China
U.S., China opt out of joint declaration on AI use in military. The United States and China declined to sign a joint declaration on governing the use of artificial intelligence in warfare at a summit in Spain. Only 35 of more than 80 participating countries endorsed the nonbinding principles on oversight, risk assessment and human control. Delegates said geopolitical tensions and uncertainty over alliances made some governments hesitant to commit. Victoria Waldersee, Reuters, February 5
China criticises U.S. plan for critical minerals trade bloc. China said it opposes U.S. plans to form a preferential trade bloc of allies focused on critical minerals. The foreign ministry warned that rules set by small groups could undermine the international economic and trade order. Beijing called for an open, inclusive and universally beneficial global trading system instead. Andreas Rinke and Miranda Murray, Reuters, February 5
China removes three lawmakers with defence-sector ties after top general probed. China removed three lawmakers linked to the defence, aerospace and nuclear sectors after an investigation into a top military general. State media gave no reasons and did not confirm whether the lawmakers face probes. The move comes amid efforts to modernize the military and intensify anti-corruption enforcement. Colleen Howe and Ethan Wang, Reuters, February 5
China probes mental hospitals over reports patients are being locked up in insurance scam. China’s health insurance authority ordered a nationwide review of psychiatric hospitals after reports of patients being unlawfully detained. Media investigations alleged some facilities fabricated diagnoses to claim insurance funds while subjecting patients to abuse. Officials said illegal claims must be refunded and the responsible parties punished. Phoebe Zhang, South China Morning Post, February 5
Japan
‘Takaichi wind’ siphons off Sanseito’s conservative vote. Japan’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party has undercut the upstart Sanseito by adopting tougher stances on immigration and foreign residents. Sanseito leader Sohei Kamiya said conservative voters are returning to the LDP as Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi consolidates right-leaning support. The shift has weakened Sanseito’s prospects in key districts ahead of the Feb. 8 election. Ikuko Abe, Ryo Oyama and Amane Sugawara, The Asahi Shimbun, February 5
Conservative parties push for capping of foreign resident population. Japan Innovation Party and smaller conservative parties called for numerical caps on foreign residents during the election campaign. The proposal has been framed as part of a population strategy to manage labor inflows while maintaining social stability. Other parties have favored regulatory measures over hard caps. Himari Semans, The Japan Times, February 5
Trump endorses Japan’s Takaichi before election, unveils her March visit. U.S. President Donald Trump publicly endorsed Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi ahead of Japan’s general election. He announced she will visit the White House on March 19, marking her first U.S. trip since taking office. The leaders highlighted progress on defense cooperation and trade ties. Kyodo News, February 6
South Korea
Lee appoints special counsel for follow-up probe into ex-President Yoon, his wife. President Lee Jae Myung appointed Kwon Chang-young as special counsel to investigate allegations not covered by earlier probes involving former President Yoon Suk Yeol and his wife. The mandate consolidates three inquiries, including claims of election interference, influence peddling and a Marine’s death case. The investigation can run up to 170 days with extensions. Kim Eun-jung, Yonhap News Agency, February 5
South Korea trade envoy says making ‘good faith’ efforts to meet terms of U.S. deal. South Korea’s top trade envoy said Seoul is faithfully implementing a trade deal that includes $350 billion in promised U.S. investments. He said Washington has not taken formal steps to impose the higher tariffs threatened by President Donald Trump. Parliament plans to pass enabling legislation by March 9 to avoid trade friction. Joyce Lee, Reuters, February 5
White House spokesperson says she has no timeline for S. Korea tariff increase. The White House said there is no timeline to raise U.S. tariffs on South Korea despite President Donald Trump’s warning. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said the trade team would respond promptly with details. The issue is tied to Seoul’s legislative steps to implement a bilateral deal. Song Sang-ho, Yonhap News Agency, February 5
North Korea
North Korean youth “see party congress slogans in dreams” as weekly lectures intensify. North Korea has sharply increased ideological indoctrination lectures for youth ahead of the Ninth Party Congress. Sources said some workplaces now hold weekly sessions instead of quarterly ones, stressing loyalty and sacrifice. Young people reportedly express fatigue and resentment, privately mocking repeated slogans despite outward compliance. Eun Seol, Daily NK, February 5
N. Koreans executed for watching S. Korean TV. North Koreans caught watching South Korean television face public execution or long prison terms, Amnesty International reported. Punishment often depends on wealth, with bribes allowing some offenders to avoid harsh penalties. The report said children are forced to attend executions as ideological education despite laws criminalizing foreign media. Daily NK, February 5
N. Korean troops still active in Russia’s Kursk region against Ukraine: report. North Korean troops deployed to support Russia remain active in combat operations near Ukraine’s border, Ukrainian intelligence said. The soldiers reportedly conduct artillery attacks, reconnaissance and regular rotations under a bilateral agreement. About 3,000 troops have returned to North Korea to pass on battlefield experience, the report said. Kim Hyun-soo, Yonhap News Agency, February 5
Thailand
Big 4 prepare ‘KO punches’. Four major parties planned large-scale rallies across Bangkok in a final push before Thailand’s Feb. 8 election. Bhumjaithai, Pheu Thai, the People’s Party and the Democrats are tailoring messages on the economy, reform, stability and grassroots development. Election authorities stepped up turnout drives and security measures nationwide as campaigning nears its legal cutoff. Anucha Charoenpo and Wassayos Ngamkham, Bangkok Post, February 5
People’s Party unveils ‘Blueprint to transform Thailand’. People’s Party leader Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut launched a comprehensive policy platform during a campaign rally in Udon Thani. He said the party is ready to form a people-centered government with a full governing team and more than 200 policies. The blueprint emphasizes ending patronage politics, reducing corruption and supporting constitutional reform. Bangkok Post, February 5
Myanmar
Myanmar junta restores privacy law but amends it to retain arrest powers. Myanmar’s military regime reinstated a suspended privacy law while inserting broad exemptions that preserve warrantless arrests and surveillance. Amendments allow authorities to bypass safeguards by citing national security, effectively nullifying protections on home searches, detentions and private communications. Rights groups said the changes further entrench repression as a new junta-backed government prepares to take office. Maung Kavi, The Irrawaddy, February 5
Cambodia
Cambodia asks France to provide historical evidence to help settle Thai border dispute. Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet asked France for historical documents to help resolve a long-running border dispute with Thailand. The request seeks maps and technical records from the colonial era and French advisory support. The dispute has sparked repeated clashes and large-scale displacement in recent months. Chantha Lach and Panu Wongcha-um, Reuters, February 5
Cambodia set for trade talks with Switzerland. Cambodia completed a feasibility study to begin trade talks with Switzerland to expand market access and commercial cooperation. Officials said discussions will cover goods, services, training and intellectual property, with support from the WTO’s Enhanced Integrated Framework. The talks are part of preparations for Cambodia’s transition from least developed country status by 2029. Ou Sokmean, Cambodianess, February 5
U.S. lifts weapons sale restrictions on Cambodia, marking new chapter in bilateral ties. The United States removed Cambodia from its arms export blacklist, ending most restrictions on U.S. weapons sales to the country. Washington cited Phnom Penh’s cooperation on regional security, crime prevention and defense engagement as reasons for the move. Cambodian officials and analysts said the decision signals renewed trust and opens the way for deeper military, economic and diplomatic cooperation. Taing Rinith, Khmer Times, February 5
Philippines
Trump invites Philippines to join Board of Peace. U.S. President Donald Trump invited the Philippines to join a new Board of Peace aimed at promoting global peacekeeping, according to Manila’s ambassador to Washington. Ambassador Jose Manuel Romualdez said the Philippines is assessing the level of commitment involved and how it could contribute, likely through non-financial means. He said Manila supports peace initiatives but may not afford the $1 billion contribution linked to permanent membership. Bernadette E. Tamayo, The Manila Times, February 5
House dismissal of impeach raps vs Marcos seen affecting VP case. Legal experts and minority lawmakers said the House justice committee’s dismissal of impeachment complaints against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. set a high evidentiary bar that could affect pending cases against Vice President Sara Duterte. Critics argued the panel prematurely required proof instead of assessing whether allegations were sufficient in substance. They warned the precedent could make future impeachment efforts difficult to advance. Krixia Subingsubing, Philippine Daily Inquirer, February 6
Indonesia
Indonesia president has ordered firm action against stock market violations, minister says. President Prabowo Subianto ordered authorities to respond firmly to any violations of stock market rules following a sharp market rout. Economic Affairs Minister Airlangga Hartarto said officials will act quickly and communicate transparently with ratings agencies. He expressed confidence Indonesia can maintain market trust despite recent volatility. Ankur Banerjee, Reuters, February 5
Moody’s cuts Indonesia outlook to negative on governance concerns. Moody’s revised Indonesia’s credit outlook to negative from stable while maintaining its Baa2 rating. The agency cited reduced policy predictability and governance risks after recent market turmoil. Officials said growth fundamentals remain solid and pledged reforms to stabilize investor confidence. Ankur Banerjee, Stefanno Sulaiman and Gayatri Suroyo, Reuters, February 5
Taiwan
Relations with U.S. ‘rock solid,’ Taiwan president says after Trump-Xi call. President Lai Ching-te said Taiwan’s relations with the United States remain rock solid after talks between Donald Trump and Xi Jinping. He said cooperation programs and U.S. commitments to Taiwan will not change. The remarks followed Xi’s warning to Trump to handle arms sales to Taiwan carefully. Yimou Lee and Ben Blanchard, Reuters, February 5
Taiwan risks becoming numb to China drills, but threat is urgent, defence minister says. Defence Minister Wellington Koo warned Taiwan risks becoming desensitized to daily Chinese military pressure. He said China’s operations have grown more frequent and complex, requiring stronger readiness. Koo urged passing stalled defence spending to ensure credible deterrence. Ben Blanchard, Reuters, February 5
U.S. House committee advances bill on space cooperation with Taiwan. A U.S. House committee unanimously advanced a bill to strengthen space cooperation between the United States and Taiwan. The Taiwan and American Space Assistance Act was added to the NASA Reauthorization Act of 2026 to expand NASA and NOAA authority to work with Taiwan’s space agency. The bill now awaits approval by the full House and Senate before becoming law. Chung Yu-chen and Matthew Mazzetta, Focus Taiwan, February 5
Kazakhstan
Tokayev praises Trump’s ‘common-sense’ governance, backs U.S.-led peace initiatives. President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev praised U.S. President Donald Trump’s domestic and foreign policies during an interview in Islamabad. He said Trump’s focus on national interests, law and order, and pragmatic diplomacy aligns with Kazakhstan’s governance philosophy. Tokayev also endorsed the U.S.-led Board of Peace and the Abraham Accords as complementary to the United Nations and beneficial for stability and investment. Author, Times of Central Asia, February 5
Kazakhstan, Pakistan sign 32 commercial agreements to deepen strategic economic cooperation. Kazakhstan and Pakistan signed 32 commercial agreements at a business forum in Islamabad during President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev’s state visit. The deals cover finance, logistics, industry, energy, agriculture, digital services and infrastructure, including a $108 million electric bus supply contract. Dana Omirgazy, The Astana Times, February 5
Kyrgyzstan
At Bishkek business forum, U.S. tries to build links as visa barriers rise. U.S. officials promoted deeper economic ties with Central Asia at the B5+1 business forum in Bishkek. Special envoy Sergio Gor said Washington wants stronger trade links despite new visa restrictions affecting regional travel. Business leaders warned the tighter rules could hinder investment and people-to-people exchanges. Alexander Thompson, Eurasianet, February 5
East Asia
‘Spy paradise’ Japan has an urgent need for an anti-espionage law. After a 40-year gap, debate over an anti-espionage law returned ahead of Japan’s Feb. 8 snap election. Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi links the proposal to plans for a National Intelligence Agency and a foreign investment screening committee. Coalition politics moved after Komeito gave way to the Japan Innovation Party in Oct. 2025, raising prospects for passage. Opponents warn of surveillance and rights risks, while Russia and China espouse criticism. Japan lacks a law that criminalizes acting as a clandestine agent or taking payment from foreign intelligence, leaving prosecutors to rely on unfair competition charges in cases tied to Russian operatives and sensitive machine tool data. Weak penalties and suspect departures reduce deterrence, limit intelligence sharing, and block prisoner swaps. James D.J. Brown, Nikkei Asia, February 5
Takaichi’s gamble: Can charisma carry Japan? Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi dissolved the Diet on Jan. 23 and set a Feb. 8 election with a 16-day campaign, betting approval ratings can restore authority. The LDP lost majorities in both houses after defeats under Shigeru Ishiba, and Takaichi lacks a faction base, so she leans on personal appeal. The opposition assembled a centrist reform bloc, yet policy gaps stay narrow, leaving leadership image as the main divide. Both sides push consumption tax cuts on food despite a projected 5 trillion yen annual revenue loss for social security. With debt near 230% of GDP and inflation rising, investors could punish more stimulus and tax cuts through yen weakness and higher prices. China-Japan tensions constrain growth prospects. Zhang Yun, ThinkChina, February 5.
South Asia
Political upheaval tests Nepal’s economic strengths. Nepal’s September 2025 Gen Z protests and state response led to 76 deaths, arson, attacks on politicians, and the resignation of Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, followed by an interim government led by Sushila Karki tasked with investigations, corruption reviews, and elections. Concentrated power within party leadership and weak internal accountability fuelled public anger as long-serving leaders dominated politics since 2015. Despite turmoil, macroeconomic indicators remained strong, including US$21.52 billion in foreign exchange reserves, a balance of payments surplus, low inflation, tourism arrivals above 1.1 million in 2025, rising energy trade with India and Bangladesh, and remittances near US$5 billion in four months. March 2026 elections may renew leadership and refocus governance, jobs, and anti-corruption. Sujeev Shakya, East Asia Forum, February 6
Oceania
The fiery pursuit of development in the Pacific. Pacific island countries enter 2026 with stronger regional positioning on climate, oceans, and development security after a difficult 2025. Pacific leaders plan a global climate event before COP31 and expect Australia, as COP31 President of Negotiations, to prioritize Pacific interests while the Pacific Resilience Facility seeks US$1.5 billion in finance. Vanuatu and other Pacific states pursue climate justice through international legal forums, including actions linked to an International Court of Justice advisory opinion and engagement with the High Ambition Coalition. Security concerns include militarization risks and uneven partnerships, alongside new and pending bilateral defence agreements. Flat aid and changing donor priorities raise pressure to set clearer rules for engagement under a Blue Pacific strategy. Meg Keen, East Asia Forum, February 5
ɪ ᴜꜱᴇᴅ ᴛᴏ ᴛʜɪɴᴋ ᴛʜᴇʏ ᴡᴇʀᴇɴ'ᴛ ᴘᴏɪꜱᴏɴɪɴɢ ᴏᴜʀ ꜰᴏᴏᴅ ᴛᴏ ᴍᴀᴋᴇ ᴜꜱ ꜱɪᴄᴋ..."ʙᴜᴛ" ᴛʜɪꜱ ᴄʜᴀɴɢᴇᴅ ᴇᴠᴇʀʏᴛʜɪɴɢ....
𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗰𝗸𝗱𝗼𝗸.𝗰𝗼𝗺