China
China holds Central Economic Work Conference to plan for 2026. Leaders in Beijing reviewed 2025 economic performance, assessed risks from weak demand and external shocks, and set 2026 priorities centered on high-quality growth, domestic demand expansion and risk control. The meeting called for proactive fiscal and monetary policy, support for innovation and small firms, and stronger safeguards for financial stability. Global Times, December 12
U.S. commission wants more Mandarin language courses as Congress looks to curb Beijing sway. Congress’ China commission urged expanding Mandarin, Uyghur and Tibetan immersion programs in U.S. schools and universities to build expertise and counter Beijing influence, even as lawmakers move to cut funding for Chinese government-linked language partners and demand disclosure of foreign-backed education. Bochen Han, South China Morning Post, December 10
Brussels ramps up China de-risking while France and Germany pull further apart. The European Commission stepped up de-risking from China by raiding Temu’s Dublin office, deepening a subsidy probe into Nuctech and agreeing on new mandatory screening rules for investments in sensitive technologies and raw materials. At the same time, France pushes tougher trade measures while Germany warns against tariffs, exposing divisions that delayed the planned Industrial Accelerator Act. Finbarr Bermingham, South China Morning Post, December 11
Mexico slaps tariffs of up to 50% on Chinese goods as U.S. trade pact review looms. President Claudia Sheinbaum defended new duties on more than 1,400 Asian products, saying they support domestic industries as Mexico prepares for a 2026 U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement review and faces U.S. pressure over Chinese rerouting, while Beijing condemned the tariffs as unilateral protectionism. Igor Patrick, South China Morning Post, December 11.
Proposed Russia-China pipeline needs ‘tremendous work,’ CNPC researcher says. Speaking in Beijing, Lu Ruquan of CNPC’s research arm said the proposed Power of Siberia 2 pipeline still requires tremendous work, jobs and negotiations and would take at least eight to 10 years, while analyst Daniel Yergin said pricing disputes could delay construction beyond initial expectations. Colleen Howe, Lewis Jackson and Chen Aizhu, Reuters, December 11
Japan
Public support for Takaichi’s Cabinet ebbs to 59.9%, survey shows. Jiji Press polling found approval for Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s Cabinet down 3.9 points from November, while disapproval reached 13.6%. Respondents most often cited her leadership, trust in her, and a favorable impression of the Cabinet, with many also backing winter subsidies and child benefits in the budget bill. The Japan Times, December 11
Japan looks to international community to lower temperature in China row. Tokyo is maintaining what it calls a calm and resolute stance after the Chinese radar incident, asking allies and partners to back Japan’s position and help reduce tensions. Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara said gaining other nations’ understanding is vital as officials brief governments on the dispute. Jesse Johnson, The Japan Times, December 11
South Korea
South Korea minister resigns amid allegations of Unification Church payments. President Lee Jae Myung accepted Oceans Minister Chun Jae-soo’s resignation after he vowed to step down to contest what he calls false claims of illicit money from the Unification Church. Media reports say prosecutors heard testimony about payments to Democratic Party lawmakers, while Chun promises legal action against alleged distortions. Jack Kim, Reuters, December 11
Lee, Laotian president to hold summit talks early next week. President Lee Jae Myung will host Laotian President Thongloun Sisoulith in Seoul for talks on economic cooperation, security, trade, investment and joint action against online scam networks that target Koreans. The visit marks 30 years since the restoration of diplomatic ties. They will discuss regional and international issues. Kim Eun-jung, Yonhap News Agency, December 11
North Korea
North Korea’s Kim Jong Un lauds sending troops overseas in 2025, KCNA says. Kim praised 2025 as a year of accelerated momentum and greater self-sufficiency, citing North Korean soldiers’ participation in overseas military operations during a key party plenary in Pyongyang. He said the five-year policy plan advanced toward full-scale development ahead of a planned party congress. Joyce Lee, Reuters, December 11
N. Korea’s Kim touts policy of bolstering defense capabilities at key party meeting. Kim Jong-un told a three-day Workers’ Party plenary that modernizing forces have resolved domestic security issues and are moving along the course to protect North Korea’s interests, while praising troops deployed to Russia’s war in Ukraine and preparing rule changes for a ninth party congress. Kim Soo-yeon, Yonhap News Agency, December 11
Vietnam
10th session passes 30% of laws, resolutions of NA’s entire 15th term. After 40 days of meetings, the 10th and final session of the 15th National Assembly passed 51 laws and eight resolutions, accounting for 30% of all term legislation. Deputies approved wide-ranging reforms on education, health, technology, specialized courts and anti-corruption while addressing investment, planning, environment, defense and decentralization. Vietnam News, December 11
Vietnam urges factories to cut output as Hanoi chokes on smog. After a week of hazardous smog, authorities in Hanoi ordered power, steel and chemical plants to scale back operations whenever the air quality index exceeds 200, as pollution pushed the city into the world’s most polluted rankings and prompted plans to restrict gasoline motorbikes and fossil fuel cars from 2026. Thinh Nguyen and Khanh Vu, Reuters, December 11
U.S. phone imports from Samsung hub Vietnam hit lowest level since 2020. November U.S. imports of telephones and parts from Vietnam fell to less than $410 million, the lowest since May 2020, after months of declines tied to 20% tariffs and weaker demand. Official data show exports peaked in January, then fell from August, as Samsung adjusted production and the drop dragged down Vietnam’s overall exports. Francesco Guarascio, Khanh Vu and Phuong Nguyen, Reuters, December 11
Thailand
Thailand and Cambodia hold talks on border crossings ahead of expected Trump calls. Officials negotiated reopening the Khlong Luek crossing so Thai workers in Poipet and Cambodian workers in Thailand can return home as fighting along the border entered another day. Both sides blamed each other for artillery and air strikes that killed civilians and forced evacuations. Orathai Sriring and Panarat Thepgumpanat, Reuters, December 11
Thai PM moves to dissolve parliament, setting stage for elections. Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said he is returning power to the people by dissolving parliament after a dispute with the opposition People’s Party, clearing the way for early elections as border clashes with Cambodia continue and political instability weighs on Thailand’s economy. Panarat Thepgumpanat and Panu Wongcha-Um, Reuters, December 11
Myanmar
More than 12 million face acute hunger in Myanmar, WFP says. The World Food Programme warned that conflict, displacement and economic decline will push more than 12 million people in Myanmar into acute hunger next year, with about 1 million facing emergency levels requiring lifesaving aid, as restrictions and underfunding hamper relief while elections and fighting threaten further deterioration and instability. Reuters, December 11
Cambodia
Cambodians flee for their lives into dire conditions amid border clashes. Displaced families described bullets flying as they escaped Thai-Cambodian clashes this week, then found overcrowded shelters short of food, clean water and sanitation, with more than 130,000 people in over 100 centres and returning migrant workers straining local resources as aid groups appeal for support. Chantha Lach and Thomas Suen, Reuters, December 11
Philippines
Senate Blue Ribbon panel begins probe on misuse of tax audits as hearings on flood scandal wrap up. Senators opened an inquiry into alleged Bureau of Internal Revenue abuse of letters of authority and mission orders amid claims of harassment, extortion and unauthorized audits, even as their flood control investigation nears its limit under sub judice rules. Javier Joe Ismael and Reina C. Tolentino, The Manila Times, December 11
Zaldy Co declared a fugitive from justice. The Sandiganbayan Fifth Division ruled that former lawmaker Elizaldy Co is a fugitive from justice, citing his refusal to surrender in a graft case tied to a road dike project in Oriental Mindoro and ordering the immediate cancellation of his passport. The court said Co is evading the legal process by remaining at large. Reina C. Tolentino, The Manila Times, December 11
Indonesia
Indonesia, Pakistan fast-track upgrade to CEPA by 2027. Indonesia and Pakistan agreed in a joint statement to form a Joint Negotiation Committee to upgrade their preferential trade pact to a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement by 2027, deepen concessions, remove non-tariff barriers, expand cooperation in key sectors, and strengthen defense ties during President Prabowo Subianto’s Dec. 8–9 visit to Islamabad. ANTARA News, December 11
Taiwan
Taiwan’s deputy foreign minister made secret trip to Israel, sources say. Deputy Foreign Minister Francois Wu recently made an unpublicised visit to Israel for defence cooperation talks, sources said, despite the lack of formal ties. The trip comes as Taipei develops its T-Dome air defence system and looks to Israel’s experience under regional threats. Ben Blanchard, Yimou Lee and Maayan Lubell, Reuters, December 11
Bangladesh
Bangladesh president, feeling ‘humiliated’, wants to step down halfway through term. President Mohammed Shahabuddin told Reuters he plans to resign after the February 12 election, saying an interim government led by Muhammad Yunus sidelined him, removed his portraits from embassies and ignored his letters, leaving him humiliated even as he remains commander in chief under the current constitution. Krishna N. Das, Reuters, December 11
Bangladesh to hold national election on Feb 12. Bangladesh’s Election Commission set a Feb. 12 vote for the first national election since a student-led uprising forced Sheikh Hasina from power last year, as an interim government under Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus faces growing protests over slow reforms and deep political divisions ahead of campaign rules and deadlines. Ruma Paul and Sakshi Dayal, Reuters, December 11
Kazakhstan
Kazakhstan, Iran boost trade and strategic ties. President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian agreed to deepen political and economic cooperation after trade rose 40% in ten months, outlining plans to diversify commerce in agriculture, logistics, mining, healthcare, and technology, expand investment projects, strengthen transport corridors, and advance cultural, academic and historical exchanges during the Dec. 11 meeting in Astana. Fatima Kemelova, The Astana Times, December 11
Uzbekistan
Shavkat Mirziyoyev discusses strengthening Uzbek-Turkmen partnership with Serdar Berdimuhamedow. Presidents Shavkat Mirziyoyev and Serdar Berdimuhamedow met in Ashgabat on the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan’s neutrality, praising the organization of the International Forum and the declaration of 2025 as the International Year of Peace and Trust. They reviewed expanding strategic cooperation, noting trade of about $1 billion, increased Turkmenbashi port transit, and joint projects in energy, agriculture and transport. Uzbekistan Daily, December 11
Turkmenistan
Turkey looks to expand Turkmen gas swap deal. Turkey is seeking a larger Turkmen gas swap via Iran to secure winter supplies as President Recep Tayyip Erdogan visits Ashgabat, but sanctions uncertainty has halted flows since June despite earlier deliveries. Ankara aims to renew its Iranian import deal, pursue a trans-Caspian pipeline and resolve payment or sanctions obstacles that disrupted shipments. Eurasianet, December 11
East Asia
Xiangshan Forum shows the muscle behind China’s diplomacy. The Beijing Xiangshan Forum has grown from a Track II meeting into a major security platform that parallels Singapore’s Shangri La Dialogue and reflects China’s pursuit of alternative security architectures supported by visible military strength. Victory Day parades and new carrier aviation capabilities display hypersonic weapons, a full nuclear triad and restructured forces, which shape regional threat perceptions and reinforce China’s claim to provide security goods. Xiangshan gathers a diverse mix of Global South states, sanctioned governments and Western participants who weigh engagement against concern over Chinese narratives. The forum promotes peacekeeping, development security links and defence innovation yet produces few binding measures, so regional states hedge through participation in both Western and Chinese led dialogues. Sophie Wushuang Yi, East Asia Forum, December 11
China’s Quiet Digital Expansion Is Anything but Subtle. China reshapes the digital economy through control of platforms, hardware and talent across major markets in Asia, Europe and the United States. A United States deal over TikTok moves formal ownership to American firms while ByteDance retains leverage through its recommendation algorithm and data-related influence. Huawei and Lazada show how Chinese companies use infrastructure, e-commerce and government partnerships to gain reach in emerging markets and in Europe. Investment in artificial intelligence and chips, led by Baidu, Alibaba, Tencent and Huawei, supports a drive for technological self-reliance. A new K visa and earlier talent programs draw global scientists and engineers, giving China a stronger base for competition with Western states in advanced industries. Jacob Tam, Sino-Southeast Initiative, December 11
The Next Taiwan Crisis Won’t Be Like the Last. Current thinking about conflict over Taiwan underestimates how a crisis could start, spread and escalate across the region and beyond. Chinese coercion, military gains and impatience meet a more distinct Taiwanese identity and a strained global order, which raises the chance of war that could pull in Japan, the Philippines, Australia, South Korea, Russia, North Korea and NATO states and drive a deep global recession. Clashes in the South or East China Seas or on the Korean Peninsula could trigger fighting over Taiwan. Time zone gaps, weaker deterrence and alliance politics would complicate U.S. crisis management. Recommendations include new understandings with China on military activity, fuller intelligence work on triggers, joint planning with allies, stronger regional commands and more realistic crisis simulations and dialogues. Paul B. Stares and David Sacks, Council on Foreign Relations, December 11
Southeast Asia
A New Deal for the Mekong. Hydropower expansion, infrastructure projects, climate change and fragmented cooperation place severe stress on the Mekong River, which sustains food, energy and trade across Southeast Asia. A strategic basin-wide deal would treat the river as a single system that delivers shared hydropower, flood control, irrigation, navigation and ecosystem services for all riparian and non riparian ASEAN states. Coordinated operation of Chinese and Lao dams, cross border projects with shared ownership, and expansion of solar and wind capacity would support stable flows, protect Tonle Sap and Vietnam’s delta, and power the ASEAN Power Grid. Improved management would also enable full river navigation, nature based tourism and carbon finance under strong regional leadership. Anoulak Kittikhoun, FULCRUM, December 11
FDI success fails to lift Thailand out of its low-growth trap. Thailand attracts strong foreign direct investment in autos, electronics and electric vehicles, helped by early Japanese capital and supply chain changes from China. Growth performance remains weak, with output gains halving after the Asian financial crisis and growth slowing after the global financial crisis. Structural constraints include a shrinking workforce, household debt near gross domestic product, chronic underspending on infrastructure and skills, and fragile institutions. Limited research, poor vocational training and conflicts in investment governance reduce technology transfer, encourage assembly-focused Chinese investment and speed premature deindustrialization. Policy priorities include stronger public investment, higher digital and human capital, more strategic screening of foreign projects and broader trade diversification, building on the Eastern Economic Corridor as proof of concept. Priyanka Kishore, Nikkei Asia, December 11
Oceania
Tonga’s elections at a democratic crossroads. Tonga’s 2010 reforms reduced royal power and expanded elected representation, yet the 2025 election and prime ministerial contest now test whether authority moves back toward nobles. Seventeen people’s representatives won seats through popular vote, while nine nobles’ representatives were chosen by a small group of title holders, with many nobles voting as a bloc. Lord Fatafehi Fakafanua, speaker of parliament, emerges as a strong contender for prime minister, backed by dense family links among nobles, while former premiers Siaosi Sovaleni, ‘Aisake Eke and Lord Tu‘ivakano seek support from elected members. Falling voter turnout and weak female representation signal broader disengagement, so further reforms must strengthen participation and balance noble influence with popular mandates. Ema Ivarature, Akanesi Katoa, and Henry Ivarature, East Asia Forum, December 11