Asia Daily: February 5, 2026

China

Trump, Xi discuss Taiwan and soybeans in call aimed at easing China, U.S. relations. U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping held talks focused on stabilizing bilateral relations. Trump said China is considering buying more U.S. soybeans, lifting market sentiment. The leaders also discussed Taiwan and broader trade and security issues. Trevor Hunnicutt and Xiuhao Chen, Reuters, February 4

China and Spain in talks for PM Pedro Sanchez to visit Beijing – again. China and Spain are discussing plans for Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez to visit Beijing later this year. The trip would be Sanchez’s fourth visit to China in four years as Madrid reassesses ties amid U.S. tensions. Analysts said Sanchez views regular high-level visits as key to consolidating bilateral relations. Xiaofei Xu, South China Morning Post, February 4

Wang Huning urges cross-strait peace and exchanges in talks with Taiwan’s KMT. China’s top Taiwan affairs official Wang Huning called for expanded cross-strait exchanges during talks with Taiwan’s opposition Kuomintang. He said engagement must be based on the 1992 consensus and opposition to Taiwan independence. KMT representatives said cooperation could support economic ties and shared development. Xinlu Liang, South China Morning Post, February 4

China expels defence industry officials from legislature amid corruption crackdown. China removed three senior defence industry executives from the national legislature amid an ongoing anti-corruption campaign. The officials held key roles in nuclear weapons, aviation and defence research institutions. Their expulsion signals possible further disciplinary or criminal action. Alcott Wei, South China Morning Post, February 4

Japan

117 lawmakers say Japan should join nuclear ban treaty, survey shows. A survey by atomic bomb survivors group Nihon Hidankyo found 117 Japanese lawmakers support joining the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons. Only about 20% of Diet members responded, with no replies from the ruling Liberal Democratic Party. The group criticized the lack of engagement and urged lawmakers to take clearer positions on nuclear disarmament. The Japan Times, February 4

South Korea

South Korea parliament to finalise bill on US investment fund by March 9. South Korea’s National Assembly agreed to complete legislation enabling U.S. investments by March 9 under a bilateral trade deal. The bill would establish a special fund to back pledged investments in exchange for lower U.S. auto tariffs. The move follows U.S. warnings over delays. Heejin Kim, Hyunjoo Jin and Jack Kim, Reuters, February 4

Opposition leader calls for special counsel probes into allegations involving ruling party, Lee. Opposition leader Jang Dong-hyeok called for separate special counsel investigations into alleged ties between the Unification Church and ruling Democratic Party lawmakers. He also demanded probes into bribery claims linked to party nominations and a land development case involving President Lee Jae Myung. Jang accused the ruling party of politicizing investigations ahead of local elections. Kim Eun-jung, Yonhap News Agency, February 4

Rival parties to launch special committee to advance U.S. investment bill. South Korea’s ruling and opposition parties agreed to form a special parliamentary committee to push a bill implementing U.S. investment pledges. The 16-member panel will operate for 30 days to handle legislation tied to a bilateral trade deal. Lawmakers said delays risk renewed U.S. tariff hikes on South Korean goods. Yi Wonju, Yonhap News Agency, February 4

North Korea

N. Korea may reinstate ‘president’ title for leader Kim: 38 North. North Korea may restore the title of president for leader Kim Jong-un following an upcoming party congress, according to analysis by 38 North. The assessment cited recent references to Kim as head of state as a possible signal of a structural change. Analysts said such a move could carry political implications beyond a ceremonial upgrade. Kim Hyun-soo, Yonhap News Agency, February 4

N. Korea ramps up implementation of regional development policy in 3rd year of project. North Korea has accelerated construction under Kim Jong-un’s regional development policy in its third year. State media reported groundbreaking ceremonies for factories and public facilities in 20 cities and counties. Officials said the program aims to improve living standards and will be highlighted at the upcoming party congress. Kim Soo-yeon, Yonhap News Agency, February 4

Vietnam

Vietnam willing to boost US purchases, trade minister says, as new round of tariff talks begins. Vietnam said it is prepared to increase purchases of U.S. machinery and high-tech goods. The pledge came as a new round of tariff negotiations opened in Washington. Officials also oversaw deals to buy U.S. energy and agricultural products. Khanh Vu and Phuong Nguyen, Reuters, February 4

Thailand

Thailand’s ex-PM Abhisit returns to political fray in boost for his party. Former Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva returned to frontline politics ahead of Thailand’s Feb. 8 election. His comeback has revived support for the Democrat Party, particularly among conservative voters. Polls suggest the party could play a key role in post-election coalition talks. Panu Wongcha-um and Panarat Thepgumpanat, Reuters, February 4

Democrats rule out early talks. Democrat Party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva said post-election decisions will depend entirely on the Feb. 8 results. He said the party will not engage in coalition talks before voters decide which party has the right to form a government. Abhisit added that the Democrats’ priority is presenting clear choices to voters rather than seeking power. Bangkok Post, February 5

Pheu Thai kindles ‘sparks of hope’. The Pheu Thai Party unveiled Yodchanan Wongsawat as its top prime ministerial candidate ahead of the Feb. 8 election. He campaigned on using science and technology to drive economic growth, cut living costs and modernize governance. Party officials said growing crowds and positive feedback show rising support for the tech-led vision. Aekarach Sattaburuth, Bangkok Post, February 5

Myanmar

Myanmar junta plans ‘super-body’ to tighten grip on military, new government. Myanmar’s junta announced plans to form a powerful new council overseeing both the military and civilian administration. Analysts said the move would allow Min Aung Hlaing to become president without relinquishing control of the armed forces. The body would sit above executive, legislative and judicial branches with no clear accountability. Devjyot Ghoshal, Reuters, February 4

Myanmar junta chief rushes through new consultative council law. Junta leader Min Aung Hlaing enacted a new law creating a Union Consultative Council just weeks before a new parliament is set to convene. The body will advise on security, foreign relations and legislation, with members appointed by the president. Critics said the move could allow Min Aung Hlaing to retain decisive power regardless of whether he becomes president. Maung Kavi, The Irrawaddy, February 4

Myanmar military-backed USDP wins over 72% of seats in junta’s election: UEC. Myanmar’s military-aligned Union Solidarity and Development Party secured more than 72 percent of seats in the junta-run election, according to official results. The poll was held in three phases after opposition parties were dissolved and key democracy leaders jailed. International groups and ASEAN rejected the vote as neither free nor fair. Myo Pyae, The Irrawaddy, February 4

Laos

Laos, Hungary deepen strategic partnership. Laos and Hungary agreed to expand cooperation in diplomacy, education, trade and infrastructure during high-level talks in Vientiane. The two sides reaffirmed long-standing ties, upgraded in 2019 to a strategic partnership, and pledged more exchanges and economic collaboration. They signed a scholarship cooperation agreement for 2026–2028 and marked the handover of a Hungary-funded wastewater treatment plant in Vientiane. Times Reporters, Vientiane Times, February 5

Philippines

Philippines House panel finds bid to impeach Marcos lacks substance. A Philippine House justice committee ruled two impeachment complaints against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. lacked substance. Lawmakers said allegations of corruption and constitutional violations were unsupported. The panel plans to submit its report to the plenary for a possible vote. Mikhail Flores, Reuters, February 4

Supreme Court upholds creation of ICI. The Supreme Court dismissed a petition challenging the creation of the Independent Commission for Infrastructure tasked with probing anomalous flood control projects. Justices ruled the petition failed procedural requirements and did not show any violation of legally enforceable rights. The decision affirmed the validity of the executive order establishing the commission. Philippine News Agency, The Manila Times, February 4

Duterte expected to personally attend Feb. 23 ICC hearing. Former president Rodrigo Duterte is expected to personally attend the confirmation of charges hearing at the International Criminal Court on Feb. 23. A lawyer for drug war victims said no pending issues remain to delay the proceedings. The ICC has adopted measures considering Duterte’s health while affirming his fitness to stand trial. Kathleen de Villa, Philippine Daily Inquirer, February 5

Indonesia

Prabowo to meet Iran’s president in Tehran, envoy says. President Prabowo Subianto has accepted an invitation to visit Tehran and meet Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, though no date has been set. Iran’s ambassador said both sides are preparing agreements covering economic, political and people-to-people cooperation. The trip would mark Prabowo’s first visit to Iran as president and the first by an Indonesian leader since 2016. Jayanty Nada Shofa, Jakarta Globe, February 4

Indonesia not obliged to pay $1B fee for Gaza peace board, Prabowo tells former FMs. President Prabowo Subianto said Indonesia is not required to pay a proposed $1 billion contribution to the Gaza peace board. He told former foreign ministers the fund is voluntary and intended for Gaza reconstruction. Officials said Indonesia can withdraw from the board at any time if its participation no longer aligns with national principles. Jakarta Globe, February 4

Taiwan

TPP defense act placed on its priority list for new legislative session. Taiwan’s People’s Party listed its proposed national defense special act among 21 priority bills for the new legislative session starting Feb. 24. Party leaders said the bill caps arms spending at NT$400 billion through 2033 while supporting military self-defense with tighter legislative oversight. The move comes amid a continued standoff with the ruling party over a larger proposed defense budget. Wang Cheng-chung, Wang Yang-yu, James Thompson and Shih Hsiu-chuan, Focus Taiwan, February 4

Taiwan must pass defence spending to avoid giving wrong impression, president says. President Lai Ching-te warned that blocking extra defence spending could signal weak resolve to allies. His proposal seeks $40 billion to strengthen Taiwan’s military. U.S. lawmakers voiced concern as opposition parties continued to delay approval. Ben Blanchard and Yimou Lee, Reuters, February 4

Kazakhstan

Kazakhstan and Pakistan aim to raise bilateral trade to $1 billion. Kazakhstan and Pakistan agreed to boost bilateral trade to $1 billion in the medium term during talks in Islamabad. Officials discussed creating structured mechanisms, prioritizing high-growth sectors and supporting business-to-business cooperation. The talks coincided with a business forum held during President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev’s state visit to Pakistan. Ayana Birbayeva, The Astana Times, February 4

Chinese investor to pour over $7 billion into hard-to-recover gas project in Kazakhstan. Kazakhstan signed an agreement with China’s Geo-Jade Petroleum Corporation to develop the Sozak gas field using unconventional extraction methods. The project envisions up to $7.8 billion in investment and potential production of up to one trillion cubic meters of gas, alongside recoverable helium resources. Officials said the initiative could launch a new subsector in Kazakhstan’s gas industry and prioritize domestic supply. Assel Satubaldina, The Astana Times, February 4

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East Asia

Old priorities, new contexts: The institutional roots and new developments of China’s rare earth policy. China expanded rare earth export controls in 2025 through new licensing for key elements, magnets, and technologies, then added more elements plus an extraterritorial approval rule, triggering shortages and diplomacy that produced a partial enforcement delay and broader licences. China’s leverage reflects decades of policy aimed at upgrading production, retaining value chains, and gaining market share through planning, restricted foreign access, and consolidation into national champions. Chinese firms have also expanded mining and processing links abroad to secure heavy rare earth supply for China’s midstream dominance. European responses call for integrated demand, coordinated investment, stockpiling, and joint partner initiatives to avoid fragmented competition. Francesca Ghiretti and Conlan Ellis, RAND Europe, February 4

Another Continent, Another Planet: The Curious Case of the Missing China Conversation at Davos. Davos side events during the World Economic Forum in January featured scant talk of China, a contrast with U.S. policy debate. European leaders and executives discussed AI and the world order with China absent from many sessions, and China’s manufacturing strength drew limited attention. China entered the agenda through remarks by Kevin Rudd and by Dario Amodei on limits for advanced AI chip exports. Donald Trump dominated conversations, and the gap in U.S. and European priorities points to weaker coordination on China unless U.S. diplomacy and economic leadership deliver practical benefits. Neil Thomas, Asia Society, February 4

The Free World Needs Taiwan. Taiwan presents itself as a durable democracy with three decades of direct presidential elections, strong civil society, and protection of rights. Its location along key waterways and its role in semiconductor production position it as a security buffer and a hub for supply chains outside China. The Lai administration has expanded defenses against gray zone pressure, including round-the-clock sea patrols, blacklisting 96 Chinese-linked vessels, and tougher penalties for submarine cable sabotage. Taipei advances value-added diplomacy through partner projects, seeks participation in the WHO and CPTPP, and expands security, technology, and energy cooperation with the United States, including a $11 billion arms package and plans for major U.S. semiconductor investment. Lin Chia-lung, Foreign Affairs, February 4

Snap elections lock Japan in a cycle of fragile promises. Japan will hold a general election on 8 February 2026, months after Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi took office, reflecting a Liberal Democratic Party pattern of calling elections during a new leader’s honeymoon to secure a stronger majority. Frequent national elections have moved political incentives toward short-term popularity and away from reforms such as fiscal consolidation and deregulation. Takaichi’s agenda centers on a ¥21 trillion stimulus package aimed at rising prices, with risks of higher inflation, yen depreciation, and steeper import costs. A 17-point growth plan targets artificial intelligence, semiconductors, quantum computing, and space, but repeated dissolutions weaken long-term commitment to structural change. Masato Kamikubo, East Asia Forum, February 4

A wealthier North Korea widens Kim Jong-un’s options. North Korea enters 2026 with greater regime security, after years of tighter state control over the economy alongside continued small-scale market activity and stable food provision. Reports point to greenhouse farming, price stabilization, and demand for imported consumer goods, while authorities pressure entrepreneurs and have pushed private businesses in state-owned buildings into the official state economy. Legal changes in 2022–23 suggest farmers retain autonomy and sell a share of grain to the state, rather than face forced procurement. Russia ties provide revenue and military technology, fuel, and food, while cybercrime and cryptocurrency theft brought estimated income above US$2 billion in 2025. Stronger resources widen Kim Jong-un’s scope to suppress sectors and advance nuclear and missile programs. Benjamin Katzeff Silberstein, East Asia Forum, February 4

North Korea Takes Its Place at “Eurasian Charter” Table. Belarusian state media reported that Belarus, North Korea, Iran, Myanmar, and Russia issued a joint statement to start an inclusive consultative process for a Eurasian Charter of Diversity and Multipolarity. Talks on the charter date to fall 2023 under Belarus and Russia, and Vladimir Putin referenced an inseparable Eurasian security structure in 2024. North Korean media omitted the statement, yet participation fits deeper Russia ties, the 2024 Treaty on Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, and attendance at Belarus and Russia-led forums. The effort may boost Pyongyang’s standing after troop deployment for Russia’s war in Ukraine, and the Ninth Party Congress may confirm this course, while the benefits remain unclear. Rachel Minyoung Lee, 38 North, February 4

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