China
Date set for U.S. President Donald Trump’s trip to China. The White House said President Donald Trump will visit China from March 31 to April 2 for talks with Xi Jinping. The summit follows the U.S. Supreme Court's overturning of Trump’s sweeping tariffs. It will be Trump’s first China visit since 2017, and Xi is expected to visit the United States later this year. Frank Chen, South China Morning Post, February 21
China issues import tax incentives for sci-tech popularization. China issued a notice granting import tax incentives for sci-tech popularization institutions during 2026-2030. From Jan. 1, 2026, to Dec. 31, 2030, they will be exempt from import tariffs and import-linked VAT on approved goods. Eligible items include films, videos, and equipment unavailable domestically, and eligible bodies include science and technology museums and natural history museums. Xinhua, February 21
China’s Type 095 nuclear submarine spotted for first time in new satellite images. Satellite images showed a Type 095 nuclear attack submarine being fitted out at Bohai Shipyard in Huludao. Analysts cited an X-tail rudder and a pump-jet propulsor for maneuverability and quieter running. Janes said the design adds acoustic stealth and strike capacity as China challenges U.S. naval dominance. Liu Zhen, South China Morning Post, February 22
Japan
Japan PM Takaichi warns of China 'coercion', vows security overhaul. Takaichi warned of growing Chinese coercion and said Japan faces its toughest security environment since World War Two. She pledged new security documents, looser military export rules, and a national intelligence council. She proposed foreign investment screening, stronger critical supply chains, and faster nuclear reactor restarts. Tim Kelly, John Geddie and Chang-Ran Kim, Reuters, February 20
U.S. and Japan discuss China’s ‘destabilizing’ nuclear buildup and testing. Japan and the United States held the Extended Deterrence Dialogue in Washington on Wednesday. The allies cited China’s rapid, opaque nuclear buildup and testing and raised Russia’s arms control noncompliance. The United States reaffirmed its nuclear umbrella for Japan, and both sides discussed strategic messaging and crisis communications. Jesse Johnson, The Japan Times, February 22
Japan wary of disruption after U.S. top court blocks Trump’s tariffs. Japan prepared for possible export disruption after the U.S. Supreme Court struck down Donald Trump’s reciprocal tariffs. Trump responded with a new 10% global tariff order. Tokyo plans negotiations while keeping a $550 billion U.S. investment pledge tied to reduced auto tariffs. Kyodo News, February 21
LDP OKs draft proposal for lifting ban on lethal arms exports. LDP security panel approved a draft to scrap defense export rules and allow lethal arms shipments. It would scrap five-category limits, classify gear as arms or non-arms, and require NSC review for arms exports. It would allow third-country exports of jointly developed weapons to nations with Japan transfer agreements. The Japan Times, February 21
South Korea
South Korea's ex-President Yoon apologises after life sentence over martial law. Yoon Suk Yeol apologized after a court sentenced him to life in prison for his December 2024 martial law order. His lawyers said he regretted the hardship but called the verdict predetermined political retaliation. He told supporters to unite and questioned an appeal, though his lawyers said he has not waived an appeal. Kyu-Seok Shim, Reuters, February 20
S. Korea to closely monitor additional U.S. measures following Supreme Court ruling on Trump’s tariffs. Cheong Wa Dae announced South Korea will monitor further U.S. measures after the Supreme Court voided Trump’s emergency tariffs. Trump imposed a new 10% global tariff under Section 122 starting Feb. 24. Officials agreed to advance a special bill on the $350 billion U.S. investment pledge by March 9. Kim Eun-jung, Yonhap News Agency, February 21
Rival parties gear up for local elections seen as test of public gauge over political polarization. Parties are gearing up for the June 3 local elections, a bellwether for Lee Jae Myung’s administration. The Democratic Party seeks another win, while the People Power Party tries to recover after Yoon Suk Yeol’s martial law fallout. Gallup Korea put DP support at 44% and opposition support at 32%. Chae Yun-hwan, Yonhap News Agency, February 22
Cheong Wa Dae, gov’t, DP agree on swift passage of U.S. investment bill. Cheong Wa Dae, the government and the DP agreed to pass a U.S. investment bill by March 9. They met after the Supreme Court struck down Trump’s emergency tariffs and he issued a new global tariff. The bill supports Seoul’s $350 billion investment pledge under the Korea-U.S. trade deal. Kim Han-joo, Yonhap News Agency, February 22
South Korea protests Japanese event over disputed islands. South Korea protested Shimane prefecture’s Takeshima Day event and the attendance of a senior Japanese government official. Seoul said the islets are its territory and summoned a Japanese diplomat. The ministry cited colonial-era disputes and said the area has rich fishing grounds and possible gas hydrate deposits. Kyu-seok Shim and Kaori Kaneko, Reuters, February 22
North Korea
North Korea holds third day of ruling party congress, Kim outlines five-year goals. North Korea’s Workers’ Party held the third day of its Ninth Congress on Saturday, KCNA said. Kim Jong Un continued a report reviewing the past five years and set a strategy and goals for the next term. Delegates said the report charts a new stage of development and confidence in the future. Kyu-seok Shim, Reuters, February 21
Vietnam
Trump meets Vietnam leader, vows to remove Hanoi from restricted lists. Trump met Communist Party chief Tô Lâm at the White House, Vietnam said. He said he would remove Vietnam from U.S. lists restricting advanced technology access. The meeting followed deals worth over $30 billion for 90 Boeing jets. Gram Slattery, Trevor Hunnicutt, Khanh Vu and Francesco Guarascio, Reuters, February 21
Party chief wraps up trip for inaugural meeting of Gaza Board of Peace in U.S. Party General Secretary Tô Lâm left Joint Base Andrews on February 20, ending a three-day trip to Washington. President Donald Trump said the Gaza Board of Peace works with the United Nations to coordinate humanitarian aid, reconstruction, and stabilization. Vietnam said it joined to help end the conflict, protect civilians, ensure unimpeded access, and support a political process that includes the Palestinian Authority. Vietnam News, February 20
Vietnamese FM meets counterparts of UAE, Egypt, and Türkiye. Foreign Minister Lê Hoài Trung met his UAE, Egypt, and Türkiye counterparts in Washington on February 19-20. With the UAE, both sides cited a more than $1 billion hyperscale data center project in HCM City and discussed expanding Vietnamese labor intake. With Egypt and Türkiye, they set a goal to double trade and moved work on free trade agreement studies and negotiations. Vietnam News, February 20
Thailand
Thai court extends sentence for lawyer who called for monarchy reform. A Thai court added two years and eight months to activist lawyer Arnon Nampa’s sentence for a 2020 rally. His combined total now exceeds 30 years under the lese-majeste law. He has been jailed since September 2023 and still faces 14 cases of royal insult. Panarat Thepgumpanat and Chayut Setboonsarng, Reuters, February 20
Anutin denies 300-seat coalition deal is finalised. Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said reports of a secured 300-seat coalition are premature and no formal deal exists. He said talks must wait for Election Commission certification, a process allowed up to 60 days. He said preliminary talks agreed that votes for the prime minister and the house speaker come before cabinet allocations. Bangkok Post, February 23
EC probe deadline extended. The Ombudsman granted the Election Commission time to explain barcodes and QR codes on ballots, extending the deadline to Feb 27. A petition seeks referral to the Constitutional Court, saying the codes could enable voter traceability and violate election secrecy rules. The Ombudsman said the issue affects public confidence and will proceed on available evidence if the EC misses the deadline. Bangkok Post, February 23
Myanmar
China speeds up railway that will cut swathe through Myanmar. China is accelerating work to finish the 330-km Dali-Ruili railway in Yunnan, with completion expected in 2028. Engineers are boring the 34.5-km Gaoligong Mountain Tunnel, planned as Asia’s longest rail tunnel. The line would cut Kunming-Ruili travel to about 4.5 hours and is planned to link with Myanmar’s Muse-Mandalay route despite the border conflict. The Irrawaddy, February 20
Border affairs minister escapes suicide drone attack in Chin State. Minister Yar Pyae escaped a suicide drone attack at a Chin National Day ceremony in Hakha. The Chinland Defense Force-Hakha said it targeted 18 junta officials and posted a video of the drone hitting a marquee. State media reported no casualties, while Chin media said a raid killed a staffer and detained two others. The Irrawaddy, February 21
Cambodia
Cambodia obtains U.S. assurance on border peacebuilding, strengthens bilateral trade. Hun Manet met U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer and Deputy Secretary Christopher Landau in Washington on Feb. 18-19. He sought U.S. monitoring of the ceasefire, and Landau pledged work with partners for border peace. Cambodia said bilateral trade rose nearly 29% in 2025 and that U.S. tariffs on its exports dropped to 19% from 49%. Meng Seavmey, Cambodianess, February 21
Philippines
Duterte appeals ICC ruling allowing victims’ legal team to stay on case. Duterte’s lawyers asked ICC judges to appeal a ruling keeping victims’ representatives on the case. Lead counsel Nicholas Kaufman cited a conflict tied to case manager Nicolene Arcaina’s past CenterLaw role. Judges said the claim was speculative and that Duterte waived attendance at the Feb. 23 hearing. Franco Jose C. Baroña, The Manila Times, February 22
Duterte ICC hearing begins. ICC opens a four-day confirmation hearing against Rodrigo Duterte on Feb. 23 in The Hague. Proceedings include an annual review of his detention and fitness, plus readings of charges and opening statements. Prosecutors go first, followed by victims’ lawyers and defense, with closing statements set for Feb. 27. Franco Jose C. Baroña and Reina C. Tolentino, The Manila Times, February 22
Indonesia
Indonesia president says ready to face all possibilities after U.S. Supreme Court rejects Trump's global tariffs. Prabowo Subianto said Indonesia is ready for all possibilities after the U.S. Supreme Court rejected Trump’s global tariffs. He said the Indonesia-U.S. trade deal remains in force and cuts tariffs to 19% from 32%. Minister Airlangga Hartarto said Jakarta sought exemptions for palm oil, coffee, and cocoa. Stefanno Sulaiman, Reuters, February 21
Indonesia, U.S. remove tariffs on 99% of U.S. goods. Indonesia and the United States agreed to remove tariff barriers on over 99% of US goods, the USTR said. Washington will keep a 19% reciprocal tariff on Indonesian imports, with some products eligible for 0%. A Feb. 19 pact also set about $33 billion in US investments and purchases, including energy and Boeing aircraft. ANTARA News, February 20
Taiwan
After Trump tariff ruling, KMT calls to renegotiate U.S. trade deal. The KMT urged Taiwan to renegotiate the ART after the U.S. Supreme Court struck down Trump’s emergency-tariff authority. The ruling put tariff relief deals in doubt, and Trump announced a temporary 10% global tariff. KMT and TPP demanded clarity on investment commitments and sought revisions to shield industries and farmers. Liu Kuan-ting and Matthew Mazzetta, Focus Taiwan, February 21
Australian warship transits Taiwan Strait, tracked by China's navy. Australian frigate HMAS Toowoomba made a routine transit of the Taiwan Strait on Friday and Saturday, a government source said. China’s Global Times said the PLA tracked the transit throughout. Taiwan’s defence ministry said the strait is an international waterway and it monitored the area. Sam McKeith, Beijing newsroom and Ben Blanchard, Reuters, February 22
Uzbekistan
Uzbekistan joins a U.S. critical minerals implementation track. Uzbekistan and the U.S. signed a Feb. 4 MoU on securing critical minerals supply chains. On Feb. 19, DFC set terms for a Joint Investment Framework and a proposed joint holding company. The track prioritizes financing projects that pair mining with processing and supporting infrastructure. Dr. Robert M. Cutler, The Times of Central Asia, February 22
Turkmenistan
Turkmen leader’s visit to United States remains shrouded in mystery. Gurbanguly Berdymukhamedov returned to Ashgabat after a Feb. 16-18 U.S. trip that Turkmen media barely mentioned and U.S. agencies did not confirm. Florida outlets reported a Turkmen government jet parked in Fort Lauderdale as Trump stayed at nearby Mar-a-Lago. Plane-spotter photos suggested tail-flap damage, and a second jet later flew in for the return. Eurasianet, February 20
East Asia
China’s Private Sector Pivot. China’s leadership is rebuilding a bargain with private firms after the 2020 Ant Group crackdown and years of regulatory shocks that cut investment and prompted some relocation. Xi Jinping’s February 2025 symposium with Jack Ma signaled renewed reliance on private innovation for semiconductors, advanced materials, AI, and biotechnology. Beijing is standardising oversight through coordinated agency rules on data security, algorithm registration, and cross-border transfers, including February 2026 automotive data guidelines. The 2025 Private Economy Promotion Law promises equal treatment and property rights. Party cells and state-linked golden shares extend control inside firms. Openness is managed by sector, with tighter security reviews for biotech and support for “tough tech” financing and listings. Lizzi C. Lee and Jing Qian, Foreign Affairs, February 20
How Germany fell out of love with China. Chancellor Friedrich Merz visits Beijing on February 24 with business leaders as German industry goes from market optimism to threat perceptions. Officials link China to Russia’s war effort and cite cyberattacks and espionage. Export controls on rare earths and chips exposed supply vulnerability. German exports to China have fallen while imports from China have risen, pushing the trade deficit to €90 billion, 2 percent of GDP. Firms accuse China of subsidies and an undervalued yuan as Chinese producers gain share in cars, machinery, chemicals, and pharmaceuticals. Some multinationals expand in China and localize production while Berlin backs EU investment screening, 6G restrictions, and “buy Europe” rules. The Economist, February 19
China’s illusion of influence in the Middle East. China’s role in the Middle East rests on trade ties. The United States anchors security partnerships, limiting Beijing’s leverage after the Gaza war and US pressure on Iran. Trump has threatened force against Iran during nuclear talks and regional states look to Washington for stabilization. In 2024 the Middle East accounted for 8 percent of China’s foreign trade and 1.2 percent of its outbound investment flows. China-GCC free trade talks began in 2004 without agreement and RMB settlement for oil and gas has stalled. Arab states seek support for the one China principle and use the Three-Island dispute for leverage, which strains ties with Iran. China must balance relations with Turkey, Israel, and Iran and deliver practical projects. Fan Hongda, ThinkChina, February 20
China’s Afghan Gold Rush Is Turning Deadly. China has dominated Afghanistan’s mining sector since the Taliban takeover in 2021, with many gold sites near the Afghanistan–Tajikistan border. Record gold prices drew Chinese nationals into projects backed by Kabul and Beijing as well as informal deals tied to local Taliban leaders. Disputes over mining rights and resentment toward Taliban control have sparked clashes with local communities. Cross-border attacks and unrest have targeted Chinese miners since November 2024, with at least seven incidents that killed at least nine Chinese nationals and injured at least 10. River dredging for gold has altered border waterways and contributed to Taliban–Tajik clashes. Beijing has issued evacuation advisories and pressed Kabul and Dushanbe, but security gaps and illegal mining leave few remedies. Sarah Godek, Foreign Policy, February 20
Japan's enhanced defense stance needs space ambitions to match. Japan’s move toward defense spending of 2% of GDP and planned easing of defense export rules should extend into sovereign space capabilities. Modern intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance depends on an end-to-end architecture that links Earth-observation satellites with secure communications networks that move data to users on the ground. The war in Ukraine shows that data access, downlinks and terrestrial systems have become targets, which raises the value of proliferated constellations and replenishment capacity. Japan can move from consumer to provider by funding ISR constellations and secure communications while building partnerships with the United States and European states. Public funding of core assets paired with private development and operations, as used in Germany and Sweden, offers a model that supports sovereignty, speed, exports, and industrial scale. Atsushi Sato, Nikkei Asia, February 22
Taiwan rides the AI wave to rapid economic growth. Taiwan’s economy expanded 8.6 percent in 2025 as exports surged, supported by US demand for consumer electronics and AI chips amid higher US tariffs on Chinese goods. The United States became Taiwan’s largest export destination, taking 31 percent of exports, with information, communication, and audio-video products forming 77 percent of that flow. China and Hong Kong’s share fell to 27 percent in 2025 from 44 percent in 2020 as China’s overcapacity and US export controls reduced sales of advanced chips, while legacy chip demand stayed steady. AI-driven high-performance computing generated 58 percent of TSMC's revenue in 2025. Taiwan’s trade surplus reached US$157 billion, and reserves rose to US$602.6 billion. Risks include costly tariffs, relocation expenses, brain drain, and exposure to US policy changes. Min-Hua Chiang, East Asia Forum, February 21
Taiwan’s constitutional impasse is jeopardising defence resilience. Taiwan entered a constitutional crisis in late 2025 after a 2024 divided government produced a standoff between the executive and an opposition-led legislature. The Executive Yuan challenges a fiscal redistribution bill that moves revenue to local governments and raises central debt pressure, but the Constitutional Court has lacked a functioning quorum after the legislature rejected President Lai Ching-te’s justice nominees. The legislature has also refused to review the 2026 budget, putting defence spending and arms procurement at risk of a freeze. Provisional budgeting limits agencies to baseline outlays and forces case-by-case approvals that can take months, which weakens multi-year defence planning and crisis response. Whole-of-society resilience also depends on central-local coordination for drills and cross-county mobilization, which the stalemate disrupts. Civil petitions seek a referendum on court thresholds, while allies have an interest in a resolution due to regional spillover risk. Austin Wang, Yao-Yuan Yeh, Charles Wu, Fang-Yu Chen, East Asia Forum, February 20
Yoon Suk Yeol's verdict is a test for South Korean democracy. South Korea’s court convicted former President Yoon Suk Yeol of insurrection for deploying forces toward the National Assembly during the failed martial law declaration in December 2024. The court named Yoon the leader of the insurrection and imposed life imprisonment, rejecting claims that he planned a long-term dictatorship. Judge Ji Gwi-yeon ordered Yoon’s temporary release after prosecutors exceeded detention limits, underscoring procedural rigor that may bolster perceptions of independence. The ruling may deepen conservative claims that courts punish conservative wrongdoing while easing pressure on progressives, citing past cases involving Kim Dae-jung and current President Lee Jae Myung. Polarization also reflects militant-democracy logic, court and investigative pressures on opponents, proposals to expand the Supreme Court, and speech constraints tied to defamation and historical laws. Joseph Yi, Nikkei Asia, February 21
Southeast Asia
Singapore Is Positioned To Challenge Western Fintech Hubs. Fintech influence is moving from Western brand prestige toward regulatory efficiency and scale, opening space for Indo-Pacific hubs. Singapore builds on a long history as a finance center and uses a state-led model that pairs the Monetary Authority of Singapore supervision with a multi-track regulatory sandbox, including Sandbox Express, with market testing access within 21 days for eligible firms. Public support includes the Financial Sector Technology and Innovation Scheme, with FSTI 3.0 funded at US$112 million and a record of about 1,500 projects, plus shared rails such as Singpass digital identity and PayNow instant payments. The Singapore FinTech Festival draws over 60,000 visitors from more than 130 countries. Regulatory delays and political volatility in Los Angeles and Paris contrast with Singapore’s policy continuity. Singapore also attracts ASEAN fintech capital while Hong Kong serves as a gateway to China. Jacob Tam, Sino-Southeast Initiative, February 22