China
China’s Communist Party tops 100 million members but growth is slowing. The Chinese Communist Party reached 100.27 million members by the end of 2024, marking a 1.1% increase, though growth has steadily slowed due to more stringent political screening. Younger membership declined while those over 61 rose to 29%. Officials cite efforts to prevent corruption by ensuring candidates show strong ideological conviction. William Zheng, South China Morning Post, June 29
Video teases new Chinese blackout bomb that can knock out enemy power stations. China’s state broadcaster shared footage of a graphite bomb designed to disable power grids by dispersing carbon filaments from submunitions. The missile, reportedly developed by CASC, targets electrical infrastructure with a 290km range and 490kg warhead. Its depiction sparked speculation about potential deployment against Taiwan. Past PLA variants were lighter, with recent designs possibly incorporating satellite-guided precision. Enoch Wong, South China Morning Post, June 29
Xi stresses advancing full, rigorous Party self-governance through forging good conduct. Xi Jinping called for intensified efforts in self-reform and discipline within the Communist Party of China during a Politburo study session, urging adherence to the central authorities' eight-point rules. He emphasized strict regulation of power, strong deterrents against misconduct, and reinforced Party spirit, particularly among senior cadres, to ensure governance effectiveness amid complex challenges. Global Times, June 30
Japan
Ishiba, Noda rule out possibility of grand coalition after election. Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba and opposition leader Yoshihiko Noda rejected the idea of a post-election grand coalition, asserting that alliances require broad policy agreement, not single-issue cooperation. Both emphasized maintaining ideological distinction, with Noda favoring collaboration with like-minded opposition parties over the ruling LDP. The discussion took place during a convention hosted by Reiwa Rincho. Kae Kawashima, Shohei Sasagawa, The Asahi Shimbun, June 30
China lifts 22-month ban on Japanese seafood imports. China has ended its nearly two-year suspension of Japanese seafood imports imposed over concerns regarding Fukushima wastewater discharge. Imports from most Japanese regions will resume, although a ban persists on 10 prefectures, including Fukushima. The decision follows water sampling by China, which found no abnormalities. Japan must now provide compliance and origin certifications for seafood exports. Associated Press, June 30
South Korea
Special counsel rejects ex-President Yoon's request to postpone martial law questioning. South Korea’s special counsel denied former President Yoon Suk Yeol’s second request to delay questioning over his alleged attempt to impose martial law in 2023. Prosecutors insisted questioning proceed Tuesday, rejecting claims that Yoon's health and court obligations warranted further delay. They warned a detention warrant could follow if he defies the order. Kim Seung-yeon, Yonhap News Agency, June 30
New appointments signal president’s push on prosecution reforms. South Korean President Lee Jae Myung appointed Rep. Jung Sung-ho as justice minister and former prosecutor Bong Wook as senior civil affairs secretary to advance a sweeping prosecution reform agenda. The plan includes shifting investigative powers to a new agency, curbing prosecutorial authority while retaining oversight. The move signals a break from past administrations and is expected to intensify political divisions. Bahk Eun-ji, The Korea Times, June 30
North Korea
North Korea's Kim seen draping coffins with flag at Russia treaty anniversary. Kim Jong Un was photographed placing flags on coffins during a gala in Pyongyang marking the anniversary of a military treaty with Russia, amid tributes to North Korean troops allegedly deployed in support of Moscow’s war in Ukraine. The event highlighted military solidarity between the nations and was attended by Russian Culture Minister Olga Lyubimova. Joyce Lee, Jack Kim and Hyun Young Yi, Reuters, June 30
N. Korea executes 23 defense workers in brutal crackdown. North Korea’s State Security Bureau executed 23 workers in Jagang province munitions factories for “counterrevolutionary acts” including smuggling information, hoarding media, and criticizing defense policies. Some family members were also punished. The crackdown, ordered by Kim Jong Un, has disrupted operations and caused factory output to drop nearly 15%. Experts view it as an effort to suppress South Korean cultural influence. Jeong Tae Joo, Daily NK, June 30
Thailand
PM could face court test. Thailand’s Constitutional Court will decide whether to accept a petition accusing Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra of ethical misconduct over a leaked call with Cambodian Senate President Hun Sen. The call included remarks seen as compromising national interests. If accepted, the petition could lead to her suspension. Analysts suggest potential fallout may include public protests or a cabinet reshuffle. Aekarach Sattaburuth, Bangkok Post, June 30
Bhumjaithai drafts censure motion against PM over Hun Sen call. The Bhumjaithai Party has prepared a no-confidence motion against Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, citing her controversial call with Cambodian Senate President Hun Sen as a threat to national security. The party claims her deferential tone and criticism of a Thai army commander compromised national interests. Support from the Palang Pracharath Party has been secured, with other opposition blocs to follow. Apinya Wipatayotin, Aekarach Sattaburuth, Bangkok Post, June 30
Vietnam
Two-tier local government model to better public service delivery: Deputy PM. Vietnam’s two-tier local government system launches July 1, aiming to streamline administration and enhance public services by reducing 63 provinces to 34 and over 10,000 communes to 3,321. Deputy PM Nguyễn Hòa Bình said the reform simplifies governance, supports economic restructuring, and expands digital services. Infrastructure initiatives and AI-powered platforms are central to the overhaul. Vietnam News, June 30
Myanmar
Former speaker of Mandalay Region parliament dies in junta custody. Aung Kyaw Oo, a 69-year-old National League for Democracy politician and former speaker of the Mandalay Region parliament, died while receiving emergency treatment at Mandalay’s Obo Prison. He had been serving a five-year sentence since the 2021 military coup. Party members reported he had no prior serious health issues and died after suddenly experiencing breathing difficulties. Nay Min Ni, Myanmar Now, June 30
Laos
Laos-China Railway hits new milestone as cargo value soars past USD 1.4 billion. The Laos-China Railway transported over 2.48 million tonnes of goods worth USD 1.4 billion between January and May 2025, with freight volume and value rising 7.9% and 33.2%, respectively. The line now moves more than 3,000 product types, cutting transport costs by up to 40% and strengthening regional trade under China's Belt and Road Initiative. Namfon Chanthavong, The Laotian Times, June 30
Philippines
‘Open Bicam’ gets bipartisan support. Lawmakers from various parties endorsed Leyte Rep. Martin Romualdez’s call to open bicameral budget hearings to the public in the 20th Congress, citing transparency and democratic accountability. Minority leader Marcelino Libanan praised the move, while ACT Teachers Rep. Antonio Tinio urged genuine openness beyond optics. The proposal is seen as bolstering Romualdez’s bid to retain the speakership. Jeannette I. Andrade, Philippine Daily Inquirer, June 30
Most Filipinos back return to ICC – poll. A June 30 OCTA Research survey found that 57% of Filipinos support the country’s return to the International Criminal Court, while 37% oppose and 6% are undecided. Awareness of the ICC stands at 85%, rising after former president Rodrigo Duterte's March arrest for crimes against humanity. Support spans all demographics, though it is lower in Mindanao and Class E. Kristina Maralit, The Manila Times, June 29
Philippines says military leaders working to set-up 'one-theatre' approach in East, South China seas. Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro stated that military officials from aligned nations are coordinating a unified operational strategy across the East and South China seas to enhance defense synergy. The initiative, led by the “Squad” group—Australia, Japan, the Philippines, and the U.S.—aims to improve intelligence sharing and domain awareness. Mikhail Flores, Reuters, June 30
Indonesia
Prabowo to attend BRICS Summit despite Xi Jinping, Putin’s absence. President Prabowo Subianto will travel to Brazil for the July 6–7 BRICS Summit, marking Indonesia’s first participation since joining the bloc in January. Despite confirmed absences from China’s Xi Jinping and Russia’s Vladimir Putin, Indonesia affirmed attendance based on national priorities. Prabowo’s foreign policy maintains non-alignment while exploring BRICS-backed economic initiatives, including potential membership in the New Development Bank. Jayanty Nada Shofa, Jakarta Globe, June 30
Indonesia offers U.S. opportunity of critical minerals joint investment as part of tariff talks. Indonesia has proposed a joint investment initiative in critical minerals to the United States amid ongoing tariff discussions. Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto confirmed the project would involve Indonesia’s sovereign wealth fund, Danantara Indonesia. The offer is part of Jakarta’s broader strategy to deepen economic ties with Washington while leveraging its resource base. Stefanno Sulaiman, Reuters, June 30
Malaysia
Anwar leads trade mission to Italy, France and Brazil ahead of Brics Summit. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim will visit Italy, France, and Brazil from July 1 to 7 to boost trade and diplomatic ties ahead of attending the 17th BRICS Summit. The mission includes business roundtables, bilateral meetings, and engagements with local Muslim leaders and the Malaysian diaspora. Malaysia aims to promote multilateralism and ASEAN interests as BRICS Partner Country and ASEAN Chair for 2025. Malay Mail, June 30
Northeast Asia
U.S. Hooked on China — Drip by Drip. The United States is entangled in a structural dependency on China, not through overt embargoes, but via strategic, administrative throttling of critical material supplies. China controls the global processing of essential inputs like rare earths, gallium, and graphite, subtly manipulating availability to maintain leverage without provoking a decisive response. This calculated uncertainty undermines U.S. trade resilience, paralyzes investment in alternatives, and destabilizes supply chains vital to both economic and defense sectors. Instead of cutting supply, China modulates it, creating a climate of anxiety and strategic paralysis. This dependency stems not from coercion but from decades of American policies favoring offshoring and financialization over industrial robustness. Warwick Powell, CHINA US Focus, June 30
China's Go-Local Vision for Global Messaging. China is expanding its global communication strategy through a decentralized network of local “international communication centers” (ICCs), aiming to increase its global narrative power by involving regional media, businesses, and educational institutions. This change, guided by Xi Jinping’s call to “tell China’s story well,” marks a move from centralized state messaging to coordinated, localized efforts termed “multi-stakeholder collaborative cross-cultural communication.” Cities like Shanghai and Guangzhou show greater potential, with platforms like ShanghaiEye reaching millions abroad. However, most ICCs remain superficial, yielding minimal international traction. Despite the strategy’s scale, its effectiveness is undercut by political rigidity and a top-down structure that prioritizes internal validation over genuine global engagement. David Bandurski, China Media Project, June 30
China’s ‘small’ BRI still thinks big: The return of grand infrastructure. Despite a rhetorical pivot toward “small and beautiful” projects, China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) is witnessing a resurgence of major cross-border rail ventures. These include the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan Railway, a China-Vietnam link, and a revived transcontinental “Two-Ocean Railway” in South America. Though newer projects diversify funding sources and focus on sustainability, large-scale rail infrastructure remains central, with projects financed through blended models involving Chinese policy banks and international partners. These efforts improve logistics and trade connectivity while showcasing China’s geostrategic priorities. The renewed focus on rail underlines a consistent infrastructural ambition beneath BRI’s evolving narrative. Chen Xiangming, ThinkChina, June 30
Iran-Israel war: What China won’t do for Iran. Iran’s 12-day conflict with Israel ended but pushed Tehran toward deeper reliance on Beijing. Parliament voted 221-0 to halt cooperation with the IAEA and accelerate its nuclear program, reflecting disillusionment with Western guarantees after U.S. strikes damaged key sites. Russian air-defence failures during the war highlighted the appeal of Chinese drones, missiles and early-warning systems, while Western sanctions and refinery losses force Iran to seek Belt and Road connectivity for economic survival. Tehran expects Chinese trade channels, port investment and diplomatic shielding at the UN, yet Beijing treats Iran as a strategic asset, eschewing mutual-defence pledges or support for weaponization to avoid secondary sanctions and preserve Gulf ties. Hao Nan, ThinkChina, June 30
Southeast Asia
Possible Conflict in the Taiwan Strait: Southeast Asia Can Help US Maintain Focus. Recent US strikes on Iran have sharpened debates over Taiwan: decisive American action could deter Beijing, but a prolonged Middle-East entanglement might embolden it. China is sustaining near-constant drills around Taiwan, simultaneously deploying both aircraft carriers and expanding missile inventories, while psychological operations erode Taiwanese faith in US support. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth warns conflict “could be imminent,” using the alarm to push the Pentagon to prioritize Asia and to press Taipei toward higher defense spending. Southeast Asian governments can reinforce deterrence by clarifying Beijing’s signals, urging Washington to match rhetoric with regional force posture, and collectively voicing support for cross-strait stability, given that war remains possible yet not immediately likely. Ryan Hass, FULCRUM, July 1
Oceania
New Caledonia’s sovereignty push meets France’s Indo-Pacific ambitions. France’s Indo-Pacific aspirations face challenges as New Caledonia’s independence movement intensifies. President Macron’s vision of regional engagement, rooted in sovereignty over overseas territories, conflicts with Kanak-led demands for self-determination. A series of referendums from 2018 to 2021 showed rising pro-independence sentiment, culminating in political deadlock and violent unrest after France widened voter eligibility without local consensus. In 2025, French minister Manuel Valls proposed a compromise: sovereignty in partnership with France, offering dual citizenship and devolved powers re-delegated by agreement. Independence leaders cautiously embraced discussions, while loyalist factions and far-right figures opposed the plan. A resolution could stabilize France’s Indo-Pacific role and reassure regional allies, but deep divisions remain unresolved. Denise Fisher, East Asia Forum, June 30