China
China’s top legislature removes 9 military officials ahead of Beijing’s ‘two sessions’. China’s National People’s Congress removed nine military deputies from the PLA and People’s Armed Police delegation list ahead of next week’s ‘two sessions,’ cutting the total to 243. Those dropped included five full generals, one lieutenant general and three major generals, including Li Wei, Li Qiaoming and Shen Jinlong. Authorities gave no explanation, and such changes often follow investigations, status shifts, or termination of qualifications. Victoria Bela, South China Morning Post, February 26
Former US Air Force fighter pilot accused of secretly training Chinese military. US authorities arrested Air Force Major Gerald Eddie Brown Jr. in Indiana, alleging he trained PLAAF pilots from 2023 to 2026. He faces charges under the Arms Export Control Act and ITAR for providing defense services without State Department authorization. The complaint tied his contracts to associates of convicted hacker Stephen Su Bin and referenced the Daniel Duggan case. Khushboo Razdan, South China Morning Post, February 26
Trump-Xi summit preparations falter as planning gaps unsettle Beijing. Analysts described weak preparation and scant contacts less than six weeks before a likely Trump-Xi summit, limiting prospects for major outcomes. They blamed Trump’s reluctance to delegate and his preference for quick wins guided by personal instincts. Beijing, which favors tightly staged meetings, views the compressed timeline as risky even after the leaders’ call revived expectations. Mark Magnier, South China Morning Post, February 26
Hong Kong court overturns China critic Jimmy Lai's fraud conviction in rare legal victory. Hong Kong’s Court of Appeal overturned Jimmy Lai’s fraud conviction and voided his sentence. Judges said the lower court erred on disclosure duties tied to Dico Consultants’ office use. Lai still faces a 20-year national security sentence, and prosecutors are reviewing whether to appeal. Jessie Pang, James Pomfret and Michael Martina, Reuters, February 26
Chinese influence operation targets Japan elections, Trump, other countries, U.S. foundation says. An FDD analysis linked 35 X accounts and nine Tumblr channels to a China-aligned campaign around Sanae Takaichi’s election win. Posts pushed corruption claims and branded her a cult-backed militarist driving Japan toward war. The network also attacked Trump and blamed the US and India for fentanyl. A.J. Vicens, Hina Suzuki and Kentaro Sugiyama, Reuters, February 26
Japan
BOJ policymaker calls for more interest rate hikes in “gear shift”. BOJ board member Hajime Takata called for gradual rate hikes, saying real rates remain well below overseas levels. He said the 2% inflation target is almost achieved and warned a weaker yen could push up underlying inflation. The BOJ kept its benchmark at 0.75% in January and voted down his proposal to move toward 1%. Kyodo News, February 26
Consumption tax panel kicks off without two opposition parties. A panel to pause the consumption tax on groceries for two years opened without the CRA and the DPP. Sanae Takaichi wants the forum to forge a cross-party agreement on the timing and terms of the pause. Both parties stayed away, citing backlash risks if they seemed to align too closely with her effort. Eric Johnston, The Japan Times, February 26
LDP panel approves proposal to strengthen intelligence capabilities. An LDP panel approved a proposal for stronger intelligence, including an upgraded intelligence bureau and a mandatory foreign-agent registry. It also backs banning electronic devices at government facilities and reviewing current safeguards against foreign spying. The plan will be submitted to Sanae Takaichi next month and calls for new legislation if safeguards fall short. Himari Semans, The Japan Times, February 26
South Korea
South Korea's Lee to visit Singapore and the Philippines from March 1 to 4. Lee Jae Myung will visit Singapore March 1-3 and the Philippines March 3-4. He will meet Lawrence Wong to expand cooperation on investment, AI and nuclear energy. He will meet Ferdinand Marcos Jr to discuss defense industry cooperation, infrastructure, nuclear energy and critical minerals. Kyu-seok Shim, Reuters, February 27
S. Korea, UAE agree to pursue investment cooperation projects worth over US$65 bln. South Korea and the UAE agreed to pursue over $65 billion in projects, including $35 billion in defense and $30 billion in investment, an envoy said. They signed a defense cooperation framework to expand collaboration. They will restructure the $30 billion pledge and expand nuclear cooperation at the Barakah plant. Kim Eun-jung, Yonhap News Agency, February 26
North Korea
N. Korea keeps door open for dialogue with U.S.; deepens hostility toward Seoul. Kim Jong Un said North Korea can get along with the U.S. if Washington drops its hostile policy and recognizes its nuclear status. He said the choice between coexistence and confrontation rests with Washington. He called South Korea an eternal enemy and ruled out dialogue. Park Boram, Yonhap News Agency, February 26
Lee reaffirms commitment to improve ties with N. Korea after Pyongyang snubs dialogue offer. President Lee Jae Myung vowed to pursue peace and stability and end confrontation with North Korea. He said past humiliation or threats toward Pyongyang should be reviewed for their impact on security. He said sustained communication, dialogue, and cooperation are needed to build trust. Kim Eun-jung, Yonhap News Agency, February 26
North Korea's Kim promises more nuclear weapons as Congress closes with military parade. Kim Jong Un said he will expand North Korea’s nuclear arsenal and increase nuclear operational means. He set goals for stronger ICBMs, AI-based attack systems, drones and anti-satellite weapons. He said talks with the U.S. depend on a shift in U.S. policy and rejected dialogue with South Korea. Joyce Lee, Jack Kim and Kyu-seok Shim, Reuters, February 25
Thailand
Bhumjaithai nears majority in House. Bhumjaithai is courting nine Klatham MPs to lift backing in the 500-seat House to 301. The party says it already has support from Palang Pracharath and New Opportunity and is building a stable majority before coalition talks. It expects clearer decisions after a March 8-9 seminar as Anutin Charnvirakul eyes another term as prime minister. Apinya Wipatayotin and Mongkol Bangprapa, Bangkok Post, February 27
EC announces 71.42% voter turnout in 2026 election; over 35 million valid votes. The Election Commission said 37.8 million eligible voters cast ballots on Feb. 8, a 71.42% turnout. Party-list voting produced 35,030,601 valid ballots, 1,669,006 invalid ballots and 1,108,051 nonvoted ballots. Constituency voting produced 34,862,178 valid ballots, 1,337,396 invalid ballots and 1,608,174 nonvoted ballots. The Nation, February 27
Voters believe election not clean, EC fails to fight cheating. A King Prachadhipok’s Institute poll found 87.7% called the Feb. 8 election somewhat or totally unfair. Only 12.3% were satisfied with the results, and 67.6% said the Election Commission did not stop vote-buying. The Feb. 13-16 survey questioned 2,000 adults nationwide and followed certification of 396 of 400 constituency winners. Bangkok Post, February 27
Myanmar
Junta boss meets Thai air force chief as strikes on Myanmar civilians intensify. Min Aung Hlaing met Thai air force chief Sakesan Kantha in Naypyitaw as airstrikes escalated. A junta bomb killed 18 at a Ponnagyun market, and Myinmu strikes killed nine. They discussed joint training and wider cooperation, while Thailand said an election will not end the crisis. Maung Kavi, The Irrawaddy, February 26
Putin ratifies investment protection pact with Myanmar junta. Vladimir Putin approved a bilateral pact to promote and protect investments with Myanmar’s junta. The agreement was signed on June 20 in St. Petersburg and commits both sides to safeguarding investors. The move deepens post-coup ties that have expanded from arms sales into economic and infrastructure engagement. Maung Kavi, The Irrawaddy, February 26
Laos
Govt approves 10-year development strategy, legal reforms. The cabinet endorsed the 2026-2035 development strategy and Vision to 2055 at a meeting chaired by Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone. It backed policies on electric vehicles and decrees on hazardous goods transport and non-governmental organizations. Officials also set March priorities on public security, price management, revenue collection modernization, and curbing scams and online defamation. Vientiane Times, February 27
Cambodia
Cambodia wants ‘de-escalation’ in conflict with Thailand, PM tells AFP. Prime Minister Hun Manet said Cambodia seeks de-escalation after Thailand accused Cambodian forces of firing a grenade near a patrol. Phnom Penh denied it and said Thai troops seized areas beyond Thailand’s stated frontier. Cambodia pressed for a joint border commission and French maps and said it would accept the outcome. Agence France-Presse, Cambodianess, February 26
Civil society groups call for border resolution. A joint statement backed by 426 civil society groups urged a legal, peaceful resolution of the border dispute with Thailand. It urged negotiation, mediation or an International Court of Justice route and respect for ceasefire commitments. The groups cited claims that Thailand controls 14 areas across four provinces and blocks 170,000 people from returning home. Rin Ousa, Cambodianess, February 26
Philippines
Philippines, Japan, U.S. hold joint military drills in South China Sea. The Philippines, the US and Japan held joint naval drills in the South China Sea this week. The Philippines sent the Antonio Luna frigate, helicopters and fighter jets, while the US deployed USS Dewey and a Poseidon aircraft. Japan deployed a P-3 Orion, and the exercises included replenishment at sea and joint air patrols. Mikhail Flores, Reuters, February 27
China to respond firmly to smears, but says friendship with PH intact. Spokesman Ji Lingpeng said China will rebut smears while promoting cooperation with the Philippines. He condemned Jay Tarriela’s remarks and anti-China Senate resolutions and warned against disinformation. Ji said Ambassador Jing Quan and Sen. Erwin Tulfo backed coast guard dialogue and South China Sea code of conduct talks. Franco Jose C. Baroña, The Manila Times, February 26
No link between threats and drug war killings, Duterte lawyer says. Defense lawyer Nicholas Kaufman told ICC that judges and prosecutors offered no direct order from Rodrigo Duterte for any charged killing. He said speeches were cherry-picked and did not prove a causal link to the deaths. Kaufman said Duterte waived his appearance and is not mentally fit to follow the hearing. Franco Jose C. Baroña, The Manila Times, February 26
Indonesia
Prabowo, UAE's MBZ forge stronger strategic ties in Abu Dhabi. Prabowo Subianto met Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan at Qasr Al Bahr Palace on Feb. 26. Talks with delegations focused on energy cooperation, investment and future-oriented economic partnerships and included a Ramadan iftar. MBZ reaffirmed plans to raise UAE investment in Indonesia, building on recent agreements and projects. ANTARA News, February 27
Singapore
Budget 2026 debate: Ministries to publish clearer data on major spending initiatives, PM Wong says. Wong said ministries will publish clearer data on major spending initiatives and outcomes. He spoke at the close of the Budget debate after Singapore reported a S$15 billion surplus. He said he heard requests from Pritam Singh, Yip Hon Weng and Haresh Singaraju for more disclosure. Justin Ong Guang-Xi, Channel News Asia, February 26
Bangladesh
Bangladesh court orders move to seek Interpol red notice for UK lawmaker Siddiq. A Bangladesh court ordered authorities to seek an Interpol red notice for UK lawmaker Tulip Siddiq. The Anti-Corruption Commission accused her of using family ties to ex-premier Sheikh Hasina to steer Dhaka land to a private firm. Siddiq denied wrongdoing, and Bangladesh has no extradition treaty with Britain. Ruma Paul, Reuters, February 26
East Asia
Trump and Xi must deliver more than optics in April trade summit. The April Trump–Xi summit is expected to feature new Chinese purchasing pledges and possibly U.S. openness to renewed Chinese investment, even as Chinese investment flows to the United States have stayed below $1 billion annually since 2018, far under the 2016 peak of $27 billion. Stabilization would require addressing structural drivers of friction, including China’s $1.2 trillion global trade surplus and an export surge tied to excess capacity that is depressing global prices. Proposed deliverables include China imposing export restraints in selected sectors such as steel and autos, tougher Chinese action against transshipment through third countries like Vietnam and Thailand to evade U.S. tariffs, and joint efforts to expand trade in nonstrategic sectors by reducing tariff and nontariff barriers in areas like agriculture, chemicals, and medical devices. Wendy Cutler, Nikkei Asia, February 26
China piles pressure on Japan after Takaichi Sanae’s triumph. China escalated pressure on Japan after Sanae Takaichi took office in October by withholding a customary congratulatory message, tightening tourism and trade measures, and announcing rare-earth export curbs on February 24 targeting at least 20 Japanese firms, mainly tied to defence. Takaichi’s clearer suggestion that Japan would play a role in a Taiwan crisis, and her warm ties with Taiwan’s DPP, have sharpened Beijing’s hostility as Japan moves to strengthen its military, including a proposal to lift a long-standing ban on lethal-weapons exports. China’s leverage is significant: it accounts for roughly 20% of Japan’s trade and tourists, and Japan still sources about 70% of its rare-earth imports from China. Both sides have limited escalation so far, but coastguard activity near the Senkakus and new Japanese missile plans for Yonaguni add risk. The Economist, February 26
China’s next five-year bet on AI: Self-reliance, diffusion, and a lot of hype. Artificial intelligence is positioned as a core theme of China’s 15th Five-Year Plan, intended to permeate the “real economy,” society, and governance as a productivity driver and competitiveness tool, from robots and humanoids to brain-computer interfaces. The “AI Plus” plan sets sweeping diffusion goals functioning largely as political signals that steer cadres and firms toward sectoral integration, especially in traditional industries. Policy also stresses AI-for-science and major infrastructure buildouts, alongside semiconductor self-reliance through strong state support for domestic chipmakers and a controlled mix of foreign and local chips. Fast automation, resource demands, institutional readiness, and uncertain returns could determine whether adoption yields sustained productivity gains or mainly amplifies hype. Rebecca Arcesati, Merics, February 26
What North Korea’s mysterious party congress reveals. North Korea’s ninth party congress highlighted a more assertive external posture, harsher hostility toward South Korea, and stronger efforts to reassert state control over the economy. Kim Jong Un framed nuclear status as “irreversible and permanent,” as the arsenal is assessed at at least 50 warheads alongside intercontinental ballistic missiles capable of reaching the U.S. mainland, and he reiterated that talks with Washington require abandoning denuclearization. South Korea was labelled the “immutable principal enemy,” while reunification was dismissed as an “anachronistic practice.” Domestic messaging highlighted the “20x10” factory-building plan and downplayed sanctions, as Russia openly flouts UN measures and China’s enforcement has weakened. The Economist, February 26
Southeast Asia
Drifting through dispute in the South China Sea. South China Sea dynamics in 2025 featured confrontation, intensified militarization, and sharper US–China rivalry alongside incomplete progress on an ASEAN–China Code of Conduct. China Coast Guard harassment accompanied expanded presence at Scarborough Shoal and increased patrols around Sabina Shoal, including water-cannon and ramming incidents involving Filipino craft, while monitoring energy activity near Vanguard Bank and pressuring Vietnamese and Malaysian-linked operations. Vietnam accelerated construction on 21 Spratly features, including upgraded logistics facilities and a 3.2-kilometre runway, and China began dredging and landfill activity at Antelope Reef in the Paracels. The United States expanded maritime exercises with the Philippines, deployed coastal-defence missiles during Balikatan, and conducted freedom of navigation patrols, while China surged carrier deployments and live-fire drills. About 70 percent of the COC draft was reportedly agreed, but disputes over scope, legal status, self-restraint, and outside powers keep negotiations fraught in 2026. Carlyle Thayer, East Asia Forum, February 26
Indonesia’s Party Cartel System and the New ‘People’s Movement Party’. Indonesia’s People’s Movement Party (PGR) was launched in Jakarta on January 18, 2026 by activists linked to Anies Baswedan’s 2024 volunteer network, with chair Sahrin Hamid saying the party wants Anies to become president. Its emergence coincides with efforts by Prabowo’s 14-party “Advance Indonesia Coalition Plus” to entrench a permanent governing bloc, alongside proposals to replace direct regional elections with elite bargaining inside dominant parties. Early challenges to cartel politics include a small “oppositional” current inside PDI-P, divisions within the Labour Party, and PGR’s own “perubahan” branding and local advocacy against perceived injustices. With no presidential nomination threshold expected for 2029, formal registration could allow PGR to nominate Anies even without parliamentary seats. Max Lane, FULCRUM, February 26
The Future of Sino-Vietnamese Relations post-14th National Congress. Vietnam’s post–14th National Congress leadership under re-elected General Secretary Tô Lâm faces pressure to deliver rapid growth by moving manufacturing up the value chain through innovation, digital transformation, and green development, while sustaining strategic autonomy amid renewed U.S. protectionism. Deeper engagement with China aligns with this agenda by attracting Chinese firms seeking overseas production bases, while pressing for technology transfer and joint ventures to build Vietnamese champions and limit long-run dependency. Large-scale infrastructure and logistics plans position Chinese capabilities and capital as increasingly relevant partners. Security and ideological organs also favor coordination against perceived Western destabilization, even as Hanoi continues “bamboo diplomacy” by extracting leverage and deals from Washington alongside warmer ties with Beijing. Brian Wong, CHINA US Focus, February 26
Malaysia in the Middle of the AI Stack: How Capital Flows are Reshaping Supply Chains. Capital is moving from headline AI innovation toward the physical “middle of the stack,” making Malaysia a focal point for semiconductor assembly/testing and data-centre buildouts. Competitive energy costs, available land, industrial capacity, and supportive policy position Malaysia as a reliable hub as geopolitical tensions push firms to diversify supply chains. Recent inflows include Intel’s US$208 million expansion of Malaysian assembly and testing operations and hyperscaler investments clustering around Johor and Cyberjaya, with Google investing over US$2 billion each in Johor and Selangor projects expected to complete in early 2026. Spillovers are most visible in Penang’s stronger incomes and in job and migration gains tied to new facilities. Joshua An, Sino-Southeast Initiative, February 26
Timor-Leste’s search for growth beyond oil. Timor-Leste entered 2026 with heightened pressure to diversify as state finances rely heavily on withdrawals from a US$18.95 billion Petroleum Fund and Bayu-Undan’s shutdown removed the country’s long-standing revenue anchor. The Greater Sunrise project remains the government’s top priority, but structural reforms are presented as essential given projections that roughly 73 percent of the 2025 budget would be funded by the Petroleum Fund. Public debate over spending increased after protests forced Parliament to cancel a proposed car purchase and abolish lifetime pensions, while land insecurity and unlawful evictions deepened social tensions and deterred investment. Youth labour mobility expanded as job constraints pushed workers overseas, lifting remittances to a major capital inflow. ASEAN accession, airport expansion, new direct routes, and improved satellite and planned fibre connectivity are framed as near-term openings to grow tourism, strengthen digital infrastructure, and build resilience beyond oil and gas. Heidi Arbuckle, East Asia Forum, February 26
South Asia
The 2026 Vote: A New Age for Bangladesh? Bangladesh’s February 12, 2026 election combined parliamentary voting with a constitutional referendum on the July National Charter, with 127.7 million registered voters and roughly 60 percent turnout. The Awami League was barred, and the Bangladesh Nationalist Party-led coalition won 212 of 299 seats, positioning Tarique Rahman to become prime minister and form a 50-member cabinet. Jamaat-e-Islami led an 11-party opposition alliance that won 77 seats, including six for the student-led National Citizen Party, after image-moderation efforts such as emphasizing minority rights and fielding its first Hindu candidate. The referendum passed with 60.26 percent support, but implementation depends on a second oath and a Constitutional Reform Council. Economic promises, LDC-graduation timing, and balancing ties with India, China, the United States, and Pakistan define early tests. Farwa Aamer, Asia Society, February 26
Post-election Bangladesh: How China prepared while India lost ground. Bangladesh’s BNP landslide elevated Prime Minister Tarique Rahman and turned regional perceptions, with Beijing treating the outcome as a political adjustment while New Delhi confronts uncertainty after Sheikh Hasina’s 2024 removal and exile in India. China signalled continuity through rapid congratulations and focus on high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, reflecting earlier outreach that included a BNP delegation visit in November 2024 and a multi-party delegation trip in February. Deep economic stakes reinforce this posture: Chinese firms invested more than US$11 billion in Bangladesh from October 2016 to June 2025, and China has lent about US$7.5 billion since 1975. India responded with calibrated engagement while worrying Dhaka may assign it diminished strategic priority. Amit Ranjan and Genevieve Donnellon-May, ThinkChina, February 26