China
China to support ‘reunification forces’ in Taiwan, go after ‘separatists’. China pledged firm support for pro-reunification groups in Taiwan and vowed to crack down on independence advocates. Senior official Wang Huning said advancing national reunification remains a core objective at a key policy meeting. Taiwan’s government rejected Beijing’s claims and said only the island’s people can decide their future. Ben Blanchard, Reuters, February 10
China and Trump targeted in House hearing on foreign influence in U.S. non-profits. U.S. lawmakers criticized alleged foreign influence in tax-exempt organizations during a contentious House Ways and Means Committee hearing. Republicans accused China-linked networks of exploiting U.S. tax rules to fund activism, while also scrutinizing President Donald Trump’s ties. Democrats said the hearing selectively targeted progressive groups rather than addressing broader risks. Mark Magnier, South China Morning Post, February 10
China’s Nanjing Museum artwork scandal probe uncovers historic mismanagement, corruption. A Chinese investigation found decades of systemic mismanagement at Nanjing Museum that allowed donated artworks to be illegally transferred, sold or lost. The probe centered on five paintings donated in 1959, including a Ming dynasty work that surfaced at auction before being withdrawn. Authorities said former officials violated procedures, eroding public trust in state-run cultural institutions. Xinlu Liang, South China Morning Post, February 10
China and India seek reset in talks, but old fault lines remain. Senior Chinese and Indian diplomats met in New Delhi for a strategic dialogue aimed at stabilizing ties amid global shifts. Beijing emphasized partnership and mutual development, while New Delhi focused on incremental confidence-building after the 2020 border clashes. The differing readouts highlighted persistent mistrust despite renewed engagement. Khushboo Razdan, South China Morning Post, February 10
Full text: Hong Kong: Safeguarding China’s national security under the framework of one country, two systems. China’s State Council Information Office released a white paper on safeguarding national security in Hong Kong under “one country, two systems.” The document presents the policy framework and rationale for national security measures in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. Global Times, February 10
Japan
Yoshimura agrees to JIP presence in Takaichi Cabinet. Japan Innovation Party leader Hirofumi Yoshimura said he accepted Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s request for a JIP member to join her Cabinet in a future reshuffle. He said participation would allow the party to act as an accelerator within the ruling coalition after the election. The specific post and timing of the reshuffle have not been decided. Eric Johnston, The Japan Times, February 10
Cabinet support rate rises to 67.3% after LDP’s election win: Kyodo poll. Support for Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s Cabinet rose four points to 67.3% following the ruling bloc’s landslide victory, a Kyodo News poll showed. More than half of respondents backed suspending the food consumption tax, while approval of the coalition’s supermajority was mixed. The disapproval rate stood at 23.9%. Kyodo News, February 10
41 of 43 LDP lawmakers tied to money scandal win election bids. Forty-one Liberal Democratic Party candidates linked to a political funds scandal won seats in the Feb. 8 Lower House election. Many benefited from Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s high approval rating despite earlier disciplinary actions. Takaichi said the results did not mean public understanding of the scandal had been secured. Nobuhiko Tajima, The Asahi Shimbun, February 10
South Korea
President Lee, NATO chief discuss broadening defense cooperation. President Lee Jae Myung and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte discussed expanding defense cooperation during a phone call requested by Rutte. They agreed to deepen collaboration through working-level consultative mechanisms and highlighted opportunities involving South Korean defense firms. The leaders also pledged closer coordination on global security issues, including Ukraine, the Korean Peninsula, space and information sharing. Woo Jae-yeon, Yonhap News Agency, February 10
DP puts merger talks with minor party on hold until after local elections. The ruling Democratic Party decided to suspend merger talks with the Rebuilding Korea Party until after the June local elections. Party leader Jung Chung-rae apologized for internal divisions caused by the proposal and said unity is a higher priority. Lawmakers agreed that merger discussions could resume after the elections despite differing views on timing and scope. Kim Boram, Yonhap News Agency, February 10
Thailand
PM Anutin expects new govt to serve full term. Bhumjaithai leader Anutin Charnvirakul said he expects the next government to complete a full four-year term and prioritise national interests and international recognition. He said coalition talks will begin after the Election Commission finalizes results, while his caretaker cabinet continues to function. A senior party figure said a stable coalition should command about 300 seats in the 500-member House. Bangkok Post, February 10
Tearful Natthaphong vows to fight on. People’s Party leader Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut said he will not resign after his party’s election setback, pledging to ensure stability and regroup for future contests. He acknowledged responsibility for losing constituency seats and said the party will review campaign strategy and strengthen grassroots networks. The party’s seat total fell from 151 to 118 while Bhumjaithai surged to 193 seats. Chairith Yonpiam, Bangkok Post, February 11
Myanmar
Leader of Myanmar armed group says world is ignoring junta’s deadly airstrikes. An influential ethnic armed leader accused the international community of ignoring Myanmar’s military airstrikes on civilians. RCSS chief Yawd Serk said only China has intervened meaningfully, largely to protect its strategic interests. He urged armed groups to build trust and pursue dialogue to end the conflict despite deepening violence. Poppy McPherson, Reuters, February 10
KIA rejects one-to-one peace talks with Myanmar junta. The Kachin Independence Organization/Army said it will not hold bilateral peace talks with Myanmar’s regime unless the National Unity Government and other resistance groups are included. Vice Chairman Gun Maw said unity among revolutionary forces is essential and rejected separate negotiations with individual groups. He said KIA forces are fighting alongside allied groups in Kachin, Chin and Sagaing regions to expand territorial control and resist junta offensives. Maung Kavi, The Irrawaddy, February 10
Min Aung Hlaing narrowly escaped rocket attack in Mandalay, military sources. Myanmar junta chief Min Aung Hlaing narrowly escaped an improvised rocket attack at the Central Military Command in Mandalay on Jan. 27, military sources said. Resistance group Brave Warriors for Myanmar claimed responsibility, saying rockets struck the compound as he prepared to perform a traditional ritual. Min Aung Hlaing disappeared from public view for a week before reappearing to meet Russian official Sergei Shoigu. The Irrawaddy, The Irrawaddy, February 10
Cambodia
PM defends quiet diplomacy as Cambodia navigates border dispute with Thailand. Prime Minister Hun Manet said Cambodia is actively managing its border dispute with Thailand while withholding some details as conditions evolve. He stressed protecting civilians and sovereignty, rejecting any demarcation achieved through force and pledging to pursue lawful mechanisms such as the Joint Boundary Commission. Hun Manet urged calm, saying the government must act strategically rather than emotionally and remain committed to a peaceful, rules-based resolution. Meng Seavmey, Cambodianess, February 10
Philippines
U.S. won’t abandon the PH in fighting China’s assertiveness at sea, Manila’s envoy says. Philippine Ambassador Jose Manuel Romualdez said the United States will not sideline Manila despite renewed U.S.-China engagement. He cited assurances from Washington and increased defense cooperation, including modernization support and joint drills. Romualdez said the Philippines will defend its South China Sea claims while seeking better ties with China on non-contentious issues. Catherine S. Valente, The Manila Times, February 10
Ombudsman ready for ‘big push’ in flood control cases. Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla said multiple flood control cases are nearing filing as investigations mature. His office has already charged former officials and contractors over alleged anomalous projects, including cases before the Sandiganbayan. Remulla pledged stronger coordination with the Justice Department and a digitization plan to improve transparency and case tracking. Reina C. Tolentino, The Manila Times, February 10
Marcos identifies 21 priority bills, including abolition of travel tax. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. approved 21 priority measures for passage by June, including a proposal to abolish the travel tax. Palace officials said the bills aim to improve social protection, transparency and economic growth, covering reforms from anti-political dynasty legislation to energy and water management. The administration said funding gaps from scrapping the travel tax would be addressed through the national budget. Catherine S. Valente, The Manila Times, February 10
Indonesia
Indonesia agrees to accept ship grant from Japan worth 1.9 billion yen. Indonesia’s government and the House of Representatives’ Commission I approved accepting a 1.9 billion yen defense ship grant from Japan under Tokyo’s Official Security Assistance program. Deputy Defense Minister Donny Ermawan said the patrol vessels, capable of speeds up to 40 knots, will strengthen naval security across Indonesia’s vast waters. Officials said the grant requires no state budget funds and underscores closer defense cooperation. ANTARA News, February 10
Indonesia at ‘point of no return’ on big Prabowo growth bet despite market carnage. Indonesian officials said President Prabowo Subianto will press ahead with expansive spending plans despite market volatility and credit outlook downgrades. Sources said the administration remains committed to an 8% growth target and flagship social programs. Investors have raised concerns over fiscal risks, but officials said growth priorities will not be reversed. Gibran Peshimam, Gayatri Suroyo and Stefanno Sulaiman, Reuters, February 10
Malaysia
Malaysia’s top court restores conviction and jail sentence on former palm-oil agency chair, Bernama reports. Malaysia’s Federal Court reinstated a corruption conviction and six-year jail sentence against former Felda chairman Mohamad Isa Abdul Samad. The court overturned a 2024 appeals ruling that had cleared him of nine bribery charges linked to a hotel purchase worth about 3 million ringgit. Judges said corruption is a serious crime that undermines the nation and ordered him to begin serving his sentence immediately. Rozanna Latiff and Danial Azhar, Reuters, February 10
Taiwan
Taiwan negotiators head to U.S. for final meeting on trade deal. Taiwan’s trade negotiating team departed for the United States to hold a final meeting on a reciprocal trade and tariff agreement reached last month. Under the deal, U.S. tariffs on Taiwanese exports will be cut to 15% from 20%. Taiwan also committed $250 billion in U.S. investments and an additional $250 billion in credit guarantees, with the pact to be sent to parliament after signing. Ben Blanchard, Reuters, February 10
U.S. House passes bill to limit China’s access to finance if Taiwan threatened. The U.S. House approved the PROTECT Taiwan Act by a 395-2 vote to exclude China from major international financial institutions if it threatens Taiwan’s security. The bill directs efforts to remove Chinese representatives from bodies, including the G20, BIS and FSB, to the maximum extent practicable. The measure now heads to the Senate and would require presidential approval to become law. James Thompson and Chung Yu-chen, Focus Taiwan, February 10
Bangladesh
Islamist leader rises from obscurity to challenge for Bangladesh’s top job. Jamaat-e-Islami chief Shafiqur Rahman has emerged as a serious contender for prime minister ahead of Bangladesh’s Feb. 12 election. The once-banned Islamist party capitalized on a political vacuum after the 2024 uprising that ousted Sheikh Hasina. Analysts say Rahman’s anti-corruption message and alliances have boosted Jamaat’s strongest electoral showing yet. Tora Agarwala, Reuters, February 10
Kyrgyzstan
Kyrgyzstan president fires powerful security chief, a longtime ally. Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov dismissed Kamchybek Tashiev as head of the State Committee for National Security and as deputy prime minister. Officials said the move aimed to prevent divisions within the government and society. Several senior security officials linked to Tashiev were also removed, marking a major shift within Kyrgyzstan’s power structure. Aigerim Turgunbaeva, Reuters, February 10
East Asia
China’s overcapacity threatens to reshuffle global industrial bases. China’s industrial overcapacity stems from long-running state-led policies, amplified by Made in China 2025, the US–China trade and technology war, and pandemic-era investment that outpaced weak household demand. Extensive subsidies and preferential finance sustained production despite price wars and widespread losses, with 24 percent of industrial firms loss-making in 2025 and credit flows increasingly supporting industry. Exports became the release valve, pushing China’s 2025 trade surplus to a record USD 1.2 trillion and redirecting shipments toward more open markets such as ASEAN as access to the United States tightened. Low-priced, state-supported exports pressured trading partners’ industries and were linked to substantial job losses in the European Union. Beijing’s “anti-involution” campaign relies on supply-side controls, but lasting adjustment requires demand-side reforms; governments abroad are urged to strengthen trade defenses, build domestic capacity in critical sectors, and coordinate responses. Esther Goreichy and Jacob Gunter, MERICS, February 10
China’s Smart Authoritarianism. China became a technology leader by pursuing “smart authoritarianism,” expanding room for entrepreneurship, research, and international exchange while preventing collective action that could threaten CCP rule. The model combines heavy investment in elite higher education and a professionalized civil service with improved commercial law and tightly bound civil society activity that is tolerated only when aligned with state priorities. Control has adapted to the digital era through subtle information management alongside targeted repression and rising reliance on AI-enabled surveillance. China’s innovation gains are linked to dominance in electric vehicles, batteries, renewables, and telecoms and to increased competition in AI, including DeepSeek’s R1 and a cohort of leading generative AI startups. The United States and allies are urged to treat China as a durable technological and military challenger and respond by strengthening their own innovation advantages rather than assuming authoritarian limits will halt China’s progress. Jennifer Lind, Foreign Affairs, February 10
Germany’s “China Shock” Revisited. Germany’s economic relationship with China has moved from complementarity to zero-sum industrial competition, with political alarm rising faster than policy action. German exports to China have entered a structural decline, including a steep fall in car exports, as Chinese import substitution, localized production by German firms, and stronger Chinese competitors erode Germany-based value creation. German companies face shrinking market share and margins in China while losing ground to Chinese exporters in third markets, raising pressure for EU trade barriers and local-content requirements. New headwinds include trade diversion into Europe as US tariffs stay elevated, yuan depreciation that widens the EU–China imbalance, and Beijing’s export controls on critical inputs that expose German supply-chain vulnerabilities. Noah Barkin and Gregor Williams, Rhodium Group, February 10
Europe and China Enter a Relationship Beyond Blocs. Global alignment is moving from rigid blocs toward issue-based coalitions as Washington becomes a less reliable steward of multilateralism and Europe’s pursuit of strategic autonomy moves from rhetoric to practice. A wave of high-level visits to Beijing reflects hedging by middle powers and a move toward “different coalitions for different issues,” with climate, trade, technology standards, and health security each generating distinct constellations of cooperation. Trade governance is cited as a leading example, with the CPTPP evolving into a rules-driven platform steered by middle powers rather than ideology. EU–China engagement can deepen on green technology and multilateral reform while remaining constrained by disputes over trade remedies, market access, and industrial policy and by Europe’s continuing security ties with the United States. Wang Huiyao, Foreign Policy, February 10
Built for chaos: Why China’s robotaxis are streets ahead. China’s leading robotaxi operators are scaling faster than US rivals by combining maturing autonomy stacks with cheaper hardware and broad local policy backing. Progress is framed around uninterrupted driving time, with 10,000 crash-free hours treated as a threshold for commercially scalable service, which Waymo, Pony.ai, and Apollo Go appeared to surpass in 2025. China’s LiDAR manufacturing ecosystem drove sensor prices from tens of thousands of dollars to a few hundred dollars, giving Chinese fleets major cost advantages over Waymo’s sensor-heavy vehicles. Chinese robotaxis also train in dense, rule-bending traffic and appear well-positioned for expansion into similarly complex cities worldwide. Taylor Lynch Ogan and Chen Xiangming, ThinkChina, February 10
Japan’s thunderbolt election: Takaichi resets politics, economics, and diplomacy. Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s snap Lower House election produced an unexpected landslide, giving the LDP 316 seats and a supermajority that strengthens her mandate and reduces near-term electoral constraints. The collapse of the LDP–Komeito coalition and the opposition’s late CDP–Komeito merger into a Centrist Reform Alliance failed to generate momentum and instead contributed to voter confusion and losses. Takaichi’s economic agenda stresses larger fiscal spending and industrial policy in an inflationary environment, including proposals that unsettled bond markets, while persistent inflation, a weak yen, and high public debt amplify risks. Diplomatically, stronger domestic backing reshapes upcoming dealings with Washington and Beijing amid uncertainty over US and Chinese intentions. Mireya Solís, Brookings, February 10
Southeast Asia
Southeast Asia Navigates Trumpian Storms: Disruptions, Recalibrations and Adaptations. Southeast Asia faced cascading shocks in Trump’s second term as Washington rolled back development aid, multilateral commitments, and rules-based trade. USAID’s closure abruptly halted long-running regional projects in de-mining, health, and Mekong climate resilience, while overall US assistance in 2025 fell sharply. “Liberation Day” tariff threats in April 2025 and subsequent sectoral duties entrenched tariffs as leverage, pushing Southeast Asian states into executive “deals” with broad clauses for reimposition and no enforceable dispute settlement. Trump’s engagement remained episodic and personality-driven, even as cabinet-level defence policy maintained a vigilant Indo-Pacific posture and reinforced the Philippines alliance. Regional adaptations centred on leader-level lobbying, transactional inducements, performative diplomacy, diversification beyond US markets, and self-help bilateral bargaining over ASEAN collective action. Hoang Thi Ha, FULCRUM, February 10
Malaysia’s fiscal reset collides with global trade politics. Malaysia accelerated fiscal consolidation in 2025 by scaling back subsidies and expanding the Sales and Service Tax, aiming to redirect spending toward social priorities while accepting higher inflation pressures and business distress. Targeted subsidy cuts covered electricity and diesel and later chicken, eggs, and RON95 petrol, but price differentials for citizens and foreigners left the petrol scheme short of full market efficiency. Savings were partly recycled into RM15.5 billion in cash handouts, even as added civil-service benefits and weakening oil-linked revenues strained the budget amid Petronas profit declines and Sarawak–federal disputes. Malaysia negotiated US tariffs down to 19 percent via a reciprocal trade deal that removed tariffs on 1,711 exports but drew criticism for rushed, opaque concessions. Tricia Yeoh, East Asia Forum, February 10
Is Thai Manufacturing Sick? Thailand’s manufacturing sector, 24% of GDP and 80% of exports in 2024, has run below 60% capacity utilisation for two years, signalling weak domestic demand even as export market share stayed near 1.3–1.5% globally. Ultra-low priced Chinese imports may have diluted stimulus schemes such as repeated “half-half” subsidies, which also covered appliances that can be sourced from China. Rising Chinese FDI, 21% of inflows by 2024, appears to have displaced Thai firms and created limited local supply-chain linkages because inputs are imported. Stagnant credit to manufacturers since 2022 further limits technology upgrading. Long-term finance is needed to escape a low-growth trap. Archanun Kohpaiboon, FULCRUM, February 10
South Asia
India’s economy carries its momentum into 2026. India’s estimated real GDP growth stayed near 7 percent in 2025, supported mainly by rural private consumption and steady government expenditure rather than volatile external drivers. The Reserve Bank of India stabilized prices and lowered interest rates, while digitization and growth lifted tax revenues and helped sustain public spending. Exports expanded despite trade tensions, with gains in electronics, pharmaceuticals, and several traditional sectors; a rupee devaluation partially offset the competitiveness hit from a 50 percent US tariff announcement. Sustained growth hinges on infrastructure modernisation, structural change, energy transition, trade and investment, and poverty reduction, alongside careful management of rising household and government debt, low manufacturing share, and informality as urbanisation accelerates. Sambit Bhattacharyya, East Asia Forum, February 10
India’s impressive economic growth masks child suffering. India’s development strategy has long privileged elite institutions and higher education over early childhood welfare, leaving weak oversight of how children are fed, educated, and prepared for adulthood. Child outcomes are framed through three layers—ages 0–6, 6–14, and 14–18—with early childhood development described as most critical, yet India ranks 102 of 123 on the 2025 Global Hunger Index and government data show 34% of under-fives stunted and 17% of children underweight. Central spending on early childhood development is cited at about 0.1% of GDP, while the 2026–27 budget allocates $14.7 billion for under-18s—about 0.3% of GDP—much of it oriented toward infrastructure rather than nutrition and outcomes. Proposed fixes include age-banded budgeting, measurable education and nutrition standards, and raising child-focused allocations to at least 0.7% of GDP. Karan Mehrishi, Nikkei Asia, February 10
Central Asia
In Uzbekistan, the President’s Daughter Is Now His Second-in-Command. Shavkat Mirziyoyev’s early “Uzbekistan 2.0” reform agenda delivered rapid economic opening, foreign investment, simplified business rules, tourism growth, and declines in poverty and unemployment while reducing the climate of fear associated with Islam Karimov’s rule. Momentum later faded as Karimov-era practices resurfaced, including public flattery, a stronger personality cult, and expanded family appointments across key state posts. Saida Mirziyoyeva rose from overseeing communications to becoming chief of staff in 2025, accumulating formal and informal authority over major domestic issues and high-profile foreign engagements. Two shocks deepened distrust of the bureaucracy and reinforced reliance on family rule. Constitutional changes allow Mirziyoyev to stay until 2037, but succession speculation persists amid weakened institutions and rule of law. Galiya Ibragimova, Carnegie Politika, February 10