China
Chinese foreign vice-minister Ma Zhaoxu set for U.S. visit in ‘temperature test’ for Xi. Chinese foreign vice-minister Ma Zhaoxu is expected to visit Washington next week, with a possible stop in Miami, as Beijing and Washington prepare for President Xi Jinping’s expected U.S. visit. Analysts said the trip could test the state of bilateral relations and help lay groundwork for possible leader-level meetings later this year. Dewey Sim, South China Morning Post, July 16
U.S. to toughen up visa regulations for Chinese journalists, foreign students. The Trump administration moved to impose fixed admission periods on foreign students, exchange visitors, and media visa holders, replacing open-ended “duration of status” rules. Most foreign journalists would be limited to 240-day stays, while Chinese journalists would face 90-day limits. Students and exchange visitors would be capped at four years and would need federal approval for extensions. Lucy Quaggin, South China Morning Post, July 16
Senior Chinese and North Korean officials hold talks in Pyongyang, KCNA reports. Chinese official Wang Huning met North Korean Workers’ Party official Jo Yong Won in Pyongyang, continuing high-level exchanges after Xi Jinping’s June visit to North Korea. Wang said Beijing would implement agreements reached by Xi and Kim Jong Un, while Jo said Pyongyang seeks stronger strategic communication and tactical cooperation with China. Heejin Kim, Reuters, July 15
China’s Xi to outline AI diplomacy vision at key Shanghai forum. President Xi Jinping is expected to present China’s global AI governance vision at the World Artificial Intelligence Conference in Shanghai, where Beijing will promote open-source AI as a public good and Huawei will unveil a major AI computing cluster built around Ascend processors. The forum comes as China seeks domestic alternatives to U.S. technology and greater influence over AI rules. Laurie Chen, Reuters, July 16
Chinese banks set for $41 million payday from chipmaker’s $8.6 billion IPO. Six Chinese investment banks working on CXMT’s $8.6 billion IPO are expected to receive at least $41 million in fees, a boost for a weakened dealmaking market. The listing would be Asia’s largest this year and China’s biggest A-share semiconductor IPO, reflecting Beijing’s push to finance strategic chip, AI, and robotics companies. Yantoultra Ngui and Kane Wu, Reuters, July 16
Hong Kong police arrest five over 'seditious' books. Hong Kong national security police arrested five booksellers suspected of displaying and selling publications with “seditious” content after customs intercepted an overseas shipment. Police searched two Mong Kok shops and said the books incited hatred against the government, judiciary, and law enforcement agencies, as independent bookstores continue shrinking under national security restrictions. Farah Master and Ben Blanchard, Reuters, July 16
Chinese filing implies DeepSeek valuation of around $52 billion. A filing by Chinese luggage maker Anhui Korrun implied DeepSeek was valued at 350.88 billion yuan, or about $51.82 billion, after a fund it backed invested 2.9 billion yuan for an indirect 0.8265% stake. The filing provides rare public evidence of DeepSeek’s maiden external fundraising as the AI startup raises capital for computing capacity, chips, data centers, and talent. Eduardo Baptista, Reuters, July 16
Japan
Japan to roll out worker benefits to up disposable income in 2029. Japan plans to launch an income-linked benefit system in fiscal 2029 to raise take-home pay for low- and middle-income earners and encourage workforce participation. Benefits will vary by income, include extra payments for families with children 18 or younger, and cover working older adults, though eligibility thresholds, payout amounts, and funding remain undecided. Takao Shinkai, The Asahi Shimbun, July 16
Japan’s lower house passes ruling bloc-sponsored bill for 2nd capital. Japan’s House of Representatives passed a ruling bloc bill to create a “second capital” that could back up Tokyo’s core functions during disasters or emergencies and promote decentralization. The bill would let the prime minister designate a backup capital from prefectural applications, considering population, economic scale, and exposure to disaster risks distinct from Tokyo’s. Kyodo News, July 15
South Korea
Egypt seeks greater S. Korean investment, deeper economic ties: envoy. Egypt is seeking expanded economic cooperation with South Korea and more investment from Korean companies under its Vision 2030 development strategy. Ambassador Hazem Zaki said Egypt offers a large market, infrastructure, free trade links, and access to Africa, the Middle East, and Europe, while the two governments work toward a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement. Oh Seok-min, Yonhap News Agency, July 16
NSC holds meeting to review issues with U.S.: presidential office. South Korea’s National Security Council reviewed trade and security issues with the U.S. during a standing committee meeting chaired by National Security Adviser Wi Sung-lac. Wi called for close interagency coordination and an integrated response to bilateral issues, as Washington continues complaints over Seoul’s investigation into a data leak involving Coupang’s South Korean affiliate. Park Boram, Yonhap News Agency, July 16
Court rejects arrest warrant for ex-prosecutor general over alleged martial law role. A Seoul court rejected an arrest warrant for former Prosecutor General Shim Woo-jung over alleged involvement in former President Yoon Suk Yeol’s failed martial law bid, citing insufficient grounds to conclude he might flee or destroy evidence. Shim is suspected of reviewing prosecutor dispatches to a martial law investigation body and denies the allegations. Kim Hyun-soo, Yonhap News Agency, July 16
North Korea
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un meets China's Wang Huning. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un met Wang Huning, China’s fourth-highest-ranked official, in Pyongyang during a Chinese delegation visit. Both sides pledged to implement agreements reached during Xi Jinping’s June visit, including expanded cooperation in politics, economy, culture, and strategic communication, as Beijing and Pyongyang continue high-level exchanges. Brenda Goh and Hyeyoon Cho, Reuters, July 16
N.K. leader meets with China's top political adviser in Pyongyang. North Korean leader Kim Jong-un met Wang Huning, China’s fourth-ranking official, during a Chinese delegation visit marking the 65th anniversary of the bilateral friendship treaty. Kim said the treaty supports both countries’ interests and regional security, while Wang said China would implement leader-level agreements, strengthen political trust, and expand cooperation. Oh Seok-min, Yonhap News Agency, July 16
Thailand
Thai activist group seeks diplomatic protest over Prabowo’s meeting with fugitive ex-PM. Thailand’s NSPRT urged the Foreign Ministry to seek an explanation from Indonesia or file a diplomatic protest after President Prabowo Subianto hosted Thaksin Shinawatra’s sister at a private Jakarta gathering. The group said the reception raised concerns about respect for Thailand’s judiciary and extradition cooperation, though any extradition would require a formal legal process. The Nation, July 16
Myanmar
ASEAN meeting with Myanmar regime’s FM draws Int’l condemnation. Opposition forces, activists, and observers criticized ASEAN foreign ministers for meeting Myanmar’s regime-appointed foreign minister in Bangkok, warning that engagement risks legitimizing the junta. Tin Maung Swe rejected ASEAN’s Five-Point Consensus while seeking full participation in the bloc. Justice for Myanmar, ASEAN Parliamentarians for Human Rights, the NUG, KPSN, and SAC-M urged accountability and stronger pressure on the regime. The Irrawaddy, July 16
Myanmar regime continues deadly campaign against civilians amid ASEAN outreach. Myanmar’s regime carried out 10 airstrikes and five arson attacks from July 10 to 14, killing at least 11 civilians, injuring 12 others, and destroying at least 42 homes across Magwe, Sagaing, Karen, Kachin, and Rakhine. The attacks continued around ASEAN’s meeting with the regime’s foreign minister, who rejected the bloc’s Five-Point Consensus and demanded full reintegration. Myo Pyae, The Irrawaddy, July 16
Philippines
Manila to host Rubio, Yi during ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting next week. Manila will host high-level ASEAN meetings from July 19 to 24, with foreign ministers including U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, and Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong expected to attend. The meetings will cover regional concerns, ASEAN centrality, energy security, and the 50th anniversary of the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation. The Manila Times, July 16
AFP backs DOJ’s new West PH Sea law unit. The Armed Forces of the Philippines backed the Department of Justice’s new maritime law unit for West Philippine Sea legal affairs. AFP spokesman Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad said the unit would centralize expertise on the 2016 Arbitral Award and international maritime law, strengthening the legal basis for actions by the AFP, Coast Guard, BFAR, and other agencies. Izel Abanilla, The Manila Times, July 16
Indonesia
Indonesia, China launch joint shipbuilding technology academy. Indonesia and China launched the Sino-Indonesian Shipbuilding Technology Academy at Diponegoro University to strengthen maritime vocational education. The academy links Indonesian and Chinese universities, companies, and strategic partners to train maritime professionals through academic exchanges, study visits, joint programs, international courses, and industry participation in shipbuilding technology development. ANTARA News, July 16
RI to participate in China’s initiative AI cooperation, WAICO. Indonesia will join the World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization as one of its first signatories, with Coordinating Minister Airlangga Hartarto traveling to Shanghai for the declaration. Indonesia expects WAICO participation to support AI governance, digital economy growth, high-technology investment, technology transfer, and partnerships with Chinese companies in AI, telecommunications, and robotics. ANTARA News, July 16
Singapore
Singapore, Brunei reaffirm commitment to strengthening bilateral ties during SM Lee’s visit. Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong and Brunei’s Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah reaffirmed their commitment to stronger bilateral ties during Lee’s visit for the Sultan’s 80th birthday celebrations. Both sides marked upcoming anniversaries in defense ties and the Currency Interchangeability Agreement, while discussing energy, food security, supply chain resilience, people-to-people exchanges, and youth links through the Young Leaders’ Programme. Samuel Devaraj, The Straits Times, July 16
Taiwan
Papua New Guinea says it will shut Taiwan's rep office, winning praise from China. Papua New Guinea’s foreign minister said the government would immediately close Taiwan’s representative office, a decision praised by China and disputed by Taipei. Taiwan said the move had not been discussed in advance, that its office would continue operating normally, and that it would seek talks while contacting like-minded countries for support. Colleen Howe, Ben Blanchard, and Christine Chen, Reuters, July 16
Taiwan protests PNG decision to close office, vows to reassess ties. Taiwan protested Papua New Guinea’s decision to close its representative office, saying the move was announced without prior negotiation and that the Taipei Economic Office would continue operating. Taiwan’s Foreign Ministry said it would reassess cooperative projects and economic exchanges with Papua New Guinea before taking further steps, while China said it appreciated PNG’s decision. Yang Yao-ju and Shih Hsiu-chuan, Focus Taiwan, July 16
Kazakhstan
Kazakhstan-China rail freight rises 9% to 18.7 million tons in first half of 2026. Kazakhstan-China rail freight reached 18.7 million tons in the first half of 2026, up 9% year on year, as traffic rose in both directions. Kazakhstan imported 7 million tons from China, while shipments to China increased to 11.7 million tons, supported by stronger exports, expanded border infrastructure, and growth at the Dostyk and Altynkol crossings. The Astana Times, July 16
Digital tenge receives official legal status in Kazakhstan. Kazakhstan’s digital tenge will become an official digital form of the national currency on July 18, with the National Bank holding exclusive authority to issue and circulate it. The system is designed to improve transparency in public spending rather than replace cash or cards, with more than 100 pilot projects covering procurement, subsidies, tax administration, and infrastructure financing. The Times of Central Asia, July 16
Kazakhstan and China sign deals worth over $15 billion during Tokayev’s Shanghai visit. Kazakhstan and China signed more than 70 commercial agreements worth over $15 billion during President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev’s Shanghai visit. The package covers AI, digital infrastructure, transport, finance, agriculture, vehicle production, logistics, and robotics, including partnerships with Huawei, Geely, Li Auto, Chery, Kazakhtelecom, and Chinese technology firms. The Times of Central Asia, July 16
East Asia
The Coming Clash Between China and Europe. Europe faces an industrial challenge from Chinese overcapacity, subsidies, currency advantages, and control of supply chain dependencies. Core sectors including automobiles, machinery, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and green energy risk losses. Brussels should protect its market through tariffs, subsidy investigations, procurement rules, security audits, and retaliation planning. Unity among EU members and cooperation with partners are essential. Domestic reform must accompany trade defenses to preserve Europe’s industrial base, prosperity, security, and autonomy. Thorsten Benner, Foreign Affairs, July 16
Japan and ASEAN play the long game on energy and supply chain resilience. Japan’s POWERR Asia initiative uses finance, infrastructure, technology, and industrial cooperation to strengthen energy security and supply chains with ASEAN. Support for Vietnam’s Nghi Son Refinery marks an opening step. The framework covers oil, LNG, biofuels, solar power, nuclear energy, and critical minerals. Its gradual, partner-sensitive model may lack crisis speed, but it can expand diversification, policy autonomy, and long-term resilience while deepening Japan-ASEAN economic ties across Southeast Asian markets. Minoru Nogimori, East Asia Forum, July 16
Is North Korea Pursuing a “Juche-Oriented” Nuclear Triad? North Korea is building nuclear delivery options across land, sea, and air, but road-mobile missiles will remain the core of its force. Naval capabilities face submarine noise, limited missile range, high costs, and alliance targeting. Air Force missions rely on ground-launched cruise missiles and lack an intercontinental path. Diversification can improve survivability and theater reach, yet a balanced triad comparable to major nuclear powers remains beyond Pyongyang’s present industrial capabilities. Vann H. Van Diepen, 38 North, July 16
A Divided World Is North Korea’s Greatest Asset. North Korea has gained room to expand its nuclear and missile programs as strategic rivalry weakens sanctions enforcement. China and Russia prioritize competition with the United States and wartime cooperation over collective pressure. Trade, arms sales, petroleum shipments, cybertheft, and financial links sustain Pyongyang’s economy and military growth. Sanctions still impose costs, but denuclearization through isolation is no longer credible. Diplomacy, arms control, freezes, and risk reduction offer more practical goals. Donggak Heo, Foreign Policy, July 16
Southeast Asia
The Grey Capital Malaise Infecting Thailand. Chinese-linked grey capital is reshaping mainland Southeast Asia through criminal zones, scam networks, money laundering, and political capture. Thailand faces growing exposure as illicit funds support the baht, pass through mule accounts, corrupt officials, secure citizenship, and distort procurement. Weak prosecutions and elite impunity allow transnational actors to penetrate police, Parliament, political parties, and state agencies. The spread threatens sovereignty, institutional capacity, and Thailand’s resilience against regional criminal economies and networks. Gregory Raymond, FULCRUM, July 16
South Asia
From celebrity fandom to government in Tamil Nadu. Joseph Vijay Chandrasekhar’s TVK transformed fifteen years of fan-club welfare work into a breakthrough election victory in Tamil Nadu. Youth mobilization, social media, local organization, and material pledges helped displace the state’s dominant parties. Early decisions, including creation of an AI ministry and withdrawal of an astrologer appointment after backlash, show responsiveness to scrutiny. TVK’s future will test whether celebrity-based political energy can support delivery-focused government and challenge patronage politics. Arun Nagore Jayaraman Shyam, East Asia Forum, July 16