China
Rubio and Wang stress cooperation after talks in Malaysia as U.S.-China tensions simmer. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi agreed to enhance dialogue and stabilize relations during their first in-person meeting at ASEAN in Malaysia. Wang warned U.S. tariffs could disrupt global supply chains, while Rubio suggested a Trump-Xi summit is likely. Matthew Lee, Associated Press, July 11
U.S. demands clarity from allies on their role in potential war over Taiwan, FT reports. The U.S. has urged allies, including Japan and Australia, to clarify their positions in a potential conflict over Taiwan, according to the Financial Times. Elbridge Colby, U.S. under-secretary of defense for policy, led the push during recent defense talks. The request surprised some partners, given Washington’s lack of an explicit defense guarantee. Shivani Tanna, Reuters, July 12
Japan
Japan’s aid agency to issue 23 bil. yen Africa-support bonds in Aug. The Japan International Cooperation Agency will issue ¥23 billion ($160 million) in bonds next month to fund African infrastructure, education and development projects. The move aligns with the Tokyo International Conference on African Development scheduled for Aug. 20–22. Kyodo News, July 13
Ishiba taking a tougher tone against U.S. over Trump's tariffs. Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba has adopted unusually sharp language toward the U.S., declaring Japan “will not be disrespected” amid threats of a 25% reciprocal tariff from President Trump. With no trade deal in sight and an election approaching, Ishiba and other LDP leaders have criticized Washington’s tactics. Kohei Morioka, The Asahi Shimbun, July 11
South Korea
South Korean medical students to return to school, urge education reforms. South Korea’s medical students said they would resume classes after a year-long walkout, urging reforms to improve training and restore academic schedules. The Korean Medical Association called on the government to form a task force addressing long-term improvements and attracting doctors to essential fields. Heekyong Yang, Reuters, July 12
Disgraced ex-President Yoon summoned again over martial law, but attendance remains uncertain. Former President Yoon Suk Yeol has been summoned for a second time by special counsel Cho Eun-suk’s team over his failed martial law bid. Despite citing health issues, detention officials reported no medical barriers to attendance. If he refuses again, forced summons are being considered. Yoon faces charges including fabrication of documents and obstruction of justice. Yi Wonju, Yonhap News Agency, July 14
Lee's approval rating climbs to 64.6%: poll. President Lee Jae Myung’s approval rating rose for the fifth straight week to 64.6%, up 2.5 percentage points from the previous week, while disapproval fell to 30%. The Realmeter survey, conducted on 2,513 adults, shows growing support since Lee took office on June 4. A separate poll found ruling party support rose to 56.2% as opposition backing dropped. Yi Wonju, Yonhap News Agency, July 14
North Korea
North Korea’s Kim, hosting Lavrov, says he will support Russia to resolve Ukraine war. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un told Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov that Pyongyang will unconditionally support all Russian actions to address the Ukraine conflict. During Lavrov’s visit to Wonsan, both sides pledged enhanced cooperation under a defense treaty. North Korea reaffirmed its military aid, with reports estimating 12 million artillery rounds supplied to Russia. Jack Kim, Reuters, July 12
N. Korea supplies Russia with 12 million rounds of 152 mm shells: S. Korea. South Korea’s military intelligence reported that North Korea has supplied over 12 million rounds of 152 mm artillery shells to Russia, delivered in about 28,000 containers. The DIA noted Pyongyang also sent 13,000 troops since October and plans to dispatch thousands more, including sappers and construction workers, to Kursk in coming months. Kim Soo-yeon, Yonhap News Agency, July 13
Thailand
Poll: 80% of Thais want PM Paetongtarn to quit or dissolve House. A NIDA poll found that over 80% of Thais want suspended Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra to resign or dissolve the House. Of 1,310 respondents, 42.37% favored resignation and 39.92% supported a new election. Only 15.04% backed her continuation. Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha was the top choice to replace her, with 32.82% support. Bangkok Post, July 13
Thaksin hints senators seeking Paetongtarn’s removal to derail Senate election probe. Thaksin Shinawatra suggested a petition by 36 senators to remove Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra was timed to evade accountability in a vote-rigging probe implicating them. He said the goal was to topple the government before a key July deadline. The senators accused Paetongtarn of ethical violations over a call with Hun Sen. The Nation, July 13
Vietnam
Vietnamese deputy PM, FM meets with US, EC, UK officials in Malaysia. Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son held separate meetings with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, European Commission Vice President Kaja Kallas and UK Foreign Secretary David Lamy on the sidelines of the ASEAN summit in Kuala Lumpur. Discussions focused on trade, strategic partnerships, war legacy cooperation, and Vietnam’s ambitions to establish international financial centers. Vietnam News, July 12
Myanmar
Myanmar junta chief thanks Trump for shutting down VOA and RFA. Myanmar’s junta leader Min Aung Hlaing expressed gratitude to U.S. President Donald Trump for defunding Voice of America and Radio Free Asia, blaming their reporting for sanctions on Myanmar. In a letter responding to Trump’s new 40% tariffs, Min Aung Hlaing instead lauded the media cuts and asked for sanctions relief. He offered to send negotiators and proposed a reduced 10–20% tariff rate. Maung Kavi, The Irrawaddy, July 11
Laos
Laos, Russia agree to broaden multifaceted cooperation. Lao and Russian foreign ministers agreed to expand bilateral cooperation across trade, energy, education, defense, and culture during talks held on the sidelines of the ASEAN summit in Kuala Lumpur. The discussions reflected a strategic push to deepen ties, marked by a 65% rise in trade to $23.8 million in 2024 and growing collaboration in UXO clearance, healthcare, and military engagement. Phonepaseuth Volakhoun, Vientiane Times, July 14
Cambodia
Cambodia passes constitutional change allowing government to revoke citizenship. Cambodia’s National Assembly unanimously approved an amendment to Article 33 of the constitution, enabling the government to strip citizenship from individuals accused of colluding with foreign powers. Justice Minister Koeut Rith said only those who harm national interests will be affected, though rights groups warned it could silence critics. Amnesty International condemned the measure, citing risks of statelessness. Al Jazeera, July 11
Indonesia
EU, Indonesia strike political agreement to advance free trade deal. The EU and Indonesia reached a political agreement to accelerate talks on the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement, aiming to expand access to agriculture and automotive markets. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said the deal unlocks untapped potential, while Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto emphasized greater European participation in Indonesia’s economy. Julia Payne and Charlotte Van Campenhout, Reuters, July 13
EU grants Indonesia multi-entry Schengen visa as landmark trade deal nears completion. The EU has approved a multi-entry Schengen visa for Indonesian nationals making a second visit, coinciding with the conclusion of the Indonesia-EU Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement. The deal eliminates most tariffs on Indonesian exports and strengthens ties in trade, education and clean energy. The visa move is expected to boost mobility and deepen bilateral engagement. Heru Andriyanto, Jakarta Globe, July 13
Singapore
Singapore economy grows 4.3% in second quarter, avoids technical recession, advance estimate shows. Singapore’s economy expanded 4.3% year-on-year in the second quarter, surpassing forecasts and avoiding a technical recession after a revised 0.5% contraction in Q1. Quarter-on-quarter growth reached 1.4%. Officials credited a 90-day tariff reprieve and export front-loading for cushioning external shocks. Xinghui Kok, Reuters, July 13
Northeast Asia
Tariffs trump all in ASEAN’s latest get-together. Donald Trump’s latest round of tariff announcements, including 25 to 50 per cent hikes set for August 1, has escalated tensions with key trading partners like Vietnam, Brazil, and ASEAN nations, disrupting regional economic stability. At the ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Kuala Lumpur, leaders including Malaysia’s Anwar Ibrahim, Australia’s Penny Wong, and Singapore’s Vivian Balakrishnan condemned the use of tariffs as geopolitical weapons. New modeling shows these tariffs could slash Southeast Asian GDP by 2.3 per cent and reduce employment by 5.9 per cent, with retaliatory moves risking far greater economic damage. ASEAN reaffirmed commitment to RCEP and multilateralism as a buffer against protectionism, with calls growing for an RCEP Leaders’ Summit to solidify integration momentum. EAF Editors, East Asia Forum, July 13
New generation brings new challenges for China’s diaspora engagement. The rising dominance of second- and third-generation members within the 49.33 million-strong Chinese diaspora poses mounting challenges to Beijing’s outreach efforts. Unlike first-generation migrants, the new cohort is typically younger, more educated, politically active, and closely aligned with their host societies’ democratic values. This generation has been outspoken in criticizing China's domestic policies, such as during the White Paper protests. In response, Beijing has expanded digital campaigns via platforms like WeChat and TikTok while offering selective immigration incentives and cultural programs. However, heightened geopolitical tensions, suspicion of Chinese state influence, and ongoing censorship concerns have hindered these initiatives. Lacking soft power credibility, China struggles to resonate with a diaspora increasingly focused on human rights and transparency. Sheng Ding, East Asia Forum, July 12
Key challenges China’s next Five-Year Plan needs to tackle. China’s upcoming 15th Five-Year Plan must confront weak domestic demand, rising demographic pressures, and intensifying global competition. An effort should be made toward boosting household consumption through income redistribution, improved public services, and expanded fiscal support for education, elder care, and housing. With traditional growth engines like real estate and exports faltering, policymakers are advised to cultivate new productivity drivers in technology and green industries. The plan also involves restructuring supply chains and curbing overcapacity in sectors such as EVs and solar. Increasing service industries, fostering innovation through a modernized whole-nation system, and elevating consumption’s share of GDP above 50% by 2035 are identified as critical goals. Yu Hairong, ThinkChina, July 11
Southeast Asia
Prabowo’s Gulf pivot: Indonesia’s strategic realignment in a fragmented world. President Prabowo Subianto’s inaugural state visit to Saudi Arabia secured US$27 billion in agreements and formalized a strategic partnership through a new coordination council with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. This, along with recent deals involving Qatar and the UAE, marks a decisive Gulf pivot aimed at reducing reliance on Western markets and improving south-south diplomacy. Projects span energy, digital economy, and industrial co-development, including green hydrogen and nickel-based EV supply chains. Gulf partners value Indonesia’s neutrality, resource policy, and leadership within ASEAN. Prabowo’s broader vision aligns with the Golden Indonesia 2045 agenda and aims to position Jakarta as a stabilizing force in a multipolar world, linking Gulf capital with East Asian demand. Hao Nan, ThinkChina, July 11
Myanmar’s Opposition to Timor-Leste’s ASEAN Membership. Myanmar’s military junta has formally opposed Timor-Leste’s accession to ASEAN, citing the latter’s engagement with the National Unity Government (NUG) as a violation of the bloc’s non-interference principle. The move follows Timor-Leste’s meetings with exiled Myanmar officials and ongoing support for democratic restoration in the country. While ASEAN requires unanimous approval for new members, it is unclear whether Myanmar’s objection constitutes a veto, especially as it has been excluded from high-level meetings since 2021. The situation tests ASEAN’s commitment to consensus amid divergent views on democratic governance. Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has called on all member states to support Timor-Leste’s membership, showing the bloc’s broader struggle to balance principle with pragmatism. Max Lane, FULCRUM, July 14