China
U.S. accuses China of secret nuclear testing. The United States accused China of conducting a concealed nuclear test in 2020 and called for a broader arms control treaty including Beijing. U.S. officials said China used techniques to evade detection, while Chinese diplomats rejected the allegations as exaggerated. The claims surfaced as the expiration of the New START treaty raised concerns about a global arms control vacuum. Olivia Le Poidevin and Mark Trevelyan, Reuters, February 6
China open to talks with Lithuania after apparent change in Taiwan stance. China said it is open to dialogue with Lithuania after the Baltic state’s prime minister described allowing Taiwan to open a representative office as a mistake. Beijing urged Vilnius to take concrete steps to correct the issue and restore relations. Lithuania said it has begun small moves to rebuild ties while maintaining cooperation with Taiwan. Joe Cash and Ben Blanchard, Reuters, February 6
Hainan official who played key role building South China Sea reefs faces corruption probe. Chinese authorities detained Xiao Jie, a senior Hainan official who oversaw the building of artificial reefs in disputed South China Sea territories. Xiao served as the first party chief and mayor of Sansha after its creation in 2012. Investigators accused him of serious violations of discipline and law, a standard reference to corruption. William Zheng, South China Morning Post, February 6
China’s military command tightens discipline at the top in generals’ wake. China’s top military body revised disciplinary rules to strengthen Communist Party control over the armed forces. The changes followed corruption probes into senior generals including Zhang Youxia and Liu Zhenli. Analysts said the revisions aim to close loopholes that enabled graft within the People’s Liberation Army. William Zheng, South China Morning Post, February 7
First China-Philippines talks in over a year: is a South China Sea thaw in the offing? China and the Philippines resumed diplomatic talks after a yearlong pause amid tensions over the South China Sea. Officials said discussions were frank and agreed to maintain communication through diplomatic channels. Analysts said shifting geopolitics and U.S. policy uncertainty may be prompting both sides to recalibrate ties. Laura Zhou, South China Morning Post, February 8
China conducts naval, air patrols around disputed South China Sea. China carried out naval and air patrols in the South China Sea from Monday to Friday, the Southern Theater Command said. Beijing accused the Philippines of working with outside countries to conduct bilateral air patrols that undermine regional stability. The command said Chinese forces remain on high alert to safeguard sovereignty claims. Beijing newsroom, Reuters, February 7
Hong Kong tycoon Jimmy Lai sentenced to total of 20 years in national security trial. Media tycoon Jimmy Lai was sentenced to a combined 20 years in prison after being convicted on three national security charges. The counts include two cases of conspiring to collude with foreign forces and one case of publishing seditious materials. The case, linked to the now-shuttered Apple Daily, is the most high-profile national security prosecution since the law’s enactment. James Pomfret, Jessie Pang and Greg Torode, Reuters, February 9
Japan
Japan’s ‘Iron Lady’ Takaichi forges historic election win. Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi led her ruling coalition to a landslide lower house victory, securing a supermajority. The result clears the way for tax cuts and higher defence spending but has unsettled financial markets and Beijing. Takaichi said the mandate requires decisive action on economic and security policy. John Geddie and Tim Kelly, Reuters, February 8
Japan’s populist Sanseito more than sextuples lower house seats. Japan’s minor populist party Sanseito increased its Lower House representation to 13 seats from two in the Feb. 8 election. Party leader Sohei Kamiya said the result fell short of expectations as Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s popularity dominated conservative voters and social media attention. Sanseito ruled out joining a ruling coalition and said it will pursue a case-by-case opposition role. Kyodo News, February 9
LDP secures supermajority in Lower House election victory. Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi led the Liberal Democratic Party to a historic landslide, winning more than two-thirds of seats in the 465-member Lower House. The result gives the LDP control of committees and the ability to override the Upper House, strengthening prospects for constitutional revision and security policy changes. The Asahi Shimbun, February 9
South Korea
Police question ex-presidential chief of staff in martial law probe. Police questioned former presidential chief of staff Chung Jin-suk over his alleged role in former President Yoon Suk Yeol’s brief imposition of martial law in late 2024. Investigators suspect Chung ordered the deletion of data from about 1,000 presidential office computers after Yoon was removed from office. Chung is being probed for possible destruction of public electronic records and related offenses. Kim Soo-yeon, Yonhap News Agency, February 8
FM Cho calls for congressional support for progress in nuclear power, nuclear-powered subs, shipbuilding. Foreign Minister Cho Hyun urged U.S. lawmakers to support bilateral agreements on civil nuclear power, nuclear-powered submarines and shipbuilding. He warned trade frictions over delayed South Korean legislation risk slowing progress in strategic security cooperation. U.S. senators expressed support while stressing nonproliferation and alliance coordination. Kim Seung-yeon, Yonhap News Agency, February 6
North Korea
North Korea to convene 9th Congress in late February, KCNA reports. North Korea will hold the 9th Congress of the ruling Workers’ Party in late February in Pyongyang, state media said. The party’s political bureau met to prepare the agenda and timing of the congress. Leader Kim Jong Un has toured military and economic sites ahead of the event. Heejin Kim, Reuters, February 7
Falling exchange rates pull down North Korean market prices. Falling dollar and yuan exchange rates pushed down prices of rice, corn and imported fuel across North Korean markets, Daily NK surveys showed. Rice prices in Pyongyang dropped to 15,100 won per kilogram, an unusual decline for January and February. Analysts cited tighter border controls, suspended trade permits and weakened purchasing power ahead of the party congress. Seulkee Jang, Daily NK, February 7
Cheong Wa Dae hopes for N. Korea’s response after UN decides to exempt sanctions on humanitarian aid. South Korea’s presidential office said it hopes North Korea will respond positively after the UN approved sanctions exemptions for 17 humanitarian aid projects. Officials stressed that humanitarian assistance should continue regardless of political conditions. Seoul said the decision reflects international goodwill and its efforts toward peaceful coexistence. Kim Seung-yeon, Yonhap News Agency, February 7
Thailand
Thailand PM Anutin consolidates power with dominating election win. Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul’s Bhumjaithai Party won a decisive victory in Thailand’s general election. Preliminary results showed the party far ahead, strengthening Anutin’s hand to form a stable coalition government. Voters also approved a referendum to begin drafting a new constitution. Panu Wongcha-um and Devjyot Ghoshal, Reuters, February 8
BJT, Klatham could form coalition. Bhumjaithai and Klatham emerged as likely coalition partners after unofficial results showed Bhumjaithai leading Thailand’s general election. Analysts outlined scenarios in which Bhumjaithai could form a government with Pheu Thai and Klatham, depending on negotiation demands. The outcome hinges on seat tallies and whether rival parties choose opposition roles or coalition talks. Mongkol Bangprapa and Aekarach Sattaburuth, Bangkok Post, February 6
Myanmar
U.S. extends Myanmar emergency so sanctions against junta can continue. U.S. President Donald Trump extended the national emergency status of Myanmar for another year, allowing sanctions on the military regime to remain in force. The White House said the situation in Myanmar continues to pose an unusual and extraordinary threat to U.S. national security and foreign policy. The move keeps measures such as jet fuel bans and financial blacklisting while supporting humanitarian aid that bypasses the junta. Author, The Irrawaddy, February 6
Laos
Vientiane Capital surpasses 2025 revenue target by 31%. Vientiane Capital collected more than LAK 14 trillion in 2025, exceeding its target by 31%, officials said. Authorities credited stricter revenue management, improved tax administration and full implementation of the TaxRIS system. The government plans to tighten controls further and support economic recovery in 2026. Phoudasack Vongsay, The Laotian Times, February 6
Cambodia
Cambodia and Laos pledge to complete border demarcation and boost trade to $700 million. Cambodian and Lao leaders pledged to finish demarcating the remaining 14% of their border. They agreed to raise bilateral trade from about $250 million to $700 million by 2030. The sides also discussed transport links, security cooperation and expanded economic exchanges. Rin Ousa, Cambodianess, February 8
Cambodia thanks Vietnam and Laos for ASEAN ceasefire support, trio pledges to build border of peace. Cambodia thanked Vietnam and Laos for backing the Cambodia-Thailand ceasefire and contributing to an ASEAN observer mission. Leaders agreed to accelerate border demarcation to leave a legacy of peace, friendship and cooperation. They also pledged closer coordination on security, trade and regional diplomacy. Sao Phal Niseiy, Cambodianess, February 8
Philippines
PH, U.S. forces hold drills in Luzon. Philippine and U.S. air forces conducted joint exercises across Luzon from Feb. 2 to 6 to strengthen interoperability and readiness. Activities included live drop drills, air defense scenarios and bomber patrols over the West Philippine Sea and Luzon Strait. Officials said the exercises enhanced coordination, command integration and combined operational planning. Philippine News Agency, The Manila Times, February 7
Duterte lawyers seek to submit more evidence. Lawyers for former president Rodrigo Duterte asked the International Criminal Court to allow 78 additional evidence items ahead of the Feb. 23 confirmation of charges hearing. The defense said the request followed recent large-scale disclosures by prosecutors that are crucial for preparing submissions. Prosecutors did not object to the request, which the defense said complies with procedural rules. Franco Jose C. Baroña, The Manila Times, February 7
VP Sara: Impeachment complaint just a ‘scrap of paper’. Vice President Sara Duterte dismissed the latest impeachment complaint against her as baseless and politically motivated. She accused critics of using impeachment as harassment and denied wrongdoing over confidential funds. Opposition lawmakers countered that the evidence is sufficient and said the case should proceed to hearings. Red Mendoza and Aric John Sy Cua, The Manila Times, February 7
Indonesia
Indonesia signs security pact with Australia. Indonesia and Australia signed a new security treaty committing both countries to consult each other if either faces a security threat. President Prabowo Subianto said the pact reflects deepening trust and builds on longstanding defense cooperation while maintaining Indonesia’s nonaligned policy. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese called the agreement a significant upgrade of bilateral security ties. Stanley Widianto and Renju Jose, Reuters, February 6
Taiwan
Cabinet to seek cross-party support for U.S. trade pact, MOU: Source. Taiwan’s Cabinet will submit the Agreement on Reciprocal Trade with the United States to the Legislature for review as required by law. It will also voluntarily send a nonbinding memorandum pledging up to US$500 billion in investment and credit guarantees for lawmakers’ scrutiny. Officials said the government will publicly explain the pact after signing. Lai Yu-chen and Frances Huang, Focus Taiwan, February 7
Despite Beijing’s pressure on arms sales, U.S. says it is committed to Taiwan. The United States reaffirmed its longstanding commitment to Taiwan despite reported Chinese warnings over pending arms sales. A State Department spokesperson urged Beijing to halt military and economic pressure and pursue dialogue. The comments came as Taiwan’s opposition-controlled legislature has yet to approve funding for major defense purchases. Chung Yu-chen and Matthew Mazzetta, Focus Taiwan, February 9
India
India, Malaysia renew pledges to boost trade, collaboration. India and Malaysia agreed to deepen cooperation in trade, semiconductors, defence and food security during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Kuala Lumpur. The leaders witnessed the exchange of 11 agreements covering sectors from disaster management to peacekeeping. Both sides said they aim to push bilateral trade beyond last year’s $18.6 billion. Rozanna Latiff, Reuters, February 8
U.S., India unveil interim trade framework, move closer to broad pact. The United States and India released an interim trade framework that cuts U.S. tariffs on Indian goods to 18 percent and deepens cooperation on energy and supply chains. India agreed to shift oil purchases away from Russia and boost imports of U.S. energy, aircraft and technology. Officials said negotiations are continuing toward a full trade agreement by March. Jarrett Renshaw, David Lawder and Manoj Kumar, Reuters, February 6
Bangladesh
Bangladesh PM front-runner rejects unity government offer, says his party set to win. Bangladesh Nationalist Party leader Tarique Rahman rejected a proposal from Islamist rival Jamaat-e-Islami to form a post-election unity government. He said the BNP is confident of securing enough seats to govern alone after the Feb. 12 vote. Rahman said Bangladesh would work with any country that supports growth while protecting sovereignty. Tora Agarwala, Krishna N. Das and Ruma Paul, Reuters, February 6
Kazakhstan
Kazakh civil servants fined nearly $100,000 for poor public services. Kazakh civil servants were fined a total of $99,300 in 2025 for violations related to public service delivery, the Agency for Civil Service Affairs said. Authorities filed 917 administrative reports against 442 officials for missed deadlines, improper permit procedures and unjustified refusals, with most cases involving local governments. More than 478,000 service violations were identified nationwide, leading to disciplinary action and the restoration of rights for over 12,000 citizens. Dmitry Pokidaev, The Times of Central Asia, February 6
Uzbekistan
Uzbekistan, Pakistan set $2 billion trade target following high-level talks in Islamabad. Uzbekistan and Pakistan agreed to raise bilateral trade turnover to $2 billion during President Shavkat Mirziyoyev’s state visit to Islamabad. Leaders discussed expanding preferential trade terms, easing phytosanitary rules, advancing transport corridors and deepening defense and industrial cooperation. The visit concluded with a joint declaration and multiple agreements spanning trade, transport, security, culture and regional cooperation. Sadokat Jalolova, The Times of Central Asia, February 6
East Asia
As Trump trashes the dollar, China smells opportunity. Market turmoil tied to Donald Trump’s tariffs, attacks on the Federal Reserve and erratic policy has pushed the dollar to four-year lows and lifted U.S. Treasury yields, creating an opening for Xi Jinping’s long-running push to internationalize the yuan. Signals in Qiushi magazine highlight a renewed emphasis on building a “strong yuan” for trade, finance and reserve holdings. China’s weak fundamentals undercut currency credibility, while the yuan remains about 2% of global reserves versus 57% for the dollar. Elevating the yuan’s status would require easing capital controls, making it fully convertible, strengthening trusted payment systems, boosting transparency, and granting the People’s Bank of China greater independence. William Pesek, Nikkei Asia, February 8
From Jakarta to Tokyo, Asia's boards hold the key to smarter AI. Smarter AI leadership in Asia increasingly depends on governance rather than raw technical capability, with boards expected to set context, constraints and guardrails across complex partnerships. Regional firms are pooling expertise to accelerate testing and deployment, raising the need for board oversight of interdependent networks rather than standalone companies. Indonesia’s ecosystem reflects government-led frameworks, including Telkomsel’s partnership with OpenAI and Indosat’s multilingual Sahabat-AI, with strategies shaped by rural versus urban reach. Singapore blends voluntary governance guidance with tighter board-level accountability signaled by the Monetary Authority of Singapore. China and Hong Kong add national-security-driven regulation and cross-border data risks, while Japan emphasizes cautious, productivity-focused adoption in manufacturing, exemplified by Fanuc. Alessia Falsarone, Nikkei Asia, February 7
How Japan’s prime minister will use her massive new mandate. Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae strengthened her position by calling a snap election and securing a commanding lower-house majority for the Liberal Democratic Party on February 8. Early results indicated the LDP was on track for a two-thirds supermajority even before counting support from a coalition partner, restoring the party’s unquestioned dominance in Japanese politics. The outcome delivers a broad mandate for a leader described as both a fiscal dove and a security hawk, positioning her to drive policy with reduced parliamentary resistance and reshape Japan’s political landscape for years. The Economist, February 8
Taiwan has misplaced confidence in Trump’s National Security Strategy. The United States’ 4 December 2025 National Security Strategy focuses on Western Hemisphere security, economic nationalism, and burden-sharing alliances, prompting optimistic reactions in Taiwan because it notes Taiwan’s first-island-chain position and semiconductor dominance. This reading overstates US commitment, as key US voices have framed Taiwan as important but not an existential interest, aligning with an offshore denial approach that seeks deterrence while lowering US costs by pressing Taipei to spend more and dispersing burdens among allies. Economic nationalism also targets dependence on Taiwanese chips, challenging the “silicon shield” narrative. A January 2026 US–Taiwan trade deal lowered US tariffs to 15% in exchange for US$250 billion in Taiwanese investment plus US$250 billion in credit guarantees, aiming to move 40% of Taiwan’s semiconductor supply chain to the United States. The arrangement may reduce uncertainty but could invite further demands amid looming Trump–Xi diplomacy. Emery Yuhang Lai, East Asia Forum, February 6
Southeast Asia
The World’s Factory is Producing Less, and Southeast Asia Stands to Benefit. China’s manufacturing dominance is weakening as wages rise, demographics tighten labor supply, and policy changes toward high-tech innovation, accelerating “China Plus One” diversification. Manufacturing’s share of China’s GDP fell from 34% in 2004 to 25% by 2024, and average manufacturing wages rose from about US$0.30/hour to US$7.00/hour by 2025, while trade frictions push firms to relocate. Southeast Asia has become a major recipient, much of it from Chinese firms seeking tariff circumvention, bringing growth in industrial output, jobs, and higher-value sectors such as EVs, semiconductors, and solar. Risks include concentration in lower-value stages, uneven gains across ASEAN, weak spillovers to domestic firms, and vulnerability to external shocks. Priorities include closing infrastructure gaps, upgrading skills, expanding partnerships, and strengthening domestic competitiveness. Jackie Wang, Sino-Southeast Initiative, February 6
Malaysia enters election mode in 2026. Speculation is increasing over the timing of Malaysia’s 16th general election despite Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim ruling out a snap poll, with Putrajaya pushing to synchronise federal and state elections to cut costs from an estimated RM1.3 billion standalone price tag. An eight-yearly redelineation exercise due after March 2026 could add seats amid pressure to boost East Malaysian representation as Malay support in Peninsular Malaysia remains uncertain. Corruption scandals and perceptions of selective prosecution are straining unity-government cohesion, while Najib Razak’s pardon push could reshape UMNO politics. Chinese voter disaffection, UMNO–DAP tensions, and Sarawak–federal legal fights over oil and gas add volatility. US–Malaysia ties under Donald Trump’s second administration and tariffs, alongside uneven recovery and Malay youth unemployment, could sharpen electoral pressure. James Chin, East Asia Forum, February 7
Thai Voters Look for Stability as People’s Party Implodes. Bhumjaithai outperformed expectations by locking in constituency seats through rural power brokers and local political clans, while the People’s Party underinvested in constituency campaigning, lost ground in the South to Democrats, and struggled with infighting and the absence of a charismatic leader. Rising nationalism linked to the Cambodia–Thailand border conflict advantaged Bhumjaithai and put the reformist People’s Party in a bind between military and monarchy reform goals and appearing firmly pro-Thailand. A prior deal that elevated Anutin as interim prime minister strengthened his position and exposed the People’s Party’s tactical weaknesses, contributing to its collapse. A broad Anutin victory, potentially alongside Kla Tham, is expected to reduce unrest and create space to reassure investors, revive growth, retain talent, and rebuild regional influence. The vote is presented as a stability-driven change rather than a monarchy referendum, and as another sign that Gen Z protest energy can falter at the ballot box. Joshua Kurlantzick, Council on Foreign Relations, February 9
When the Arctic opens, what happens to Singapore? A warming Arctic is reviving interest in the Northern Sea Route (NSR), which can cut Asia–Europe sailing distance and time, but usage remains tiny because navigation is seasonal, icebreakers and special-class vessels are costly, insurance is higher, and supporting port ecosystems are limited. Credible projections point to seasonally ice-free summers between 2035 and 2050, while year-round commercial navigation is still speculative. Wider NSR use could lower freight costs for Northern Europe, North Asia and Russia while bypassing Southeast Asian ports. Singapore’s transhipment role is expected to remain resilient because container shipping prioritizes reliable networks and Singapore’s broader maritime services, with Tuas Port positioned as a scale-and-efficiency upgrade. Lewis Ong Yong Huat, ThinkChina, February 6
South Asia
Pakistan’s economy needs more than stabilisation. Pakistan restored fragile macroeconomic stability in 2025 after overlapping shocks, with inflation dropping to 4.5% in FY2024–25 and the policy rate cut from 22% to 10.5% as the IMF program stayed on track. Growth of about 3% and unemployment of 8% remain too weak to absorb over 3.5 million new labor-market entrants annually, while household food consumption and earners per household have declined. Record remittances of US$38.3 billion increasingly function as distress insurance amid subdued exports and investment. A 2026 reset should prioritize execution, reduce time costs from delays, tie development spending to measurable outcomes, and move policy toward job-rich, export-oriented sectors with predictable rules and stronger investment credibility. Saima Nawaz, East Asia Forum, February 7