China
China and Russia to bolster defense ties to counter risks. China’s defense minister urged closer strategic coordination with Russia, citing shared security challenges and rising pressure from the United States. Moscow said it would deepen practical cooperation, including joint operations and training. The call came amid leadership probes in China’s military and expanding bilateral drills with other partners. Meredith Chen, South China Morning Post, January 27
U.S.-China cooperation backed by most Americans, new national survey reveals. A national survey found most Americans favor cooperation with China despite tougher U.S. policies on trade, visas and research. Support was bipartisan, with majorities in both parties backing reduced tensions. Many respondents also voiced concern that hostile rhetoric harms Chinese Americans. Mark Magnier, South China Morning Post, January 27
China warns against ‘do-nothing’ officials ahead of 2027 leadership reshuffle. Chinese state media warned cadres against stalling work while awaiting next year’s party congress. The anti-corruption watchdog said such behavior would be corrected during a period of major personnel changes. Officials were urged to maintain momentum on policy and development goals. Alcott Wei, South China Morning Post, January 26
UK’s Starmer heads to China to repair ties as he navigates tensions with U.S. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer began a three-day visit to China, the first by a UK leader since 2018, seeking to improve trade and economic ties. The trip comes as London manages strained relations with Washington amid shifting U.S. foreign policy under President Donald Trump. Starmer is meeting Chinese leaders and business executives to attract investment while balancing security concerns and criticism at home. Andrew Macaskill, Reuters, January 27
Japan
Survey: LDP continues to gain ground ahead of Feb. 8 election. Support for Japan’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party rose to 29.4% ahead of the Lower House vote, climbing steadily since Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi took office, a nationwide survey found. The newly formed Centrist Reform Alliance matched the combined backing previously held by its predecessor parties. The results suggest Takaichi’s snap election gamble may strengthen the LDP despite voter unease over dissolution. Ryoma Komiyama, The Asahi Shimbun, January 27
Campaigning starts, with focus on Takaichi’s divisive agenda. Official campaigning opened for Japan’s Feb. 8 Lower House election after Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi dissolved parliament to seek a fresh mandate for policies she said could divide the nation. Takaichi pledged economic growth through aggressive fiscal spending, stronger defense and intelligence capabilities, and tighter controls on foreign residents. Opposition leaders framed the contest as a choice between centrist social protection and what they called a hardline conservative agenda. The Asahi Shimbun, January 27
Japan-US alliance would crumble if Tokyo ignored Taiwan crisis, PM Takaichi says. Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said Japan’s alliance with the United States would collapse if Tokyo turned away during a Taiwan crisis, while stressing Japan would act strictly within existing law. She distanced herself from earlier remarks interpreted as endorsing military action, saying any response would focus on protecting Japanese and American citizens. China criticised her comments and urged Japan to correct its stance on Taiwan. Chang-Ran Kim and Ethan Wang, Reuters, January 27
South Korea
South Korea reassures on U.S. investment pledge after Trump threatens to hike tariffs. South Korea moved to reassure Washington after President Donald Trump threatened higher tariffs over delays in implementing a trade deal. Seoul said it remained committed to the large U.S. investments agreed to last year. Officials warned that sudden tariff hikes could unsettle markets and strain the alliance. Jihoon Lee, Kyu-Seok Shim and Andrea Shalal, Reuters, January 26
Cabinet approves South Korea’s military intel-sharing pact with Canada. South Korea’s Cabinet approved a military intelligence-sharing agreement with Canada to provide a legal framework for exchanging classified defense information. The pact follows an October summit agreement and is expected to take effect after administrative procedures without parliamentary ratification. Officials said it will support broader cooperation in defense procurement, industrial security, research and operations, including Seoul’s bid for Canada’s submarine project. Kim Eun-jung, Yonhap News Agency, January 27
White House official says South Korea made ‘no progress’ despite Trump’s tariff cuts. A White House official said South Korea has failed to meet commitments under a bilateral trade deal despite U.S. President Donald Trump lowering tariffs. The remarks followed Trump’s decision to raise reciprocal tariffs and auto duties to 25%, citing delays in Seoul’s legislative steps. The dispute prompted emergency talks as Washington linked the issue to investment pledges and regulatory concerns involving U.S. firms. Song Sang-ho, Yonhap News Agency, January 27
North Korea
North Korea says it test-fired large-caliber multiple rocket launcher with Kim in attendance. North Korea said it test-fired an upgraded large-caliber multiple rocket launcher system under the supervision of leader Kim Jong Un, with rockets striking a target 358.5 kilometers away. State media said the test assessed new guidance, mobility and accuracy features to strengthen deterrence. The launch came as Pyongyang prepares for its first ruling party congress in five years. Park Boram, Yonhap News Agency, January 27
Vietnam
Vietnam’s auto manufacturer to establish $130 million EV battery plant with China’s BYD. Vietnam’s Kim Long Motor said it will partner with China’s BYD to build a $130 million battery plant for commercial electric vehicles in central Vietnam. Kim Long will fund construction while BYD provides technical support, with initial capacity of 3 gigawatt-hours a year on a 4.4-hectare site. The facility will later expand to 6 GWh and add passenger EV batteries as Vietnam’s electric vehicle market grows. Phuong Nguyen, Reuters, January 27
Thailand
Thai finance ministry maintains 2026 growth forecast at 2.0% despite weaker exports. Thailand’s finance ministry kept its 2026 economic growth forecast at 2.0%, citing tourism and domestic demand offsetting slower export growth. Officials now expect exports to rise 1% after previously forecasting a contraction, while headline inflation is seen at 0.3%. The ministry estimated 2025 growth at 2.2% amid risks from global trade volatility and high household debt. Orathai Sriring, Kitiphong Thaichareon and Chayut Setboonsarng, Reuters, January 27
BJT urges strategic voting as polls tighten. Thailand’s Bhumjaithai Party called on supporters to vote strategically as the Feb. 8 election narrows into what it described as a two-horse race. Party leaders warned divided votes could hand victory to rivals and said Bhumjaithai is gaining momentum nationwide. The party plans a major Bangkok rally led by leader Anutin Charnvirakul. Mongkol Bangprapa, Bangkok Post, January 28
Myanmar
China hails Myanmar junta’s ‘steady and orderly’ election. China congratulated Myanmar’s military rulers on what it called a steady and orderly general election and said it is ready to deepen strategic cooperation with Naypyitaw. Beijing became the first country to endorse the poll despite reports of irregularities and widespread boycotts. Analysts said China views the vote mainly through strategic and economic interests tied to stability and access. The Irrawaddy, January 27
Myanmar junta purges air force top brass ahead of new government. Myanmar’s military reassigned senior air force generals as ambassadors to China and Russia, moves analysts described as a purge before a new junta-led government is formed. The transfers sideline officers that are seen as potential rivals to coup leader Min Aung Hlaing. The reshuffle follows the military-backed party’s election victory and marks a significant consolidation of power. The Irrawaddy, January 27
Laos
ADB approves over $149 million to support inclusive, sustainable and resilient growth in Laos. The Asian Development Bank approved more than $149 million for four projects in Laos covering agriculture, health care, skills training and responsible forestry. The investments aim to strengthen climate resilience, improve food security, expand primary health services and modernise technical and vocational education for green jobs. ADB said the package supports inclusive growth and long-term economic competitiveness across multiple provinces. Vientiane Times, January 28
Cambodia
Warship visit and war games repair U.S.-Cambodia links. The United States signaled a renewed push to strengthen military ties with Cambodia through the first U.S. naval visit to the upgraded Ream Naval Base and the resumption of the Angkor Sentinel joint exercise after nearly a decade. Admiral Samuel Paparo said the USS Cincinnati port call reflects U.S. confidence in Cambodia’s sovereignty and a desire to expand maritime cooperation and interoperability. Cambodian leaders framed the engagement as part of broader efforts to rebuild defense relations and support regional peace. Teng Yalirozy, Cambodianess, January 27
Philippines
Philippines, U.S. hold joint military drill at disputed South China Sea shoal. Philippine and U.S. forces conducted joint naval exercises at Scarborough Shoal, the 11th such drill since November 2023, amid rising tensions with China. The operation featured Philippine and U.S. vessels, aircraft and helicopters to enhance coordination between treaty allies. China condemned the activity, saying it undermined regional peace and stability. Mikhail Flores and Ethan Wang, Reuters, January 27
Chinese embassy lashes out at Coast Guard official anew for ‘smearing’ Beijing. The Chinese Embassy in Manila renewed its criticism of Philippine Coast Guard spokesman Commodore Jay Tarriela, accusing him of spreading false narratives and undermining bilateral relations through public remarks and academic presentations. Embassy officials said Tarriela distorted facts about China and President Xi Jinping, prompting formal diplomatic protests in Beijing and Manila. The exchange triggered renewed calls from Philippine lawmakers and activists to reconsider visa-free privileges for Chinese citizens amid escalating rhetoric over the South China Sea. Aric John Sy Cua, The Manila Times, January 27
ICC rejects new bid for Duterte’s interim release. The International Criminal Court rejected a renewed request to release former Philippine president Rodrigo Duterte from detention, ruling there was no material change to risks that justified his arrest. Judges cited findings from court-appointed medical experts who said Duterte is fit to participate in proceedings despite claims of cognitive decline by the defense. The court said risks of flight, obstruction and further crimes remain, and confirmed the confirmation of charges hearing will begin on Feb. 23. Franco Jose C. Baroña, Red Mendoza and Catherine S. Valente, The Manila Times, January 28
Indonesia
Indonesia’s 2025 GDP growth estimated at targeted 5.2%, finance minister says. Indonesia’s finance minister said economic growth likely met the government’s 5.2% target in 2025 despite major flooding late in the year. Growth accelerated in the fourth quarter, while the 2026 target of 5.4% was maintained for Southeast Asia’s largest economy. The central bank signaled it would continue monitoring inflation and currency stability while leaving interest rates unchanged. Fransiska Nangoy and Bernadette Christina, Reuters, January 27
Indonesian president’s nephew appointed to central bank, raising independence concerns. Indonesia’s parliament approved the appointment of President Prabowo Subianto’s nephew, Thomas Djiwandono, as a deputy governor of Bank Indonesia despite investor concerns over central bank independence. Lawmakers said he was chosen to improve coordination between fiscal and monetary policy. Djiwandono pledged to uphold the bank’s independence after the vote. Ananda Teresia and Fransiska Nangoy, Reuters, January 27
Taiwan
New India envoy pledges closer high-tech exchanges with Taiwan. India will deepen people-to-people ties and industrial cooperation with Taiwan, with a focus on high-tech and value-added sectors, India’s new envoy Ninad Deshpande said at a Republic Day event in Taipei. He cited growing partnerships in semiconductors, electronics and ICT, noting more than 20 bilateral MOUs and an annual trade of about $10 billion. Deshpande said India’s economic reforms align closely with Taiwan’s strengths in innovation and talent development. Joseph Yeh, Focus Taiwan, January 27
Taiwan-US trade deal requires legislative approval, Cabinet says. Taiwan’s Cabinet said any reciprocal trade agreement with the United States must be approved by the Legislative Yuan before taking effect. The Office of Trade Negotiations said negotiators made the legislative requirement clear from the first round of talks with Washington. The statement followed U.S. tariff threats against South Korea and confirmed that tariff cuts and an investment MOU will be submitted to lawmakers. Lai Yu-chen and Lee Hsin-yin, Focus Taiwan, January 27
Kazakhstan
Kazakhstan, Israel reaffirm commitment to stronger bilateral ties. President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev met Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar in Astana to reaffirm cooperation across trade, technology and investment. The leaders discussed joint projects in artificial intelligence, agriculture and water management, and welcomed a bilateral business forum. Sa’ar praised Kazakhstan’s reforms and highlighted Astana’s decision to join the Abraham Accords. Fatima Kemelova, The Astana Times, January 27
Kazakhstan’s citizens to receive free short-term visas to India. India will grant Kazakh citizens visa-free entry for up to 30 days for tourism, medical treatment and accompanying travelers, officials said. The policy allows online or in-person applications and reflects growing exchanges, with about 250,000 Indians visiting Kazakhstan in 2025. The move underscores expanding bilateral ties within regional and multilateral frameworks. Fatima Kemelova, The Astana Times, January 27
Kazakhstan’s Tengiz oilfield seen recovering less than half its output by February 7, sources say. Kazakhstan’s largest oilfield, Tengiz, is expected to restore less than half of normal production by early February after a fire and power outage halted operations. Sources said output may reach about 46% of usual levels by Feb. 7, with recovery remaining uncertain. The disruption adds pressure to Kazakhstan’s exports, most of which rely on the Caspian Pipeline Consortium route. Ron Bousso, Reuters, January 27
East Asia
How is China positioning itself as Iran’s regime teeters? China views Iran as a useful but noncritical partner, with priorities that center on stability, continued access to Iranian oil exports, and blocking a shift in Tehran toward Washington. The relationship favors Beijing, since Iran depends on China far more than China depends on Iran. Economic ties hinge on energy trade and a 25-year cooperation agreement, yet promised investments have moved slowly. Security cooperation includes exercises and selected arms and dual use support, without Chinese security guarantees. If Iran’s regime collapses, Beijing would protect its people and assets, seek steady oil flows, cultivate the next government, and keep a watchful eye on its own population. Ryan Hass and Allie Matthias, Brookings, January 27
Hainan is where China tests its next opening model. Hainan Free Trade Port entered “sealed-operation” status in December 2025 as a test bed for institutional opening in data governance, intellectual property, the digital economy, finance, talent mobility, and alignment with high-standard trade rules. The model targets ecosystem building and two-way cooperation rather than tax incentives. Hainan and Singapore hold complementary roles under RCEP and supply chain shifts, with Singapore providing finance, legal frameworks, and project governance and Hainan offering access to China’s market, industrial capacity, and innovation resources. The effort responds to a post-WTO setting shaped by technology, green transition, finance, and talent flows, while success depends on legal stability, governance capacity, and professional services. Gu Qingyang, ThinkChina, January 27
Can zero-tariff policy rebalance China-Africa trade? China expanded zero-tariff access from African LDCs to all African countries except Eswatini in summer 2025, removing tariffs on imports from Africa. China has run a trade surplus with Africa since 2015, and African exports to China remain concentrated in minerals and other primary goods, while Africa’s imports from China rise faster, leaving a $60 billion deficit. A 2021 FOCAC “Green Channel” lifted agricultural trade to $9.35 billion in 2023, yet agriculture stayed 3.3% of total China-Africa trade. Duty-free access alone does not change trade structure, but it can attract investment and processing changes into Africa that build skills and capacity and support industrial and digital upgrading. Yun Sun, Brookings, January 27
Inside Japan's long battle to 'de-Chinafy' its rare earth supply chain. Japan is testing deep-sea rare earth resources near Minamitorishima while cutting exposure to a China-dominated supply chain that has faced export curbs during political disputes. Policy uses four tracks: alternative supply investment, strategic stockpiles, recycling, and product designs that limit rare earth use. JOGMEC backed Lynas in Australia, studied projects in Namibia, held stockpiles estimated at six to 12 months, and invested in refining and recycling in France. Firms developed substitutes, including Mitsuba ferrite magnets adopted by major automakers and Astemo EV motors that avoid rare earths. Dependence on Chinese rare earths fell to about 60% from almost 90% in 2010, yet losses could reach 660 billion yen after three months of controls. Nikkei Asia, January 27
Deepening U.S.-Japan Economic Ties Through Workforce Development Cooperation. Japanese investment in the United States remains strong, with the July 2025 U.S.-Japan agreement and a $550 billion strategic investment initiative tied to tariff restraint if Japan funds projects. Japan held $820 billion of U.S. inward FDI stock in 2024, or 14%, ranking first for a sixth year. A November 2025 JETRO survey found 48% of Japanese-affiliated firms plan expansion within two years, while 30% expect profit declines and almost 70% report tariff harm, with a 15% reciprocal tariff raising procurement costs. Labor shortages and wage pressures also constrain operations, making joint workforce pipelines a shared priority, including the UPWARDS for the Future Network linking Tokyo Electron, Micron, and 11 universities. Taisuke Kassai, CSIS, January 27
Taiwan’s Backdoor Currency Manipulation. Taiwan’s central bank denies targeting the exchange rate, yet interventions rise when the Taiwan dollar nears 28 to 29 per US dollar. Life insurers hold about US$700 billion in foreign currency assets, leaving about US$500 billion exposed against Taiwan dollar liabilities. Regulators let insurers spread foreign exchange gains and losses on hold to maturity foreign bonds across a bond’s life, which cuts pressure to hedge. Hedging costs have exceeded net income since 2019, and hedge ratios fell in 2025, requiring dollar purchases that keep the Taiwan dollar weak despite a trade surplus near US$150 billion tied to AI chip exports from TSMC. The shift eases central bank intervention limits tied to US Treasury monitoring and works as backdoor currency support. Brad W. Setser, Council on Foreign Relations, January 27
Southeast Asia
Indonesia should reconsider decision to join Trump's Board of Peace. Indonesia’s entry into the U.S.-led Board of Peace for Gaza trades legal consistency for access to power and lends legitimacy to a forum designed for postwar management, not political settlement. The structure prioritizes coordination among external actors and excludes Palestinians as political participants, which turns peace into administration and sidelines accountability while military operations continue and allegations of humanitarian law violations remain unresolved. Indonesia has built a diplomatic standing on support for international law, Palestinian self-determination, multilateral process, and proceedings at the International Court of Justice, so joining an ad hoc mechanism outside binding legal frameworks undercuts credibility. Humanitarian aid delivery cannot substitute for political progress and can stabilize injustice when responsibility is ignored. Participation also normalizes governance models that bypass legal constraint, a precedent with implications for Asia’s own contested conflicts. Indonesia lacks leverage inside the forum, so the role is symbolic and carries reputational cost without influence. Virdika Rizky Utama, Nikkei Asia, January 27
Singapore must balance growth and social mobility. Singapore’s 2025 election gave the PAP 65.6 percent of the vote and 87 of 97 seats under Prime Minister Lawrence Wong. Output rose 4.8 percent as demand for electronics and semiconductors surged with the AI boom, and inflation forecasts stayed between 0.5 and 1 percent, supporting real wage gains. Trade shocks from conflicts and US tariffs had limited impact on exports, aided by a location based strategy that drew over US$1.3 billion in private AI investment and US$25.5 billion in technology investment. Labor market gaps appeared among older workers and new graduates, and three in ten citizens used full training allowances. Means-tested support reduced inequality yet many households returned to assistance within three years, renewing debate on unconditional cash transfers. Chang Yee Kwan, East Asia Forum, January 27
South Asia
Pakistan’s generals reap the rewards from great power politics. Pakistan’s army moved from hybrid rule to open military primacy in 2025 as parliament and courts ceded authority through new legislation. Former prime minister Imran Khan remained jailed, and UN Special Rapporteur Alice Jill Edwards cited reports of harsh conditions at Adiala Jail. A May 2025 India-Pakistan clash and a Trump-backed ceasefire strengthened ties with Washington and enabled constitutional changes that made General Asim Munir a field marshal, created a Chief of Defence Forces post, and granted lifetime legal immunity. Violence from the TTP and Baloch separatists rose, and Pakistan sought leverage from US rivalry with China and Russia, Saudi security ties, and IMF and World Bank support, while public trust stayed weak. Imtiaz Gul, East Asia Forum, January 27