressure on the TNLA, which previously refused demands to surrender five cities. Kyaw Zin Win, Myanmar Now, August 7
Philippines
Philippines posts strongest growth in a year in second quarter, driven by farm output. The Philippine economy grew 5.5% year-on-year in Q2 2025, surpassing expectations due to a 7% surge in agricultural output and strong household consumption. Seasonally adjusted quarterly growth reached 1.5%. Economic officials expressed confidence in hitting the 5.5–6.5% full-year target. Mikhail Flores and Karen Lema, Reuters, August 7
Marcos: PH can’t stay out of Taiwan conflict. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said the Philippines cannot remain neutral in a possible China-Taiwan war due to its geographic proximity and the presence of thousands of overseas Filipino workers in Taiwan. Speaking during an interview in New Delhi, he emphasized that the country would mobilize to evacuate its citizens and defend its sovereignty if drawn into regional hostilities between China and the United States. Catherine S. Valente, The Manila Times, August 7
Indonesia
Prabowo happy with ministers, sees no need for cabinet reshuffle. President Prabowo Subianto ruled out a near-term reshuffle of the Merah Putih Cabinet, citing satisfaction with its performance eight months into his administration. He praised economic growth and a food surplus as key achievements. Cabinet members echoed his confidence following a closed-door meeting. Celvin Moniaga Sipahutar, Jakarta Globe, August 7
Northeast Asia
China’s ‘true multilateralism’ as an alternative to Washington. China is advancing a recalibrated multilateral strategy, focusing on non-traditional security cooperation through forums like the ASEAN–China–GCC Summit and Pacific Island Foreign Ministers’ Meeting. This approach, termed ‘true multilateralism,’ challenges Western-dominated frameworks and criticizes U.S. ‘pseudo-multilateralism.’ Beijing's model prioritizes issues like climate adaptation, food security, and digital governance, aiming to attract Global South partners and reduce alignment pressure amid U.S.–China rivalry. While these initiatives expand China’s soft power and development agenda, they also raise concerns about digital sovereignty, data security, and potential dependencies, especially in regions like Southeast Asia and the Pacific Islands. Countries navigating this terrain must balance China’s cooperative incentives with strategic autonomy and institutional transparency. Gu Bin, East Asia Forum, August 7
US credibility on Taiwan at a crossroads. Donald Trump’s second term has intensified doubts over U.S. security commitments, particularly in Taiwan, which lacks formal alliance protection and relies heavily on Washington for defense. The administration’s transactional rhetoric, troop reduction signals, and pressure for higher defense spending from partners compound regional unease. While shared strategic interests, such as deterring Chinese expansion and safeguarding semiconductor supply, anchor U.S. credibility, new research suggests domestic political unity and perceived national interest alignment have greater influence on Taiwanese confidence than troop deployments or formal alliances. Polarization in U.S. politics erodes trust more than military posture can restore. Credibility hinges on clearly defined, consistently communicated interests, making narrative alignment across administrations crucial for sustaining deterrence. Gene Park and Ronan Tse-min Fu, East Asia Forum, August 6
Assessing North Korea–Southeast Asia’s Diplomatic Renewal. After a prolonged COVID-19 lockdown and a pivot toward Russia, North Korea has cautiously renewed diplomatic engagements with Southeast Asia, particularly with Vietnam and Laos. These efforts focus on reinforcing political legitimacy and hedging future diplomatic options, while reflecting ideological alignment and historical ties. Delegations exchanged in 2024 and 2025 focused on sociocultural cooperation, party-to-party ties, and anniversary commemorations. Although ASEAN nations maintain mostly limited functional relations due to sanctions, reputational risks, and North Korea’s illicit activities, informal diplomacy and regional mechanisms like the ASEAN Regional Forum provide platforms for future engagement. Southeast Asia’s political neutrality and diplomatic traditions offer North Korea valuable flexibility amid evolving global alignments. Gordon Kang, 38 North, August 6
‘Listeners under the bed’: Obsessing over secrets in Chinese elite politics. The rise of “ting chuang” culture, digital gossip masquerading as insider knowledge on Chinese leadership, shows persistent public fascination with elite politics in an opaque system. Originating among younger netizens during the 20th Party Congress, these narratives draw on half-truths and speculation, gaining traction despite frequent inaccuracies. Rumours around Xi Jinping’s supposed decline, based on travel patterns or institutional changes, are countered by data showing sustained political engagement and widespread Party support. Drivers of this misinformation surge include geopolitical tension, post-COVID media restrictions, Western disinvestment in China expertise, and algorithm-driven online echo chambers. The phenomenon demonstrates the urgent need for fact-based analysis, institutional transparency from Beijing, and renewed China literacy abroad to navigate a complex political environment. Li Cheng and Zhang Chi, ThinkChina, August 6
China’s leadership test: High stakes at the fourth plenum. China’s upcoming fourth plenum of the 20th Central Committee, expected in October, will be pivotal in shaping the 15th Five-Year Plan and addressing lingering personnel issues amid economic and geopolitical headwinds. While the economy shows modest growth, domestic fragilities persist, including a weak real estate sector and uncertain foreign trade. Leaders are under pressure to define strategic priorities amid the ongoing U.S.–China trade war. Concurrently, speculation surrounds the unexplained absence of senior military leader He Weidong and unresolved cases involving other top officials, raising the stakes for potential Central Military Commission and Politburo reshuffles. The Beidaihe retreat, though informal, serves as a discreet platform for elite consensus ahead of these critical decisions. Yang Danxu, ThinkChina, August 6
Southeast Asia
Saving Malaysia’s AI Dream Amid Shifting US Tech and Trade Policies.
Malaysia’s AI ambitions face headwinds from U.S. export restrictions and tariff hikes. The 2021–2025 National AI Roadmap aims to boost AI adoption but progress is slow and heavily reliant on imported chips. New U.S. regulations may curb Nvidia’s advanced chip exports to Malaysia, citing concerns over indirect transfers to China. Concurrently, a 25% U.S. tariff, reduced to 19%, excludes semiconductors broadly but not advanced AI chips. In response, Malaysia is tightening export protocols and advancing chip self-reliance through a ten-year partnership with ARM and exploration of RISC‑V architecture. To sustain its AI trajectory, Malaysia must diversify suppliers, enforce compliance, and position itself as a trusted partner amid escalating U.S.–China tech rivalry. Tham Siew Yean, FULCRUM, August 6