China
Disgruntled with Western pork, China wants to go back to black pigs. Chinese consumers are driving renewed demand for traditional black pigs, rejecting mass-produced Western breeds as falling pork prices squeeze producers. Black pork, marketed as premium and nostalgic, sells at up to four times the price of standard pork and has become one of the few profitable segments for farmers amid overcapacity. Producers and analysts warn the niche lacks standards and risks oversupply as investment surges. Daphne Zhang, Go Nakamura and Xihao Jiang, Reuters, February 2
Chinese military patrols Scarborough Shoal, 5 days after US-Philippine drills in area. China conducted naval and air patrols around Scarborough Shoal days after joint US-Philippine military exercises nearby. The PLA Southern Theatre Command said the combat readiness patrols aimed to counter infringement and provocative actions by other countries. State media said the operation included H-6K bombers, guided-missile frigates and coastguard vessels to safeguard sovereignty. Shi Jiangtao, South China Morning Post, January 31
China’s military redoubles corruption fight in wake of Zhang Youxia’s downfall. The PLA Daily said China’s anti-corruption campaign will strengthen, not weaken, military combat effectiveness. Commentaries described corruption as the leading threat to battle readiness and warned against complacency or pessimism. Investigations into senior generals signaled the party’s resolve to purge political risk from the armed forces. Josephine Ma, South China Morning Post, January 31
PLA Navy warns off foreign jets with jamming missiles near Taiwan: CCTV. Chinese state media released footage showing a Type 055 destroyer using electronic countermeasures near Taiwan. CCTV said the vessel prepared active and passive jamming missiles to deter approaching foreign aircraft. The report did not identify the aircraft, location or timing of the encounter. Sylvie Zhuang, South China Morning Post, February 1
Israel’s China envoy calls to deepen historical ties in rare state media outreach. Israel’s ambassador to China urged closer socioeconomic relations in a signed column for Chinese state media. The envoy said shared civilizational history could benefit both countries and humanity. The commentary marked a rare diplomatic outreach following reduced Israeli engagement with Chinese state outlets since 2023. Orange Wang, South China Morning Post, February 1
Japan
Japan’s ruling LDP extends lead ahead of Feb. 8 election: Kyodo poll. Japan’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party widened its lead in voter support ahead of the Feb. 8 lower house election, according to a Kyodo News poll. The survey showed growing backing for Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s cabinet while many voters remain undecided. Cost-of-living pressures emerged as the top concern influencing voter preferences. Kyodo News, February 1
Japan ruling bloc focusing on national strength, opposition on livelihoods. Japan’s ruling camp is campaigning on national strength and defense as the general election approaches. Opposition parties are emphasizing household incomes, inflation relief and daily living concerns. Polling indicates rising support for the ruling bloc amid voter anxiety over prices and economic security. Kyodo News, February 2
Britain and Japan agree to cooperate in supply chains, cybersecurity. Japan and Britain agreed to deepen cooperation on cybersecurity and critical mineral supply chains during talks in Tokyo. The two governments said stronger coordination would boost economic resilience and collective security across the Indo-Pacific and Atlantic regions. Leaders also pledged to support diversified supply chains and a rules-based multilateral trade system. Mari Yamaguchi, Associated Press, January 31
South Korea
Lee’s approval rating edges up to 54.5%: poll. President Lee Jae Myung’s approval rating rose to 54.5% last week, a Realmeter survey showed. Support increased among self-employed workers and homemakers as stock indexes hit record highs and new property measures were announced. The poll cited a capital gains tax move and added housing supply in the Seoul area as drivers. Yi Wonju, Yonhap News Agency, February 2
Ruling party vows passage of U.S. investment bill by late Feb. or early March: lawmaker. The ruling Democratic Party said it will push passage of a bill implementing South Korea’s U.S. investment package. Leaders aim for a vote by late February or early March during an extraordinary assembly session. The move follows U.S. tariff warnings tied to legislative delays. Kim Seung-yeon, Yonhap News Agency, February 1
South Korea, Japan defence ministers agree to upgrade cooperation. South Korea and Japan agreed to deepen defence cooperation, including joint naval search-and-rescue drills and collaboration on artificial intelligence and unmanned weapons systems. Defence ministers Ahn Gyu-back and Shinjiro Koizumi said closer ties are needed to address regional security challenges and to strengthen coordination with the United States. The talks reflected warming relations after years of historical tensions. Jack Kim, Reuters, January 30
U.S. and South Korea need more discussion on trade deal, Seoul says. South Korea said further talks are needed with the United States to resolve differences over a trade deal after President Donald Trump threatened higher tariffs. Industry Minister Kim Jung-kwan said discussions improved understanding but did not produce a compromise, adding Seoul will seek swift parliamentary approval for U.S. investment provisions. Officials said both sides agreed projects should remain mutually beneficial. Jihoon Lee, Reuters, January 30
Thailand
Advance voting underway for 2 million eligible voters. Advance voting opened nationwide with more than 2 million registered voters casting ballots ahead of the Feb. 8 general election. The Election Commission said most advance voters registered to vote outside their constituencies, with Bangkok recording the highest numbers. Authorities opened hundreds of polling stations and said advance voters must still return on election day for a constitutional referendum. Bangkok Post, February 1
EC puts 42 provinces on watch list. Thailand’s Election Commission placed 42 provinces under intensified monitoring due to fierce electoral competition. Additional police, officials and inspectors were deployed to prevent vote-buying in the final week before polling day. The commission said it is also investigating unusually large cash withdrawals while expressing confidence in nationwide election readiness. Bangkok Post, February 1
Foreign election observers welcomed. Thailand’s Election Commission approved foreign diplomats and international organizations to observe the Feb. 8 general election and referendum. Observers from Canada, Britain and the Asian Network for Free Elections will monitor advance voting and election day across multiple provinces. The commission said provincial offices were instructed to support observers to ensure transparency and fairness. Bangkok Post, January 31
Myanmar
Rohingya survivors expect UN’s highest court to find Myanmar committed genocide. Rohingya survivors of Myanmar’s 2017 military crackdown said they expect the International Court of Justice to rule that genocide was committed, following weeks of hearings in The Hague. Lawyers for Gambia argued Myanmar’s conduct showed intent to destroy the group, while Myanmar denied the charge and called the campaign a counterterrorism operation. A judgment is expected within months and could influence other genocide cases before the court. Stephanie van den Berg, Reuters, January 30
Myanmar election delivers victory for military-backed party amid civil war. Myanmar’s military-backed Union Solidarity and Development Party secured overwhelming majorities in both parliamentary chambers after a tightly controlled, three-phase election held during civil war. Critics and rights groups denounced the vote as a sham marked by low turnout, cancelled polling in conflict zones and widespread repression. The new parliament is expected to convene in March, with the military retaining decisive power. Emma Farge, and David Brunnstrom, Reuters, January 30
ASEAN does not recognize Myanmar junta’s election ‘as of now’. ASEAN said it has not endorsed Myanmar’s three-phase election held from Dec. 28 to Jan. 25. Philippine Foreign Secretary Theresa Lazaro said official results have not been formally announced. The bloc continues to withhold recognition from the military administration that seized power in 2021. The Irrawaddy, January 30
Cambodia
Cambodia raises border row with Thailand at ASEAN FM retreat. Cambodia brought its border dispute with Thailand to the agenda at the ASEAN foreign ministers’ retreat in the Philippines. Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn said Thai actions were not fully aligned with agreements on sovereignty and territorial integrity. He warned such moves could escalate tensions despite a recent ceasefire and ongoing ASEAN efforts. Taing Rinith, Khmer Times, February 1
Cambodia and Great Britain resume the trade and investment forum. Cambodia and the United Kingdom agreed to deepen economic cooperation at the third Cambodia-UK Joint Trade and Investment Forum in Phnom Penh. Officials said the forum aims to expand trade, investment and public-private engagement amid a shifting global landscape. Both sides reaffirmed support for rules-based commerce and new business opportunities. Meng Seavmey, Cambodianess, January 31
Thailand yet to set JBC meeting date, Cambodia demands to resume demarcation work. Cambodia urged Thailand to set a date for a joint boundary commission meeting after repeated postponements. Phnom Penh called for the resumption of land survey and demarcation work along disputed border segments. Officials said delays risk undermining a fragile ceasefire ahead of Thailand’s Feb. 8 election. Teng Yalirozy, Cambodianess, February 1
Philippines
ASEAN ministers eye coast guard-to-coast guard cooperation. ASEAN foreign ministers backed a Philippine proposal to boost maritime and coast guard cooperation. The plan includes adopting a declaration at the May summit. Talks aim to ease regional maritime tensions and improve coordination. The Manila Times, February 1
House Justice Committee to review impeachment complaints against President Marcos Jr. The House justice panel scheduled hearings to review two impeachment complaints against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. Lawmakers will assess sufficiency in form and substance. The committee plans multiple sessions before reporting to the plenary. Reina C. Tolentino, The Manila Times, February 1
VP Sara Duterte slapped with another impeachment complaint. Civil society groups filed another impeachment complaint against Vice President Sara Duterte. The filing cites alleged misuse of confidential funds and tolerance of extrajudicial killings. It followed an earlier petition endorsed by progressive lawmakers. Faith Argosino, Philippine Daily Inquirer, February 2
Malaysia
Malaysia seizes $129.9 million in crude oil from tankers suspected of illegally transferring oil. Malaysian authorities detained two tankers and seized crude oil worth 512 million ringgit after suspecting illegal ship-to-ship transfers off Penang. The vessels were found coupled at anchor without permission, a common tactic used to obscure oil origins. Two captains were arrested as officials said enforcement against illicit transfers would intensify in regional waters. Jun Yuan Yong, Reuters, February 1
Singapore
Singapore to set up national space agency on April 1. Singapore will launch a National Space Agency on April 1 to develop and operate space capabilities. The agency will support government needs using satellite imagery, geospatial data and space situational awareness. It will also grow the space economy, oversee regulation and expand international partnerships. Lee Nian Tjoe, The Straits Times, February 2
Taiwan
Final batch of U.S.-made M1A2T tanks to be delivered soon: Source. Taiwan will receive the final 28 M1A2T Abrams tanks from the United States within one to two months. Defense officials are arranging cargo transport, with arrival expected from late February to early March. The delivery completes a 108-tank purchase approved in 2019 and valued at about NT$40.5 billion. Matt Yu and Joseph Yeh, Focus Taiwan, February 1
India
India’s budget boosts infrastructure spending while vowing fiscal discipline. India’s government unveiled a budget that raises infrastructure investment while reaffirming a commitment to fiscal consolidation. Capital expenditure will increase to support manufacturing, transport and supply chain resilience as global economic conditions remain uncertain. The budget targets a narrower fiscal deficit while forecasting solid economic growth driven by domestic consumption. Rajesh Roy, Associated Press, February 1
Uzbekistan
Uzbekistan and Turkey set $5 billion trade target at strategic council meeting in Ankara. Uzbekistan and Turkey agreed to pursue a $5 billion bilateral trade goal after talks in Ankara. Leaders highlighted expanding cooperation in trade, transport, defense, and cultural exchanges, alongside rising joint ventures and flights. A package of agreements was signed to advance industrial projects and broaden preferential trade coverage. Sadokat Jalolova, The Times of Central Asia, January 30
Tajikistan
Mounting worries on Tajik-Afghan border prompt CSTO action. The Russia-led Collective Security Treaty Organization said it will supply advanced weapons to Tajik border troops amid rising violence along the Afghan frontier. A Jan. 29 firefight with suspected drug traffickers killed three and led to seizures of arms and narcotics. The bloc said deliveries aim to curb militant and trafficking incursions, with timelines pending. Eurasianet, January 30
East Asia
Understanding China’s Quest for Quantum Advancement. China is pursuing a state-led strategy to become a quantum information science and technology powerhouse by pairing long-term basic research with applied engineering and commercialization across quantum computing, communications, sensing, materials, and quantum AI. Policy direction through successive Five-Year Plans and new financing vehicles, including a National Venture Guidance Fund approaching 1 trillion yuan, is reinforcing self-reliance, early-stage investment, and regional clustering. Demonstrated capabilities include scaled superconducting systems offered via cloud access, efforts to localize key supply chains, and expanded manufacturing capacity. China’s quantum communications program features satellite links and a national-scale network, while progress in sensing components, quantum materials institutes, and early quantum-AI fine-tuning experiments supports ambitions to shape standards, markets, and security architectures. Hideki Tomoshige and Phillip Singerman, CSIS, January 29
Can an alliance divided against itself compete with China? Transatlantic dysfunction is narrowing U.S.–EU options for coping with China even as Beijing’s industrial overcapacity expands its leverage abroad. European governments are increasingly weighing “de-risking” from the United States, while Washington has moved toward mollifying Beijing, weakening prospects for coordinated economic-security action. Aggressive EU tools, including the Anti-Coercion Instrument, may still fail to change Chinese behavior because demand for Chinese goods remains strong, Beijing has learned to weaponize supply-chain leverage, and European protectionism can undermine domestic competitiveness. Export controls are also at risk as U.S. policy tilts from restriction to export promotion. The most viable cooperation areas are critical-minerals supply chains and defense-industrial capacity, despite Europe’s concerns about deeper dependence on Washington. Jonathan A. Czin, Brookings, January 30
The Unsettling Implications of Xi’s Military Purge. Xi Jinping has driven an unprecedented top-to-bottom shakeup of the People’s Liberation Army, including investigations of senior commanders Zhang Youxia and Liu Zhenli for “serious violations of party discipline and law.” The purge reflects a long-running effort to tighten party control through command restructuring, the CMC chair responsibility system, and expanding discipline oversight to break the PLA’s earlier autonomy. The hollowing out of the Central Military Commission forces near-term choices between leaving vacancies, rapidly restocking leadership, or redesigning supervision mechanisms before the next party congress. Disruption at the top does not remove military pressure from the Taiwan Strait; it shows impatience with inadequate warfighting readiness alongside a broader menu of coercive options. Christopher Johnson, Foreign Affairs, January 30
Zhang Youxia purged: Is Taiwan closer to conflict? The removal of senior PLA leaders reshapes Taiwan Strait risk less by “clearing doves” than by changing how professional judgment, incentives, and information flow inside the command system. Replacements who rely more heavily on political trust can tilt assessments toward political correctness, especially if force against Taiwan becomes framed as a political commitment amid rising nationalist mobilisation. A purge on this scale also shocks the organisation, rewires command links, and can slow operational momentum in the short run as leaders avoid blame and plans enter a “version-update” phase. The deeper danger is longer-term: filtered reporting, fewer “bad news” messengers, and feedback loops that raise miscalculation and accidental escalation as external actors prepare for worst-case scenarios. Deng Yuwen, ThinkChina, January 30
China has launched a huge free-trade experiment. Hainan’s new free-trade port, effective in December, allows 74% of goods to enter tariff-free and extends zero-levy access to the mainland if processing on the island adds at least 30% value. Preferential tax caps of 15% for targeted firms and high earners, plus visa-free entry for citizens of 86 countries, are designed to attract capital and talent. Officials also promote pilots for looser cross-border finance and less restricted internet access. The experiment faces structural constraints—thin supply chains, limited skilled labor, and a backwater reputation but shows early niches in medical tourism, processing industries, and an expanding higher-education footprint to seed future recruitment. The Economist, February 1
Japan’s workhorse Prime Minister tests labour limits. Japan is preparing cabinet-led revisions to the Labor Standards Act in 2026 that would promote “diverse work styles,” including broader use of self-discretionary work hours, alongside proposals like minimum rest intervals and a two-week cap on consecutive workdays. Earlier reforms aimed at curbing karoshi included a 2014 prevention law with limited enforcement and a 2019 Work Style Reform Act that set nationwide overtime limits but delayed application for high-risk occupations, with compensation claims for overwork-related illnesses rising from 2019 to 2024. Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s rhetoric celebrating relentless work has increased debate, with lawyers and labor groups warning deregulation could weaken protections amid weak labor representation. Scott North, East Asia Forum, January 31
Japan's rare winter election a must-watch for disrupted world. Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s snap winter election is framed as a bid for a personal mandate to overcome factional resistance and reset the Liberal Democratic Party after Komeito exited the ruling coalition. A stronger result would give leverage to push changes on defense, energy security, and economic reform amid inflation, a fragile yen, and uneven wage growth. The vote is positioned against global disruption and heightened uncertainty about U.S. leadership under President Donald Trump’s second term. The election also precedes Takaichi’s first U.S. visit and aims to bolster Japan’s credibility as a stabilizing ally before further U.S.–China diplomacy. Joshua W. Walker, Nikkei Asia, February 1
Japan Can’t Go It Alone. Sanae Takaichi’s warning that a Taiwan contingency could be an existential threat to Japan triggered Chinese military and economic pressure, including increased exercises, seafood import halts, and restrictions on dual-use exports. Japan has accelerated a change from minimal defense toward deterrence, doubling spending toward two percent of GDP, acquiring counterstrike capabilities, expanding missile and space-domain investments, and hardening positions near Taiwan. Tokyo is also widening regional defense ties and loosening export rules while building economic-security tools to reduce exposure to Chinese coercion in semiconductors, critical inputs, and pharmaceuticals. U.S. strategy should be rebuilt around a more integrated alliance, with combined command arrangements, fused missile defenses, joint munitions production in Japan, and coordinated Quad industrial policy. Dan Blumenthal, Mike Kuiken, and Randy Schriver, Foreign Affairs, January 30
Assessing North Korea’s Five-Year Effort to Develop 13 New Nuclear and Missile Systems. North Korea’s January 2021 plan to develop 13 previously unrevealed nuclear and missile systems yielded uneven results: four systems were likely deployed, two may be operational, three remain under testing, and four have uncertain status. The most consequential additions are solid-propellant ICBMs, tactical nuclear weapons, and land-attack cruise missiles, which improve survivability, flexibility, and the challenge for allied defenses. A reconnaissance satellite capability exists but appears limited and would require a constellation for regular coverage. Testing continues on hypersonic glide vehicles and multiple-warhead missiles, with MIRVs offering the largest potential increase in strike capacity if successfully proven. Claims of a nuclear-powered submarine and “pinpoint” ICBM accuracy remain highly uncertain, with clearer signals expected from the forthcoming Party Congress. Vann H. Van Diepen, 38 North, January 31
South Asia
Is Pakistan’s hard line on terrorism a strategic cul-de-sac? Pakistan escalated its response to cross-border militancy from Afghanistan in late 2025 by reportedly conducting pre-emptive airstrikes targeting Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan leaders and issuing unusually stark official warnings. The military’s public messaging demands verifiable, codified Taliban guarantees that Afghan territory will not be used for attacks, but mediation efforts led by Qatar and Turkiye have stalled because Kabul views written commitments as politically untenable. Regional partners have largely avoided endorsing Islamabad’s punitive approach, preferring engagement focused on stability and economic integration. Rising infiltration figures and references to UN reporting underpin Pakistan’s concerns, yet internal governance and security fragilities mean military pressure without broader diplomacy and regional alignment risks prolonging a destabilizing impasse. Sajjad Ashraf, East Asia Forum, January 30
Afghanistan and Pakistan Square Off. Afghanistan–Pakistan tensions are rising as Pakistan faces increasing attacks by Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan and blames the Afghan Taliban for providing sanctuary. Pakistani airstrikes and subsequent exchanges of fire along the border followed failed mediation efforts by Qatar, Turkey, and Saudi Arabia, alongside escalating public accusations by both sides. Taliban reluctance to curb the TTP is tied to factional cohesion, fear of pushing militants toward ISIS-K, and domestic legitimacy gained by defying Islamabad. Pakistan’s military, feeling betrayed and alarmed by Taliban engagement with India, is weighing tougher options, including expanded operations near the border and potentially riskier cross-border action. Escalation could widen regional instability and increase international terrorism risks. Michael Kugelman, Foreign Affairs, January 29