Yoon denies insurrection charges, voices concerns about state of nation. Indicted for leading an insurrection, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol defended his martial law declaration, arguing it was constitutional and did not involve bloodshed or arrests. Speaking with his lawyers at the Seoul Detention Center, Yoon claimed he had no plans to extend martial law and lifted it once parliament rejected it. The opposition criticized him for deflecting blame and called his concerns for the nation hypocritical. Yoo Jee-ho, Yonhap News Agency, January 28
India and China agree to resume air travel, settle economic differences. India and China have agreed to restore direct air travel, halted since 2020, and address economic and trade issues in efforts to improve relations following their 2020 border clash. Talks between India's Vikram Misri and China’s Wang Yi also included cross-border river cooperation and plans to resume Indian pilgrimages to Tibet in 2025. Bilateral trade reached $118.4 billion in fiscal 2024. Jessie Pang and Shivam Patel, Reuters, January 28
China built out record amount of wind and solar power in 2024. China installed 357 gigawatts of solar and wind power in 2024, surpassing its 2030 renewable energy target six years early. This marked a 45% increase in solar and 18% in wind capacity compared to 2023. Despite leading global renewable energy efforts, China remains the largest carbon emitter, relying heavily on coal. Analysts note China’s manufacturing scale has driven down clean energy costs worldwide, strengthening its role in the energy transition. Isabella O'Malley, AP News, January 28
Indonesia, Malaysia agree to resolve labor disputes. Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim have agreed to address labor disputes and strengthen bilateral cooperation across various sectors. The leaders also discussed collaboration in the palm oil industry, where both nations account for 80% of global production. Additional topics included supporting Palestine’s independence and preparing for Malaysia’s 2025 ASEAN chairmanship. ANTARA News, January 28
Philippine soldiers to train on US Typhon missile system. Philippine soldiers will train on the US military’s Typhon intermediate-range missile system in February during unilateral drills, preparing for larger joint exercises with US forces. The system, deployed in the Philippines since April 2024, includes Tomahawk cruise missiles and SM-6 missiles capable of targeting China and Russia. Training will focus on the "payload delivery system" without live-fire exercises. Mikhail Flores, Reuters, January 28
Senate approves on 3rd reading bill on defense economic zone. The Philippine Senate has approved Senate Bill 2900, establishing a Special Defense Economic Zone (SpeDEZ) in the government arsenal defense estate at Camp Gen. Antonio Luna in Limay, Bataan. SpeDEZ aims to attract foreign defense manufacturers by providing a secure, isolated location to produce defense materials. The bill also creates the Special Defense Economic Zone Authority (SpeDEZA) to oversee development. Bernadette E. Tamayo, The Manila Times, January 28
Vietnam appointed co-coordinator for UN pandemic response summit. The United Nations General Assembly has appointed Vietnamese Ambassador Dang Hoang Giang and Italian Ambassador Maurizio Massari as co-facilitators for the 2026 UN High-Level Meeting on Pandemic Prevention, Preparedness, and Response. This marks the first time Vietnam has been chosen to co-coordinate a major UN conference. However, it has previously led efforts to strengthen pandemic preparedness, including proposing the International Day of Epidemic Preparedness. Vietnam News, January 28
Trump will pursue complete denuclearization of N. Korea: White House. U.S. President Donald Trump will continue efforts to achieve North Korea’s complete denuclearization, a White House official said, following concerns that Trump’s recent reference to Pyongyang as a “nuclear power” signaled a policy shift. National Security Council spokesperson Brian Hughes reiterated Trump’s first-term approach of diplomacy and pressure. The statement comes after Kim Jong-un’s visit to a nuclear weapons facility, where he urged expanded production of weapons-grade materials. Song Sang-ho, Yonhap News Agency, January 29
Central Asian countries and World Bank discuss progress on Kambarata-1 hydropower project. Representatives from Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and the World Bank convened in Tashkent to advance the $4 billion Kambarata-1 Hydropower Plant (HPP) project. Located on Kyrgyzstan’s Naryn River, the 1,860 MW plant aims to address energy shortages and boost regional cooperation. Officials highlighted its potential to strengthen energy security, transition to green energy, and optimize water resource use. Sergey Kwan, The Times of Central Asia, January 28
U.S. senators examine China’s influence over Panama Canal. U.S. senators debated potential Chinese influence over the Panama Canal, spurred by concerns about Chinese contracts and operations near the strategic waterway. President Donald Trump alleged that China’s activities violate the canal’s neutrality agreement, raising the possibility of intervention. Lawmakers highlighted Chinese-linked infrastructure projects, including a 2018 bridge contract and Hong Kong-based Hutchison Port Holdings’ operations at canal entrances. Igor Patrick, South China Morning Post, January 29
Vote-buying talk follows latest handout. Thailand’s opposition raised concerns about the government’s 10,000-baht handout program to 3 million elderly citizens, delivered just days before provincial elections in 47 provinces. People’s Party MP Pakornwut Udompipatskul said the timing may influence election outcomes and noted the program’s funding comes from taxpayers. He emphasized the need to evaluate the program’s economic impact, as promised by the Pheu Thai Party. Aekarach Sattaburuth, Bangkok Post, January 28
North Korea's Kim calls for bolstering nuclear forces, KCNA says. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un urged increased production of weapons-grade nuclear materials during a visit to the country's nuclear material production base. Kim praised workers for their achievements and called 2025 a critical year for advancing nuclear capabilities. He emphasized the need for continued progress to strengthen North Korea’s nuclear forces. State media, the Korea Central News Agency, described the efforts as crucial for implementing the country's strategic goals. Reuters, January 28
Japan's opposition DPP to block budget without higher tax allowance. The Democratic Party for the People (DPP) has threatened to block Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba’s annual budget unless the government agrees to raise the tax-free income allowance to ¥1.78 million ($11,500). DPP policy chief Makoto Hamaguchi rejected the ruling coalition’s current offer and dismissed reports of a potential compromise. Without DPP support, Ishiba’s minority government faces difficulties in securing budget approval. Sakura Murakami, Akemi Terukina and Yoshiaki Nohara, The Japan Times, January 28
Myanmar junta boss hails Beijing’s tightening embrace at Chinese New Year. Myanmar junta leader Min Aung Hlaing praised China’s support during Chinese New Year celebrations in Yangon, highlighting Beijing’s backing of key projects like the Belt and Road Initiative and the Myanmar-China Economic Corridor. Declaring the holiday a public observance for the first time, he vowed to accelerate China-backed infrastructure efforts and dismissed opposition to Myanmar-China relations. Maung Kavi, The Irrawaddy, January 28
Laos to reintroduce sub-districts in nationwide administrative reform. Laos plans to reintroduce sub-districts, or "Ta Saeng," as part of a nationwide restructuring to enhance local governance and service accessibility. The Ministry of Home Affairs expects to establish around 950 sub-districts by mid-2025, each overseeing 1 to 24 villages. Administrative offices and committees will be formed to oversee the task. The sub-district system, abolished in 1990, is being revived to improve grassroots administration. Phonethida Sitthixay, The Laotian Times, January 28
Kyrgyz-Tajik villages to be relocated as part of border resolution. Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov announced plans to relocate families in disputed Kyrgyz-Tajik border areas as part of an agreement nearing completion. Villages in checkerboard-like regions will be reassigned, with Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan building new homes for affected families. The agreement, requiring ratification by both nations’ parliaments and presidents, aims to conclude within 1-2 years. Sadokat Jalolova, The Times of Central Asia, January 28
FDI for a Viksit Bharat. India's GDP growth in 2024 was estimated below 7%, with foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows declining by 62% in the fiscal year 2023–2024. To reverse these trends, the 2025 Union Budget presents an opportunity to enhance the policy environment. Key recommendations include simplifying the tax code to attract FDI, expediting tax dispute resolutions to free up capital, and investing in emerging technologies to future-proof the economy. Notably, on March 10, 2024, after 16 years of negotiations, India and the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) states signed the India-EFTA Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement, strengthening trade relations with Switzerland, Iceland, Norway, and Liechtenstein. Mukesh H. Butani, CSIS, January 28
China's Scaling Prowess Comes For Fusion. China has greatly increased its investment in nuclear fusion research, allocating $1–$1.5 billion annually in recent years, surpassing the combined public funding of the rest of the world. This state-driven approach has spurred private sector involvement, with Chinese private equity investment in fusion exceeding $1 billion in 2023. The nation's strategy focuses on leveraging its manufacturing capabilities to scale existing technologies, aiming to achieve power generation from its first experimental fusion reactor by 2040. Amy Ouyang, MacroPolo, January 28
Faced With Rapidly Aging Society, China Releases Long-Term Plans on Dementia and Eldercare Services. In December 2024, China introduced two policy frameworks to address its aging population. The State Council's eldercare reform plan and a national dementia action plan (2024–2030) aim to expand services, promote home-based care, and develop long-term care insurance. Dementia cases are projected to rise from 16 million in 2021 to up to 66 million by 2050. While the plans emphasize AI and robotics in eldercare, concerns remain about their effectiveness in rural areas with limited healthcare access. Carl Minzner, Council on Foreign Relations, January 28
Assessing China's Growing Footprint in Nepal. In December 2024, Nepali Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli visited China, marking his first foreign trip in his fourth term and breaking the tradition of initial visits to India. During this visit, Nepal and China signed a Framework Agreement on the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), identifying ten projects for implementation and outlining aid financing modalities. While the agreement aims to promote Nepal's socioeconomic development and transform it into a "landlinked" country, it has sparked political debate within Nepal. The ruling Nepali Congress party expressed concerns over potential debt implications, opposing loans for BRI projects, whereas the country's communist parties support the framework, citing anticipated economic benefits. This development reflects China's expanding influence in Nepal, traditionally India's closest developmental partner. Kamal Dev Bhattarai, South Asian Voices, January 28
Positivity Peaks at the Japan–China Summit. Japan and China reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening diplomatic ties and addressing regional security concerns at their summit in Peru on November 15, 2024. While the North Korean issue was not formally discussed, both leaders emphasized their “strategic mutually beneficial relationship,” established in 2008. Chinese President Xi Jinping’s conciliatory approach, including references to former Japanese Prime Minister Kakuei Tanaka, signaled a shift toward diplomacy over past hard-line tactics. As tensions over North Korea’s nuclear ambitions persist, Japan and China have an opportunity to align their strategies, engage in diplomatic dialogues, and explore cooperative solutions to promote regional stability. Haruka Satake, East Asia Forum, January 29
Securing and Economising the US–Japan Partnership Under Trump 2.0. As Donald Trump returns to office, the US–Japan economic security partnership faces changes, with tariffs, trade policies, and military burden-sharing emerging as key issues. While Trump’s administration may trim institutionalized dialogues and multilateral frameworks like the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework, cooperation on security, critical minerals, and semiconductor supply chains is likely to continue. Japan’s green technology investments could face challenges due to the administration’s focus on fossil fuels, but collaboration in areas like liquefied natural gas and nuclear energy may strengthen. To sustain economic ties, both nations must align regulatory frameworks and promote win-win initiatives, ensuring that decoupling from China does not hinder broader economic security goals. C. Lawrence Greenwood and Jean-Marc F. Blanchard, East Asia Forum, January 28
Ruili on Edge: A Chinese Border City Loses Its Shine. Ruili, a once-thriving trade hub on China's border with Myanmar, faces challenges due to domestic policy changes, anti-fraud initiatives, and escalating conflict in Myanmar. The city's economic growth, previously bolstered by flexible border controls and an influx of Myanmar migrant workers, has been hindered by stricter immigration policies and border security measures. The ongoing civil war in Myanmar further disrupts trade routes, leading to labor shortages and declining exports. Additionally, crackdowns on telecom fraud have stigmatized the region, deterring investment and complicating recovery efforts. These multifaceted issues have left Ruili struggling to regain its former vitality. Mingyue Yang and Yaolong Xian, The Diplomat, January 28
China's DeepSeek Is America's AI Sputnik Moment. Chinese AI company DeepSeek has developed the R1 reasoning model, which matches or surpasses leading U.S. AI models in tasks such as mathematics, coding, and reasoning, while utilizing only a fraction of the GPU resources. This achievement challenges the assumption that cutting-edge AI development is exclusive to well-funded entities with extensive chip inventories. DeepSeek's success demonstrates that innovative software optimization techniques can overcome hardware limitations, potentially reshaping the global AI landscape. Selina Xu, The Diplomat, January 29
Why India's Growth Momentum Is Losing Steam. India's economic growth has decelerated, with GDP expanding by 5.4% in the second quarter of the 2024–2025 fiscal year, marking the slowest pace in six quarters. The National Statistics Office projects a 6.4% growth rate for the entire fiscal year, down from 8.2% in 2023–2024. This slowdown is attributed to weakened domestic demand, as evidenced by modest increases in consumption expenditure and a deceleration in fixed capital formation. The government has primarily driven public investment to stimulate economic activity, but private sector participation remains subdued. To achieve its goal of becoming a developed nation by 2047, India must address these demand-side challenges and encourage greater private investment to sustain higher growth rates. Biswajit Dhar, The Diplomat, January 29
Can Japan Provide Stability to Southeast Asia Amid US Uncertainty? Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba's recent visits to Malaysia and Indonesia demonstrate Japan's commitment to strengthening ties with ASEAN nations amid changing global dynamics. These engagements aim to deepen military, economic, and green energy collaborations, positioning Japan as a stabilizing force in Southeast Asia. As the United States' regional presence becomes more uncertain with President Donald Trump's return to office and China's influence continues to grow, Japan seeks to diversify its foreign diplomacy strategy to ensure stability in the Indo-Pacific region. By improving partnerships with key ASEAN members, Japan aspires to serve as a vital link between these countries and its ally, the United States. Joanne Lin and William Choong, Fulcrum, January 28
Assessing Indonesia's Relations with the US After Joining BRICS. In January 2025, Indonesia, under President Prabowo Subianto, officially joined the BRICS group. This reflects Indonesia's "free and active" foreign policy, positioning it as a bridge between the global North and South. However, BRICS' initiatives, such as promoting local currencies for trade, could strain Indonesia's relations with the US and EU, potentially undermining the US dollar's dominance. Despite these risks, Indonesia seeks to diversify its economic partnerships to support domestic priorities like food and energy security, especially amid increasing trade challenges with Western markets. The impact on US-Indonesia relations will depend on diplomatic negotiations and Indonesia's actions within BRICS. Siwage Dharma Negara and Leo Suryadinata, Fulcrum, January 27