China
China does not seek 'sphere of influence' in ties with Pacific island nations, foreign minister says. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi told Solomon Islands counterpart Rick Houenipwela that Beijing does not seek a sphere of influence in the Pacific and that cooperation comes without political conditions. The remarks followed regional criticism of China’s South Pacific missile test and coincided with pledges to expand cooperation with Solomon Islands in green energy, healthcare, and climate change. Reuters, July 14
Nvidia halves Asia buyer list in China chip crackdown. Nvidia has cut by more than half the number of Asian customers authorized to buy its AI chips after tougher compliance checks in Singapore, Malaysia, and Japan. The new white list aims to prevent chips from reaching China through third countries, with Nvidia staff inspecting data centers, verifying contracts, and interviewing end users amid U.S. pressure to close export-control loopholes. Zijing Wu, Michael Acton, and Demetri Sevastopulo, Financial Times, July 14
China purges third Politburo member in deepening anti-graft drive. Ma Xingrui was expelled from China’s Communist Party on corruption charges, becoming the third sitting Politburo member purged since 2025. Investigators accused him of arranging jobs, accepting gifts, helping relatives buy property below market value, trading power for money and sex, and enabling “family corruption,” marking another escalation in Xi Jinping’s years-long anti-graft campaign. Reuters, July 14
EU signals emergency import curbs after dramatic growth in Chinese trade gap. The European Union signaled possible case-by-case tariffs and quotas to counter a surge in Chinese imports after China’s trade surplus with the bloc grew 23.7% in the first half of the year. EU trade official Denis Redonnet said Brussels would pursue talks with Beijing while preparing protective measures to avoid deeper dependencies or an unnecessary trade war. Finbarr Bermingham, South China Morning Post, July 14
U.S. must act quickly to counter China’s growing tech progress, lawmakers told. Analysts told U.S. lawmakers that Washington must slow China’s technological momentum while accelerating American advances in AI, quantum, drones, semiconductors, and standards-setting. Witnesses said China’s state-directed model has produced major gains despite inefficiencies, while U.S. permitting delays, bureaucracy, and inconsistent policy have weakened competitiveness. Mark Magnier, South China Morning Post, July 14
Japan
Takaichi Cabinet retains high approval ratings despite challenges. Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s Cabinet retained strong public support despite opposition questioning and a turbulent final stretch in parliament. NHK polling showed approval slipping from 59% in March to 58% in July, while JNN recorded a decline from 71.8% to 65.9% as the 150-day parliamentary session neared its July 17 end. Kenji Yoshida, The Japan Times, July 14
Prime Minister’s Office to lead intelligence efforts in Japan. Japan plans to establish a national intelligence council as early as this month to strengthen government control over intelligence gathering and analysis. The council, chaired by Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, will improve coordination across agencies, while the government also considers countermeasures against foreign espionage and expanded training for intelligence personnel despite human rights concerns. The Japan Times, July 14
Japan hastily redraws AI strategy amid security fears. Japan approved a rushed revision of its national AI strategy to strengthen “AI sovereignty” and reduce dependence on specific countries or companies. The plan calls for reviewing AI laws, expanding foreign-agency cooperation, countering cybersecurity risks from powerful models, and promoting AI Transformation, with strategic focus on vertical AI in medicine and industry and physical AI in robotics and autonomous driving. Nami Sugiura, The Asahi Shimbun, July 14
South Korea
South Korea forecasts 2026 economic growth at 5-year high on AI chip boom. South Korea raised its 2026 growth forecast to 3.0%, the strongest since 2021, as booming semiconductor exports lift the economy. The finance ministry will fast-track three megaprojects covering semiconductors, AI data centers, and physical AI, while targeting higher potential growth, top-four exporter status, and gross national income per capita of $50,000. Jihoon Lee, Reuters, July 14
S. Korean FM to visit Philippines for ASEAN-related ministerial meetings. Foreign Minister Cho Hyun will visit the Philippines from July 22 for ASEAN-related meetings, including the ASEAN–Republic of Korea, ASEAN Plus Three, ASEAN Regional Forum, and East Asia Summit foreign ministers’ meetings. Cho will seek stronger cooperation on AI, cultural and creative industries, supply-chain resilience, energy, food security, and ASEAN support for Seoul’s Korean Peninsula policy. Oh Seok-min, Yonhap News Agency, July 14
Special counsel asks top court to postpone final ruling on ex-first lady in free opinion polls case. Special counsel Min Joong-ki’s team asked South Korea’s Supreme Court to postpone its ruling on former first lady Kim Keon Hee’s free opinion polls case so it can submit additional arguments after former President Yoon Suk Yeol was convicted on related charges. Kim was acquitted by an appellate court, and the special counsel has appealed. Kim Seong-hun, Yonhap News Agency, July 14
North Korea
China’s No 4 official Wang Huning to head to North Korea as visits multiply. Wang Huning will lead a Chinese party and government delegation to North Korea for an official goodwill visit, extending a series of high-level exchanges between Beijing and Pyongyang. Analysts said the trip shows both sides are deepening strategic ties and turning recent leader-level consensus into more regular party-to-party communication and cooperation. Dewey Sim, South China Morning Post, July 14
Vientam
Vietnam, Indonesia chart new strategic cooperation agenda. Vietnam and Indonesia signed a 2026–2030 action plan to implement their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership during Foreign Minister Le Hoai Trung’s visit to Jakarta. The two sides agreed to deepen cooperation in defense, security, trade, investment, agriculture, fisheries, education, tourism, innovation, energy, cross-border payments, semiconductors, electric vehicles, and the Halal industry, while coordinating on ASEAN and East Sea issues. VNA/VNS, Vietnam News, July 14
Thailand
PM Anutin pledges closer cooperation with BMA. Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul pledged closer cooperation with the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration on transport, public safety, urban development, and environmental management. Planned initiatives include lower electric train and bus fares, a common ticketing system, better transport links, use of underutilized state land for public spaces, flood prevention, air pollution controls, and improved utilities. Supoj Wancharoen, Bangkok Post, July 14
Myanmar
ASEAN envoy meets Myanmar opposition groups in Thailand. ASEAN special envoy Maria Theresa Lazaro met ethnic minority rebel representatives and Myanmar’s military-backed negotiation committee in Thailand to discuss an inclusive national political dialogue. The talks followed ASEAN foreign ministers’ first face-to-face meeting with Myanmar’s counterpart since the 2021 coup. The National Unity Government said it was not invited and questioned whether the process served ASEAN’s peace plan. Reuters, July 14
Myanmar regime rejects ASEAN peace plan, pushes for full reinstatement. Myanmar’s military regime rejected ASEAN’s Five-Point Consensus and demanded restoration of full and equal participation in the bloc. Junta Foreign Minister Tin Maung Swe told ASEAN counterparts that Myanmar would cooperate only “to the possible extent,” while ASEAN ministers maintained that the consensus remains the roadmap for addressing the crisis despite the regime’s push for normalization. Maung Kavi, The Irrawaddy, July 14
Cambodia
Japan grants $120m for deep-sea port. Japan granted about $120 million for Phase II of container terminal development at Sihanoukville Autonomous Port, Cambodia’s only international deep-sea port. Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn and Japanese Ambassador Ueno Atsushi signed the documents on July 13. The project will expand container cargo handling, improve logistics, and allow vessels to dock without water depth constraints. Meng Seavmey, Cambodianess, July 14
Philippines
Duterte says no evidence backs impeachment case against her. Vice President Sara Duterte said the impeachment complaint against her lacks evidence and that the rule of law depends on facts, not “fiction.” She accused the prosecution of inventing threats, fabricating evidence, and relying on unsupported allegations. Her defense team appointed Justin Nicol Gular as deputy spokesman and continued cross-examining NBI regional director Jeremy Lotoc. Red Mendoza, The Manila Times, July 14
Marcos leaves for Singapore for talks with Wong, business leaders. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. left for Singapore for a working visit focused on strengthening bilateral ties. Marcos will meet Prime Minister Lawrence Wong to discuss trade, investment, the environment, health, regional stability, and ASEAN centrality. He will also join a Milken Institute roundtable with business leaders following the Philippines’ recognition as an upper-middle-income country. Catherine S. Valente, The Manila Times, July 14
House prosecutor rebuts VP Duterte’s claim impeachment case lacks evidence. House prosecutor Renee Co rejected Vice President Sara Duterte’s claim that the impeachment case lacks evidence, saying the Senate proceedings have shown evidence that remains unchallenged. Co said the defense has not disputed the existence or authenticity of the video presented by prosecutors and emphasized that the complaint also includes constitutional violations, betrayal of public trust, and other high crimes. James Daniel Danio, The Manila Times, July 14
Indonesia
Indonesia urges U.S., Iran to respect Islamabad Memorandum. Indonesia urged the U.S. and Iran to respect the Islamabad Memorandum and immediately halt hostilities in the Strait of Hormuz. Foreign Minister Sugiono said Gulf stability is a direct Indonesian interest because prolonged conflict would bring immediate economic consequences for the public, while reaffirming Jakarta’s position in favor of peace, stability, and an end to attacks. ANTARA News, July 14
Iran invites Indonesia’s President to visit Tehran: MPR speaker. Iran invited President Prabowo Subianto to visit Tehran, according to MPR Speaker Ahmad Muzani, who relayed the message after attending former Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s funeral in Mashhad as a special envoy. Muzani said he had informed Prabowo of the invitation but did not know whether the president had responded. ANTARA News, July 14
Malaysia
Malaysia says it is investigating tech commune run by ex-Coinbase executive. Malaysia’s Home Affairs Ministry is investigating a digital nomad co-living community founded by former Coinbase technology chief Balaji Srinivasan after claims that it hosted Israelis in violation of immigration laws. Authorities will examine residents’ identities, nationalities, travel documents, entry purposes, local licenses, building use, and business activities tied to the Network School in Johor’s Forest City. Rozanna Latiff, Reuters, July 14
Singapore
Singapore court orders Bloomberg, reporter, to pay $356,000 for defaming ministers. Singapore’s High Court ordered Bloomberg News and reporter Low De Wei to pay S$460,000 in damages after finding that a December 2024 article defamed Home Affairs Minister K Shanmugam and Manpower Minister Tan See Leng. Bloomberg said it was disappointed, stood by its reporting, and argued that the story was accurate and served the public interest. Xinghui Kok and Jun Yuan Yong, Reuters, July 14
Taiwan
Lithuania's new PM says allowing Taiwan's de-facto embassy was 'maybe too brave'. Lithuanian Prime Minister Mindaugas Sinkevicius said the 2021 decision to allow Taiwan to open a “Taiwanese” representative office was “maybe too brave” as he sought to repair relations with China. His government aims to restore ambassador-level ties, though Sinkevicius said the relationship could be improved without changing Taiwan’s representation. Andrius Sytas, Reuters, July 14
TPP delegation begins 1st official China visit since party's founding. A Taiwan People’s Party delegation led by Lee Wei-hwa began a four-day visit to Shanghai, marking the party’s first official exchange trip to China since its founding in 2019. Lee said the trip aims to foster goodwill and dialogue, with visits to economic and historical sites, technology companies, youth entrepreneurship hubs, and Shanghai Jiao Tong University. Wu Jui-chi and Evelyn Kao, Focus Taiwan, July 14
Kazakhstan
Kazakhstan’s GDP growth tops 4% in first half of 2026 despite lower oil output. Kazakhstan’s economy grew 4.1% in the first half of 2026 despite an 8.4% decline in oil production, with non-oil sectors expanding more than 5%. Manufacturing, construction, trade, and transport generated more than 80% of GDP growth, while fixed capital investment rose 9.6%, led by information and communications, electricity supply, manufacturing, agriculture, and transport. Dmitry Pokidaev, The Times of Central Asia, July 14
China and Kazakhstan intensify nuclear ties. Kazakhstan Atomic Energy Agency Chairman Almassadam Satkaliyev toured Chinese nuclear facilities, uranium mining and fuel production sites, and research and training entities as bilateral nuclear cooperation expands. The trip followed China energy chief Wang Hongzhi’s visit to Kazakhstan and a protocol defining future cooperation, after Kazakhstan selected China National Nuclear Corp. in 2025 to build two large-scale reactors. Eurasianet, July 14
East Asia
The Hormuz Energy Crisis Generates a Tailwind for Nuclear Energy in Northeast Asia. The Hormuz crisis has raised LNG prices and shipping costs across Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan, strengthening support for nuclear power as an energy security tool. Japan is considering new reactors to meet its 2040 target. South Korea plans higher plant utilization and two new units amid strong public backing. Taiwan is reviewing reactor restarts as electricity demand grows. Political durability, licensing, staffing, safety, and construction will shape national paths. Jane Nakano, Center for Strategic and International Studies, July 14
Beijing pulls capital back toward the real economy. Beijing is redirecting capital toward manufacturing while treating finance, data, and digital activity as tools for industrial upgrading. Policy favors patient capital, long-term investment, artificial intelligence in factories, and data assets tied to production. Regulators are curbing capital idling, speculative circulation, and valuation-driven activity. The challenge is enforcement, since funds cluster in mature projects while early-stage firms lack support. Success depends on industry’s capacity to absorb capital and raise productivity. China Policy, July 14
When China’s open-source AI is a trap. China presents open-source artificial intelligence as a global public good, but the strategy serves economic influence, infrastructure sales, and competition with American firms. Low-cost models attract foreign users and support domestic applications, while Chinese rules enforce political compliance and national security priorities. Beijing may restrict access when advanced systems threaten state control or military interests. Countries seeking independence from American technology risk exchanging one dependency for another rooted in China. The Economist, July 14
How the US and China can cooperate to reduce urgent AI risks. The proposed US-China dialogue should focus on exchanging technical practices and avoid an arms control agreement. Talks should cover cybersecurity threats, weapons misuse, model failures, testing, red teaming, alignment, and containment. Export controls, access to US models, and pressure on Chinese open-source development should remain outside the forum. Delegations should combine senior officials with technical experts. Exchanges could build trust, support crisis contact, and create a foundation for international cooperation. Mark MacCarthy and Carl Schonander, Brookings, July 14
China Is Ready to Get Tough. China has moved from restrained protests toward sanctions, export controls, and pressure against states it believes challenge its interests. Greater economic strength, control of critical materials, industrial capacity, and legal tools have widened Beijing’s options. Retaliation aims to impose costs and deter pressure, yet repeated coercion may drive supply chain diversification, stronger alliances, and resistance. Effective statecraft requires calibrated responses that preserve leverage without turning tactical punishment into strategic isolation. Deng Yuwen, Foreign Policy, July 14
Japan automakers bought time with hybrids, now must spend it on software. Japanese automakers gained time by resisting rapid electric vehicle expansion and preserving hybrid strategies, which delivered sales as global EV demand slowed. Yet competition is shifting from powertrains toward software-defined vehicles led by Chinese firms with technology partners, scale, batteries, and integrated supply chains. Toyota, Honda, Nissan, and suppliers are building software and artificial intelligence capabilities, but Japan lacks a technology champion. Future success requires software, electronics, and intelligent systems. Hans Greimel, Nikkei Asia, July 14
Japan and the Philippines draw a line China cannot ignore. Maritime boundary talks between Japan and the Philippines reflect a security partnership shaped by concern over China. Defense exports, joint exercises, coast guard support, troop access, and infrastructure projects have deepened ties. The boundary in waters beside Taiwan may be symbolic because the overlap is small, yet Beijing and Taipei have reacted. Chinese patrols and past military activity show that negotiations could alter maritime conditions and expand competition around Taiwan. Lucio Blanco Pitlo III, Nikkei Asia, July 14
Southeast Asia
Indonesia should not overestimate the indispensability of its waterways. Indonesia’s waterways are trade routes, but they lack the leverage of the Strait of Hormuz because ships can bypass Malacca through longer routes. Transit fees could divert vessels, encourage projects such as the Kra Canal or Land Bridge, and reduce Indonesia’s strategic value. China and the United States would oppose restrictions on navigation. Fees could undermine the maritime legal order that supports Indonesia’s archipelagic sovereignty, national logistics, infrastructure, and development. Trystanto Sanjaya, East Asia Forum, July 14
The Politics of Indonesia’s Fiscal Recentralisation: Public Views on Regional Transfer Cuts. President Prabowo Subianto’s cuts to regional transfers have drawn broad public opposition and raised concerns about decentralisation. A national survey found that 63.3 percent of informed respondents rejected the policy, with resistance spanning regions and demographic groups. Critics say the cuts weaken elected local governments, reduce development capacity, threaten services, and shift fiscal power toward Jakarta. Continued reductions could fuel tensions before 2029 elections and distance leaders from the president. Burhanuddin Muhtadi, FULCRUM, July 14
South Asia
Iran war creates an opening for Pakistan’s maritime industry. The US–Israel war on Iran has strained Pakistan’s economy but expanded traffic through Karachi, Port Qasim, and Gwadar. Tariff cuts and revised transshipment rules helped ports capture cargo diverted from Gulf routes. Gwadar offers China a shorter energy corridor and Pakistan a chance to strengthen CPEC. Long-term gains depend on security, technical capacity, shipping logistics, and lasting changes in regional trade after conflict risks ease and traditional hubs resume operations. Muhammad Saad Ul Haque, East Asia Forum, July 14