China
China’s anti-corruption campaign claims 3 more top military officers. NPC Standing Committee expelled Wang Renhua, Zhang Hongbing and Wang Peng from the legislature. Wang Renhua headed the Central Military Commission’s Political and Legal Affairs Committee. Zhang served as political commissar of the People’s Armed Police, and Wang ran the CMC’s training department. Sylvie Zhuang, South China Morning Post, December 28
China’s top legislature concludes standing committee session. The NPC Standing Committee ended its 19th session in Beijing. Lawmakers adopted a hazardous-chemicals safety law and revised fisheries, civil aviation, language, and foreign trade laws. They also approved a report on legislative review and cleanup. Xi Jinping signed six presidential orders to promulgate the laws and decisions. Global Times, December 27
China puts drone rules into law as low-altitude economy takes off. China revised its Civil Aviation Law to cover drones, effective July 1. A new chapter requires CAAC airworthiness certification for design, production, import, maintenance and flight operations unless exempt. Manufacturers must assign unique identification codes. Shi Jiangtao, South China Morning Post, December 27
China says it’s ready to help ASEAN monitor Thailand-Cambodia truce. Wang Yi told Prak Sokhonn in Yuxi that China will help ASEAN monitor the ceasefire. China is hosting Thai and Cambodian ministers in Yunnan to reinforce the truce. Beijing pledged aid, with a first 20 million yuan shipment arriving in Phnom Penh on Sunday. Orange Wang, South China Morning Post, December 28
China welcomes Thailand-Cambodia truce ahead of trilateral talks. China congratulated Cambodia after it agreed a ceasefire with Thailand following weeks of border fighting. Thailand and Cambodia said clashes killed at least 101 people and displaced over half a million. Wang Yi will meet Prak Sokhonn and Sihasak Phuangketkeow in Yunnan and offer humanitarian aid for displaced people. Reuters, December 28
Japan
Japan's defense equipment support to double in fiscal 2026. The Foreign Ministry’s budget proposes 18.1 billion yen for Official Security Assistance, double. OSA began in fiscal 2023 with four recipients and about 2 billion yen, and now covers 12, including the Philippines and Indonesia. Funding would extend radar and other gear to more than a dozen nations. Ryohei Miyawaki, The Asahi Shimbun, December 27
Japan fine-tunes plans for disaster management agency. The government adopted an outline for a new disaster management agency and will submit a bill in the January Diet session. It is slated for 2026, led by the prime minister and a new minister to be appointed in the future. The Japan Times, December 26
South Korea
South Korean President Lee names conservative lawmaker as budget minister. President Lee Jae Myung appointed conservative politician Lee Hye-hoon as budget minister. Lee said she supports his goals of economic growth and stronger social welfare. The president has sought to strip the finance ministry of budget planning authority, and some experts said that shift could raise national debt. Heejin Kim, Jihoon Lee, Reuters, December 28
Lee's approval rating edges down to 53.2%: poll. A Realmeter survey put Lee Jae Myung’s approval at 53.2%, down 0.2%, with disapproval 42.2%. Respondents rated economic steps favorably, including incentives to shift investors from overseas stocks and measures to stabilize the won. Ratings slipped after the Democratic Party's passage of bills on a Yoon tribunal. Kim Eun-jung, Yonhap News Agency, December 29
S. Korea, U.S. complete all joint field training drills postponed from Aug.: JCS. JCS said the allies finished 22 of about 40 rescheduled Ulchi Freedom Shield drills by year-end. Training included airborne insertion, personnel recovery, maintenance support and live fire. Two drills, including airport-damage recovery, ran only with South Korean forces. Kim Hyun-soo, Yonhap News Agency, December 29
North Korea
North Korea's Kim Jong Un oversees cruise missile launches. KCNA said Kim oversaw long-range cruise missile launches. Missiles flew over sea west of the peninsula and hit targets. South Korea detected multiple launches from Sunan near Pyongyang. Kim said drills check the nuclear deterrent. Joyce Lee, Reuters, December 28
N. Korea's Kim logs most public appearances in nine years in 2025. Korea Institute for National Unification data put Kim Jong-un’s 2025 public appearances at 131 through Dec. 27. The tally was 118 through November, up from 127 in 2024 and a 2020 low of 55. Activities included ceremonies, inspections and fewer military events. Park Boram, Yonhap News Agency, December 28
Thailand
Thailand and Cambodia halt fierce border conflict with second ceasefire. Thailand and Cambodia signed a second ceasefire after renewed border clashes, and Thai officials said it was holding after taking effect at 0500 GMT. Defense ministers Natthaphon Narkphanit and Tea Seiha said troops will hold positions, with ASEAN observers monitoring and direct military channels maintained. The pact followed 20 days of fighting that killed at least 101 people and displaced over half a million. Panu Wongcha-Um and Devjyot Ghoshal, Reuters, December 27
PP opens door to coalition talks with Anutin's party. Leader Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut said the People’s Party could work with Bhumjaithai after the Feb. 8 vote. He said talks depend on Bhumjaithai accepting higher ethical standards for ministers and office holders. He said amending the lese majeste law would not be in a PP policy statement. Aekarach Sattaburuth, Bangkok Post, December 28
Pheu Thai hails input to charter campaign. Pheu Thai is working with civil groups for a “yes” vote in a referendum on a new constitution. Chaturon Chaisaeng said the Referendum Act protects participation and the Election Commission must ensure fair access. Campaigning continues to Feb. 8, the same day as the election. Aekarach Sattaburuth, Bangkok Post, December 29
Myanmar
Weak turnout seen in Myanmar's phased election, first since 2021 coup. Myanmar began a three-phase election on Sunday. Residents in Yangon and Mandalay said turnout was far below 2020. The U.N. rejected the vote as not free or credible. Analysts said the military-aligned USDP is favored in later phases on Jan. 11 and Jan. 25. Reuters staff, Devjyot Ghoshal, Reuters, December 27
Airstrikes and attacks continue as Myanmar junta presses ahead with election. Residents in Sagaing reported airstrikes and artillery on Budalin as polls opened, using a Y-12 and paramotors. In Khin-U, aircraft bombed roadside restaurants, killing at least nine and injuring over 10. Rockets hit Mandalay before voting, and drone bombs in Myawaddy killed one woman and injured about 10. Myanmar Now, December 28
Cambodia
PM: Implementing the ceasefire does not mean that Cambodia surrenders or is willing to trade its territorial integrity for peace. Hun Manet said Cambodia accepted a Dec. 27 ceasefire with Thailand. He said it protects civilians, not territory, after 32 deaths and 93 injuries. He said forces stay put, treaties stand, and 18 soldiers return after 72 hours. Khmer Times, December 29
Cambodian FM holds bilateral talks with Chinese FM. Prak Sokhonn met Wang Yi in Yunnan on Dec. 28. He said ties are deepening through frequent exchanges and sector cooperation. He thanked China’s support for the Cambodia-Thailand ceasefire ahead of Dec. 28–29 trilateral talks. Khmer Times, December 28
Laos
12th National Party Congress slated for Jan 6–8. The Lao People’s Revolutionary Party will meet Jan. 6–8 to elect leaders for 2026-2030 and set development goals. Delegates will choose a Central Committee, which will then elect the Secretary General and Politburo. Plans include graduating from a least developed country status in 2026 and preparing for Feb. 22 elections. Vientiane Times, December 27
Philippines
Congress set to ratify 2026 budget Monday. Lawmakers signed the bicameral report on the P6.793 trillion 2026 budget and scheduled a one-day extended session Monday to ratify it and send it to Malacañang. The Palace said President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is expected to sign it in early January. Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian said the budget increases support for education, health and agriculture. Bernadette E. Tamayo, The Manila Times, December 28
Public urged to keep watch over how national budget is spent. Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo Lacson urged Filipinos to monitor how the executive spends the P6.7 trillion 2026 budget after Congress ratifies it. He said public scrutiny should continue through implementation and should draw lessons from corruption in earlier budgets. He cited provisions banning guarantee letters and political patronage in free medical assistance. Bernadette E. Tamayo, The Manila Times, December 28
Malaysia
Malaysia ex-PM Najib Razak jailed for 15 more years in 1MDB saga's biggest trial. A Kuala Lumpur court convicted former premier Najib Razak on 25 counts tied to 1MDB. He was sentenced to 15 more years in prison, with terms to run concurrently after 2028. The judge fined him 11.39 billion ringgit ($2.82 billion) and cited ties to Jho Low. Rozanna Latiff, Reuters, December 26
Singapore
PM Lawrence Wong to deliver budget speech on Feb. 12. Prime Minister Lawrence Wong will deliver the Budget 2026 statement in Parliament on Feb. 12. The Finance Ministry said it will air live and post online after delivery. Public consultations run until Jan. 12, and a session is set for Jan. 21 near Kent Ridge MRT. Rhea Yasmine, The Straits Times, December 29
Taiwan
China launches military drills around Taiwan amid tensions with Japan. PLA Eastern Theatre Command started “Just Mission 2025” drills with army, navy, air force and rocket force units. It said live-fire exercises will run Tuesday, with five zones under 10-hour sea and air restrictions from 8:30 a.m. China said the drills warn against Taiwan independence and interference. Joe Cash and Eduardo Baptista, Reuters, December 28
Lai says Taiwan must raise cost of war, build indigenous defense to deter China. Lai said Taiwan must raise invasion costs and build indigenous defense to deter China. He said Taiwan will not provoke China and will maintain the status quo. He outlined a special budget for air defense and AI battlefield support. Christie Chen, Focus Taiwan, December 28
Lai government to seek constitutional ruling on pension reform bill. Lai said the Cabinet will ask the Constitutional Court to review a pension rollback bill. He said it shifts shortfalls to taxpayers, harms fiscal sustainability, and infringes on Cabinet budget authority. The court has eight justices after opposition lawmakers blocked nominees and passed tighter quorum rules. Sean Lin, Focus Taiwan, December 26
Bangladesh
Bangladesh's student-led party allies with Islamists ahead of election. Bangladesh’s National Citizen Party said it will run in February’s election in an alliance with Jamaat-e-Islami. NCP chief Nahid Islam said the pact aims for unity, but leader Tasnim Jara resigned and other members quit. A December survey by the International Republican Institute put NCP support at 6%, behind the BNP at 30% and Jamaat at 26%. Ruma Paul, Reuters, December 28
Uzbekistan
“State of emergency” in fighting corruption to be declared in Uzbekistan — president. President Shavkat Mirziyoyev declared a 2026 “state of emergency” on corruption. He ordered every agency to appoint compliance deputies and Accounts Chamber staff. From Jan. 1, the presidential compliance service will oversee cases and report directly to him. Gazeta, December 28
Tajikistan
Two Tajik border guards killed in attack along Afghan border. Three armed men crossed from Afghanistan late Dec. 23 and attacked a Tajik border post. Troops found them the next morning and killed all three after they opened fire. Two guards were killed, and officials said they seized rifles, pistols with silencers, grenades and explosives. Vagit Ismailov, The Times of Central Asia, December 26
Kyrgyzstan
Kyrgyzstan signals possible end to EU aviation ban. President Sadyr Japarov said Kyrgyzstan is near removal from the EU Air Safety List. He cited billions of soms in aircraft and airport investment and called it a state priority. Kyrgyz airlines have been blacklisted since 2006, and the EU has not announced a decision. Stephen M. Bland, The Times of Central Asia, December 26
East Asia
China’s Economy: Rightsizing 2025, Looking Ahead to 2026. Rhodium Group estimates 2025 real GDP growth at 2.5% to 3.0%, below the official path, after exports and consumer trade-in subsidies lifted the first half and credit, investment, and retail sales weakened in the second half. Fixed asset investment fell 11% in nominal terms from July to November, property sales and new starts fell beyond 20% year on year, and deflation ran for ten quarters. Net exports added 1.7 percentage points, with the trade surplus above $1 trillion through November. For 2026, growth is forecast at 1.0% to 2.5% with falling investment, constrained fiscal support, weak consumption, and export pushback risk. Daniel H. Rosen, Logan Wright, Oliver Melton, Jeremy Smith, Rhodium Group, December 22
How China Carved Up Myanmar. After the 2021 coup, Myanmar’s civil war left the junta in Naypyidaw with control of less than half the country, while ethnic armed organizations run large regions. Beijing has moved from hoping for reunification to managing fragmentation through conditional aid to the junta and pressure on border groups. Elections starting December 28 can entrench a hybrid system where civilian institutions process budgets and contracts, giving Chinese firms stronger legal cover. China cultivates ties with all power holders to secure heavy rare earth supplies and advance the China-Myanmar Economic Corridor to the Kyaukphyu port and pipeline route. Central ministries handle diplomacy while Yunnan security agencies coerce and mediate with armed groups. The balance carries risk of state collapse and cross-border crime. Amara Thiha, Foreign Affairs, December 26
Southeast Asia
Security by Solidarity: The Shifting Scapegoating of Chinese-Indonesians in Modern Indonesia. Anti-corruption protests in August 2025 revived memories of the May 1998 riots and raised fears of renewed violence against ethnic Chinese Indonesians. A push by Cultural Affairs Minister Fadli Zon to deny atrocities added risk as political pressure rose after Affan Kurniawan died when an armored police vehicle struck him in Jakarta. Social media carried false reports of kidnappings, looting, and sexual violence tied to Chinese targets. Netizens, community groups, and journalists countered the claims and shared safety updates under #WargaJagaWarga. Residents guarded neighborhoods, mapped safe routes, and delivered food and transport to demonstrators. The movement frames security as civic solidarity grounded in gotong royong and Pancasila, while pointing to gaps that require state reform. Emily Adiwijaya, Sino-Southeast Initiative, December 27
Prabowo’s active diplomacy requires stronger institutional alignment. President Prabowo Subianto made 32 foreign visits to 22 countries in his first year and used personal diplomacy to expand economic and defense ties and support a two-state solution for Palestine. Rapid initiatives have outpaced coordination with the foreign ministry and other agencies. A November 2024 China visit raised concern that a Natuna Sea joint development proposal signaled acceptance of China’s claims, prompting a foreign ministry clarification that Indonesia rejects the nine-dash line. An April 2025 plan to evacuate Gazans for medical care and an October 2025 claim about J-10 jets produced confusion and reversal. A palace-based Special Assistant for Foreign Policy, backed by seconded diplomats, could vet proposals, integrate analysis across advisory bodies, and track follow-up. Jefferson Ng, East Asia Forum, December 27
When It Comes to Superpower Geopolitics, Malaysia Is Staunchly Nonpartisan. Malaysia pursues ties with China and the United States and rejects a forced choice between them. China is Malaysia’s largest trading partner for close to two decades, while the United States is a top source of foreign direct investment. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim hosted Xi Jinping in April and welcomed President Donald Trump for the ASEAN summits in October. A 2024 joint statement that called Taiwan an inalienable territory drew criticism, yet it repeats language from the 1974 communique that normalized ties with China. In the South China Sea, Putrajaya sends protest notes and defends its exclusive economic zone while limiting public confrontation. The reciprocal trade deal with Washington drew public anger and about 140 police reports, leaving it under parliamentary review. Elina Noor, Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, December 28
Singapore a model for small states amid big power rivalry. Great power rivalry and a changing world order raise survival risks for small states in the Asia Pacific. China-United States competition creates pressure to choose sides, while a move toward multipolarity adds uncertainty about regional balance and spheres of influence. Economic tools such as tariffs, import limits, and supply chain cuts deepen vulnerability for trade-dependent economies. Small states need stronger governance, social cohesion, and cooperation through groupings such as ASEAN to gain bargaining power and protect autonomy. Singapore illustrates this approach through stable domestic governance and a foreign policy that keeps balanced ties with major powers while defending a rules-based order. New diplomatic outreach beyond its core partners aims to widen options. Singapore’s role as transport, aviation, and finance hub adds value that supports influence. Goh Choon Kang, ThinkChina, December 26
Myanmar’s Election Is Predetermined, but Questions Remain. When voting begins Dec. 28, the military plans polls in phases that cover 102 of 330 townships, with 100 more slated for Jan. 11 and many areas excluded amid civil war. The Union Solidarity and Development Party, tied to the armed forces, faces little competition after Aung San Suu Kyi’s National League for Democracy was dissolved under a registration law. China favors an election that spreads responsibility, supports border cease-fires, and protects infrastructure projects, while analysts expect no solution to root causes. ASEAN members split between isolation and engagement and will send observers by national choice, with Thailand participating. The presidency and Min Aung Hlaing’s role remain unclear, with Prime Minister Nyo Saw seen as an option. Andrew Nachemson, Foreign Policy, December 26