China
Chinese steel hit with duties of up to $670 per tonne as Brazil dumping probe concludes. Brazil imposed anti-dumping duties on Chinese cold-rolled and coated flat steel and on hypodermic needles. Signed by Vice-President Geraldo Alckmin, the measures apply for up to five years. Investigators said imports were dumped and injured domestic producers after a 2024 Usiminas petition. Igor Patrick, South China Morning Post, February 18
Germany will seek strategic partnerships with China amid U.S. tariffs, Merz says. Chancellor Friedrich Merz said he will seek strategic partnerships with China during a trip next week. He rejected Washington’s tariff push and said Europe will not follow it. Merz said the European Union can defend itself if tariffs rise again and cited unity during a Greenland flare-up. Maria Martinez, Reuters, February 18
Japan
Trump unveils 1st set of Japan projects worth $36 billion under trade deal. The Trump administration said Japan will finance three U.S. projects worth $36 billion under a $550 billion package that lowered tariffs on Japanese cars. They include gas infrastructure in Ohio, an oil export terminal in Texas, and a synthetic diamond plant in Georgia. Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi confirmed the selections and said Japan and the U.S. will coordinate for quick execution. Takuya Karube, Kyodo News, February 18
Takaichi wins second term, races to pass delayed budget. Sanae Takaichi was re-elected Japan’s 105th prime minister on Feb. 18. She will reappoint her Cabinet and try to pass the fiscal 2026 budget by March 31 after the Feb. 8 snap election delayed deliberations. The 150-day special Diet session runs until July 17 and starts with her policy address on Feb. 20. The Asahi Shimbun, February 18
Japan to expand exports of jointly made weapons to other countries. Japan plans to allow exports of jointly made weapons to other countries, sources said. The government will revise guidelines for the Three Principles on Transfer of Defense Equipment and Technology during the current Diet session. Exports would go only to nations with Japan defense equipment and technology transfer agreements, and Cabinet approval could apply to lethal arms. Mizuki Sato and Anri Takahashi, The Asahi Shimbun, February 18
South Korea
South Korea braces for verdict in ex-President Yoon's insurrection trial. A Seoul court will rule on whether Yoon Suk Yeol masterminded an insurrection through his December 2024 martial law bid. Prosecutors seek the death penalty, and the charge carries a maximum sentence of death or life in prison. The court will also rule on allegations he ordered troops to storm parliament and block access, which he denies. Joyce Lee, Joyce Yoon and Ed Davies, Reuters, February 19
S. Korea seeks aid reform to boost efficiency, Global South ties. South Korea will set clearer country strategies and consolidate fragmented aid projects under KOICA. Officials counted more than 1,600 projects run by 41 agencies and cited overlaps that stalled work in Indonesia and delayed an Ethiopia project. The government aims to cut projects to 800 by 2030 and set the 2026 ODA budget at 2.84 trillion won. Kim Seung-yeon, Yonhap News Agency, February 17
Special counsel appeals 7-yr sentence for ex-interior minister over martial law role. A special counsel team appealed the seven-year prison sentence for former Interior Minister Lee Sang-min. The team said the ruling misinterpreted facts, misapplied legal principles, and was too lenient. Prosecutors had sought 15 years, alleging Lee ordered electricity and water cutoffs to critical media during the martial law attempt. Choi Kyong-ae, Yonhap News Agency, February 18
Parties shift into high gear for June local elections after Lunar New Year break. South Korea’s parties accelerated preparations for June local elections as the Lunar New Year holiday ended. The ruling DPK said voter sentiment favored political reform and relief from economic strain, while it moved to finalize nominations by April 20. The opposition PPP reorganized its election structure and faced internal divisions as it tried to defend remaining local strongholds. Kim Hyun-bin, The Korea Times, February 18
North Korea
North Korea's Kim Jong Un says new military goals to be set at party congress. Kim Jong Un said the party congress will set new goals for a self-reliant defense push. He attended a ceremony presenting 600mm multiple rocket launchers and cited AI technology and compound guidance systems. Kim Yo Jong warned against border infringements and called for stronger vigilance after South Korea expressed regret over drones entering North Korean airspace. Joyce Lee and Heejin Kim, Reuters, February 18
N. Korea presents 600 mm-caliber multiple rocket launchers ahead of party congress. North Korea staged a ceremony where munitions workers presented 50 newly built 600mm multiple rocket launchers to the upcoming Ninth Workers' Party Congress. State media said the system, last tested in January, has a roughly 400-kilometer range and may be ready for field deployment. Kim Jong Un called it a super-powerful strike weapon and said the congress will set new goals for self-reliant defense upgrades. Park Boram, Yonhap News Agency, February 19
Vietnam
Vietnamese airlines sign $30-bln deals for 90 Boeing jets. Vietnam Airlines signed an $8.1 billion deal for 50 Boeing 737-8 jets with deliveries scheduled for 2030 to 2032. Sun PhuQuoc Airways signed a $22.5 billion deal for 40 Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners. Vietjet secured $965 million in financing for six Boeing 737-8 aircraft as Vietnam negotiates a U.S. trade deal. Khanh Vu, Reuters, February 19
Party leader arrives in U.S. for inaugural meeting of Gaza Board of Peace. Party General Secretary To Lam arrived at Joint Base Andrews on Feb. 18 for the Gaza Board of Peace inaugural meeting. The Feb. 18-20 trip was made at President Donald Trump’s invitation. Vietnam said it will promote peace and reconstruction in Gaza under UN Security Council resolutions and international law. Vietnam News, February 18
Thailand
Thailand hopes to be 'bridge' for Myanmar and ASEAN, foreign minister says. Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow said Thailand wants to be a bridge bringing Myanmar back into ASEAN. He urged Myanmar to start dialogue, reduce violence and avoid attacks on civilians. ASEAN has excluded junta leaders from summits since the 2021 coup and the UN criticized Myanmar’s election. Chayut Setboonsarng, Orathai Sriring and Panarat Thepgumpanant, Reuters, February 18
Election Commission posts ‘official’ results. The Election Commission released ‘official’ results for the Feb 8 election and referendum and ordered recounts or new votes at some polling units. It posted vote count reports and count sheets online for all 400 constituencies. Complaints mounted over irregularities and barcode and QR code ballots, and the commission acknowledged the codes could trace a voter’s ballot. Bangkok Post, February 18
Senators push to halt approval of Election Commission candidates. Senators urged delaying a Feb 26 vote to endorse Election Commission nominees Chirute Visalachitra and Monton Sudprasert. Sen Thewarit Maneechai said senators under EC investigation for alleged collusion in the Senate election face conflicts of interest. Sen Nantana Nantawaropas said about 138 senators accused of vote-fixing should not approve independent-agency nominees. Aekarach Sattaburuth, Bangkok Post, February 19
Myanmar
Thailand positions itself as ‘frontline state’ for Myanmar peace efforts. Thai foreign minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow called Thailand a “frontline state” for peace in Myanmar as conflict hits security and trade. He met Myanmar’s junta foreign minister in Phuket and said the talks do not endorse the military regime. Thailand will press dialogue with ethnic groups, open humanitarian space, and reduce violence against civilians. The Irrawaddy, February 18
Chinese investment in Myanmar to pivot to cutting-edge consumer markets. Myanmar launched the Myanmar–China Investment and Trade Promotion Association after the junta’s election to attract Chinese investment. Documents show a pivot from mega-infrastructure to e-commerce, Huawei-backed MMQR payments, and healthcare. An analyst called targets of $500 billion in investment and $100 billion in trade unrealistic amid conflict, sanctions, route control and fees. Athena Awn Naw, The Irrawaddy, February 18
Cambodia
Cambodian PM says Thailand occupying territory after Trump-brokered ceasefire. Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet said Thai forces are occupying Cambodian territory despite a Trump-brokered ceasefire. He urged Thailand to let the joint boundary commission demarcate the border and said residents cannot return home. Thailand denied the accusation and said it is holding troop positions as part of de-escalation after last year’s fighting. Simon Lewis, Reuters, February 18
In U.S., Hun Manet calls out Thai military occupation. Prime Minister Hun Manet used his U.S. visit to spotlight what he called the Thai occupation of Cambodian territory. He told Reuters at the Board of Peace meeting that Thai forces are occupying areas beyond Thailand’s unilateral claim line and urged the Joint Boundary Commission to resume work. He said Thailand twice postponed a proposed January meeting until after the Feb. 8 election, as Cambodia plans 3,000 houses for displaced residents. Teng Yalirozy, Cambodianess, February 18
Border, maritime disputes challenge Cambodia’s position in ASEAN. Cambodia expects tension in ASEAN this year with the Philippines over a 2012 South China Sea episode, with China over maritime issues, and with Thailand over the border conflict. Analysts urged Cambodia to follow ASEAN processes and international law, including UNCLOS, and to match neutrality with consistent actions and transparency. They said the Philippines’ 2026 chairmanship will test ASEAN efforts on the ASEAN-China code of conduct and the Cambodia-Thailand ceasefire. Meng Seavmey, Cambodianess, February 18
Philippines
Philippine Vice President Duterte to run for president in 2028 elections. Philippine Vice President Sara Duterte said she will run for president in 2028 and blamed President Ferdinand Marcos Jr for corruption and inflation. She apologized for helping him win in 2022 as his running mate. Analysts tied the timing to renewed impeachment complaints alleging corruption and betrayal of public trust. Mikhail Flores and Karen Lema, Reuters, February 18
‘VP Sara’s declaration shield from impeachment’. Ranjit Rye said Sara Duterte’s 2028 presidential bid shields her from impeachment fallout by casting proceedings as political persecution. He urged the Liberal Party-aligned opposition to build a coalition around accountability and said Leni Robredo could be a voice. UP professor Jean Encinas-Franco called the early bid a gamble. Red Mendoza, The Manila Times, February 18
Senate minority wants local remedies first before ICC arrest. Minority senators filed Senate Resolution 307 to let Filipinos seek local court remedies before ICC surrender. The move came after the ICC named Senators Ronald dela Rosa and Bong Go co-perpetrators in Duterte’s case. Alan Peter Cayetano said court challenges must come first to protect due process and sovereignty. Keith Clores, Philippine Daily Inquirer, February 19
Indonesia
Indonesia, U.S. firms sign over $7 billion in trade, investment deals. Indonesian and U.S. companies signed more than $7 billion in deals ahead of Prabowo Subianto’s meeting with Donald Trump to sign a trade pact. Indonesian firms agreed to buy large volumes of U.S. soybeans, corn, cotton, and wheat. The agreements also covered critical minerals, semiconductor ventures, oilfield recovery, and an initial deal to extend Freeport’s mining permit beyond 2041. David Lawder, Karl Plume and Stanley Widianto, Reuters, February 19
Prabowo sets foot in U.S. to meet Trump. President Prabowo Subianto arrived at Joint Base Andrews on Feb. 17 for talks with President Donald Trump. A trade deal would cut U.S. tariffs on Indonesian goods to 19% from 32% and exempt palm oil, officials said. Prabowo will attend the Board of Peace meeting, where Trump says pledges for Gaza reconstruction exceed $5 billion. Jayanty Nada Shofa, Jakarta Globe, February 18
Taiwan
White House deflects as Trump weighs Taiwan arms sale delay amid Beijing pressure. The White House declined to comment on reports Trump may delay or cancel an $11 billion Taiwan arms package. Trump said he discussed the sale with Xi Jinping and will decide soon. Critics said consulting Beijing would breach the spirit of the Six Assurances on US-Taiwan arms sales. Mark Magnier, South China Morning Post, February 18
Calls for Six Assurances law after Trump Taiwan arms comments. Trump said he was discussing Taiwan arms sales with Xi Jinping. U.S. lawmakers said consultation would violate the Six Assurances and urged reaffirming the policy. Critics called for Congress to codify the pledges in the Six Assurances to Taiwan Act. Chung Yu-chen, Elaine Hou and Shih Hsiu-chuan, Focus Taiwan, February 18
India
India eases curbs on Chinese equipment imports for power, coal as projects delayed, sources say. India began easing post-2020 curbs, allowing limited Chinese imports for power and coal. State firms won a waiver for a transmission component and may get coal gear relief. Officials said shortages and delays drove the shift and a formal order is expected soon. Nikunj Ohri and Sarita Chaganti Singh, Reuters, February 18
Bangladesh
Bangladesh's new PM pledges price stability. Tarique Rahman pledged to keep staple prices affordable during Ramadan and warned traders against profiteering. He promised to dismantle market syndicates and enforce stricter anti-corruption measures. He also pledged to restore the rule of law and overhaul the railway network to improve national connectivity. Ruma Paul, Reuters, February 19
Kazakhstan
Kazakhstan, Saudi Arabia deepen strategic partnership during official visit to Riyadh. Kazakhstan and Saudi Arabia signed investment-protection deals and formed a coordination council during Foreign Minister Yermek Kosherbayev’s Feb. 17 visit. Kosherbayev and Prince Faisal bin Farhan discussed trade, investment and coordination in the UN, OIC, CICA and OPEC+. He met Saudi ministers and ACWA Power to expand renewables and green-transition cooperation. Ayana Birbayeva, The Astana Times, February 18
Kazakhstan increases export revenues from processed agricultural products by one-third. Export revenue from processed farm goods rose 33.8% to $3.2 billion in the first 11 months of 2025, Agriculture Minister Aidarbek Saparov said. Processed goods accounted for 52% of agro-industrial exports. Investments in agriculture doubled to $791.5 million as oilseeds and deep grain processing expanded. Dmitry Pokidaev, The Times of Central Asia, February 18
Uzbekistan
U.S. and Uzbekistan sign critical minerals pact. The U.S. International Development Finance Corporation and Uzbekistan signed a joint investment framework on critical minerals. The plan prioritizes exploration, extraction and processing and proposes a joint holding company for minerals and infrastructure projects. Trump is courting Central Asia to counter China as Uzbekistan points to reserves of gold, uranium, copper, lithium and tungsten. Marc Jones and Felix Light, Reuters, February 18
East Asia
Asia After America. U.S. leaders have promised a pivot to Asia since 2011, but resources have not matched goals, creating a credibility gap that raises deterrence risk. Security cooperation expanded with allies, while trade and governance pillars fell apart after the United States left the Trans Pacific Partnership, kept tariffs, and offered no market access through the Indo Pacific Economic Framework. Trump’s second term added protectionism, cuts to development and humanitarian programs, and a pause in Foreign Corrupt Practices Act enforcement, which damaged U.S. standing in Asian public opinion surveys. Washington has narrowed its focus to a first island chain defense line centered on Taiwan, while ties in South and Southeast Asia weaken. A pullback to the second island chain would cede much of Asia to China. Retrenchment to the first chain needs higher spending, allied cooperation, and choices on nuclear issues and commitment clarity. Zack Cooper, Foreign Affairs, February 17
China’s humanoids are dazzling the world. Who will buy them? Humanoid robots featured in China’s Spring Festival Gala, and shipments jumped from around 3,000 in 2024 to over 14,500 last year, based on company reports and Omdia estimates. China supplied most units, with Agibot and Unitree shipping over 10,000, while Tesla shipped 150. The Yangtze River Delta anchors a deep supply chain that draws on electric vehicle parts and local AI labs. Demand comes from spectacle, with local governments as major buyers that help keep over 100 makers afloat. Use in factories remains limited, with robots carrying boxes at 30 to 40 percent of human efficiency. State-run testing centers aim to build training data, which raises bubble risk without real demand. The Economist, February 18
America’s narrative on Taiwan needs an update. Washington’s framing of Taiwan is moving from democratic partner to strategic liability, driven by fears that Taiwan’s chip concentration is a single point of failure for the global economy. This view fuels calls to cut dependence on Taiwan and reduce U.S. exposure in the Taiwan Strait. Substantive ties have advanced, including a tariff deal that lowers U.S. tariffs from 32 percent to 15 percent, a minimum of $250 billion in planned Taiwan tech investment in the United States, expanded TSMC plans, inclusion in the Pax Silica supply chain effort, and an $11.5 billion arms sale. The recommended narrative rests on three points. Conflict is not inevitable because China faces major operational hurdles and allied deterrence planning is growing. U.S. AI goals depend on Taiwan's hardware for the next decade. U.S. policy should keep conditions for dialogue free from coercion and oppose unilateral status quo changes. Ryan Hass, Brookings, February 18
A New Look at North Korea’s Economic Redistribution During the COVID-19 Pandemic. Nighttime satellite imagery from January 2020 to January 2022 shows higher nightlight intensity in and near Pyongyang than in more distant provinces, pointing to a change in where economic activity occurred during the pandemic period. Agricultural districts posted large gains in nightlight intensity, consistent with a push to raise food output as trade with China fell. Districts linked to mining and manufacturing also rose. Areas associated with missile launch sites and nuclear and chemical facilities increased, indicating continued investment in weapons-related sectors during the same window. A pre-pandemic comparison from 2018 to 2020 shows broad declines outside central Pyongyang, which shapes the interpretation of the later rebound. Brandon Callegari, 38 North, February 17
South Korea is haunted by its disgraced ex-president. Yoon Suk Yeol faces an insurrection ruling on February 19 after a late 2024 martial law attempt that sent troops toward the National Assembly. His prime minister has received a 23-year sentence, and a conviction that could bring death or life imprisonment. The episode split the People Power Party between supporters who defend martial law as a response to opposition obstruction and critics who reject it in a democracy shaped by past dictatorships. Han Dong-hoon helped block the move and has been expelled. Party leader Jang Dong-hyuk backs Yoon as approval falls below 30%. Online figure Jeon Han-gil fuels protests with election fraud claims and MAGA symbols. Polls show a majority want the party to cut ties if Yoon is found guilty. The Economist, February 18
Southeast Asia
The limits of Indonesia’s resilience diplomacy. Foreign Minister Sugiono’s 2026 annual press statement frames a fragmenting international system and promotes diplomasi ketahanan, or a diplomacy of resilience. The concept promises autonomy without alignment and fits the Prabowo administration’s focus on state capacity, welfare delivery, and defence modernization. The doctrine remains undefined, which lets resilience cover many domains while setting few priorities. Treating the external environment as risk can push foreign policy toward precaution and securitisation, with spillover into domestic governance through expanded security roles in civilian tasks. The speech downplayed ASEAN, omitted democracy and human rights language, and cast climate change as systemic risk rather than shared action. Strategic autonomy still requires choices about partners, trade-offs, and leadership. Norman Joshua, East Asia Forum, February 17
Laos’s year of consolidation and strategic balancing. The Lao People’s Revolutionary Party’s 12th National Congress began a five-year leadership transition under Thongloun Sisoulith, with a focus on the 2026 graduation from Least Developed Country status and the Vision 2055 roadmap. Macroeconomic indicators improved in 2025, including estimated 4.8 percent growth, inflation at 5.6 percent in December, higher reserves at US$3.5 billion, and debt projected at 83 percent of GDP, though debt service limits fiscal space and Laos remains in debt distress. Connectivity projects advanced through rail and road links, while governance reforms cut ministries and pursued state enterprise restructuring, including a planned Lao Airlines stake sale to COMAC. Policy aims include diversification beyond hydropower and resource exports, debt restructuring, and balanced ties with China, Vietnam, Thailand, and Western partners. Toshiro Nishizawa, East Asia Forum, February 18
South Asia
Pakistan goes from near default to Panda bonds. Pakistan plans its first Panda bond sale before the end of the quarter, with an initial $250 million issue and a goal of $1 billion. The move shows a return to global bond markets after repayment stress and aims to broaden links with China beyond defense. CPEC, signed in 2015 with a $60 billion ambition, has not met early hopes as China seeks stronger returns and shifts portfolio lending toward the United States. Three risks stand out: political conflict between the Shehbaz Sharif government and PTI leader Imran Khan, weak growth that calls for rural and farm investment amid flood damage and heavier summer rainfall forecasts, and militant attacks that have killed Chinese nationals and raised Beijing’s security demands. Farhan Bokhari, Nikkei Asia, February 18