China
Global views of China and Xi improve as perceptions of U.S. decline, Pew survey finds. A Pew Research Centre survey found China’s global image has rebounded from pandemic-era lows while views of the U.S. have weakened. Across 20 consistently surveyed countries, China averaged 46% favorability compared with 36% for the U.S. Concerns over China’s territorial disputes remain high in Japan, the Philippines, South Korea, and Australia. Han Li, South China Morning Post, July 15
EU accuses China of seeking to reshape global order in stark new strategy paper. The European Union adopted a strategy paper accusing China and Russia of trying to reshape the global order and revive sphere-of-influence politics. The document describes Beijing as a key and crucial enabler of Russia’s war in Ukraine, warns of China’s leverage over trade, raw materials, and technology, and identifies Taiwan Strait changes as a major security risk. Finbarr Bermingham, South China Morning Post, July 15
Trump intelligence pick to play ‘helpful’ role in agreeing economic strategy with China. Jay Clayton, U.S. President Donald Trump’s nominee for director of national intelligence, told senators he could help shape economic strategy toward China. Clayton identified China, Russia, and Iran as traditional adversaries while saying Washington still cooperates economically with Beijing. Lawmakers pressed him on China’s geopolitical importance, intelligence priorities, and his financial-markets background. Lucy Quaggin, South China Morning Post, July 15
U.S. hardens AI stance on China as Anthropic calls for extending lead. Washington is moving to strengthen AI policy toward China as lawmakers prepare export-control bills and the White House coordinates cybersecurity work with U.S. AI firms. Anthropic’s Tarun Chhabra said the U.S. holds a six-to-nine-month frontier AI lead and accused Chinese labs of using unauthorized model distillation to replicate American advances. Nayan Seth and Vincent Chow, South China Morning Post, July 15
China's DeepSeek to raise fresh capital at $74 billion valuation ahead of onshore IPO, sources say. DeepSeek plans a new fundraising round at a valuation of about 500 billion yuan, or $74 billion, ahead of a possible Shanghai STAR Market IPO. The company may raise up to 50 billion yuan after securing about $7.4 billion in June, reflecting investor demand and rising costs for computing power, data centers, talent, and AI chip development. Reuters, July 15
Japan
Germany’s Merz mulling Japan visit in late Oct. with security on agenda. Germany and Japan are arranging Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s first visit to Japan as leader in late October for talks with Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi. The discussions are expected to cover drone development and deeper defense cooperation as both countries weigh risks from Russia’s war in Ukraine, the Middle East conflict, China’s assertiveness, and North Korea. KYODO NEWS, Kyodo News, July 15
As Japan’s security ties grow, defense chief pushes for international bureau. Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi said he will seek a new Defense Ministry bureau focused on international cooperation as Japan expands security ties with like-minded nations. Koizumi said the ministry’s current system is under strain and has exceeded its limits as responsibilities grow in an increasingly difficult regional security environment. Jesse Johnson, The Japan Times, July 15
South Korea
Ambassador Kang's trip home aimed at gathering input on improving ties with Washington: presidential office. South Korean Ambassador to the U.S. Kang Kyung-wha returned to Seoul for consultations on improving relations with Washington, the presidential office said. Kang will brief the foreign minister and meet officials from Cheong Wa Dae and other ministries, while speculation grew that urgent bilateral issues may include Washington’s concerns over Seoul’s investigation into Coupang’s data leak. Park Boram, Yonhap News Agency, July 15
North Korea
China's Wang Huning meets a top North Korean official in Pyongyang, KCNA reports. Chinese Politburo Standing Committee member Wang Huning met North Korean Workers’ Party official Jo Yong Won in Pyongyang after arriving with a Chinese delegation. Wang affirmed Beijing’s intent to implement agreements reached by Xi Jinping and Kim Jong Un, while Jo said North Korea seeks stronger strategic communication and tactical cooperation with China. Heejin Kim, Reuters, July 15
North Korea orders cabinet: take China’s cash, not its culture. North Korea ordered cabinet officials to separate economic gains from ideological control as ties with China warm after Xi Jinping’s visit. The directive urged flexible treatment of Chinese investors, trade procedures, and customs clearance to bolster foreign currency reserves, while tightening enforcement against Chinese cultural influence, unauthorized recordings, and rumors that Chinese media would no longer be punished. Yoon HyeSeong, Daily NK, July 15
N. Korea's women's union stresses ideological education at 1st congress in 5 years. North Korea’s Socialist Women’s Union held its first congress in five years in Pyongyang, stressing ideological education and regime unity. The ruling Workers’ Party urged members to reject capitalist ideology and defend socialist culture, while setting patriotic, class, and moral education as key tasks for the next five years. Kim Hyun-soo, Yonhap News Agency, July 15
Thailand
Senators blast People’s Party for ‘false’ poll claims. Thai senators accused the opposition People’s Party of misleading the public with claims about fraud in the 2024 Senate election and urged the Election Commission to examine whether list-MP Parit Wacharasindhu unlawfully disclosed evidence. The party said the election involved organized recruitment, payments, and inducements, while senators said the allegations damaged the chamber before any legal ruling. Arthit Khwankhom, Bangkok Post, July 15
Myanmar
Opposing sides in Myanmar conflict open to dialogue, Thai foreign minister says. ASEAN’s Myanmar envoy held separate talks with military-backed negotiators and rebel groups, with all sides recognizing that no military solution serves their interests, Thailand’s foreign minister said. Thailand is prepared to facilitate future talks and provide a venue, while ASEAN continues seeking progress under its Five-Point Consensus and hopes to meet detained former leader Aung San Suu Kyi. Reuters, July 15
Philippines
Senate least trusted govt agency, new survey says. The Senate ranked as the least trusted and least approved government institution in PUBLiCUS Asia’s second-quarter Pahayag survey, with 21% approval and 12% trust. Tesda led government agencies with 63% approval and 45% trust, while opposition senators Bam Aquino, Francis Pangilinan, and Risa Hontiveros topped favorability rankings. Franco Jose C. Baroña, The Manila Times, July 15
Defense leaves Duterte’s alleged sub judice violation to Senate impeachment court. Vice President Sara Duterte’s defense team said the Senate impeachment court should decide whether her statement on the trial violated the sub judice rule. Duterte had argued that the impeachment complaint over an alleged assassination plot lacked evidence, while defense spokesman Michael Poa declined to comment on the possible rule violation. Catherine S. Valente, The Manila Times, July 15
Indonesia
Indonesia grants visa-free entry to Kazakhstan citizens to boost tourism, investment. Indonesia granted visa-free entry to Kazakh citizens starting July 9 under a reciprocal arrangement intended to strengthen tourism, trade, investment, and bilateral relations. Ambassador Fadjroel Rachman said the policy could help double trade to about $2 billion within three to five years, while officials cited security, reciprocity, tourism, and economic potential in approving the move. Grace el Dora, Jakarta Globe, July 15
Attorney general proposes successor to suspended graft prosecutor Febrie Adriansyah. Attorney General Sanitiar Burhanuddin nominated senior prosecutor Kuntadi to replace Febrie Adriansyah as deputy attorney general for special crimes, pending President Prabowo Subianto’s approval. Kuntadi, head of the Asset Recovery Agency, is the sole nominee. Febrie was named a corruption suspect after police searches seized gold bullion and cash allegedly linked to cases he had overseen. Ilham Oktafian, Jakarta Globe, July 15
Singapore
Both sides to ensure smooth transition when S’pore takes over from Philippines as ASEAN chair: PM Wong. Singapore and the Philippines will work to ensure a smooth ASEAN chairmanship transition in 2027, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong said after meeting President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in Singapore. Wong said the countries will continue strengthening ASEAN unity and resilience while deepening cooperation in AI, the green and digital economies, renewable energy, healthcare, and people-to-people ties. Anjali Raguraman, The Straits Times, July 15
Taiwan
TSMC's second-quarter profit seen hitting record on AI boom. TSMC is expected to report a fifth straight quarter of record earnings, with April-June net profit projected to rise 59% on strong AI infrastructure demand. Analysts cited continued demand for 3-nanometer and 2-nanometer processes and CoWoS packaging, while investors will watch for updated revenue guidance and possible higher capital spending. Wen-Yee Lee and Ben Blanchard, Reuters, July 15
India
Files relating to India’s largest nuclear power plant Kudankulam exposed in data breach. Ransomware group World Leaks posted files linked to India’s Kudankulam nuclear plant, including purported blueprints, supplier details, inspection records, equipment reviews, and insurance policies. Reliance Group confirmed a partial breach involving a third-party data center server and said the government was informed. Researchers warned the files could expose support systems, suppliers, and security-chain weaknesses. Munsif Vengattil and Aditya Kalra, Reuters, July 15
Nepal
Nepal court jails 2 former ministers, 14 others over refugee scam. A Kathmandu court sentenced former Deputy Prime Minister Top Bahadur Rayamajhi to four years in prison and former Home Minister Bal Krishna Khand to two years over forged documents used to present Nepali nationals as Bhutanese refugees for U.S. resettlement. Fourteen others, including a former senior bureaucrat and refugee leader, also received prison terms. Gopal Sharma, Reuters, July 15
Kazakhstan
Kazakhstan allocates $73 million for August Kurultai elections. Kazakhstan allocated 34.3 billion tenge, about $73 million, from the government reserve to finance August 23 elections for the new Kurultai unicameral parliament. The vote follows a new Constitution that replaced the bicameral legislature. Election spending will cover more than 70,000 officials, 10,674 polling stations, ballots, equipment, voter materials, public information, and 47 new polling sites. Dmitry Pokidaev, The Times of Central Asia, July 15
Tajikistan
Tajikistan develops gender equality strategy and expands support for women. Tajikistan is developing a 2027–2036 gender equality strategy with UNICEF support while expanding programs for women’s economic participation. The plan aims to address social norms limiting opportunities, increase women’s roles in public life, and support families, alongside presidential grants for women entrepreneurs. Violence against women remains a major challenge, with more than 2,500 criminal cases opened over five years. The Times of Central Asia, July 15
Turkmenistan
Turkmenistan builds ties with Southeast Asia. Turkmenistan is expanding engagement with Southeast Asia through ASEAN talks and new energy and tourism initiatives with Malaysia. Deputy Foreign Minister Ahmet Gurbanov met ASEAN and Indonesian officials in Jakarta to discuss cooperation in trade, transport, energy, education, and tourism, while Petronas plans drilling work at Turkmen gas blocks and travel between Turkmenistan and Malaysia continues to grow. The Times of Central Asia, July 15
East Asia
A New Law Heralds China’s Fraught Ethnic Future. China’s new ethnic unity law gives Xi Jinping’s assimilation program top legislative status and makes integration a duty across the party-state. It strengthens Mandarin instruction, propaganda, migration, tourism, and interregional development while encouraging citizens to report conduct deemed harmful to unity. The measure reduces space for minority languages, religion, culture, and autonomy. It may deepen grievances, burden officials, and intensify disputes without resolving inequality, discrimination, separatist fears, or bureaucratic failures. Aaron Glasserman, Foreign Policy, July 15
China Is Sabotaging the World That Enables Its Rise. China’s rise depends on Western markets, technology, and institutions, yet Beijing’s pursuit of industrial dominance is provoking protectionism and supply chain diversification. Export-led growth, weak household consumption, and excess production deepen reliance on foreign demand while straining Europe and the United States. Continued resistance could force China to raise household income, reduce investment dependence, and rebalance growth. Failure to adjust risks trade conflict, global fragmentation, and damage to China’s prosperity. Enrico Fardella and Sergey Radchenko, Foreign Affairs, July 15
How geopolitics rewired China’s economy. China’s economy is shifting toward advanced manufacturing, technology, and higher-value exports as geopolitical pressure and industrial policy reshape investment. Restrictions from the United States have pushed resources into semiconductors, artificial intelligence, renewable energy, and equipment production. Export markets have expanded across emerging economies, while improved bilateral communication has eased uncertainty. Property weakness, fragile consumption, and uneven gains remain major constraints. Policymakers must spread innovation benefits across firms, workers, and households. Gu Qingyang, ThinkChina, July 15
China’s trade gap is narrowing. And other surprises. China’s economy grew 4.3 percent in the second quarter, its weakest pace since 2022, despite strong goods exports. Imports outpaced exports in June, narrowing the trade surplus as chip prices increased. Tax collection has climbed through inflation, enforcement, and stock trading, causing the budget deficit to shrink. Spending favors pensions, unemployment support, poverty relief, and jobs over infrastructure. China faces cooling growth, weak demand, population aging, and greater fiscal strain. The Economist, July 15
One Taiwan, two speeds: The winners and losers of the AI boom. Taiwan’s AI boom has lifted growth, exports, and stocks through its chip manufacturing and server supply chain. Gains remain concentrated in technology firms and investors, while traditional industries, service workers, and young professionals face lower wages and insecurity. Heavy borrowing has raised market risk. Competition from China, overseas production demands, and cross-strait tensions threaten Taiwan’s edge. Broader adoption of AI could spread benefits, but inequality may persist across sectors and households. Lai Oi Lai, ThinkChina, July 15
Consolidating Kim’s Rule: Constitutional Revisions, Ideological Reinforcement, and Elite Management. North Korea’s revised constitution elevates Kim Jong Un above institutions, expands his appointment and veto powers, and removes limits on his authority. New ideological language demands obedience to his leadership while reducing references to Kim Il Sung and Kim Jong Il. Memorial events, cadre training, and reshuffles reinforce loyalty and discipline. Jo Yong Won’s return to the Organization and Guidance Department signals Kim’s reliance on loyalists to control Party affairs. Gyeong Seob Oh, 38 North, July 15
More Than Smartphones: How Digital Technology Is Changing North Korea. Smartphones and services are reshaping daily life in North Korea. Electronic wallets now support retail purchases, transport, food delivery, entertainment, and foreign currency balances, giving users convenience while expanding state monitoring and tax collection. Legal scholars are examining electronic evidence, contracts, authentication, and digital government as courts confront records. State television’s advice on screen-related eye strain shows that longer smartphone and computer use has created health concerns tied to digitization. Martyn Williams, 38 North, July 15
Southeast Asia
New US Tariffs on Thailand: The Need for Market Diversification. The United States plans a 12.5 percent tariff on Thai goods after finding that Thailand lacks a legal ban on imports made with forced labor. Exemptions cover 60 percent of Thai exports to the United States, limiting the overall impact. Plastics, rubber, food products, vehicles, aircraft, vessels, and base metals face greater exposure. Thailand has little chance of avoiding the levy and should diversify export markets by industry and product. Juthathip Jongwanich and Archanun Kohpaiboon, FULCRUM, July 15
Oceania
Pacific island states can pioneer maritime decarbonisation. Pacific island states can cut shipping emissions by electrifying domestic fleets, where governments control vessels and energy systems. Short routes, fixed schedules, and frequent port calls suit battery ferries and swap systems. Progress requires renewable grids, charging infrastructure, and storage that supports power reliability. Deep-sea shipping faces fuel and engineering limits, leaving island governments with less influence. Papua New Guinea’s plans show a path toward cleaner transport and energy independence. Anthony Wiskich, East Asia Forum, July 15
The changing face of Japanese migration to Australia. Contemporary Japanese migration to Australia reflects economic insecurity, career limits, and diverse identities beyond older affluent expatriate and lifestyle patterns. Younger migrants seek higher wages and opportunity but can face occupational downgrading, temporary work, and weak recognition of Japanese credentials. Post-Fukushima families have struggled to build stable careers. Dispersed communities sustain ties through schools, associations, families, restaurants, and digital networks, revealing migration shaped by aspiration, risk, belonging, and social change. Iori Hamada, East Asia Forum, July 15.