China
U.S. senators unveil bill to prevent easing of curbs on Nvidia chip sales to China. A bipartisan group of U.S. senators introduced the SAFE CHIPS Act to block the Trump administration from loosening export curbs on Nvidia and AMD AI chips bound for China. The bill would force the Commerce Department to deny licenses for more advanced chips to buyers in China, Russia, Iran and North Korea for 30 months and to brief Congress before changing rules. Alexandra Alper, Reuters, December 4
China and France need mutual ‘understanding and support,’ Xi Jinping tells Emmanuel Macron. Chinese President Xi Jinping told Emmanuel Macron China and France should understand and support each other on core interests while advancing cooperation on Ukraine, trade and climate issues. He urged both sides to uphold multilateralism and resist protectionism, backed a greater role for China EU ties, and welcomed French investment as they signed deals on energy, education and pandas. Dewey Sim, South China Morning Post, December 4
China’s unmanned Moyujian strike helicopter is ready for plateau combat tests. China’s unmanned reconnaissance and strike helicopter Moyujian, built for plateau deployment, is entering combat testing after its display at the Aero Asia show in Zhuhai. Developer Sichuan Tengden says the drone hit moving and stationary targets in live fire trials above 4,000 meters while carrying missiles. Its range and high altitude endurance are meant to support missions on the Tibetan Plateau and over the sea. Alcott Wei, South China Morning Post, December 5
China massing military ships across region in show of maritime force, sources say. China is deploying more than 90 naval and coast guard ships across the Yellow, East China and South China seas and into the Pacific in its largest maritime show of force yet, according to regional security officials. The buildup followed Beijing’s protest on Nov. 14 over Japanese comments on Taiwan and drills include mock attacks and access denial operations. Yimou Lee and Ben Blanchard, Reuters, December 4
U.S. minerals projects seek ‘industrial vision’ from Washington to compete with China. U.S. mining and refining executives told the Reuters NEXT conference that Washington must move faster to back critical minerals projects and counter China’s dominance of supplies for batteries, magnets and weapons. They urged an integrated industrial plan, quicker Export Import Bank loans and pressure on Indonesia to curb nickel output, while supporting price floors and clearer benchmarks for rare earths. Ernest Scheyder and Shariq Khan, Reuters, December 4
Japan
Macron interest in inviting Xi to G-7 summit unsettles Japan. Japan has voiced concern to France over inviting Chinese President Xi Jinping to next year’s Group of Seven summit in Evian, fearing his presence would blunt discussions on Beijing’s maritime expansion and economic pressure. Tokyo accelerated talks with Paris ahead of Emmanuel Macron’s China visit as security chiefs reaffirmed cooperation on a free and open Indo-Pacific and stressed that G-7 unity rests on democratic values. The Asahi Shimbun, December 4
South Korean President Lee mulls visit to Japan in mid-January: sources. Japan and South Korea are arranging a mid-January summit for President Lee Jae Myung and Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi in Nara to showcase improving ties after years of disputes over history and territory. The leaders are expected to pledge “future oriented” relations, discuss mediating Japan China tensions, and deepen trilateral cooperation with the United States on North Korea. Kyodo News, December 4
Japan’s political parties still apart over donation reform bills. Japan’s ruling and opposition parties remain divided after Lower House talks on three bills to reform political donations from companies and organizations. The Liberal Democratic Party backs tighter disclosure rules, including a proposal that party branches receiving such funds must file political finance reports online. The Japan Times, December 5
Japan likely to scrap defense equipment export restrictions. Japan is considering scrapping as early as next spring a rule that limits overseas transfers to five categories of defense equipment such as rescue and transport gear, informed sources say. The change would permit exports of more lethal systems, with debate centering on stricter screening to manage security and proliferation risks. The Japan Times, December 5
South Korea
South Korea’s nuclear submarine gamble raises prospect of underwater arms race in Asia. South Korea is pushing ahead with nuclear powered submarines after President Donald Trump backed access to reactor fuel under a bilateral nuclear agreement, ending decades of U.S. resistance. The plan aims to counter North Korea, aligns with U.S. efforts to balance China, and could pressure Japan to seek similar capabilities, prompting warnings of a regional nuclear domino. Ju-min Park, Trevor Hunnicutt and Tim Kelly, Reuters, December 5
Lee’s approval rating edges up to 62% on positive views of his diplomacy: poll. A Gallup Korea survey found 62% of respondents rated Lee Jae Myung’s performance positively, up 2 points, while 29% were negative and 8% undecided. Diplomacy was the top reason for support, ahead of economic management, as his Democratic Party led the People Power Party 43% to 24% in party ratings. Kim Seung-yeon, Yonhap News Agency, December 5
Gov’t offers disciplinary penalty exemption for officials who self-report martial law involvement. The government announced disciplinary exemptions or lighter penalties for public officials who voluntarily report involvement in former President Yoon Suk Yeol’s failed martial law attempt before probes begin. Under criteria set by the Office for Government Policy Coordination, self reporters may receive only warnings, while those who actively cooperate early can receive sanctions. Lee Haye-ah, Yonhap News Agency, December 5
Influence-peddling scandal erupts at presidential office. A leaked Telegram exchange showed ruling Democratic Party lawmaker Moon Jin-seog asking presidential digital communications secretary Kim Nam-kuk to push a university alumnus for a top car industry post, prompting Kim’s resignation and criticism of cronyism. Opposition parties demand probes into alleged influence peddling while the presidential office denies interference. Anna J. Park, The Korea Times, December 4
North Korea
Presidential office confirms 6 citizens detained in N. Korea, vows efforts to release them. South Korea’s presidential office said six South Korean nationals, including three missionaries and three North Korean defectors, have been detained in North Korea on espionage and other charges since 2013 to 2016. It vowed to seek their release by swiftly resuming inter Korean talks after President Lee Jae Myung, previously unaware of the cases, ordered a review during a Dec. 3 news conference. Yi Wonju, Yonhap News Agency, December 4
North Korea orders youth to lead final push on five-year plan ahead of party congress. Socialist Patriotic Youth League units are mounting end of year ideological drives at factories, urging young workers to double shift and complete the final year of the five year economic plan before the Ninth Party Congress. Many youths respond with indifference, citing constant lectures, power outages, broken equipment and lack of payoffs, even as state media praises model youth brigades to stir fighting fervor. Eun Seol, Daily NK, December 4
Vietnam
Lawmakers debate unified national target programme for rural, mountainous areas. Lawmakers in Hanoi debated a unified national target programme for 2026-2035 that would merge three existing schemes on rural development, poverty reduction and ethnic minority and mountainous areas to end fragmented funding and overlapping tasks. The verification agency backed the merger, urging clear goals, provincial flexibility and concentrated investment in infrastructure, livelihoods, digital transformation and disaster-prone resettlement. Vietnam News, December 5
217 persons from central agencies to be nominated as deputies of 16th NA. At the first consultation of the Vietnam Fatherland Front Central Committee, leaders agreed that 217 people from central agencies will be nominated as deputies to the 16th National Assembly and outlined the structure of candidate groups. Vice Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Thanh said the March 15 2026 election should showcase unity, urging Fatherland Front bodies to guarantee broad representation and careful vetting at all levels. Vietnam News, December 5
Thailand
PM ‘aware’ of budget issues before taking office. Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said he knew about tight funding for the 33rd SEA Games before taking office and tasked Capt Thamanat Prompow with fixing problems as officials scrambled to replace flood hit Hat Yai as a venue and manage facilities. He linked ministerial evaluations to his plan to dissolve the House in January, noting preparations are already strained. Bangkok Post, December 4
Myanmar
Myanmar’s criticism of Takaichi signals ‘loyalty’ to China ahead of election. Analysts say Myanmar’s junta relies heavily on China for economic and political backing and echoes Beijing’s Taiwan positions to signal loyalty and secure support for an election meant to legitimise military rule. Critics note opposition to the junta’s statement, while experts say civil war and sanctions have narrowed Naypyidaw’s options, deepening dependence on China even as Japan’s role shifts toward humanitarian influence. Maria Siow, South China Morning Post, December 5
Philippines
Sandro Marcos testifies before ICI. House Majority Leader Sandro Marcos voluntarily appeared before the Independent Commission for Infrastructure to address Zaldy Co’s claims linking him to P50 billion in suspicious flood control projects. He requested an executive session and accused Co, now abroad, of spreading lies to evade accountability and destabilize the administration. Malacañang also defended ICI as Commissioner Rogelio Singson resigned, citing health and workload. Catherine S. Valente, The Manila Times, December 4
Vice president’s security is 43% of OVP personnel. Audit data show the vice president’s security group had 335 personnel, down from 443 but still nearly 43% of the Office of the Vice President’s 781 staff. The unit, now under the AFP Security and Protection Group, receives allowances from the OVP while salaries come from the military. Auditors issued an unmodified opinion on 2024 accounts and reported no loss or wastage of funds. Red Mendoza, The Manila Times, December 4
Indonesia
Indonesia targets 50% cut in ocean waste by 2029. The Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries set a target to cut the volume of waste entering Indonesia’s oceans by 50% by 2029 through phased reductions of 10% in 2026, 20% in 2027 and 30% in 2028. It plans large scale clean ups, waste balance assessments, incentives and penalties for stakeholders, cultural shifts and integrated funding with river and port measures. ANTARA News, December 5
Prabowo, Puan host China’s Wang Huning in Jakarta. President Prabowo Subianto and House Speaker Puan Maharani hosted Wang Huning in Jakarta for talks highlighting deeper bilateral and parliamentary ties between Indonesia and China. They discussed multilateral cooperation through ASEAN, BRICS and the AIPA, as well as growing trade, investment and local currency use while promoting joint responses to climate and inequality. Agnes Valentina Christa, Jakarta Globe, December 4
Malaysia
Malaysia charges PM’s former aide with receiving bribes. Malaysian authorities charged Shamsul Iskandar Mohd Akin, a former senior political secretary to Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, with receiving 176,829 ringgit from a businessman in exchange for help securing mineral mining licenses in Sabah and other favors. He pleaded not guilty and was freed on bail, while critics say the case tests Anwar’s anti-corruption pledge and both men may face 20 years in jail. Danial Azhar and Ashley Tang, Reuters, December 4
Taiwan
Taiwan to ban China’s Xiaohongshu app for one year on fraud concerns. Taiwan’s interior ministry will suspend access to China’s Xiaohongshu app for one year, citing security risks and alleged involvement in more than 1,700 fraud cases since 2024. The Instagram like platform has 3 million users in Taiwan and losses of T$247.68 million, and officials say it failed all 15 cybersecurity indicators and ignores requests to follow local law. Ben Blanchard and Casey Hall, Reuters, December 4
Taiwan ‘very moved’ by Japanese prime minister’s support, premier says. Premier Cho Jung-tai said Taiwan was very moved by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s remarks backing peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait despite strong Chinese pressure. He thanked Japan while meeting Shuzo Sumi of the Japan Taiwan Exchange Association and said her comments represent justice and peace. Cho noted Beijing’s backlash and said more Taiwanese are choosing to travel to Japan in solidarity. Ben Blanchard, Reuters, December 5
India
Russia’s Putin to hold summit talks with India’s Modi in Delhi. Russian President Vladimir Putin will hold summit talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi to deepen trade as Western sanctions squeeze ties and India pursues a U.S. trade deal. The leaders will discuss defence cooperation, oil sales, labour and nuclear energy, while Moscow seeks more Indian imports and New Delhi balances its partnership with Russia and the West over the Ukraine war. Shivam Patel, Reuters, December 5
Bangladesh
Bangladesh’s Gen-Z battles to gain political ground after ousting Hasina. Student leaders who helped topple Sheikh Hasina are struggling to turn their new National Citizen Party into electoral power as entrenched rivals dominate money and networks. Polls put the NCP third behind the BNP and Jamaat e Islami, with weak organisation, scarce funds and vague positions driving talk of alliances that could dilute its appeal to young voters. Tora Agarwala and Ruma Paul, Reuters, December 4
Kazakhstan
Kazakhstan’s central bank raises inflation forecast for 2025-26. The National Bank of Kazakhstan lifted its baseline inflation forecast to 12-13% for 2025 and 9.5-12.5% for 2026, while keeping a 5.5-7.5% outlook for 2027. The revision reflects stubborn price pressures from demand, administered tariffs and a 2026 VAT hike to 16%. The bank still expects gradual easing under tight monetary and fiscal coordination. Dmitry Pokidaev, Times of Central Asia, December 4
Tokayev, EU’s Costa set new Kazakhstan-EU priorities as ties turn 10. President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and European Council President António Costa agreed new priorities for Kazakhstan EU ties as they marked the tenth anniversary of their Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement. focused on trade, investment, critical raw materials, transport corridors and visa facilitation, with the EU Kazakhstan’s largest trading partner and investor, and Kazakhstan a major oil and uranium supplier underpinning European economic security. Fatima Kemelova, The Astana Times, December 4
East Asia
Gendered Legacies of Control: How China’s Population Policies Reshaped Women’s Lives. China’s hukou and One Child Policy create lasting structural inequality for women in cities and the countryside. The hukou registration system ties welfare, education, health care, and housing to birthplace and restricts mobility for rural women and migrant workers. Rural families experience son preference, high demand for farm labor, and patriarchal authority, which expose women and girls to coercive birth control and neglect. Distorted sex ratios and a marriage squeeze in rural regions feed higher bride prices, trafficking, violence, and social tension. Rural women face higher illiteracy, weaker retirement security, and poorer health in old age than urban residents. High-priced housing, child care, and education keep birth rates low despite changes to the two-child and three-child rules. Tahina Montoya and Kelly Atkinson, Council on Foreign Relations, December 4
China’s Total Factor Productivity Is Either Extremely Low or Surging Past the United States. China faces conflicting readings of total factor productivity, because TFP depends on contested GDP figures and fragile methods. A change in the Penn World Table to official Chinese data moved China from weak performer to global leader, which shows how sensitive residual measures are. Evidence of strong factory output reflects capital deepening in select sectors rather than broad efficiency. Structural distortions in credit, local incentives, and regional protection shape low-quality investment and limit service growth. Beijing links the next Five-Year Plan to higher TFP through a unified market and social spending, yet strict TFP targets risk perverse behavior. Lizzi C. Lee, Asia Society, December 4
China is commercializing energy-efficient underwater data centers. China’s first commercial underwater data center in Hainan and a wind-powered module in Shanghai use seawater cooling to cut power use by 40 to 60 percent compared with land-based facilities. Servers sit in sealed cabins 35 meters underwater, with medium-scale capacity that supports storage and computing for Hainan’s free trade port, telecom operators, and cloud and AI firms. The project strengthens national champions in fiber optic cables and subsea engineering such as Zhongtian Technology, Tongguang Cable, Hengtong Group, and Highlander, whose units face US trade restrictions and rely on foreign know how. Underwater centers reduce land use and link with offshore wind but raise unresolved technical and ecological risks. Altynay Junusova, MERICS, December 4
Crises May Now Drive Japan’s Relations With China. Japan’s current confrontation with China over Taiwan and the Senkaku Islands shows that crises steer the relationship. Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae’s statement that Chinese force against Taiwan could threaten Japan’s survival drew hostile Chinese rhetoric, travel warnings, and renewed bans on Japanese aquatic products, while coast guard patrols around the islands raise the risk of escalation. The episode recalls the 2010 Senkaku crisis, which damaged the DPJ, strengthened Abe Shinzō, expanded collective self defense, and exposed Japanese vulnerability to Chinese economic pressure. In this setting, strong support for Takaichi and new strategic reviews point toward stronger defenses, tighter economic security, and deeper reliance on the United States. Sheila A. Smith, Council on Foreign Relations, December 4
Japan’s Prime Minister Takaichi Finally Says Something Close to What Beijing Wants to Hear. Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae shifted language on Taiwan after a month of sharp tension with China over her claim that any mainland attack would create an existential crisis for Japan. Beijing answered with travel warnings, fierce online nationalism, and public pressure for Tokyo to restate full support for the one China principle and key lines from the 1972 Joint Communiqué and Potsdam Proclamation. A pair of phone calls from President Trump to Xi Jinping and Takaichi shaped perceptions of hierarchy in the triangle. In a follow-up statement, Takaichi cites Japan’s renunciation of claims to Taiwan, while Chinese voices continue to press for explicit affirmation of Chinese sovereignty. Juan Zhang, U.S.-China Perception Monitor, December 4
Europe’s Stalled North Korea Policy. European policy toward North Korea sits in paralysis while Washington, Seoul, and Tokyo explore fresh summit contacts with Kim Jong Un. Embassy closures during the pandemic and slow, limited reopenings stripped Europeans of eyes, ears, and channels in Pyongyang, while Track II dialogue remains absent. The EU’s long-standing doctrine of critical engagement now functions as sanctions, aid cuts, and human rights censure with little direct contact. North Korea's support for Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and a new security pact with Moscow hardens opinion in Europe and mutes debate over engagement. Policy makers treat North Korea as a junior member of a wider authoritarian bloc, so attention flows to Russia and China, though future diplomacy might reopen space for incentives. Ramon Pacheco Pardo, 38 North, December 4
Taiwan’s US$40 billion gamble: Defence buildup amid China-Japan-US tensions. Taiwan’s DPP government proposes a 40 billion dollar special defence budget for 2026 to 2033 on top of higher annual outlays, aiming for spending of 3.3 percent of GDP in 2026 and 5 percent by 2030. Support from Washington contrasts with Beijing’s charge that Lai Ching-te pushes the island toward war and with KMT and TPP warnings about debt, social trade- offs and weak diplomacy. The plan unfolds amid sharp China-Japan friction over Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s comments on Taiwan and a more cautious Trump approach. New funds target air and missile defence, drones, and AI-enabled systems under a Taiwan Dome concept, plus all-out defence drills that mobilise reservists and civilian infrastructure, though sustainability and future KMT rule remain uncertain. Ghulam Ali, ThinkChina, December 4
Southeast Asia
Southeast Asia’s $3tn clean energy gap. Power demand across Southeast Asia grows at twice the global pace, yet clean energy investment falls short of needs. A Climate Policy Initiative study estimates transition finance at 1.8 trillion dollars in 2024, one-third of the 6 trillion required each year by 2030, with Asia Pacific needing 3 to 3.4 trillion but receiving under 400 billion. Limited spending on coal retirement, methane cuts and grids keeps gas and coal plants attractive for lenders, while high-cost LNG projects tie states to fossil contracts. Fiscal strain, weak grids and slow permitting further block change. Reports from AMRO and the World Economic Forum describe blended finance as the main path to mobilise capital for hydrogen, offshore wind and storage, or the region risks long LNG dependence. Tim Daiss, Nikkei Asia, December 4
ASEAN must be ready if Taiwan crisis hits. Cross Strait tensions expose a gap in ASEAN preparedness for crisis in the Taiwan Strait. China has limited incentive for immediate war and remains absorbed in defense reforms, yet gray zone tactics and fragmented supply chains increase the chance of sudden disruption. Over 700,000 Southeast Asians, many Indonesian caregivers and industrial workers, would face danger without clear evacuation plans, since Taiwan guidance covers communication but not migrant mobility. ASEAN consular guidelines and disaster cooperation provide a base for quiet coordination, shared risk assessment and joint logistics that respect One China commitments while protecting citizens and preserving regional unity. Muhammad Waffaa Kharisma, East Asia Forum, December 4
Indonesia’s new national heroes expose old biases and political agendas. Indonesia’s latest list of national heroes reveals long-standing political and social bias. The inclusion of former president Suharto alongside figures such as Abdurrahman Wahid and labor activist Marsinah highlights tension between official honor and records of repression, mass killings, and corruption. The national hero roster favors political and military elites, men, and Javanese figures, while women and many regions remain marginal. Past omissions linked to the 11 March Order and contested regional memories show how recognition follows power instead of integrity. Suharto’s elevation and a planned National History raise concern over efforts to rehabilitate New Order narratives. Nanda Julian Utama, East Asia Forum, December 4
Cambodia’s Warming Ties with Washington Reflect Continuity, Not Realignment. Cambodia’s warm turn toward Washington after Trump brokered a border deal with Thailand echoes strategic continuity rather than a camp switch. Lifting the US arms embargo, signing a trade pact, and restarting joint exercises improve ties but do not displace deep Chinese investment and security links, including Golden Dragon drills at Ream Naval Base and regular training. Historical experience from the 1950s shows Phnom Penh combining US and Chinese aid to meet development needs while rejecting exclusive reliance on any patron. Today, export dependence on the US market and the scale of Chinese financing narrow options, yet also push diversification. Cambodian leaders again seek maximum flexibility, while Washington must offer steady economic and security engagement to gain lasting influence. Taylor Coplen, FULCRUM, December 4