South Korea court rejects request to extend Yoon's detention. The Seoul Central District Court denied prosecutors' request to extend the detention of impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol, citing insufficient grounds for continued investigation. Yoon, jailed since last week over his December martial law declaration, faces allegations of insurrection and abuse of power. Prosecutors had sought to extend his detention by 10 days before filing charges. Yoon's lawyers called the Corruption Investigation Office's probe illegal, arguing that investigations should wait until the Constitutional Court rules on his impeachment. Hyonhee Shin, Reuters, January 24
Prosecutors make another request for extension of Yoon's arrest after court's denial. South Korean prosecutors filed a second request to extend President Yoon Suk Yeol's detention following a court’s rejection of their initial bid. Yoon faces charges of insurrection and abuse of power over his December martial law declaration. His lawyers and the ruling People Power Party argue for his release, calling the detention process illegal, while the opposition Democratic Party urges prompt indictment. A Constitutional Court trial will determine whether Yoon’s impeachment is upheld. Kim Han-joo, Yonhap News Agency, January 25
North Korea prepares to send more troops to Russia after suffering casualties, South Korea says. South Korea’s military reports North Korea plans to send additional troops to Russia despite significant losses in the Ukraine war, where up to 4,000 North Koreans have been killed or injured. Intelligence suggests North Korea has also provided artillery to Russia, sparking concerns about potential arms-for-technology exchanges to advance Pyongyang’s nuclear program. Analysts speculate North Korea's deeper ties with Russia and Trump’s return to the U.S. presidency could reshape diplomacy. Hyung-jin Kim, AP News, January 24
U.S. top diplomat Rubio urges Vietnam to address trade imbalance. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio held his first call with Vietnam's Deputy Prime Minister Bui Thanh Son, urging Vietnam to address a $110 billion trade surplus with the U.S. while praising their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. Rubio highlighted shared concerns about China's behavior in the South China Sea. Vietnam’s exports surged amid currency depreciation, making it the fourth-largest trade surplus holder with the U.S. Kanishka Singh and David Brunnstrom, Reuters, January 24
Vietnam eyes stronger cooperation with Russia. Vietnam and Russia marked 75 years of diplomatic ties, emphasizing their partnership in trade, security, education, and tourism. At a seminar in Saint Petersburg, Governor Alexander Beglov praised bilateral achievements, while Vietnamese Ambassador Dang Minh Khoi highlighted Russia’s continued support for Vietnam’s independence and development. High-level visits, including those by Russian President Vladimir Putin and Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, have strengthened cooperation between the countries, though Vietnam continues to seek stable relations with Western countries. Vietnam News, January 24
Cambodia’s Cabinet approves draft law toughening penalties for denying Khmer Rouge atrocities. Cambodia’s Cabinet approved a draft bill imposing stricter penalties for denying Khmer Rouge atrocities, proposing prison terms of one to five years and fines of $2,500 to $125,000. The bill aims to prevent recurrence of such events and provide justice to victims. Critics suggest the measure could be used against political opponents, echoing similar allegations from a 2013 law on the same issue. The draft comes ahead of the 50th anniversary of the Khmer Rouge’s rise to power. Grant Peck, AP News, January 24
Laos, Japan discuss plans for direct flights, visa easing. Laos and Japan upgraded their relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership during Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone’s visit to Japan. Key initiatives include extending visa-free stays for Japanese citizens to 30 days and launching direct flights to enhance trade and tourism. Japan reaffirmed its commitment through development aid and investments, including 93 projects valued at over USD 157 million since 1989. Phonethida Sitthixay, The Laotian Times, January 24
Japan PM rallies opposition support in Diet to achieve policy goals. Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba pledged cross-party collaboration during the Diet’s 150-day session to address wage hikes, regional revitalization, and inflation relief. Facing political challenges after losing a parliamentary majority, Ishiba aims to raise the minimum wage to 1,500 yen per hour by the end of the 2020s and strengthen regional ties amid shifting global power dynamics. Ishiba plans to meet with U.S. President Donald Trump in February to deepen the Japan-U.S. alliance. Kyodo News, January 24
China claims Marco Rubio told Wang Yi U.S. does not back Taiwan independence. Chinese state media reported that U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio assured Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi that the U.S. does not support Taiwan independence, a detail omitted from the U.S. State Department’s account of their call. The U.S. reiterated concerns over China’s actions in Taiwan and the South China Sea, emphasizing regional stability. This marked Rubio’s first engagement with Beijing amid strained U.S.-China ties. Robert Delaney and Bochen Han, South China Morning Post, January 25
Chinese company to develop low-altitude technologies and intelligent manufacturing in Kazakhstan. Kazakh Invest, Kazakhstan’s national investment firm, signed an agreement with China's Polyking New Horizons Technology Industry Co. Ltd. to create a $200 million industrial park in Kazakhstan. The park will focus on drone technology, smart city solutions, and advanced manufacturing, generating 1,000 jobs. This project aims to establish Kazakhstan as a Central Asian high-tech hub. Kazakh Invest highlighted the global low-altitude economy's growth potential, projected to reach $8.8 trillion by 2050. Sergey Kwan, The Times of Central Asia, January 24
China says Philippines sent provisions to warship at disputed atoll. China’s coast guard reported that the Philippines deployed a civilian vessel to supply the BRP Sierra Madre, grounded at Second Thomas Shoal in the South China Sea. The Chinese coast guard monitored the mission, asserting its law enforcement activities in the area. The Philippines stated the operation proceeded without incident. Tensions persist over the shoal, located within Manila's Exclusive Economic Zone but claimed by Beijing. A 2016 tribunal ruled China’s expansive claims invalid, a decision Beijing rejects. Karen Lema, Reuters, January 24
Samoa and China sign visa-free travel deal. Samoa and China have signed an agreement allowing citizens to travel between the two countries without a visa for up to 30 days. The deal, formalized during a Spring Festival event in Apia, commemorates the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties. Samoa’s Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mata’afa and opposition leader Tuilaepa Sa’ilele Malielegaoi attended the event. The agreement, initiated during Fiame’s 2024 China visit, aims to boost exchanges in culture, education, and tourism. 'Alakihihifo Vailala, Pacific Media Network, January 24
AA admits killing of Myanmar junta captives. The Arakan Army (AA) admitted its troops killed two captive junta soldiers in Rakhine State’s Kyauktaw Township during a February 2024 offensive. AA spokesman Khaing Thukha said those responsible, including junior commanders, were punished, but no details were given. A video showing the killings sparked calls for investigation by Fortify Rights. Thukha reaffirmed the AA's policy against prisoner killings and cited junta abuses in Rakhine. The incident occurred amid regime airstrikes on AA-held areas, causing civilian casualties. The Irrawaddy, January 24
Japan’s leader says he’s preparing for tough negotiations with Trump on maintaining US presence. Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, facing political challenges after election losses, pledged to deepen Japan-U.S. ties and secure U.S. military presence in the Asia-Pacific during upcoming talks with President Donald Trump. Ishiba highlighted the region's shifting power dynamics, including China's assertiveness and North Korea's missile advancements, as threats to stability. Mari Yamaguchi, AP News, January 24
Trump officials say they are reviewing China’s compliance with trade deal. The White House announced a compliance review of the "Economic and Trade Agreement" with China, assessing whether Beijing met its commitments. Analysts suggest the move could pressure China into concessions and validate Trump’s trade approach. The phase one deal, signed in 2020, required China to purchase $200 billion in U.S. goods but fell short due to the pandemic and policy shifts under Biden. Trump’s nominee for U.S. Trade Representative, Jamieson Greer, is central to the review. Mark Magnier, South China Morning Post, January 25
CSTO to strengthen Tajik-Afghan border in 2025. The Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) plans to reinforce the Tajik-Afghan border in 2025, according to Secretary General Imangali Tasmagambetov. The initiative includes deploying modern weapons and enhancing security measures along the southern boundary. The Shamsiddin Shokhin section of the border has faced repeated security incidents, prompting the CSTO’s focus on stability. Member states include Russia, Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan. Sadokat Jalolova, The Times of Central Asia, January 24
Births in Japan set to fall below 700,000 for 1st time in 2024. Japan’s births in 2024 are projected to drop below 700,000 for the first time, with preliminary data showing 661,577 births from January to November, a 5.1% decline year-on-year. This continues a downward trend, with the birthrate having already fallen below 900,000 in 2019 and 800,000 in 2022. Rising living costs, delayed marriages, and the lingering effects of COVID-19 are contributing factors. Kyodo News, January 24
N. Korea's parliamentary meeting affirms budget for stronger defense, skips U.S. message. North Korea’s Supreme People’s Assembly approved the 2025 state budget, allocating 15.7% to national defense, slightly lower than last year’s 15.9%. The meeting, held Jan. 22-23, focused on economic and defense plans but omitted any message to the new U.S. administration under Donald Trump, despite speculation about potential talks. Premier Pak Thae-song and other officials attended, but leader Kim Jong-un’s presence was unreported. The SPA mainly rubber-stamps decisions by the ruling Workers’ Party. Park Boram, Yonhap News Agency, January 24
Indonesia, Singapore agree to strengthen parliamentary relations. Indonesian House Speaker Puan Maharani and Singaporean Parliament Speaker Seah Kian Peng have agreed to enhance bilateral and inter-parliamentary cooperation. Their discussions encompassed economic partnerships, socio-cultural relations, and geopolitical developments. Both parliaments committed to supporting their respective governments' policies and fostering a stable Southeast Asian region. ANTARA News, January 24
Jammu and Kashmir elections reveal enduring political fault lines. Regional and national elections were held in India’s Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) in 2024, the first since the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019, which removed the region’s autonomy and downgraded its status. Despite declining violence and high voter turnout, traditional political allegiances persisted, with the Jammu and Kashmir National Conference (JKNC) and the Indian National Congress (INC) alliance securing a majority in the J&K Legislative Assembly. The BJP retained dominance in Jammu but failed to make inroads in Kashmir, where calls for restoring Article 370 remain strong. Measures such as redrawn constituencies and expanded voting rights for Kashmiri Pandits and refugees fueled accusations of BJP attempting to alter electoral demographics. While the elections demonstrated reduced unrest and increased participation, unresolved demands for the restoration of Article 370 suggest that political fault lines in J&K endure. Arun Swamy, East Asia Forum, January 24
Unifying green standards through ASEAN ecolabelling. ASEAN’s rapid economic growth has come with environmental costs, making the development of unified green standards, such as ecolabelling, critical for balancing growth with sustainability. A regional ecolabelling framework could reduce costs, enhance competitiveness, and align with the ASEAN Community Vision 2045 goal of creating a sustainable single market. Current national ecolabelling programs vary widely, with countries like Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand having advanced schemes, while others like Vietnam and Indonesia face regulatory gaps, and Myanmar lacks a framework entirely. Establishing an independent ASEAN ecolabelling body to standardize criteria and coordinate efforts could address these disparities, leveraging models like the EU Ecolabel. Key industries such as agriculture and manufacturing stand to benefit, enhancing global competitiveness and responding to stricter international regulations. However, challenges include aligning member states with varying development levels and avoiding greenwashing by balancing rigorous standards with market viability. Accelerating implementation is essential to attract green investments and meet the region’s sustainable development goals. Amelia Litania and Zahrana Nadifa Ramadhanty, East Asia Forum, January 25
Biopharmaceuticals Rising: China's Strategic Pivot to Southeast Asia Amid Great Power Tech Competition. Facing U.S. supply chain pressures in the biotech sector, China is pivoting to Southeast Asia to expand its biopharmaceutical industry and reduce costs. This strategy taps into rising regional demand for affordable medicines while bolstering China’s technological influence. Despite progress, China's biopharmaceutical sector lags behind others like electric vehicles and has historically relied on U.S. partnerships for R&D and regulatory approvals. Tensions with the U.S., including concerns over China’s access to patient data and dominance in exporting active pharmaceutical ingredients, have led to stricter U.S. measures, such as the 2022 Biopharma Coalition (Bio-5) initiative. Southeast Asia now offers China a key opportunity to ease supply chain constraints and improve its reach. Xue Gong, Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, January 23
Implications of the US Treasury’s Designation of Currency Manipulation for South Korea. In November 2024, the U.S. Department of the Treasury reinstated South Korea on its currency monitoring list, citing concerns over the country's foreign exchange practices. This designation coincides with a significant depreciation of the South Korean won, which reached a 15-year low against the U.S. dollar. The Bank of Korea's recent decision to maintain the interest rate at 3% reflects efforts to stabilize the currency amid these challenges. The South Korean government and businesses must remain agile in addressing these evolving challenges to maintain economic stability. Hyerim Kim, Korea Economic Institute of America, January 24
Japan Is Ready to Legalize 'Active Cyber Defense'. On January 24, 2025, Japan's government initiated an ordinary Diet session, planning to submit 59 bills, including the Active Cyber Defense Legislation. This bill aims to strengthen cybersecurity by improving public-private cooperation, allowing government access to specific communication data from domestic providers, and enabling authorities to neutralize attackers' servers. Companies in 15 critical infrastructure sectors will be required to report cyberattacks to the government. The legislation addresses previous criticisms of Japan's cybersecurity lagging behind other nations. While concerns exist regarding potential conflicts with constitutional privacy protections and laws against unauthorized computer access, public opinion polls indicate substantial support for the legislation. The government emphasizes the need for thorough public explanation during the legislative process to ensure understanding and support. Daisuke Akimoto, The Diplomat, January 24
Why China's Military Needs a New Communication Playbook. Chinese military and Communist Party officials often adhere to rigid, scripted responses, hindering meaningful dialogue with international counterparts. This communication style, which prioritizes party doctrine over constructive engagement, poses risks in the current geopolitical climate, where misunderstandings could escalate into conflicts. Instances have been reported where Chinese officials provide scripted answers unrelated to posed questions, effectively stonewalling exchanges. To prevent potential escalations, it is crucial for China to adopt a more open and flexible communication approach, fostering genuine dialogue and understanding. Michael Gritzbach, The Diplomat, January 24
Public Caning in Terengganu: Full Implementation of Sharia Law in Malaysia? On November 20, 2024, Senior Judge of the Terengganu Sharia High Court, Kamalruazmi Ismail, sentenced Mohd Affendi Awang to six lashes of the cane for committing khalwat (close proximity) for the third time. This unprecedented public caning, carried out at the Al-Muktafi Billah Shah Mosque on December 6, 2024, marks the first instance in Terengganu where such punishment was executed publicly, as previous canings occurred within court or prison compounds. The decision has sparked criticism from progressive Islamic groups and human rights organizations, which argue that public caning normalizes violence and undermines human dignity. This event raises concerns that such practices could become more widespread, potentially leading to the full implementation of hudud laws (Sharia penal code) in Malaysia. Mohd Faizal Musa, Fulcrum, January 24