U.S. lawmakers bring back bill to revoke China’s trade status. Republicans in Congress, joined by one Democrat, introduced legislation to repeal China’s permanent normal trade relations (PNTR) status, granted in 2000. The bill, named the Restoring Trade Fairness Act, proposes tariffs of at least 35% on Chinese imports, with 100% duties on strategic goods. It also seeks to end duty exemptions for low-value Chinese shipments. Supporters argue the repeal will counteract China’s trade practices, though analysts warn it could harm U.S. GDP and industrial sectors. Bochen Han, South China Morning Post, January 24
Ousted South Korean defense minister testifies Yoon never intended full martial law. Former South Korean Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun testified that President Yoon Suk Yeol overruled his proposal for a broader military deployment during the Dec. 3 martial law declaration. While Yoon claimed the measure aimed to resolve a political deadlock, military forces were deployed to key sites, including parliament. Yoon rescinded the law within hours, asserting it was meant to be limited. Hyunsu Yim, Hyonhee Shin and Josh Smith, Reuters, January 23
South Korean investigators call for indictment of detained President Yoon. South Korea’s anti-corruption agency has urged prosecutors to indict President Yoon Suk Yeol on charges of rebellion, abuse of power, and obstructing parliament for his December martial law declaration. Yoon, impeached by the assembly on Dec. 14, defended the decree as a public warning against opposition actions. Investigators allege Yoon sought to suppress lawmakers and undermine democracy. Hyung-jin Kim, AP News, January 23
PH, Canada forge cybersecurity pact. The Philippines and Canada have signed a cybersecurity agreement to address regional security challenges, announced during the inaugural Defense Cooperation Working Group (DCWG) meeting on January 17, 2025. Defense Assistant Secretary Arsenio Andolong and Canadian Assistant Deputy Minister Scott Miller highlighted the pact's role in enhancing bilateral defense relations. Discussions included climate change, maritime issues, and capacity-building for military and civilian personnel. Francisco Tuyay, The Manila Times, January 23
56 protesters arrested on charges of courthouse storming. Fifty-six protesters were arrested for storming Seoul’s Western District Court to protest the arrest of President Yoon Suk Yeol, causing property damage and assaulting police. Judges cited a flight risk in issuing warrants for the group, who face charges including trespassing and obstruction. This large-scale arrest of ordinary citizens, unrelated to organized groups, is considered unprecedented. Additionally, three individuals were arrested for posting online threats targeting judicial and legislative institutions. Jeon Nam-hyuk, The Dong-A Ilbo, January 23
Ko Wen-je, Core Pacific trial begins. The Taipei District Court commenced the trial of former Taipei mayor Ko Wen-je and associates on corruption charges related to a development project and alleged misuse of political donations during Ko’s presidential campaign. Former deputy mayor Pong Cheng-sheng pleaded guilty, seeking leniency, while campaign finance manager Lee Wen-tsung denied wrongdoing. Prosecutors allege unlawful financial benefits exceeding NT$12.105 billion were facilitated, pressing charges including embezzlement and breach of trust. Wen Yu-te and Jason Pan, Taipei Times, January 24
First working day of 13th Party Central Committee’s meeting. Vietnam’s 13th Party Central Committee convened in Hanoi on Thursday to address personnel changes and strategic issues. Tran Cam Tu resigned as Chairman of the Inspection Commission to focus on Secretariat duties, with Nguyen Duy Ngoc appointed as his successor and elected to the Politburo. Discussions also included implementing reforms, reviewing 2024 leadership performance, and setting economic targets, including at least 8% growth in 2025 and double-digit growth from 2026 to 2030. Vietnam News, January 23
FM Cho, Rubio agree on close coordination on N.K. nukes during 1st phone talks. South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio held their first phone call, reaffirming their commitment to close cooperation on North Korea's nuclear issues. Both emphasized the South Korea-U.S. alliance as a pillar of regional peace and security and highlighted the importance of trilateral cooperation with Japan. Rubio invited Cho to Washington for in-person talks. Song Sang-ho, Yonhap News Agency, January 23
Russia reaffirms interest in troubled port project in southern Myanmar. Russia has expressed renewed interest in Myanmar’s long-delayed Dawei Special Economic Zone (SEZ) project, which includes a deep-sea port and industrial zones in the Tanintharyi Region. Russian Ambassador Iskander Azizov met junta officials to discuss investment prospects, alongside other regional powers like China and India. Originally launched in 2008, the project has faced numerous delays due to financial and political challenges. The Irrawaddy, January 23
Former Tibet chairman Qizhala is region’s latest official to be snared in corruption crackdown. Qizhala, Tibet's chairman from 2017 to 2021, is under investigation for "severe violations of law and Communist Party discipline," a standard euphemism for corruption. His case follows the recent expulsion of former party chief Wu Yingjie over graft allegations. Qizhala, an ethnic Tibetan, held senior roles in Tibet for decades. This crackdown coincides with significant events in the region, including preparations for the Dalai Lama’s succession. Xinlu Liang, South China Morning Post, January 23
Mirziyoyev invites Trump to visit Uzbekistan. Uzbekistan's President Shavkat Mirziyoyev congratulated Donald Trump on his inauguration as the 47th U.S. President and extended an invitation for him to visit Uzbekistan. In his message, Mirziyoyev expressed confidence in the U.S.'s continued global influence under Trump's leadership and highlighted the importance of deepening the strategic partnership between the two nations. Mirziyoyev previously visited the U.S. in 2018 during Trump's earlier term. Sadokat Jalolova, The Times of Central Asia, January 24
Prabowo heads to India to strengthen partnership. President Prabowo Subianto departed for New Delhi on Thursday to attend India's Republic Day ceremony as a guest of honor. The visit aims to bolster the strategic comprehensive partnership between Indonesia and India, established in 2018. During his stay from Jan. 24 to 26, Prabowo plans to finalize several memorandums of understanding covering health, cultural exchange programs, security issues, maritime safety, and technology and digital development. ANTARA News, January 23
With Russia visit, Kazakh team wraps up study tour for nuclear project. A Kazakh delegation, led by Energy Minister Almassadam Satkaliyev, visited Russia's Leningrad nuclear power plant to evaluate Rosatom's VVER-1200 reactor technology. This concluded visits to South Korea, France, and China as Kazakhstan prepares to select a supplier for its first nuclear power plant. The project, approved via referendum in October, aims to diversify energy sources and address electricity shortages. The Times of Central Asia, January 24
N. Korea remains mum on results of key parliamentary session. North Korea has not disclosed the outcome of a Supreme People's Assembly (SPA) session scheduled for Wednesday, sparking speculation about a delay or ongoing discussions. The SPA, typically a rubber-stamp body, was expected to address constitutional revisions and possibly comment on U.S. relations amid President Trump’s recent inauguration. North Korea’s media silence deviates from its usual practice of reporting on major events within a day. Park Boram, Yonhap News Agency, January 23
China stresses need to keep monitoring water near Fukushima plant. China reported no abnormalities in seawater samples collected near the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant but emphasized the need for continued monitoring before lifting its ban on Japanese seafood imports. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning reiterated opposition to Japan’s treated water discharge into the ocean and stressed the importance of ensuring product safety. The samples were part of an International Atomic Energy Agency survey, with full data to be released later. Kyodo News, January 23
Small party in Malaysia’s governing coalition, Amanah, faces uphill task to win Malay-Muslim votes. Parti Amanah Negara, a moderate Islamic party in Malaysia’s Pakatan Harapan coalition, struggles to attract Malay-Muslim voters, who largely favor conservative parties like PAS and Bersatu. Despite holding eight parliamentary seats and two Cabinet positions, Amanah's middle-ground stance on Islam and Malay issues has limited its appeal. Experts note its popularity among Malay-Muslims remains below 5%. Hazlin Hassan, The Straits Times, January 23
Rebalancing China’s Economy: Stimulus, Confidence, and Self-Sufficiency. China's economic rebalancing strategy for 2025 focuses on boosting domestic consumption, achieving self-sufficiency in technology, and addressing confidence deficits among households and businesses. Policymakers aim to expand domestic demand through stimulus measures, improve investment efficiency, and enhance pension and healthcare subsidies while prioritizing technological advancements over household spending. Challenges include high public pessimism, limited consumer spending, and restoring policy credibility without undermining President Xi’s existing policies. Centralized control aims to optimize investments and reduce excess capacity, but risks stifling local and entrepreneurial initiatives, potentially prolonging economic slowdown. Washington’s export controls on technology further incentivize Beijing to prioritize self-sufficiency despite limited resources, as geopolitical tensions and internal constraints complicate China’s path to balanced growth. Zongyuan Zoe Liu, Council on Foreign Relations, January 23
Singapore’s Ruling PAP Faces Its Most Competitive Election Ever. Singapore's ruling People’s Action Party (PAP), long synonymous with economic success and clean governance, faces its most competitive election in history due to growing opposition strength, national discontent, internal infighting, and a corruption trial. While historically dominating elections through strategic policies like multi-member constituencies and legal actions against critics, the PAP now contends with a more organized opposition gaining traction in recent cycles. Although its achievements have secured it legitimacy and popularity for decades, current challenges and changing national trends may lead to the largest opposition gains in Singapore’s history. Joshua Kurlantzick and Abigail McGowan, Council on Foreign Relations, January 23
South Korea Doesn’t Want North Korea Labeled as a Nuclear Power. It’s Causing Friction With the United States. Recent statements by U.S. officials referring to North Korea as a "nuclear power" have raised concerns in South Korea, which maintains that under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), North Korea cannot be recognized as a nuclear-armed state. This divergence highlights potential friction between Washington and Seoul regarding the approach to North Korea's nuclear program. While South Korea emphasizes the illegitimacy of North Korea's nuclear status, the U.S. appears to be changing its policy focus, potentially moving away from the longstanding goal of denuclearization. This could have large implications for regional security dynamics and the future of U.S.-South Korea relations. Ankit Panda, Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, January 23
Navigating Supply Chains in a Fractured World. Global supply chains are adapting to prolonged US-China tensions by adopting diversification strategies like the "China+1" approach and friendshoring, where companies rely on trusted supplier networks. While regional economies like Vietnam and Mexico benefit from increased investment and trade realignments, the process is gradual and complex due to dependencies on critical minerals, production scale challenges, and geopolitical tensions. ASEAN nations are gaining from these changes, supported by agreements like the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership, while the US-led Minerals Security Partnership seeks to reduce reliance on Chinese resources. Protectionist policies worldwide, including in India, Indonesia, and under the return of the Trump administration, further influence global trade dynamics, moving toward a more regionalized and politically charged trading order. Aashi Garg, Satvinderjit Kaur, and Elizabeth Mackie, East Asia Forum, January 24
Southeast Asia at the Crossroads of Trump Tariffs 2.0. US President Donald Trump’s proposed tariff hikes, including a 60 percent tariff on China, threaten to disrupt global supply chains, particularly in Southeast Asia, where countries like Malaysia, Vietnam, and Thailand play critical roles in electronics production. These tariffs, far higher than those of Trump’s first term, could push manufacturers to relocate operations out of China, although this process is costly and complex. The potential bifurcation of supply chains into separate systems for the United States and China further raises inefficiencies, with products like rare earths and superfast chips heavily reliant on one side or the other. As U.S.-China tensions escalate, retaliatory measures from both nations risk fragmenting supply chains, driving up costs, and deepening geopolitical divides, with Southeast Asia caught in the middle of these shifting trade dynamics. Jayant Menon, East Asia Forum, January 23
Carrots and Sticks? Taiwan and Semiconductor Supply Chains Under Trump 2.0. The re-election of U.S. President Donald Trump introduces uncertainties for Taiwanese semiconductor firms, particularly regarding the continuation of support under the CHIPS and Science Act and the Inflation Reduction Act. Taiwanese companies are concerned about the sustainability of federal and state-level agreements established during the Biden administration and the potential for new subsidies favoring U.S. manufacturers, which could lead to inefficiencies and higher costs. Additionally, there is apprehension about possible tariffs and trade barriers targeting Taiwan's semiconductor and electronics supply chains, reminiscent of past U.S. strategies to coerce foreign investment. Proactive investment in U.S. facilities, such as TSMC's operations in Arizona, may mitigate these risks and open new business opportunities. Taiwanese firms must emphasize their critical role in strengthening the U.S. supply chain to ensure equitable treatment and maintain competitiveness against China. Ming-Yen Ho and Chiang Min-yen, The Diplomat, January 23
Will Recent US Sanctions on Russian Oil Trigger an Oil Crisis in India? The recent U.S. sanctions targeting major Russian oil producers, shipping companies, and associated entities have introduced challenges for India, which has become the second-largest buyer of Russian crude oil since the Ukraine war. Indian refineries have halted trade with sanctioned tankers and entities, and major banks are withholding payments to Russian exporters due to compliance concerns. This disruption has led to uncertainty over existing oil supply agreements, such as the recent deal between Reliance and Rosneft. While these sanctions present challenges, they also offer India an opportunity to diversify its oil imports and reduce dependence on Russian crude. Rushali Saha, The Diplomat, January 23
Myanmar’s Internet Shutdowns: Silencing Resistance in the Battle for Connectivity. Since the February 2021 coup, Myanmar's junta has systematically implemented internet shutdowns, particularly in resistance-controlled regions like Sagaing, Magway, and Kachin, aiming to disrupt opposition communication and suppress dissent. These blackouts hinder activists' abilities to document military abuses and isolate affected communities from global attention. The regime's recent cybersecurity law, effective January 2025, bans virtual private networks (VPNs) and enforces strict surveillance, further restricting citizens' access to information and secure communication channels. In response, resistance groups and civil society organizations have turned to satellite-based internet services, such as Starlink, to maintain connectivity and continue their efforts against the junta's digital repression. Surachanee Sriyai, Fulcrum, January 24.
The Ahlus Sunnah (or Salafist) Movement in Perlis: What is Madani’s Stand?Perlis, Malaysia, has been a center for the Ahlus Sunnah (Salafist) ideology since 1927, focusing on direct adherence to the Quran and Sunnah without following specific Islamic jurisprudence schools. This approach contrasts with the mainstream Sunni Islam practiced in other Malaysian states. The upcoming Perlis International Sunnah Convention 2025, scheduled for January 24-26, will feature international scholars associated with the Wahhabi movement. This event raises questions about how such ideologies align with Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim's Madani administration, which promotes a moderate vision of Islam. The convention's emphasis on "authentic" Islamic teachings may challenge the administration's efforts to foster inclusivity and moderation within Malaysia's diverse Muslim community. Mohd Faizal Musa, Fulcrum, January 23