China
U.S. hearing weighs higher tariffs over alleged forced labour, targeting China. China’s labor practices came under scrutiny during a U.S. government hearing on proposed tariffs for goods linked to forced labor. The USTR is considering 10% to 12.5% tariffs on imports from 60 economies, with Chinese-linked supply chains including cotton, polysilicon, and critical minerals highlighted. Labor advocates supported tougher tariffs, while business groups warned that broad measures could raise costs without fixing abuses. Han Li, South China Morning Post, July 8
Japan
Diet to debate imperial reform bill after olive branch from LDP. Japan’s ruling and opposition parties agreed to begin deliberations on Imperial House Law revisions after the LDP and Nippon Ishin postponed a bill to reduce Lower House seats. The talks are expected to start on July 10, before the Diet session ends July 17. The LDP also agreed to consider an opposition request for a Budget Committee meeting attended by Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi. The Asahi Shimbun, July 8
Japan to add BOJ independence reference to economic blueprint, source says. Japan’s government plans to add an explicit reference to Bank of Japan independence in its economic blueprint to address market concerns over political interference in monetary policy. The revision will cite the BOJ Act’s requirement that the central bank’s autonomy over currency and monetary control be respected, after earlier wording failed to calm bond markets. Tamiyuki Kihara, Yoshifumi Takemoto, Kiyoshi Takenaka, and Makiko Yamazaki, Reuters, July 9
South Korea
South Korea's Supreme Court upholds lower court ruling in ex-president Yoon's obstruction case. South Korea’s Supreme Court upheld former President Yoon Suk Yeol’s seven-year prison sentence for obstructing authorities’ efforts to arrest him over his 2024 martial law declaration. The court also upheld findings that Yoon fabricated documents, failed to follow legal procedures for imposing martial law, and spread false information to foreign media. His lawyers said they would seek constitutional review. Heejin Kim, Joyce Lee, and Kyu-Seok Shim, Reuters, July 9
Trump seems not to rule out building U.S. military ships he requested in S. Korea: presidential official. A South Korean presidential official said Donald Trump does not appear to rule out having U.S. military ships built in South Korea after raising the idea with President Lee Jae Myung. Trump first made the request at the G7 summit in France and discussed it again with Lee during a NATO summit dinner in Ankara, though working-level talks are needed to clarify details. Park Boram, Yonhap News Agency, July 9
Lee, Mongolian president pledge closer cooperation on critical minerals, trade, advanced tech. South Korean President Lee Jae Myung and Mongolian President Ukhnaa Khurelsukh pledged closer cooperation on trade, critical minerals, supply chains, AI, digital transformation, science, and technology during a summit in Ulaanbaatar. The leaders agreed in principle on a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement, set a goal of US$1 billion in annual bilateral trade by 2030, and signed 21 agreements and memorandums of understanding. Park Boram, Yonhap News Agency, July 9
North Korea
North Korea’s premier heads to China for defence treaty anniversary as allies extend thaw. North Korean Premier Pak Thae-song is visiting China for the 65th anniversary of the China-North Korea Treaty of Friendship, Cooperation, and Mutual Assistance, Beijing’s only formal defense pact. The trip follows Xi Jinping’s recent visit to Pyongyang and signals improving ties after pandemic-era border closures and North Korea’s closer military alignment with Russia. China remains North Korea’s key economic lifeline. Xinlu Liang, South China Morning Post, July 9
Vientam
Vietnam hails conclusion of EFTA FTA talks after over a decade, paving way for greater Europe ties. Vietnam welcomed the conclusion of free trade talks with the European Free Trade Association after 14 years, calling the agreement a milestone in expanding ties with Europe. The pact covers goods, services, investment, intellectual property, procurement, sustainable development, small businesses, and capacity-building cooperation. Vietnam and EFTA members will work toward signing and implementation. Vietnam News, July 9
Myanmar
ASEAN foreign ministers to hold meeting with Myanmar counterpart at weekend. ASEAN foreign ministers will hold an informal meeting with Myanmar’s counterpart in Bangkok on July 12, Thailand and Vietnam said. The meeting comes as Myanmar’s army-backed government seeks relief from ASEAN restrictions imposed after the 2021 coup and civil war. Vietnam said the meeting would allow ministers to exchange views, strengthen cooperation, and promote reconciliation dialogue in Myanmar. Khanh Vu and Devjyot Ghoshal, Reuters, July 9
Putschist president announces 43 changes to Myanmar’s Constitution. Min Aung Hlaing sent 43 proposed constitutional amendments to Myanmar’s military-dominated parliament, though the draft changes and debate schedule were not disclosed. The proposals include changes requiring either referendum approval or a 75% parliamentary majority, with possible restrictions on senior posts, longer terms for the Constitutional Tribunal and Union Election Commission, and limited state and regional constitutional powers. The Irrawaddy, July 9
Cambodia
Thailand using maritime dispute to stall land border talks, Cambodian official says. Cambodian Senate official Ouch Borith said Thailand is using UNCLOS procedures over overlapping maritime claims to delay Joint Boundary Commission talks on the land border. Cambodia invoked compulsory conciliation after Thailand terminated the 2001 memorandum on the overlapping claims area, while Borith said Bangkok has used that move to suspend demarcation work and create facts on the ground. Meng Seavmey, Cambodianess, July 9
Philippines
Philippines rejects Chinese scholars' claim over its island province near Taiwan. Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro rejected as baseless and ludicrous assertions by Chinese scholars that Batanes belongs to Beijing. Chinese state-run media reported that scholars argued Batanes was a natural extension of Taiwan and therefore belonged to China, though Beijing has not formally endorsed the position. Teodoro said the claim was concerning and should be challenged. Nestor Corrales, Reuters, July 9
Palace: VP Sara never detailed alleged kill plot. Malacañang said Vice President Sara Duterte has not substantiated the alleged “Operation Romanov” plot that her defense cited to justify threats against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., first lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, and former speaker Martin Romualdez. Senate officials said security and administrative arrangements are ready if Duterte attends her impeachment trial, while Zuleika Lopez is expected to testify on July 14. Catherine S. Valente, Bernadette E. Tamayo, Javier Joe Ismael, and Red Mendoza, The Manila Times, July 9
Prosecution panel gives impeachment trial performance a score of 10. The House prosecution team gave itself a perfect score for the first week of Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment trial, saying it achieved all objectives. Lead prosecutor Gerville Luistro said the panel explained the trial’s broader importance, presented NBI special agent John Mark Calilung as its first witness, and withstood defense cross-examination over his testimony on Duterte’s Zoom press conference. Red Mendoza, The Manila Times, July 9
Indonesia
Indonesia, Russia deepen IP partnership to boost innovation. Indonesia’s Ministry of Law and Russia’s Rospatent signed an MoU in Geneva to strengthen intellectual property cooperation and expand opportunities for Indonesian innovators in the Russian market. The initiatives include digital data use, patent analysis, IP valuation capacity building, information exchange, geographical indication protection, WIPO cooperation, and possible Patent Prosecution Highway implementation to accelerate patent examinations. ANTARA News, July 9
Taiwan
Taiwan pushes back at China patrols with Coast Guard trip for foreign lawmakers. Taiwan took foreign lawmakers on a Coast Guard patrol around Kinmen to draw attention to Chinese patrols near Taiwan-controlled waters. Seven foreign lawmakers and two Taiwanese lawmakers joined the 90-minute trip, which officials said was meant to show pressure from China. Beijing criticized the visit, while Taiwan said China has no right to claim maritime jurisdiction over the island. Ben Blanchard and Yi-Chin Lee, Reuters, July 9
Ex-DPP staffer receives 10 years for developing spy network for China. Taiwan’s High Court sentenced former Democratic Progressive Party staffer Huang Chu-jung to 10 years in prison for developing an organization on behalf of China. Prosecutors said Huang was recruited by Chinese intelligence agents, recruited then-DPP staffer Chiu Shih-yuan, and tried to recruit former foreign minister adviser Ho Jen-chieh to gather classified information. The ruling can be appealed. Liu Shih-yi and Evelyn Kao, Focus Taiwan, July 9
Kazakhstan
Kazakhstan’s Persian Gulf port plan faces new Iran risk. Kazakhstan’s 27-year agreement to build a logistics terminal at Iran’s Shahid Rajaee Port gives Astana a possible Persian Gulf foothold while exposing the project to rising security risks around Iran and the Strait of Hormuz. The $25 million plan covers a 15-hectare logistics center tied to the International North-South Transport Corridor, but war risk, sanctions, insurance costs, and disrupted shipping could affect use of the route. Stephen M. Bland, The Times of Central Asia, July 9
Kazakhstan tightens control over petroleum products. Kazakhstan is tightening control over petroleum products as Russian gasoline shortages and Gulf tensions strain regional markets. Officials set up police checkpoints on nearly 60 roads near the Russian border to curb “gasoline tourism,” limited vehicles to one border crossing per day, and plan to extend a petroleum export ban through May 22 next year. Kyrgyzstan has asked Astana for an exemption. Eurasianet, July 9
Kyrgyzstan
Fuel squeeze leaves Kyrgyzstan competing for costly alternatives. Kyrgyzstan is seeking alternative fuel supplies from China and Belarus as Russian refining disruptions expose its dependence on Moscow. China has confirmed 3,000 tons of jet fuel, while Belarus has agreed to supply 3,000 tons of jet fuel and about 10,000 tons of diesel. Alternatives from Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, and China remain costly or logistically difficult, leaving Bishkek exposed to regional competition. The Times of Central Asia, July 9
East Asia
A new risk framework for Chinese technology products and investments. The United States needs a coordinated process for assessing Chinese technology products, services, and investments as risks expand across connected devices and supply chains. A National Security Council-led framework, with the Bureau of Industry and Security as coordinator, would identify data, cybersecurity, supply chain, industrial, job, and influence risks, weigh benefits such as lower costs and innovation, use tailored mitigation tools, increase transparency, gather feedback, and monitor ongoing market conditions. Kyle Chan, Brookings, July 9
China may struggle to fund Xi Jinping’s tech dreams. China’s technology ambitions require vast capital for artificial intelligence, robotics, manufacturing, fusion, and other frontier sectors. Equity fundraising, state-directed funds, IPOs, and corporate venture investments have returned after earlier crackdowns. Yet capital allocation follows party priorities, with regulators steering listings toward favored hardware firms. State involvement brings policy strings, weak innovation incentives, retail speculation, and investor caution, leaving state banks prominent and Xi Jinping’s goals harder to fund at scale. The Economist, July 9
Purged generals, flying missiles: China’s military paradox. China’s missile tests signal that the PLA’s strategic nuclear deterrent remains intact despite sweeping anti-corruption purges. Public launches of land-based and submarine-launched missiles aim to counter doubts about corruption in the Rocket Force and defense industry. The tests warn the United States and allies that China retains long-range strike and second-strike capacity, while questions remain over command, morale, joint operations, regional arms responses, and strategy before PLA centenary year 2027. Sim Tze Wei, ThinkChina, July 9
What China’s submarine missile test reveals about its nuclear strategy. China’s July submarine-launched missile test demonstrated an integrated second-strike system involving submarine, missile, crew, communications, and command. Paired with the 2024 land-based ICBM test, the launch showed Beijing seeking survivable retaliation before accepting arms limits. The display targets Washington and other nuclear powers, supports China’s selective transparency, and may deepen regional security dilemmas as allies invest in warning, anti-submarine warfare, intelligence, and deterrence across a tense Asian environment around China. Hao Nan, ThinkChina, July 9
The Propaganda Promise of AI. China Daily is making artificial intelligence central to external propaganda by turning AI from an audience analysis tool into an action tool for rapid content production. Its AI Inspiration Studio creates videos that respond to disputes over Japan, Taiwan, Greenland, tariffs, and US policy. Qu Yingpu links this move to media integration, AI-driven operations, and overseas partnerships, but strict political control may constrain creativity and audience impact in global campaigns. David Bandurski, China Media Project, July 9
Southeast Asia
Bangkok seeks to spearhead ASEAN re-engagement with Myanmar. Thailand is seeking to guide ASEAN toward constructive engagement with Myanmar before its 2028 chairmanship, arguing that current regional policy has produced limited progress. Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul’s stable government frames dialogue as a path to border security, reduced crime, refugee management, and regional relevance. The plan centers on ASEAN chair support, the Troika, and the three Rs of regionalism, relevance, and resilience, while leaving justice and settlement questions unresolved. William J Jones, East Asia Forum, July 9
Prabowo’s Nutrition Agency Shake-Up Reveals Deeper Structural Problems. President Prabowo’s replacement of Dadan Hindayana at the National Nutrition Agency leaves the Free Nutritious Meals program facing corruption, fiscal strain, contractor incentives, and weak community oversight. The program consumes about 7 percent of Indonesia’s budget and has reached 62.4 million beneficiaries. Reform requires grassroots participation, independent audits, removal of foundation contractors, and a shift from rent distribution toward nutrition goals for women, toddlers, vulnerable regions and health outcomes. Made Supriatma, FULCRUM, July 9
South Asia
Is Pakistan turning its side of Kashmir into another Balochistan? Pakistan’s ban on the Joint Awami Action Committee, internet shutdowns, paramilitary deployments, and clashes in Azad Jammu and Kashmir expose tensions behind Islamabad’s autonomy claims. The dispute over refugee-reserved legislative seats challenged a mechanism of federal leverage. Criminalizing civic protest risks narrowing peaceful politics and echoing Balochistan. Domicile rules for contested seats, a negotiation forum, and credible July elections offer paths to reduce unrest and limit insurgency risks in Kashmir. Salman Rafi Sheikh, Nikkei Asia, July 9
Oceania
Australia tests domestic justice for international crimes. Australia is moving toward domestic prosecutions for international crimes committed abroad, with charges against two former soldiers from Afghanistan investigations and four women connected to ISIS. The Criminal Code permits cases over war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide outside Australia, but jury trials, unanimity rules, evidentiary issues, and Attorney General consent create hurdles. Stronger investigative capacity and engagement with regional civil society could support future accountability beyond Australian nationals. Sarah Williams, Natalie Hodgson, East Asia Forum, July 9