Asia Daily: January 21, 2026

China

China expels former intelligence official Gao Yichen from Communist Party for corruption. China expelled former vice–state security minister Gao Yichen from the Communist Party after an investigation found he took bribes, interfered in judicial cases, and abused power after retirement. The discipline watchdog said Gao engaged in collusion between officials and businesses, damaging the political environment. His case highlights Beijing’s continued focus on rooting out corruption among retired senior officials. Xinlu Liang, South China Morning Post, January 20

China says it drove away Philippine aircraft over disputed shoal. China’s military said it warned off and expelled a Philippine government aircraft that it accused of illegally entering airspace over Scarborough Shoal. The Southern Theatre Command said the operation involved naval and air forces and urged Manila to halt provocations. Philippine authorities did not immediately comment. Yukun Zhang, Shi Bu, and Ryan Woo, Reuters, January 20

EU moves to force Huawei out of networks, opening door to wider Chinese tech bans. The European Commission proposed legislation requiring member states to remove Huawei and ZTE equipment from mobile networks within three years. The move would make earlier nonbinding cybersecurity recommendations mandatory for the first time. Officials said the plan could expand restrictions to other Chinese technology sectors if China is formally designated a security threat. Finbarr Bermingham, South China Morning Post, January 20

Japan

Japan court to rule in trial of man charged with killing ex-PM Abe. A Japanese court is set to deliver its verdict on Tetsuya Yamagami, who admitted killing former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in 2022. Prosecutors are seeking a life sentence, while defense lawyers asked the court to limit any prison term to 20 years. The case exposed ties between Abe’s party and the Unification Church. Kiyoshi Takenaka, Reuters, January 20

Takaichi floats tax cut talks to neutralize key campaign issue. Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said she will accelerate talks on temporarily cutting the consumption tax on food items as she prepares for a Feb. 8 snap election. She said the idea would be included in campaign pledges despite divisions within the ruling Liberal Democratic Party and concerns about market reaction. The move aims to prevent tax cuts from becoming a central opposition campaign theme. Ryuhei Tsutsui and Shuhei Shibata, The Asahi Shimbun, January 20

Takaichi makes it official: Lower House election set for Feb. 8. Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said she will dissolve the Lower House on Jan. 23, launching Japan’s shortest postwar election campaign ahead of a Feb. 8 vote. She said the election seeks a public mandate for sweeping economic and fiscal policy changes as her approval ratings remain high. Major issues include inflation, fiscal policy, and strained relations with China. The Asahi Shimbun, January 19

South Korea

Nomination scandals, weak currency drive president’s support lower. President Lee Jae Myung’s approval rating slipped to 53.1% amid controversy over nomination fund scandals and concerns about the weakening won, despite recent diplomatic gains with China and Japan. Surveys showed the sharpest decline among voters in their 20s and in conservative regions, reflecting frustration over fairness issues and economic anxiety. Analysts said rising stock prices have failed to offset fears about inflation, currency depreciation and political ethics. Anna J. Park, The Korea Times, January 19

Lee, Qatari emir discuss economic cooperation in phone talks. President Lee Jae Myung and Qatari Emir Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani agreed in a phone call to expand cooperation in defense, energy, infrastructure and security. Lee asked for continued support for South Korean companies operating in Qatar, while the emir highlighted Korea’s role in Qatar’s development. Both leaders agreed to meet in person to further strengthen bilateral ties. Kim Eun-jung, Yonhap News Agency, January 20

FM Cho says seeking to hold talks with China’s Wang Yi in first quarter. Foreign Minister Cho Hyun said South Korea is seeking one-on-one talks with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in the first quarter to address unresolved maritime and cultural issues. The planned meeting would follow President Lee Jae Myung’s recent summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping. Officials said discussions would cover a broad range of bilateral concerns, including disputed structures in the Yellow Sea. Kim Seung-yeon, Yonhap News Agency, January 20

North Korea

China’s 2025 trade with North Korea rebounds to pre-COVID levels. China’s trade with North Korea rose 25% in 2025 to $2.73 billion, nearly matching 2019 levels, Chinese customs data showed. December exports to North Korea hit a yearly high, led by processed hair and textiles, while imports also increased. The rebound followed Kim Jong Un’s September visit to Beijing and warming bilateral ties. Beijing Newsroom, Reuters, January 20

South Korea’s Lee calls for improved drone detection to avoid provoking North Korea. President Lee Jae Myung said gaps in South Korea’s monitoring system allowed a civilian drone to cross into North Korean airspace, risking serious military escalation. He said such acts could inflame tensions, harm the economy, and amount to provoking war, calling for tighter detection and prevention. Authorities are investigating the incident and warned civilians could face criminal charges. Heejin Kim, Reuters, January 20

Vietnam

Lam vows faster growth as he seeks to extend his hold on Vietnam. Communist Party chief To Lam pledged annual economic growth above 10% as Vietnam’s party congress weighs his political future. He promised more infrastructure spending, trade expansion, and less red tape despite global headwinds and domestic strains. Lam is seeking to retain party leadership and potentially assume the presidency. Francesco Guarascio, Reuters, January 20

Thailand

Corrections confirms Thaksin eligible for parole review in May. Thailand’s Department of Corrections said former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra will be eligible for parole consideration in May after serving two-thirds of his one-year sentence. Officials stressed the review will follow standard legal procedures without preferential treatment and must pass multiple committee stages. Thaksin has been held at Klong Prem Central Prison since September. Bangkok Post, January 20

People’s Party refutes accusations of secret deal. Thailand’s People’s Party denied claims it struck a secret political deal with former deputy police chief Surachate Hakparn in exchange for parliamentary support. Deputy leader Wiroj Lakkhanaadisorn said the allegations, pushed by activist Chuvit Kamolvisit, recycle narratives already publicly rebutted. The party said it will pursue legal action against what it called coordinated misinformation. Bangkok Post, January 20

Myanmar

ASEAN will not certify Myanmar election or send observers, Malaysia says. ASEAN will not send observers to or endorse Myanmar’s junta-run election, Malaysia’s foreign minister said. He said the bloc rejected a request from Myanmar to certify the poll, which critics say is designed to legitimise military rule. Some individual member states may still act independently, but ASEAN as a body will not recognise the vote. Rozanna Latiff and Martin Petty, Reuters, January 20

Phase 3 of junta election brings forward ministers, military heirs and party chiefs. Myanmar’s military regime is pushing ahead with the final phase of its election on Jan. 25, fielding junta ministers, proxy party leaders and relatives of former generals across 63 townships, many in active conflict zones. The candidate list highlights uncontested races, recycled elites and heavy military coercion. Critics say the process lacks competition and is designed to entrench military rule. Maung Kavi, The Irrawaddy, January 20

Cambodia

Fear of unexploded ordnance hangs over border villagers. Residents in Cambodia’s Oddar Meanchey province remain fearful as unexploded shells litter villages, farmland and forests after border clashes, disrupting farming and daily life. Villagers said bombs fired during fighting have left hundreds of families unable to return safely or earn income. Demining teams warned clearance will take time and urged residents to avoid contaminated areas. Chhum Chantha, Cambodianess, January 20

Seven officials stripped of rank in Cambodia amid trafficking allegations. Cambodia stripped seven senior public and police officials of their posts and ranks within two days amid allegations of misconduct and involvement in human trafficking linked to cross-border crime. Those disciplined included a three-star general from the Interior Ministry’s immigration department and six officials in Stung Treng accused of facilitating illegal entry from Laos with four alleged Lao masterminds. Teng Yalirozy, Cambodianess, January 20

Philippines

Impeach rap vs Marcos ‘weak,’ lacks substance. Two lawmakers said the impeachment complaint filed against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is unlikely to prosper, calling it weak and lacking evidence. They said the filing relies on recycled allegations without supporting documents or prior House investigation. Malacañang said Marcos is unfazed and confident the complaint will fail because he acted within the law. Dexter Cabalza and Gabriel Pabico Lalu, Philippine Daily Inquirer, January 21

Marcos awaits ICI report before deciding on its fate. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. will wait for the Independent Commission for Infrastructure to submit its report before deciding whether to abolish the body or appoint new members. Malacañang said the commission has largely completed its work despite lacking a quorum. Officials said accountability for alleged flood control anomalies will proceed regardless of the commission’s status. Catherine S. Valente, The Manila Times, January 20

Concrete action on Chinese Embassy’s ‘attacks’ sought. Senator Risa Hontiveros urged the Department of Foreign Affairs to act against public statements by the Chinese Embassy targeting a Philippine Coast Guard spokesman. She said such remarks cross diplomatic bounds and risk normalising foreign interference. The call followed sharp exchanges linked to tensions in the West Philippine Sea. Javier Joe Ismael, The Manila Times, January 20

Singapore

State Department approves potential sale of aircraft, torpedoes to Singapore for $2.3 billion. The U.S. State Department approved a possible $2.3 billion sale of maritime patrol aircraft and lightweight torpedoes to Singapore, the Pentagon said. Boeing was named as the principal contractor for the proposed deal. The sale is subject to congressional review. Costas Pitas and Ryan Patrick Jones, Reuters, January 20

Taiwan

Taiwan watching for U.S. Supreme Court ruling on Trump tariffs, premier says. Premier Cho Jung-tai said Taiwan is closely monitoring an impending U.S. Supreme Court ruling on President Donald Trump’s reciprocal tariffs as Taipei nears completion of trade talks with Washington. He warned a ruling against the tariffs could upend negotiations, prompting the U.S. to impose a blanket 10% import duty. Taiwan has reached a tentative deal to cut tariffs to 15% and secure favorable treatment for semiconductors. Chao Yen-hsiang, Focus Taiwan, January 20

In Taiwan, pressure builds over U.S. deal as critics question true cost of tariff cut. Taiwan’s opposition parties intensified criticism of a new economic deal with the United States, warning the reduced 15% tariff rate may carry long-term costs. Lawmakers questioned the scale of Taiwan’s investment commitments, estimated between $250 billion and $500 billion. Critics said the agreement could accelerate the relocation of Taiwan’s industrial capacity overseas. Lawrence Chung, South China Morning Post, January 20

Taiwan says it will lead ‘democratic’ high-tech supply chain with US. Taiwan said it aims to build a democratic high-tech and AI supply chain with the United States following a new tariff-reduction deal. Officials said Taiwanese firms will invest heavily in U.S. semiconductors, energy, and AI while securing preferential tariff treatment. The government said the strategy expands Taiwan’s global footprint without hollowing out its chip industry. Wen-Yee Lee and Ben Blanchard, Reuters, January 20

Kazakhstan

Tokayev floats vice president post at National Kurultai as Kazakhstan weighs political overhaul. President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev proposed creating a vice president post as part of a sweeping political reform package unveiled at Kazakhstan’s National Kurultai. He said the role would clarify power hierarchy and support governance as the country considers shifting to a unicameral parliament. Tokayev said the changes would ultimately be decided by referendum, potentially in 2027. Stephen M. Bland, The Times of Central Asia, January 20

Uzbekistan

Uzbekistan agrees to join U.S.-proposed peace council on Gaza. Uzbekistan has accepted an invitation from U.S. President Donald Trump to join a new international Peace Council focused initially on ending the Gaza conflict. President Shavkat Mirziyoyev agreed to participate as a founding member, calling the initiative a step toward long-term Middle East stability. The council, endorsed by a UN Security Council resolution, may later expand to address other global conflicts. Sadokat Jalolova, The Times of Central Asia, January 20

East Asia

America’s adventurism is unsettling China. Xi Jinping entered 2026 after gains against Donald Trump on trade, a display of autocratic alignment in Beijing, and leverage in Panama Canal port talks. America’s capture of Nicolás Maduro in Venezuela cut a key Chinese partner, threatened oil supply linked to China, and raised losses on loans and arms sales. Pressure on Iran placed another major oil supplier to China under strain and challenged China’s position in the Middle East. China lacks capacity for intervention far from Asia, yet retains leverage through oil ties, engineers in Venezuela’s energy sector, and embedded telecom and surveillance systems. Beijing weighs resistance against Washington’s global plans against pursuit of deals on trade and Taiwan. The Economist, January 20

China Grapples With Trump’s Radical Use of Power. Donald Trump used military power and coercion during his second term, including a special forces operation that removed Nicolás Maduro, precision strikes on Iran’s nuclear program, and threats to seize Greenland. He then reversed course on a planned intervention in Iran linked to nationwide anti-regime protests. The pattern reflects a form of radical realism that uses force with global reach but limited scope. Trump acts when outcomes look legible, risks appear contained, and the end state can be sold as a low-cost win. When escalation risks rise or the end state turns uncertain, he diverts course without a guiding doctrine. Craig Singleton, Foreign Policy, January 20

Hainan breaks apart the Hong Kong-Singapore two-hub model. Companies with China exposure are separating functions across Hainan, Hong Kong, and Singapore as each hub carries a priceable risk. After a December 2025 change, Hainan began closed customs operations as a single customs territory where goods enter duty-free, processing follows codified rules, and mainland entry uses tariff treatments set in advance. Firms can model China market access with legal clarity, which matters when tariffs swing margins and approvals require onshore alignment. Medical device firms can do final assembly in Hainan, premium goods firms can move packaging, and auto suppliers can process components. Hong Kong remains the capital markets hub and Singapore remains the base for regional treasury and oversight, while contracts and trade finance are redesigned to avoid single-point dependence. Robin Hu, Nikkei Asia, January 20

Southeast Asia

Malaysia’s Proposed PM Term Limit: Some Things to Consider. Anwar Ibrahim proposed legislation that would cap a prime minister at 10 years or two terms, aiming to reduce power concentration and spur party leadership succession. Malaysia’s Westminster system has no fixed electoral cycle, so parliament must choose between a time cap and a tenure cap and define which rule governs. A “whichever is longer” design can let a leader serve beyond two terms, while a tenure-first design can tempt parties to pull support and force snap polls. A term limit without fixed parliamentary terms can weaken coalition discipline and invite mid-cycle manoeuvres. Fixed-term rules, tougher thresholds for early elections, and stricter no-confidence procedures would protect continuity. Lee Hwok-Aun, FULCRUM, January 20

Oceania

New year, same old problems for New Zealand. New Zealand held to a steady course in 2025 as economic underperformance drove emigration, while high immigration created housing and social pressure and prompted racist reactions. The government pursued medium and long-term economic measures, with the 2026 election expected to keep core settings despite disputes over Māori impacts. Foreign policy rhetoric about independence sat beside reliance on rules and partnerships under strain from unpredictable United States policy and tariffs that hit exports. Defence planning kept a small modern force built for work with partners and sustained talks with Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States on AUKUS technology. Wellington balanced strategic ties with the United States against trade dependence on China, managed friction with the Cook Islands over China ties and sanctions issues, and sought wider trade links including a planned India agreement. Jim Rolfe, East Asia Forum, January 20

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