China
Trump to travel to China first week of April, Politico reports. U.S. President Donald Trump plans to visit Beijing in the first week of April for talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping, Politico reported. The trip would mark Trump’s first visit to China in his current term. Officials did not comment publicly on the agenda or expected outcomes. Jasper Ward, Reuters, February 9
China releases white paper on safeguarding national security in Hong Kong. China’s State Council issued a white paper outlining Hong Kong’s national security framework to justify stability in a volatile global environment. The document was released a day after media tycoon Jimmy Lai was sentenced to 20 years under the national security law. Authorities said safeguarding security is essential for Hong Kong’s prosperity and long-term governance. James Pomfret, Reuters, February 10
China says its policy towards Japan will not be changed by one election. China said its approach to Japan will not shift because of Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s election victory. A foreign ministry spokesperson urged Tokyo to handle Taiwan-related remarks prudently. Takaichi previously said a Chinese attack on Taiwan could pose a survival-threatening situation for Japan. Ethan Wang and Joe Cash, Reuters, February 9
Chinese drone for anti-submarine warfare among systems at Saudi defence show. China showcased a range of unmanned systems at the World Defence Show in Riyadh, including the Wing Loong-X anti-submarine warfare drone. The UAV is designed for export markets and features long endurance of about 40 hours and a range near 10,000 kilometers. Analysts said the platform highlights growing regional demand for autonomous military systems. Amber Wang, South China Morning Post, February 9
Japan
Landslide election win clears path for Japan’s Takaichi to deliver tax cuts. Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s ruling coalition secured a supermajority in Japan’s lower house election. The result strengthens her mandate to suspend the food consumption tax and pursue fiscal stimulus without issuing new debt. Markets reacted sharply as investors assessed funding risks and broader fiscal implications. Leika Kihara and John Geddie, Reuters, February 9
Uncertainty clouds JIP’s role in ruling coalition following LDP’s election win. Japan Innovation Party secured 36 Lower House seats, a modest gain, but faces diminished leverage after the Liberal Democratic Party won a two-thirds supermajority. Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said voters endorsed continuing the coalition framework despite the LDP’s dominance. JIP leaders said they will remain in government but acknowledged their policy influence is unclear. Eric Johnston, The Japan Times, February 9
South Korea
South Korea parliament forms committee to fast-track U.S. investment legislation. South Korea’s parliament voted to form a special committee to speed up legislation tied to Seoul’s $350 billion investment commitments to the United States. The move followed U.S. President Donald Trump’s threat to raise tariffs, with the speaker urging passage by the end of February. The 16-member panel includes lawmakers from ruling and opposition parties and will operate for 30 days. Kyu-seok Shim and Yunji Ha, Reuters, February 9
Defense ministry launches investigative unit to probe martial law attempt in 2024. South Korea’s defense ministry launched a special investigative unit under the Criminal Investigation Command to probe military involvement in former President Yoon Suk Yeol’s failed martial law bid. The unit will examine allegations not covered by previous probes after legal authority shifted from counterintelligence to military police. Investigators are focusing on the former Defense Counterintelligence Command’s role in troop deployments. Kim Hyun-soo, Yonhap News Agency, February 9
Defense chief discusses arms cooperation with Saudi nat’l guard minister. Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back met Saudi National Guard Minister Abdullah bin Bandar Al Saud in Riyadh to discuss expanding defense and arms industry cooperation. Talks covered personnel exchanges, military education and joint momentum in arms production. The meeting took place during the World Defense Show as South Korea seeks to boost defense exports. Lee Minji, Yonhap News Agency, February 10
Thailand
Next Thai government expected to take office in April, official says. Thailand’s next government is expected to take office by the end of April following the Bhumjaithai Party’s election victory. Government spokesperson Siripong Angkasakulkiat said there would be no honeymoon period as the new administration faces immediate challenges. Coalition negotiations and cabinet formation are expected to begin once final results are confirmed. Panarat Thepgumpanat and Martin Petty, Reuters, February 9
Thailand’s ruling party readies for coalition talks after big election win. Thailand’s Bhumjaithai Party began preparing for coalition talks after winning 193 of 500 parliamentary seats. Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said he aims to form a strong majority government while awaiting final results. Markets rallied on reduced political uncertainty as voters also backed constitutional change. Orathai Sriring and Panarat Thepgumpanat, Reuters, February 9
BJT to push charter rewrite. Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said the Bhumjaithai Party will press ahead with rewriting Thailand’s constitution after a referendum showed strong public support. He said the people’s decision cannot be ignored, but stressed that chapters on the monarchy and state principles will remain untouched. Anutin urged a gradual approach to reforms, warning against stripping the Senate and independent agencies’ powers too quickly. Mongkol Bangprapa and Aekarach Sattaburuth, Bangkok Post, February 10
People’s Party presses for recounts in disputed races. Thailand’s People’s Party sought recounts in several constituencies, citing narrow margins and unusually high numbers of invalid ballots. Party leader Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut highlighted cases in Lampang and Khon Kaen where discrepancies could affect results. He denied coalition talks with Bhumjaithai and said the party would not join a Bhumjaithai-led government. Bangkok Post, February 9
Laos
Govt, UAE firms ink deal on ASEAN AI centre. Laos signed two agreements with United Arab Emirates companies to establish an ASEAN digital and artificial intelligence centre and strengthen cybersecurity cooperation. The memorandums were signed during the World Government Summit 2026 and aim to support innovation, workforce skills and safer digital financial services. Officials said the deals also mark a milestone in Laos-UAE relations during the 30th anniversary year of diplomatic ties. Vientiane Times, February 10
Cambodia
Cambodia condemns Thai military activities in occupied border areas. Cambodia accused Thai forces of unlawful road construction and blockades inside its territory in Oddar Meanchey and Pursat provinces. The foreign ministry said the actions violate agreed de-escalation measures and hinder the return of displaced civilians. Phnom Penh reaffirmed its commitment to a peaceful resolution under international law and bilateral agreements. Rin Ousa, Cambodianess, February 9
Philippines
Third impeachment case filed against VP Sara. A third impeachment complaint was filed against Vice President Sara Duterte, alleging constitutional violations and betrayal of public trust over confidential funds. The complainants include priests and lawyers, with endorsements from minority lawmakers. Duterte’s defense said it expected additional filings and will address them through constitutional processes. Reina C. Tolentino, The Manila Times, February 10
Marcos to visit New York in March. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. will make a three-day working visit to New York in March, Malacañang said. He will attend meetings at the United Nations, including the opening of the Commission on the Status of Women. Marcos will also address a UN General Assembly special session to highlight Philippine engagement with multilateral platforms. Kristina Maralit, The Manila Times, February 10
House panel junks impeachment complaints filed against Marcos. The House justice committee formally dismissed two impeachment complaints against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. after finding them insufficient in substance. Lawmakers said the allegations relied on hearsay, speculation and media reports without supporting evidence. Malacañang welcomed the decision and said due process was observed. Dexter Cabalza and Gabriel Pabico Lalu, Philippine Daily Inquirer, February 10
Indonesia
Indonesia’s Prabowo invited to US for Trump Board of Peace meeting, eyes trade deal signing. Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto was invited to Washington on Feb. 19 for a meeting on President Donald Trump’s Board of Peace. Officials said Indonesia hopes to sign a trade deal during the visit. The trip would mark Prabowo’s first U.S. visit since taking office. Stefanno Sulaiman and Ananda Teresia, Reuters, February 9
Singapore
Singapore upgrades 2026 GDP growth forecast to 2%-4%; economy expanded by 5% in 2025. Singapore raised its 2026 growth forecast after the economy expanded 5% in 2025, beating earlier estimates. The Ministry of Trade and Industry cited resilient global trade, strong AI-related demand and robust manufacturing, wholesale trade and finance sectors. Growth is expected to moderate this year due to U.S. tariffs and trade barriers, despite continued support from AI investment and global fiscal stimulus. Abigail Ng, Channel News Asia, February 10
Taiwan
Taiwan January exports surge at fastest pace in 16 years on AI demand. Taiwan’s exports jumped 69.9% year on year in January, the fastest pace in 16 years, driven by strong demand for AI-related chips. Exports to the United States surged 151.8%, while shipments to China rose 49.6%. The finance ministry forecast February exports to rise between 20% and 27%. Ben Blanchard and Emily Chan, Reuters, February 9
Takaichi’s victory could fast-track Taiwan-Japan EPA, expert says. Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s election victory could accelerate progress on a Taiwan-Japan economic partnership agreement, an expert said. Stronger political stability in Tokyo is expected to boost economic exchanges and high-level engagement. Analysts said Takaichi understands the strategic value of deeper Taiwan-Japan economic cooperation. Tai Ya-chen, Chen Kai-yu, Chao Yen-hsiang and Frances Huang, Focus Taiwan, February 9
Bangladesh
Bangladesh secures reduced 19% US tariff, exemption for some apparel made with US material. Bangladesh secured a reduced 19% U.S. tariff under a new trade agreement, with exemptions for apparel made using U.S. materials. Dhaka agreed to lower some tariffs, ease non-tariff barriers and boost purchases of U.S. energy, aircraft and farm goods. The deal provides relief for Bangladesh’s export-dependent garment sector ahead of national elections. Nilutpal Timsina, Reuters, February 9
East Asia
China once stole foreign ideas. Now it wants to protect its own. China’s transition from global counterfeiting hub to intellectual-property heavyweight is driving tougher enforcement as domestic brands face knockoffs at scale, including “Lafufu” copies of Pop Mart’s Labubu dolls. Intellectual-property disputes exceed 550,000 cases a year in Chinese courts, with Shanghai favored for expertise but slowed by heavy caseloads. Excess industrial capacity and idle factories are accelerating copycat production, forcing repeated litigation as new counterfeiters emerge. Overseas frictions are rising as imitation exports spread and Chinese firms face more patent suits, especially in the United States, while many still skip “freedom-to-operate” checks. Chinese companies are increasingly suing foreign rivals to defend trademarks and patents. The Economist, February 9
Beijing’s Growth Model Is Still Broken. China’s post-2021 property downturn left consumption as the most viable long-term growth engine, yet household spending remains low at about 40% of GDP and policy continues to prioritize creating new wealth before redistribution. Measures such as mortgage-rate cuts, minimum-wage increases, and pressure for dividends have not been matched by a major expansion of the social safety net, despite underfunded pensions, high out-of-pocket health costs, and unequal access to services for internal migrants. Leaders fear debt-funded welfare and the fiscal strain of rapid aging, preferring to borrow for industrial upgrading. “New quality productive forces” concentrate subsidies, R&D, and procurement on advanced manufacturing, keeping legacy industries through automation and pushing exports higher. Industrial overcapacity is eroding profits, wages, and tax revenue, risking domestic stagnation and global backlash. Dinny McMahon, Foreign Affairs, February 9
Xi Jinping Can Never Trust His Own Military. The late-January fall of top generals Zhang Youxia and Liu Zhenli left the Central Military Commission pared down to Xi Jinping and one vice chairman, amid a wider wave of investigations that has toppled more than a dozen active-duty full generals. Xi’s rule is best described as increased autocracy rather than classic totalitarianism, but military governance has moved closest to totalitarian practice through the CMC chairman responsibility system, which makes loyalty and obedience personal to the chairman. Day-to-day command must be delegated to powerful proxies, whose expertise, selective implementation, and personnel networks inevitably create secondary power centers. Anti-corruption purges follow when Xi believes information is filtered and orders are not fully carried out, increasing fragility by discouraging truthful reporting and draining capability. Deng Yuwen, Foreign Policy, February 9
How Takaichi’s landslide win will shape Japan’s China and ASEAN ties. Sanae Takaichi’s LDP-led coalition won 352 of 465 seats, giving her a strong mandate to pass economic and security reforms, expand spending, and stabilize leadership after years of rapid turnover. The government is expected to take a more proactive diplomatic posture while prioritizing a strengthened US-Japan alliance through higher defense spending and expanded capabilities. Renewed engagement with Beijing is framed as leveraging political strength to encourage dialogue, ease Taiwan-related tensions, and seek a “soft landing” in China-Japan ties ahead of APEC in Shenzhen, after relations deteriorated over “Taiwan contingency” remarks. Japan’s ASEAN policy is positioned as deeper security and capacity-building cooperation within broader multilateral networks rather than treating ASEAN as an independent counterweight to China. Tan Jet Min, ThinkChina, February 9
Can Sanae Takaichi Make Japan Great Again? Sanae Takaichi’s snap election delivered the Liberal Democratic Party 316 seats and a historic two-thirds supermajority, turning a party once constrained by factions into what looks like a one-leader project. High approval ratings powered a “Japan first” campaign that played to anxiety about foreigners and showcased confrontational stances toward China, including Taiwan-related warnings and gestures that antagonized Beijing. The opposition Centrist Reform Alliance collapsed after Komeito exited the LDP coalition, leaving a fragmented alternative. The central risk now sits in fiscal policy: pledges to suspend the 8% consumption tax on food and expand spending collide with debt near 240% of GDP and investor fears of yen weakness, higher rates, and a bond-market backlash. William Sposato, Foreign Policy, February 9
Japan's Takaichi should now pursue responsible policymaking. The LDP’s overwhelming lower-house win gives Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi a strong mandate, but demands restraint and clearer accountability to voters and future generations. The short campaign left little time for policy scrutiny, so a supermajority should not be read as a blank check, especially with the upper house still outside coalition control. Immediate priorities include passing the fiscal 2026 budget and advancing policies that support steady growth, while confronting longer-term tasks such as social security reform, energy strategy, and managing a destabilizing United States alongside souring ties with China. A two-year freeze or deeper cuts to the food consumption tax risk large revenue losses without a credible financing plan, raising concerns about fiscal deterioration and market confidence. Nikkei Asia, February 9
Southeast Asia
Plugging Timor-Leste Into ASEAN: Could China Power the Region’s Next Great Integration? Timor-Leste’s ASEAN entry highlights the ASEAN Power Grid’s vulnerability when new members remain outside core transmission infrastructure. The updated APG roadmap targets full regional interconnectivity by 2045 through 18 priority projects, yet cross-border power trade remains limited and largely bilateral. Timor-Leste operates an isolated grid with no redundancy, near-total dependence on imported oil-fired generation, and fiscal limits that slow efforts to move toward gas and 50% renewables by 2030. Concessional financing and external technical support are positioned as necessary for interconnection. China’s regional transmission experience and financing capacity could help if aligned with ASEAN priorities and structured to manage sovereignty concerns. Pravin Periasamy, Sino-Southeast Initiative, February 9
South Asia
Bangladesh’s post-Hasina election brings political realignment. Bangladesh’s 12 February 2026 parliamentary election and referendum on the July Charter test democratic reform after the 2024 ‘Monsoon Revolution’ ended Sheikh Hasina’s long rule and left weakened institutions under an interim administration led by Muhammad Yunus. Electoral legitimacy depends on delivering a peaceful, credible process amid law-and-order strains, misinformation, and constraints on free expression linked to political violence. The Awami League’s administrative ban and organizational collapse reshuffled voter choices, especially in former strongholds. The BNP remains the leading electoral force, while Jamaat-e-Islami seeks momentum through a strategic alliance with the youth-led National Citizen Party. Islamist parties are positioned as an independent pole, pushing broader constituency realignment ahead of the vote. Rubiat Saimum and Taufiq E. Faruque, East Asia Forum, February 9