China
China warns against the ‘law of the jungle’ amid anti-government protests in Iran. China warned that international relations must not descend into the “law of the jungle” as Iran faces its largest wave of anti-government protests in decades. Foreign Minister Wang Yi told his Iranian counterpart that Beijing opposes the use or threat of force and is willing to play a constructive role through dialogue. Iran said the unrest was incited by external forces and claimed the situation has stabilised. Liu Zhen, South China Morning Post, January 15
Canada’s Carney hails warmer ties with China and signs energy pact. Prime Minister Mark Carney said Canada and China are resetting relations as he signed a framework to expand cooperation in energy, including oil and uranium. The visit, the first by a Canadian prime minister since 2017, follows months of re-engagement after years of strain and comes amid U.S. tariffs on some Canadian goods. Both sides agreed to deepen dialogue on trade, investment, and security. Maria Cheng and Joe Cash, Reuters, January 15
Japan
Japan, Philippines sign new security pacts as regional tensions rise. Japan and the Philippines signed agreements allowing their militaries to exchange supplies and services and expanding security cooperation. Officials said the deals strengthen a broader trilateral framework with the United States as maritime and Taiwan Strait tensions increase. Japan also pledged funding to support Philippine naval capabilities. Mikhail Flores, Martin Petty, and Karen Lema, Reuters, January 15
Japan opposition parties CDP, Komeito to form new ‘centrist’ political party. Japan’s Constitutional Democratic Party and Komeito agreed to form a new centrist party to counter a right-leaning ruling camp ahead of a likely snap election. Party leaders said lower house lawmakers will leave their parties to form the new group and seek recruits from other parties. The move follows Komeito’s split from the long-ruling LDP over a political funding scandal. Satoshi Sugiyama and Tamiyuki Kihara, Reuters, January 15
Japan, U.S. defense chiefs confirm strong alliance amid concerns in Asia. The defense chiefs of Japan and the United States reaffirmed the strength of their alliance amid concerns that Washington’s focus may be shifting away from Asia. Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi said the talks confirmed continued U.S. commitment to Indo-Pacific stability. The meeting sought to reassure regional partners as China accelerates its military buildup. Kyodo News, January 16
LDP and JIP won’t coordinate candidates in upcoming snap vote, officials say. Japan’s Liberal Democratic Party and Japan Innovation Party said they will not coordinate candidates in a potential snap election despite being coalition partners. Leaders from both parties said they plan to compete directly to expand their parliamentary presence. The decision marks an unusual approach that could reshape electoral dynamics if an early vote is called. Eric Johnston, The Japan Times, January 15
South Korea
Rift widens in PPP as former leader faces expulsion. South Korea’s main opposition People Power Party delayed a final decision on expelling former leader Han Dong-hoon, deepening internal divisions ahead of local elections. The leadership paused the process despite an ethics committee ruling, citing the need to allow Han time to seek a review and explain himself. Critics said the delay exposed leadership weakness and risks further fracturing the party. Bahk Eun-ji, The Korea Times, January 15
Nat’l Assembly set to vote on new special probe bill against ex-President Yoon, wife. South Korea’s National Assembly was set to vote on a bill launching a second comprehensive special counsel probe into former President Yoon Suk Yeol’s martial law attempt and corruption allegations involving his wife. The ruling Democratic Party is expected to pass the bill after an opposition filibuster expires. The move is likely to deepen political tensions ahead of the upcoming local elections. Yi Wonju, Yonhap News Agency, January 16
North Korea
N. Korea to stage large-scale youth events ahead of party congress. North Korea will hold large-scale youth events marking the 80th anniversary of its main youth organization as it prepares for a key Workers’ Party congress expected in early 2026. State media said exemplary youth and soldiers have gathered in Pyongyang for celebrations aimed at reinforcing ideological loyalty. The campaign underscores the regime’s focus on mobilising younger generations ahead of major political milestones. Park Boram, Yonhap News Agency, January 16
Thailand
Pheu Thai pledges to curb debt. Pheu Thai ramped up campaigning in Thailand’s Northeast with promises to tackle rising household debt and living costs ahead of the Feb. 8 election. Prime ministerial candidate Julapun Amornvivat said state banks would offer low-interest loans, debt moratoriums for farmers, and profit guarantees for agriculture. He framed the platform as a focus on poverty reduction rather than political confrontation. Aekarach Sattaburuth, Bangkok Post, January 16
Election Commission confident about polling day. Thailand’s Election Commission said preparations for the Feb. 8 general election and referendum are on track after a nationwide simulation exercise. Officials said voters will be required to verify their identity twice because the election and referendum fall under separate legal frameworks. The commission said minor issues identified during rehearsals can be addressed through improved crowd management. Aekarach Sattaburuth, Bangkok Post, January 16
Laos
Laos to export power to Singapore. Laos signed a Phase 2 Energy Wheeling Agreement, with deliveries starting immediately, to directly sell electricity to Singapore via Thailand and Malaysia. The two-year deal under the LTMS-PIP sets exports at 30 to 100 megawatts and includes wheeling fees for Malaysia’s grid. Officials said it reinforces regional power integration, boosts cross-border energy trade, and supports renewables growth. Phoudasack Vongsay, The Laotian Times, January 15
Philippines
ICC urges Philippine police to testify against Duterte. The International Criminal Court called on Philippine National Police officers to come forward as witnesses in its crimes against humanity investigation of former president Rodrigo Duterte. Prosecutors said testimony is sought from police and other law enforcement personnel directly involved in alleged killings. The court provided a secure online system for witnesses to submit information. John Eric Mendoza, Philippine Daily Inquirer, January 16
Philippines to allow 14-day visa-free entry for Chinese visitors from Jan. 16. The Philippines will allow Chinese nationals to enter visa-free for up to 14 days for tourism or business starting Jan. 16, the foreign affairs department said. The nonextendable privilege applies to arrivals through Manila and Cebu airports and will be reviewed after one year. Officials said security checks will continue to apply. Bernadette E. Tamayo, The Manila Times, January 15
Philippines seeks to block access to Grok on child safety concerns. The Philippines moved to block access to Elon Musk’s AI chatbot Grok over concerns it can generate sexualised images that pose risks to children. The government said its cybercrime and telecommunications agencies are coordinating to restrict access as regulators worldwide scrutinise the tool. Officials said Grok’s user base in the country is small but action is urgent amid a widening global backlash. Karen Lema, Reuters, January 15
Singapore
WP to deliberate on PM Wong’s request to name new opposition leader. Singapore’s Workers’ Party said it will carefully consider Prime Minister Lawrence Wong’s letter asking it to nominate a replacement Leader of the Opposition after Pritam Singh was removed following his convictions for lying to Parliament. The party said it has received the letter and will respond through internal processes. Wong said the post should not remain vacant for long. Tham Yuen-C, The Straits Times, January 15
Singapore PM strips Singh of Leader of Opposition post. Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong removed Pritam Singh as Leader of the Opposition after his conviction for lying to parliament, calling the position untenable. Parliament had voted that Singh’s conduct was dishonourable, prompting the unprecedented move. Wong invited the Workers’ Party to nominate a new opposition leader while Singh remains an MP and party chief. Xinghui Kok and Jun Yuan Yong, Reuters, January 15
Taiwan
U.S. and Taiwan reach trade deal, with semiconductor chips and China in focus. The United States and Taiwan clinched a trade deal cutting tariffs on many Taiwanese exports in exchange for large new investments in U.S. semiconductor, energy and AI capacity. The agreement lowers broad tariffs to 15% and offers preferential treatment for chipmakers expanding U.S. production, including TSMC. Officials said the pact deepens ties with Taipei as tensions with China persist. Trevor Hunnicutt, David Lawder, Stephen Nellis, Ismail Shakil, and Christian Martinez, Reuters, January 15
U.S. bill approving US$300 million for Taiwan’s military passed in House. The US House of Representatives passed a spending bill approving US$300 million in cash assistance for Taiwan’s military. The measure forms part of a broader State Department appropriations package and follows Washington’s approval of an $11 billion arms sale last month. The bill now awaits Senate approval as Taipei says more U.S. weapons deals are in the pipeline. Bochen Han, South China Morning Post, January 15
Taiwan says more US arms sales are in the pipeline. Taiwan said four additional U.S. arms sales packages are pending congressional notification following an $11 billion deal announced in December. A senior defense official said the purchases are needed to counter growing military pressure from China, which held war games around the island after the last sale. Taiwan has also unveiled plans for $40 billion in extra defense spending. Ben Blanchard, Jeanny Kao, and Michael Martina, Reuters, January 15
Kazakhstan
Kazakhstan debates parliamentary reform as inflation pressures living standards. Kazakhstan is weighing a shift to a unicameral parliament as authorities frame the move as democratic reform, while inflation and falling living standards dominate public concern. President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has proposed a referendum in 2027, though analysts say an earlier vote is possible. Critics argue that economic strain, rising prices, and tax hikes make constitutional change a low priority for voters. Aliya Haidar, The Times of Central Asia, January 15
East Asia
China is testing South Korea in the Yellow Sea. China has installed Shenlan 1 and Shenlan 2, large offshore salmon cages, in the Yellow Sea in waters claimed by South Korea, despite a 2001 agreement to manage fisheries together in the Provisional Measures Zone. President Lee Jae Myung raised the issue with Xi Jinping during a visit meant to repair ties after the 2016 THAAD dispute, and said China agreed to move one structure. Since 2018, at least 13 observation buoys have appeared, and a former oil rig has been converted into a base with a helipad and housing. China says the gear supports aquaculture and research, but South Korean officials fear a path like the South China Sea. Calls include a border line and inspections for transparency. The Economist, January 15
If China moves on Taiwan, Asia moves with it. Xi Jinping told South Korean president Lee Jae-myung to make the “right strategic choices” as Taiwan tensions rise. US Forces Korea could shift from a North Korea focus to Taiwan operations under a policy of strategic flexibility, with plans to strike China’s Northern Theater Command and shape action along the first island chain. US, South Korean, and Japanese naval and missile forces could try to close the Yellow Sea and Bohai Gulf approaches. Washington treats the Philippines as an attack axis via Luzon and Batanes, while South Korea supplies Manila with frigates and FA-50 jets. A Taiwan war could open four fronts and constrain Seoul’s China reset. Emanuele Scimia, ThinkChina, January 15
Hong Kong fire renews scrutiny of accountability and political freedom. A 26 November 2025 fire at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po killed 168 people and became Hong Kong’s deadliest blaze in almost 80 years. Residents and civil society groups organized relief, while authorities pursued renovation-linked culpability, with the ICAC arresting at least 12 people and police arresting at least 13 for manslaughter. National security bodies framed criticism as politicization, and police arrested activists and commentators who demanded independent investigation, housing support, and scrutiny of regulatory neglect. Foreign journalists faced warnings about unclear red lines, and a university suspended its student union after public calls for justice. Civic mobilization persisted, yet legal uncertainty constrained accountability demands. Stephan Ortmann, East Asia Forum, January 15
Why Japan matters in TSMC’s global expansion. Japan has become a major destination for TSMC’s overseas manufacturing due to its supplier base, subsidies, and strategic value in the US–China rivalry. TSMC, a pure-play foundry founded in 1987, has produced about 60 per cent of global semiconductors and 90 per cent of advanced chips, until recently concentrated in Taiwan. In Kyushu, its first Japanese fab makes 22 and 28 nanometre chips through JASM with Sony and links to Apple’s image sensor supply. A second fab, with minority stakes for Sony, DENSO, and Toyota, targets leading-edge logic and begins production in 2027. Push factors include Taiwan’s water and electricity constraints, while subsidies and ecosystem depth shape outcomes. Kenneth A Reinert, East Asia Forum, January 15
North Korea Completes the Second Year of the 20x10 Project. North Korea finished year two of the 20×10 plan, which builds regional industrial hubs in 20 counties each year for a decade. All 2025 sites opened before year end after Kim Jong Un ordered completion at a December party meeting, with openings grouped into ten days. Locations spanned provinces and added Kangdong near Pyongyang. Each county received food, clothing, and daily necessities factories, and the plan expanded to hospitals, science and technology facilities, and grain management stations. Kim attended six ceremonies and brought Kim Ju Ae to two factory openings. State media showed hospitals with imaging equipment and operating rooms, but local input shortages raise durability questions. The projects included paper mills and leisure centers with libraries and cinemas. Martyn Williams, 38 North, January 15
Taiwan Announced Billions More for Defense. Here’s How It Can Deliver. President Lai Ching-te pledged to raise defense spending from about 2.4 percent to 3.3 percent of GDP next year and to 5 percent by 2030, plus a US$40 billion supplementary budget for arms and asymmetric capabilities. Larger budgets without clear delivery roles, timelines, and metrics risk repeating Taiwan’s execution gaps in readiness, reserves, and munitions. The Quadrennial Defense Review ties strategy to elections and can lag threat shifts. Replacing it with an annual National Defense Strategy would align objectives with budget lines, assign lead offices, and track measures such as launcher availability, fuel on hand, and reserve call-up response times. A short unclassified report with a classified annex and Legislative Yuan hearings each year would support oversight and signal resolve to partners. Jonathan Walberg, Foreign Policy, January 15
Southeast Asia
Indonesia’s ‘Haj Village’ in Mecca: A Breakthrough but Strong Management and Caution Needed. Danantara bought hotel and land assets in Thakher City 2.5 kilometres from the Ka’bah and is bidding for a Western Hindawiyah plot to build an Indonesian ‘Haj Village’ in Mecca. The plan centres on the Novotel Makkah Thakher City and a five-hectare site, with 13 added towers and a mall to house 23,000 pilgrims. Indonesia sends about 200,000 haj pilgrims each year. Building beyond the first site is slated for late 2026, with completion aimed for 2029, at an estimated cost of US$1.3 billion. The village would run about 70 to 80 days for haj, so managers would need umrah demand, and MUI urges safeguards against corruption and special access. A'an Suryana, FULCRUM, January 16