China
China’s corruption busters target science sector in crackdown on research funding fraud. China’s top anti-graft body, the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection, has launched a campaign to combat corruption in the science sector, focusing on research project evaluations and fund management. Chief Li Xi emphasized stricter oversight, new regulations, and expanded use of digital tools, including big data and AI, to uncover financial misconduct and strengthen innovation integrity. Phoebe Zhang, South China Morning Post, July 17
Chinese premier chairs meeting on internal circulation, NEV industry competition. Premier Li Qiang chaired a State Council meeting focused on bolstering domestic economic circulation and regulating competition in China’s new energy vehicle industry. The session approved measures to stimulate consumption, refine trade-in policies, and improve market order through cost surveys and price monitoring. A draft regulation on foreign entry and exit was also reviewed. China Daily, July 17
Japan
Japan's minority government faces election snub as economic storm brews. Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba’s ruling LDP-Komeito coalition is projected to lose its upper house majority in Sunday’s election, sparking fears of political instability and fiscal risk. Investors are selling government bonds amid concerns Ishiba will need opposition support favoring higher spending. John Geddie and Tim Kelly, Reuters, July 17
Japan protests South Korean military drills near disputed islets. Japan formally objected to South Korea’s recent military exercises near contested islets in the Sea of Japan, calling them unacceptable and reiterating its sovereignty claim over the territory known as Takeshima in Japan and Dokdo in South Korea. The drills, the first under President Lee Jae Myung, did not involve landing on the islets and were similar in scale to past training. Author, Kyodo News, July 17
South Korea
Court begins hearing on legality of ex-President Yoon's arrest. A Seoul court held a closed-door hearing Friday to assess the legality of former President Yoon Suk Yeol’s arrest, which followed his indictment on five charges tied to a failed martial law attempt. Yoon’s legal team argued his detention was unnecessary due to his health and lack of flight risk, while prosecutors cited obstruction risks and non-cooperation as grounds to uphold it. Kim Seung-yeon, Yonhap News Agency, July 18
Yoon appears for detention review amid standoff with special counsel in martial law probe. Former President Yoon Suk Yeol appeared in court Friday to contest the legality of his arrest related to a Dec. 3 martial law declaration. He cited deteriorating health and overlapping charges as grounds for release. Prosecutors submitted extensive evidence supporting continued detention, arguing risk of tampering and national security concerns. A ruling is expected within 24 hours. Bahk Eun-ji, The Korea Times, July 18
North Korea
N. Korea temporarily suspends foreign tourist entry to Kalma beach resort. North Korea has halted foreign tourist visits to the newly launched Kalma beach resort without explanation, according to a notice from the DPR Korea Tour website. The suspension follows recent visits by Russian officials and comes amid reports of high travel costs and limited demand. Trips to the resort reportedly cost around $1,800, nearly 60% of the average Russian monthly salary. Park Boram, Yonhap News Agency, July 17
N. Korea plans Victory Day burial for soldiers killed in Russia. North Korea will hold a Victory Day burial on July 27 for troops killed while deployed in Russia, portraying them as anti-imperialist heroes. The regime repatriated remains earlier this year and is storing them near Pyongyang for a planned martyrs’ cemetery. The move is part of a propaganda campaign to boost loyalty and honor families with symbolic rewards. Lee Sang-yong, Daily NK, July 17
Thailand
Thais will not slash all tariffs on US goods. Thailand will not adopt a blanket zero-tariff policy on U.S. imports, citing risks to local producers and strategic sectors. Deputy Finance Minister Paopoom Rojanasakul emphasized the need for a balanced approach in trade talks, warning that full access for U.S. goods could disrupt domestic supply chains. Thailand plans to remove tariffs on 90% of U.S. products, while preserving protections for key industries. Wichit Chanthanusornsiri, Bangkok Post, July 17
EC announces investigation into alleged Senate election fraud, 229 individuals facing charges. Thailand’s Election Commission has concluded an investigation into Senate election misconduct, recommending charges against 229 individuals, including 138 senators and 91 Bhumjaithai Party executives. The probe found evidence of violations of the Organic Law on Senatorial Elections and the Constitution. The Nation, July 17
Vietnam
12th Plenum of the 13th Party Central Committee opens in Hanoi. Vietnam’s Party Central Committee convened its 12th plenum to focus on preparations for the 14th National Party Congress, legal reforms, and personnel strategy. Party General Secretary To Lam emphasized institutional integrity and public interest over factionalism. The plenum will review Party document drafts, address governance bottlenecks, and plan leadership appointments through 2030 and beyond. Vietnam News, July 17
Myanmar
Chinese firms supports production of some of junta’s deadliest weapons, research group finds. The Special Advisory Council for Myanmar reported that Chinese companies have been supplying designs and materials for bomb production used by Myanmar’s military against civilians. The group urged the international community to impose sanctions and take legal steps to stop foreign support of the junta’s weapon development. Myanmar Now, July 17
Laos
Laos, Belarus agree to strengthen ties, waive visas. Laos and Belarus have agreed to enhance cooperation across sectors including trade, tourism, energy, and education, following talks between their foreign ministers in Vientiane. The two sides signed a visa waiver agreement to facilitate travel and official visits. They reaffirmed commitments made by senior leaders, emphasized mutual support in international forums, and pledged to deepen relations established in 1994. Vientiane Times, July 18
Philippines
No info on ICC warrants vs Duterte's co-perpetrators – Palace. Malacañang said it has received no communication from the International Criminal Court regarding possible arrest warrants for former president Rodrigo Duterte’s co-accused, including Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa. The statement followed a Kyodo News report quoting Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, who reportedly said Philippine authorities might arrest dela Rosa if a warrant is issued. The Manila Times, July 17
Dela Rosa to Palace: Go ahead and arrest me, too. Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa challenged the Marcos administration to arrest him like former president Rodrigo Duterte, warning it would be another grave mistake. Reacting to Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin’s remarks on potential ICC action, dela Rosa said his possible arrest is being used to divert attention from allegations involving First Lady Liza Marcos. Charie Abarca, Dexter Cabalza and Tina G. Santos, Philippine Daily Inquirer, July 17
Indonesia
Indonesia rejects transshipments, commits to US trade deal. Indonesia affirmed it will not allow transshipment of goods from third countries as part of its trade agreement with the U.S., which lowered tariffs on Indonesian exports from 32% to 19%. Trade Minister Budi Santoso said deviations could jeopardize the deal. The agreement includes $19.5 billion in U.S. energy and agriculture imports and plans to buy 50 Boeing jets. ANTARA News, July 17
Taiwan
Sirens wail, cities shut down as Taiwan simulates Chinese air raid. Northern Taiwan conducted a mandatory air-raid drill Thursday, shutting down roads and businesses for 30 minutes as part of preparations for a potential Chinese missile strike. Authorities issued alerts instructing citizens to seek immediate shelter. The exercise coincided with Taiwan’s largest military drills to date, simulating attacks on infrastructure and testing responses to disinformation and gray zone tactics. Fabian Hamacher and Ann Wang, Reuters, July 17
Kazakhstan
Kazakhstan increases grain exports by 58.4%. Kazakhstan exported 9.3 million tons of grain from September 2024 to July 2025, marking a 58.4% year-on-year increase. Major growth was recorded in exports to Azerbaijan, Iran, the Kyrgyz Republic, and Tajikistan. The Agriculture Ministry credited the rise to strong international demand and improved logistics infrastructure, including support from Kazakhstan Temir Zholy. Fatima Kemelova, The Astana Times, July 17
Tajikistan
Tajikistan launches national food reform to boost nutrition. Tajikistan has initiated a $2 million food reform program in partnership with UN agencies to improve nutrition and food security for 2.8 million people. The plan emphasizes sustainable agriculture, public awareness, and national nutrition standards. It includes targeted support for women and youth in agribusiness and promotes eco-friendly local production to reduce import dependence. Vagit Ismailov, The Times of Central Asia, July 17
Northeast Asia
Building Taiwan’s Resilience: Insights into Taiwan’s Civilian Resilience Against Acts of War. Taiwan has initiated civilian resilience efforts in response to China’s heightened military pressure and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, yet these remain in early stages. The 2024 establishment of the Whole-of-Society Defense Resilience Committee was a key step in coordinating defense preparedness across infrastructure, welfare, and information networks. Challenges persist due to limited wartime planning, reliance on disaster-focused models, and political resistance rooted in historical trauma and polarization. Taiwan’s health care system, though modern, is unprepared for mass trauma scenarios. Civil society, volunteerism, and diaspora networks are emerging as vital assets, but broader strategic cohesion and investment in areas like emergency logistics, food security, and infrastructure hardening are essential. Marta Kepe and Scott W. Harold, RAND Corporation, July 17
Private Enterprise Under Xiconomics: How Party Cells and Golden Shares Work – and What Europe Should Do. Under Xi Jinping’s “Xiconomics,” China has increased state control over private firms through party cells, golden shares, and formal pressure mechanisms. Party cells, mandatory since 2005, are embedded in over 90% of private firms, acting as ideological enforcers and political conduits. Golden shares grant regulatory vetoes and control rights to the state, often exercised through entities like the Cyberspace Administration of China. European regulators, particularly in Germany, remain inadequately equipped to detect this informal political influence. Calls are growing to reform FDI screening tools and cybersecurity laws to account for CCP involvement, especially as Europe’s digital infrastructure becomes increasingly dependent on opaque foreign suppliers. Kai von Carnap, China Observers, July 17
A U.S.-Japan Trade Impasse as Ishiba Faces Another Election. Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru confronts a precarious re-election bid amid plummeting approval ratings and a stalled trade relationship with the United States. The Trump administration’s imposition of steep tariffs, 25 percent on automobiles, steel, and aluminum, has escalated tensions, triggering sharp resistance from Japanese businesses and political leaders. Japan’s economy, already contracting, faces further strain as Toyota and Honda project major profit losses. Despite high-level talks led by Minister Akazawa Ryosei, no agreement emerged, and Trump announced a sweeping 25 percent tariff on all Japanese imports starting August 1. With domestic economic concerns mounting and the alliance under rhetorical attack, Ishiba’s government stands at a critical crossroads. Chris Baylor and Sheila A. Smith, Council on Foreign Relations, July 17
The Evolution of China’s AI Policy: From Pragmatism to Power Projection. China’s AI policy has undergone four distinct phases: early pragmatism (2006–2012), strategic vision (2013–2017), techno-industrial upgrading (2018–2022), and techno-geopolitical assertiveness (2023–present). Initially focused on practical applications, China later emphasized AI’s role in national competitiveness and civil-military integration. The post-2017 era saw significant state investment and regulatory expansion, with local governments and firms playing central roles. Since 2023, the state has emphasized hard power and global rule-shaping, viewing AI as critical to systemic rivalry with the U.S. China is now advancing AI governance frameworks and positioning itself as a global AI rule-maker while confronting challenges in chip access, international pushback, and policy fragmentation. Peter W. Singer and Graham J. Sheehan, Brookings Institution, July 17
Historic UK–Japan Cooperation Key to Indo-Pacific Stability. The United Kingdom and Japan have built their strongest bilateral relationship since the Anglo-Japanese alliance of 1902–1923, driven by geopolitical shocks and shared strategic goals. Recent agreements, including the Reciprocal Access Agreement and Hiroshima Accord, reflect deepening economic and defense ties. Japan and the UK are advancing technological cooperation, notably in AI, quantum computing, and joint combat aircraft development. The UK’s 2024 accession to the CPTPP enhances Japan’s regional leverage and reinforces open trade norms amid U.S. protectionism and China’s assertiveness. Despite economic challenges, both nations are leveraging their complementary strengths to stabilize the Indo-Pacific and counterbalance great power rivalry.
Robert Ward, East Asia Forum, July 17
Empty Shops, Unpaid Rents: Is Hong Kong Retail Unravelling? Hong Kong’s retail and office property markets remain under severe pressure, with high vacancy rates and persistent closures. Office vacancies reached a record 16.3% by end-2024, driven by post-pandemic changes to remote work and oversupply. In retail, nearly 900 vacant shops were recorded in Q1 2025 across key districts, with Mong Kok exceeding its pandemic peak. At least 20 major food and beverage brands shuttered in early summer. Landlords, constrained by loan covenants requiring rental income minimums, often choose vacancy over rent cuts to avoid loan recalls. The government’s “mega events economy” has offered limited relief, as tourist spending patterns evolve and many legacy businesses fail to adapt. Tai Hing Shing, ThinkChina, July 17
Southeast Asia
Strategic Distrust Hinders Cambodia–Thailand Border Resolutions. A May 2025 skirmish near the Emerald Triangle has increased tensions between Cambodia and Thailand, derailing their recently established strategic partnership. Rooted in colonial-era disputes and inflamed by nationalism and political instability, the conflict centers on competing territorial claims over temple sites and border demarcations. Cambodia has petitioned the International Court of Justice, citing historical treaties, while Thailand accuses Phnom Penh of exploiting its domestic political crisis. Both sides have reinforced troops and enacted retaliatory border restrictions. Divergent legal maps, domestic distractions, and nationalist provocations continue to obstruct bilateral resolution efforts. Chansambath Bong, East Asia Forum, July 18
The Missing Link in Philippine Infrastructure: Local Governments. Infrastructure projects in the Philippines often stall due to weak local implementation capacity, not national policy failure. Initiatives like the Central Luzon Link Expressway and Bataan-Cavite Interlink Bridge face chronic delays from land disputes and permitting issues. While reforms like the ARROW Act and RPVARA aim to streamline land acquisition, local government units (LGUs) frequently lack the expertise and resources to execute. Successful examples, such as the Davao City Bulk Water Project and Pangasinan Link Expressway, show that empowered LGUs can drive timely delivery. Sustained investment, permanent infrastructure units, and national-local coordination are essential to turn legislative ambition into infrastructure reality. Camille Bismonte, FULCRUM, July 18