China
Fall of top Chinese general stirs U.S. uncertainty about China’s military. The investigation of Central Military Commission vice chairman Zhang Youxia removes a key U.S. interlocutor and raises concern about instability and poor advice at the top of China’s armed forces. Former U.S. officials said Zhang was seen as a professional voice with combat experience and a rare channel for crisis communication. Analysts warned his fall could heighten miscalculation risks as China modernises its military and pressures Taiwan. Michael Martina, Trevor Hunnicutt and Mei Mei Chu, Reuters, January 28
Britain’s Starmer to meet China’s Xi in bid to reset strained ties. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer met President Xi Jinping during a four-day China trip aimed at rebuilding economic ties after years of friction. The trip, the first by a UK leader since 2018, seeks trade and investment gains while navigating tensions with the United States under President Donald Trump. The two sides are expected to announce cooperation to curb migrant-smuggling networks alongside business deals. Andrew MacAskill, Reuters, January 29
Ex-Inner Mongolia Party chief probed in corruption sweep. China’s top anti-graft watchdog is investigating Sun Shaocheng, a senior Communist Party official and former party chief of Inner Mongolia, for suspected serious violations of discipline and law. Sun, 65, has long been deployed to clean up scandal-hit regions and ministries and left his Inner Mongolia post in September. The case adds to a widening corruption crackdown targeting senior cadres this year. Feng Huamei, Caixin Global, January 29
Britain and China hail reset in ties as Starmer seeks ‘sophisticated’ relationship. Prime Minister Keir Starmer and President Xi Jinping pledged closer cooperation on trade, investment and technology during the first UK leader visit since 2018. Britain secured visa-free access for travelers and tariff cuts on whisky as firms announced new investments. Starmer said engagement would pair economic gains with frank dialogue on disagreements. Andrew MacAskill, Colleen Howe, John Geddie and Kate Holton, Reuters, January 29
Japan
Ishin’s hawkish agenda raises concerns among some within LDP. Nippon Ishin is campaigning on an aggressively conservative platform alongside Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, pushing policies that include expanding arms exports and debating nuclear sharing. The agenda has advanced measures long blocked under the former LDP-Komeito coalition, alarming moderate conservatives. Senior LDP figures warn Ishin’s push risks destabilising Japan’s defence posture and coalition balance. Shinkai Kawabe, The Asahi Shimbun, January 29
Sanseito aims to win favor with conservative voters by aligning with Takaichi. Sanseito is positioning itself as both a defender and amplifier of Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s hawkish agenda to attract conservative voters in the Lower House election. Party leader Sohei Kamiya has framed Takaichi as a natural ally distinct from the broader LDP. The strategy reflects voter alignment with her leadership rather than formal party loyalty. Himari Semans, The Japan Times, January 29
LDP on track to win standalone majority in general election. Opinion polls show the Liberal Democratic Party is likely to secure a single-party majority in the Feb. 8 Lower House election. The projected result would mark a decisive win for Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi despite the absence of Komeito backing. Polling suggests strong performance in conservative-leaning districts is driving the outlook. Himari Semans, The Japan Times, January 29
South Korea
Constitutional Court rules in favor of minor parties over proportional representation. South Korea’s Constitutional Court ruled unconstitutional a provision barring parties that win under 3% of votes from receiving proportional representation seats. Justices said the rule can block new political forces without sufficient justification and violate equality rights. The decision followed a petition by minor-party candidates challenging the Public Official Election Act. Yoo Cheong-mo, Yonhap News Agency, January 29
Industry minister meets Lutnick to discuss Trump’s threat to raise tariffs on S. Korea. Industry Minister Kim Jung-kwan met U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick after President Donald Trump threatened higher reciprocal tariffs over delays in Seoul’s legislative process. Kim said he would stress South Korea’s commitment to a bilateral trade deal that includes major U.S. investment pledges. He is also scheduled to meet other senior U.S. officials. Song Sang-ho, Yonhap News Agency, January 29
North Korea
N. Korean ruling party’s central committee elects delegates to upcoming congress. North Korea’s ruling Workers’ Party central committee elected delegates to its ninth party congress, signaling preparations for the rare five-year meeting are entering a final stage, state media said. Analysts said the step points to an early February date, pending a Politburo meeting to formally set the schedule. The congress is expected to set key policies on defense, the economy and foreign relations amid stalled nuclear diplomacy. Park Boram, Yonhap News Agency, January 30
North Korea’s Kim announces major construction projects as party congress nears. Leader Kim Jong Un set goals for large-scale construction this year, including building industrial factories across 20 regions, state media reported. The push comes as North Korea prepares for the Ninth Congress of the ruling Workers’ Party to set major policy goals. Kim said raising regional living standards would showcase national development. Joyce Lee, Reuters, January 29
Vietnam
Vietnam becomes EU’s first comprehensive strategic partner in ASEAN. Vietnam and the European Union agreed to upgrade ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership during talks in Hanoi between State President Lương Cường and European Council President António Costa. The move makes Vietnam the EU’s first partner in ASEAN at this level after 35 years of diplomatic relations. Leaders pledged deeper cooperation in trade, technology, climate action, security dialogue and multilateral coordination. Vietnam News, January 29
Joint statement on upgrading Vietnam–EU ties to Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. Vietnam and the European Union issued a joint statement detailing the scope of their new Comprehensive Strategic Partnership following President António Costa’s visit to Hanoi. The framework covers political trust, trade under the EVFTA, critical minerals, semiconductors, digital transformation, climate cooperation and maritime security. Both sides reaffirmed support for international law, multilateralism and freedom of navigation in the South China Sea. Vietnam News, January 29
Thailand
Parties set out visions for economic reforms. Economic policy representatives from eight parties competing in the Feb. 8 election presented proposals at a Bangkok Post–hosted forum focused on reviving growth amid structural weaknesses. Speakers emphasized tackling household debt, corruption and financial access while promoting SME support, export upgrades and targeted cash stimulus. Proposals also included credit bureau reform, expanded free trade talks and revitalising the Eastern Economic Corridor through digital, AI and clean-energy investment. Bangkok Post, January 29
People’s Party maintains commanding lead in national poll. The People’s Party and its prime ministerial candidate, Natthaphong Rueangpanyawut, retained a clear lead ahead of the Feb. 8 election, according to a nationwide Rajabhat Poll survey. Pheu Thai moved into second place, overtaking Bhumjaithai, while voter preference for Natthaphong rose sharply. The poll showed economic policy as the dominant factor shaping voter decisions nationwide. Prasit Tangprasert, Bangkok Post, January 29
Myanmar
Junta’s poll stacks new parliament with generals, cronies and loyalists. Myanmar’s new parliament, set to convene in March, will be dominated by the military-backed Union Solidarity and Development Party after sweeping victories in the junta-run election. The incoming legislature includes retired generals, sanctioned officials, militia patrons and junta ministers linked to post-coup crackdowns. Critics said the body is designed to entrench military rule rather than provide democratic representation. Maung Kavi, The Irrawaddy, January 29
Myanmar junta stepped up crimes against humanity before sham election, rights groups say. International rights groups said Myanmar’s military intensified airstrikes, arbitrary detentions and attacks on civilians in 2025 to secure its staged election. Amnesty International, Fortify Rights and Human Rights Watch cited widespread abuses, mass displacement and thousands of deaths in custody since the 2021 coup. The groups urged stronger international accountability and humanitarian pressure on the junta. Author, The Irrawaddy, January 29
Cambodia
Three Cambodian power workers injured by cluster munition left from border clashes. Three electricity workers were injured in Oddar Meanchey province after triggering an unexploded cluster munition, highlighting lingering dangers from recent Cambodia–Thailand border fighting. The blast occurred while the men were on duty, leaving them with a mix of serious and minor injuries, according to the Cambodian Mine Action Center. Authorities urged vigilance as clearance teams intensify work in affected areas. Meng Seavmey, Cambodianess, January 29
Phnom Penh protests Thai legal action targeting Cambodia’s top leadership. Cambodia lodged a formal protest after a senior Thai security official accused Prime Minister Hun Manet and Senate President Hun Sen of responsibility for recent border clashes. Phnom Penh said the move risks undermining ceasefire and de-escalation efforts and violates international law and ASEAN principles. Officials warned the dispute could delay the normalization of bilateral relations. Meng Seavmey, Cambodianess, January 29
Philippines
Supreme Court rejects bid to reverse its decision on Sara’s impeachment. The Supreme Court unanimously denied with finality the House of Representatives’ motion to overturn its earlier ruling that voided the impeachment of Vice President Sara Duterte. The justices reaffirmed that the fourth impeachment complaint was barred by the Constitution’s one-year rule and clarified when impeachment is deemed initiated. The ruling is immediately executory and no further pleadings will be entertained. Franco Jose C. Baroña and Catherine S. Valente, The Manila Times, January 29
Duterte appeals ICC ruling on detention. Lawyers for former Philippine president Rodrigo Duterte filed a notice of appeal challenging an ICC pretrial decision that kept him in detention pending confirmation of charges. The defense argued judges erred by refusing to consider medical reports alleging deteriorating health and cognitive condition. The Appeals Chamber is expected to issue procedural directions on whether the case will proceed in writing or through a hearing. Franco Jose C. Baroña and Reina C. Tolentino, The Manila Times, January 29
Indonesia
Indonesia may use state budget for Board of Peace contribution, Purbaya says. Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa said Indonesia may finance part of a planned $1 billion contribution to the U.S.-backed Board of Peace through the state budget, though the funding mechanism has not been finalised. He said discussions are ongoing and will proceed once President Prabowo Subianto issues formal instructions. Officials stressed the contribution would support Gaza reconstruction and does not constitute a mandatory membership fee. Celvin Moniaga Sipahutar, Jakarta Globe, January 29
Malaysia
Malaysia’s Anwar orders officials to file anti-corruption report within a week. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim gave Malaysia’s top enforcement officials seven days to demonstrate progress against corruption and smuggling, warning those unable to deliver should step aside. The closed-door ultimatum reflects growing pressure on Anwar’s reformist government to turn anti-corruption rhetoric into results amid recurring scandals and porous borders. Iman Muttaqin Yusof, South China Morning Post, January 29
Taiwan
Taiwan military practices repelling a Chinese assault from the sea. Taiwan’s armed forces simulated stopping a seaborne attack using shore-launched missiles, drones and fast patrol boats during pre–Lunar New Year drills. The exercises emphasized combat realism following recent Chinese war games around the island. Officials said integrated “kill chain” operations demonstrated layered defenses against an amphibious landing. Yi-Chin Lee, Ann Wang and Ben Blanchard, Reuters, January 29
No need to ‘pick a side’ between U.S. and China, KMT chair says. Kuomintang Chairwoman Cheng Li-wun said Taiwan does not need to choose between the United States and China, describing the U.S. as a friend and the mainland as family while calling for cross-strait reconciliation. Speaking to party leaders, Cheng said Taiwan values postwar ties with Washington but should avoid internal conflict with Beijing. She confirmed the KMT will send a delegation to Beijing for think tank exchanges to promote dialogue. Liu Kuan-ting and Matthew Mazzetta, Focus Taiwan, January 29
Taiwan’s 1st indigenous defense submarine begins submerged tests. Taiwan’s indigenous defense submarine Hai Kun, also known as Narwhal, sailed from Kaohsiung harbor to begin its first submerged sea trials, a key milestone for the program. Completion of the tests would unlock funding for seven follow-on submarines that lawmakers previously froze over delays. The builder said construction and costs remain competitive compared with foreign submarine programs. Lin Chiao-lien and Sean Lin, Focus Taiwan, January 29
Kazakhstan
Government report highlights artificial intelligence gains in Kazakhstan. A government report said Kazakhstan rose 16 places to 58th in the 2025 Oxford Insights Government AI Readiness Index, leading Central Asia but remaining mid-tier globally. Officials outlined plans to expand data centers, improve regulation and train citizens as AI adoption grows. The report warned of job displacement risks while projecting gains to productivity and GDP growth. Eurasianet, January 29
Uzbekistan
Uzbekistan non-committal on Rosatom offer to build nuclear cluster. Uzbek officials signaled caution toward Russia’s Rosatom proposal to construct a multi-reactor nuclear cluster, saying Tashkent is weighing options and timelines before committing. Authorities cited financing terms, technology choices and long-term energy demand as factors under review. The government said no final decision has been made and alternative partners remain under consideration. Eurasianet, January 29
Kyrgyzstan
Bishkek unveils new master plan for 2050. Kyrgyz authorities released a draft law setting long-term priorities for Bishkek’s development through 2050, covering transport, housing, environment and spatial expansion. The plan projects population growth to 1.9 million and proposes decentralizing jobs, new transit systems and green corridors. Public consultations are underway, with demolition and compensation provisions drawing debate. Vagit Ismailov, The Times of Central Asia, January 29
Kyrgyzstan sues Russia at EAEU court over migrant families’ health insurance. Kyrgyzstan filed a case at the Eurasian Economic Union Court accusing Russia of denying compulsory medical insurance to families of Kyrgyz migrant workers. Officials said the practice violates EAEU social protection rules covering workers and dependents. A ruling is expected within weeks and could clarify union-wide obligations. Stephen M. Bland, The Times of Central Asia, January 28
East Asia
Understanding China’s Quest for Quantum Advancement. China is pursuing a government-led quantum strategy that pairs long-term planning with heavy investment to build a full ecosystem across quantum computing, communications, sensing, materials, and quantum AI. Recent policy signals include quantum prioritization in five-year plans and a National Venture Guidance Fund approaching 1 trillion yuan, designed to channel long-horizon capital into early-stage “hard technology” firms. Regional clusters link major labs with spinout companies, patents, and risk-tolerant public finance. Technical progress spans scaling superconducting systems and expanding cloud access, building the world’s largest integrated quantum communications network, commercializing sensing components, and reporting advances in quantum memory and quantum-AI fine-tuning, alongside a push for indigenous supply chains. Hideki Tomoshige and Phillip Singerman, CSIS, January 29
How will China fill its military leadership vacuum? A sudden purge has shrunk the Central Military Commission from seven members to two after the official downfall of Zhang Youxia and Liu Zhenli. Suspicion surrounding senior figures likely blocked new appointments at the fourth plenum, leaving the next credible opening for replenishment at the expected fifth plenum later in 2026. Anti-corruption removals have depleted the pool of full generals normally eligible for CMC roles, making a partial rebuild more plausible than a return to seven. Eastern Theater commander Yang Zhibin and Central Theater commander Han Shengyan are highlighted as leading candidates, while caretaker deputies keep day-to-day operations running amid near-term hits to professional judgment. Sim Tze Wei, ThinkChina, January 29
what does Beijing mean by consumption? Beijing has recast consumption as the economy’s “stabilizer of last resort” after exports, property, and infrastructure hit limits, but treats spending as a state-managed policy object rather than an end goal. Demand is being pulled forward through fiscal subsidies such as the 2025 trade-in drive, financed by C¥300 billion in special treasury bonds to cover 15–20% of approved purchases. Administrative tools also steer what people buy by naming politically favoured “new consumption” sectors and reallocating land, credit, subsidies, and regulation to scale supply, including the “Good House” strategy to redefine housing standards and revive property-linked demand. In 2026, the policy focus moves toward “planning” incomes through a resident income increase plan and expanded social services framed as “human capital infrastructure.” CHINA POLICY, January 29
Taiwan’s new opposition leader wants to talk to Xi Jinping. Kuomintang chair Cheng Li-wun is restarting party-to-party contacts with the Chinese Communist Party after a nine-year pause and aims to visit China in the first half of 2026 to meet Xi Jinping. She is blocking major defence-spending increases in Taiwan’s legislature, arguing that security should come from “reasonable” military budgets combined with negotiations and acceptance of the 1992 “one China” consensus. Her strategy warns that a DPP victory in 2028 could end prospects for peaceful unification and cites US pressure, such as demands for 10% of GDP in defence spending and relocating 40% of Taiwan’s semiconductor industry, as evidence of wavering support. President Lai’s plans for 5% of GDP by 2030 and a US$40 billion supplementary budget face KMT resistance. The Economist, January 29
North Korea's 2025 Health Revolution. Kim Jong Un declared 2025 the “First Year of the Health Revolution,” pairing the 20×10 regional-development program with a nationwide push to build modern city and county hospitals, starting with pilot groundbreakings in February. Official language has dropped “Universal Free Healthcare System,” hospitals have shed “People’s” from their names, and reports describe posted fees and profit-seeking “Standard Pharmacies,” while policy rhetoric points to a health insurance fund as an emerging financing mechanism. The modernization drive updates equipment, personnel rotation and training led by Pyongyang institutions, digitized “smart” hospital management, and GMP-certified Koryo medicine production to offset drug shortages. Pyongyang General Hospital opened in November 2025 and three pilot local hospitals were completed by year’s end, but sustainability risks remain around medicines, electricity, staffing, and operating funds, with Russia cited as a likely external enabler. Joon Hee Han, 38 North, January 29
Southeast Asia
Tariffs and scandals tested Philippine growth in 2025. The Philippines missed its 2025 growth target as reciprocal US tariffs and corruption scandals weakened consumer and investor confidence. A 19 per cent US tariff on Philippine exports was paired with broad exemptions, while Manila faced pressure to cut tariffs on selected US imports, though full implementation remains disputed and under legal debate. The disappearance of funds for flood-control projects increased public anger and demands for accountability, alongside claims that the government and the central bank can restore stolen deposits used to pay contractors. Forecasts cited growth at 4.8 per cent for 2025 and 2026, with recovery expected later, while structural constraints keep sustainable growth near 6 per cent unless the economy moves out of low-productivity sectors and modernizes agriculture. Jesus Felipe, East Asia Forum, January 29
Rule-ignoring Trump puts Philippines and Taiwan in more vulnerable binds. Donald Trump’s dismissal of international law and reliance on coercive power is accelerating a “might makes right” global disorder, reinforced by high-profile US kinetic operations such as the capture of Venezuela’s Nicolás Maduro. A weaker rules-based order undercuts Manila’s ability to leverage the 2016 South China Sea arbitration ruling and raises doubts that allies in Europe and Canada will back Taiwan or the Philippines during a crisis. Beijing can learn operational lessons from US actions, emboldening hawks advocating “decapitation” scenarios against Taiwan and potential coercion or co-option of Philippine civilian and military elites. Such conditions could empower Beijing-friendly political forces in Taipei and pro-Duterte factions in Manila. Richard Heydarian, Nikkei Asia, January 29
Cambodia looks ahead after a turbulent 2025. Cambodia’s 2025 combined a contested leadership succession, US tariff shocks, expanding cyberscams, and a border conflict with Thailand that sharpened political and security pressures. Hun Manet’s consolidation has unfolded amid CPP anxieties about dissent, reflected in tougher penalties around Khmer Rouge atrocity denial and amendments allowing citizenship revocation for those convicted of conspiring with foreign powers. The Thailand dispute exposed defence shortfalls and raised questions about Cambodia’s capabilities and procurement, while economic headwinds included “Liberation Day” tariffs reduced from 49 to 19 per cent and slower growth estimates of 4.8 per cent in 2025 with further softness projected for 2026. Cyberscams drew increased scrutiny after a US indictment of Prince Holding Group’s chairman and his extradition to China, as Cambodia weighs recalibrating ties among China, the United States, and other partners while prioritizing border stability, anti-scam action, and national defence measures in 2026. Chansambath Bong, East Asia Forum, January 29
South Asia
Between Rivalry and Rapprochement: The Trials and Trajectory of India-China Relations. New Delhi and Beijing are rebuilding dialogue after the 2020 Eastern Ladakh standoff and the Galwan clash, reopening flights, visas, pilgrimages, and border trade while keeping large troop deployments along the Line of Actual Control. Wang Yi’s 2025 visit set up expert and working groups on boundary delimitation and border management, but the Tianjin Modi–Xi meeting produced no concrete deliverables beyond signalling continued stabilization. Three structural drivers keep rivalry dominant: overlapping regional ambitions, widening power asymmetry as China’s economy and defence spending outpace India’s, and US–China competition that pushes Beijing to view India through Washington. Indian politics remains hardened, with tighter scrutiny of trade and investment despite growing commerce and debate over selective Chinese capital. Manoj Kewalramani, FULCRUM, January 29