China
China’s Xi Jinping urges Thailand and Cambodia to settle long-running border dispute. Xi Jinping urged Thailand and Cambodia to resolve their border dispute through dialogue after meeting both countries’ leaders on the sidelines of the World AI Conference in Shanghai. Xi offered China’s constructive role, called for deeper strategic coordination, and pushed cooperation on AI, cross-border crime, rail links, and infrastructure projects. Sylvia Ma, South China Morning Post, July 18
Chinese social media accounts ‘profit from leaking official corruption scandals’. Chinese social media accounts are profiting from coded leaks and hints about corruption investigations before official announcements, creating a grey market around Beijing’s anti-graft campaign. State media said some accounts post resumes, homophones, nicknames, or exaggerated allegations to drive traffic, while legal loopholes make prosecution difficult and undermine official anti-corruption authority. Amber Wang, South China Morning Post, July 18
U.S. party heads to China to examine national security implications of trade relationship. Members of the U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission are visiting China for the first time since 2019 to examine how trade and economic ties affect national security. The delegation plans meetings with officials, academics, technology industry leaders, U.S. diplomats, and American companies as Congress weighs concerns over AI, biotechnology, robotics, pharmaceuticals, export controls, and sanctions. Xinyi Wu, South China Morning Post, July 19
China calls U.S. visa regulations “discriminatory,” threatens countermeasures. China urged the U.S. to withdraw new visa regulations that Beijing called discriminatory and said it reserved the right to take reciprocal countermeasures. Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian said China rejected the U.S. decision, which shortens visa durations for foreign students, cultural exchange visitors, and journalists, including a 90-day limit for Chinese journalists. Joe Cash, Reuters, July 17
Rubio expected to discuss Trump-Xi summit in Asia meetings. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio will travel to Manila for ASEAN-related meetings, where he is expected to meet Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and discuss preparations for a possible September summit between Donald Trump and Xi Jinping. The meetings will also address the Iran war, South China Sea tensions, Myanmar, regional scam centers, and U.S. ties with the Philippines. Michael Martina, David Brunnstrom, and Karen Lema, Reuters, July 17
Japan
Defense Minister Koizumi says Japan needs debate on nuclear weapons. Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi said Japan cannot avoid debating nuclear weapons as it prepares to revise three key national security documents. He cited harsher security conditions and European moves toward stronger deterrence, while Japan continues to rely on the U.S. nuclear umbrella and maintain its three non-nuclear principles. Kyodo News, July 19
Diet passes bills to revise imperial law, penalize flag desecration. Japan’s Diet passed three bills revising the Imperial House Law, criminalizing public desecration of the national flag, and limiting prosecutors’ appeals of retrial decisions. The imperial revision allows female family members to retain status and permits adoption of male descendants from former branch families, while the flag measure drew free-speech concerns during deliberations. The Asahi Shimbun, July 17
Takaichi expected to struggle during an extended Diet session. Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s administration faces a difficult extended Diet session that runs through July 25, with only three effective days left for bill deliberations. The ruling coalition aims to pass the Japan Innovation Party-backed secondary capital bill, while opposition parties plan to resist the measure as self-serving. The Japan Times, July 19
South Korea
Korean parents welcome gov’t move to curb minors’ social media use. South Korea’s media watchdog is considering restrictions on social media accounts for children under 14 and limits on addictive platform features for users under 19. Parents welcomed possible help in reducing excessive scrolling, sleep loss, declining concentration, cyberbullying, and exposure to harmful content, but raised concerns about enforcement, children using parents’ accounts, unclear definitions of social media, and AI character chat services that could draw minors into more immersive online environments. Bahk Eun-ji, The Korea Times, July 17
KAI completes delivery of 6 T-50i trainer jets to Indonesia. Korea Aerospace Industries completed delivery of six additional T-50i advanced trainer jets to Indonesia under a 2021 contract. KAI began deliveries in February and has now supplied Indonesia with 22 T-50 aircraft, following an initial 2011 deal for 16 jets. Indonesia was the first overseas customer for the T-50i and has acquired 42 South Korean-made aircraft, including 20 KT-1 trainers, while also participating in the KF-21 fighter jet development project. Kim Hyun-soo, Yonhap News Agency, July 16
Industry minister to visit U.S. this week for talks on bilateral issues, possibly including Coupang. Industry Minister Kim Jung-kwan will visit Washington for the opening of the Korea-U.S. Shipbuilding Partnership Center and talks on bilateral shipbuilding cooperation. Kim may also address U.S. concerns over South Korea’s investigation into Coupang’s data leak, which Washington officials and lawmakers have criticized as potentially discriminatory. Seoul says the probe is proceeding under domestic law, while police found the leak affected nearly 34 million user accounts. Yi Wonju, Yonhap News Agency, July 19
North Korea
North Korea calls Seoul a “puppet” for its role in U.S. maritime exercise. North Korea criticized South Korea’s role in the U.S.-led Rim of the Pacific Exercise, calling Seoul a puppet and warning that Washington and Seoul would bear responsibility for any regional escalation. KCNA said the drills reflected widening military cooperation among South Korea, Japan, NATO, and the U.S., while also criticizing a joint Marine Corps exercise involving the USS Essex. Hyeyoon Cho, Reuters, July 17
N. Korean state media confirms FM Choe's Russia visit. North Korean Foreign Minister Choe Son-hui departed for Russia at the invitation of Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, with Pyongyang and Moscow offering no details on the purpose or itinerary. The trip has prompted speculation about preparations for a possible Kim Jong-un visit to Russia, as North Korea deepens cooperation with Moscow while also expanding high-level exchanges with China. Kim Soo-yeon, Yonhap News Agency, July 18
Thailand
Activist urges support for amnesty bill. Adul Khiewboriboon urged opponents of Thailand’s Peaceful Society Promotion Bill to accept parliament’s majority decision after the measure passed with 307 votes in favor and 141 against. The Senate removed an amnesty provision for minors charged under Section 112, the lese-majeste law. Adul said the compromise should stand because rejecting the bill would leave more than 6,000 people from all political camps tied up in legal proceedings. Bangkok Post, July 19
China addresses Thai concerns over tank deliveries to Cambodia. Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said China addressed Thai concerns over tank deliveries to Cambodia during talks with Xi Jinping in Shanghai. China said the order predated recent fighting, that delivery had been delayed because of the conflict’s sensitivity, and the equipment would not be used to harm Thailand. Xi also offered to facilitate dialogue between Thailand and Cambodia and host a Mekong-Lancang Cooperation meeting to avoid regional unease. The Nation, July 17
Laos
Laos launches cultural association to preserve heritage, build soft power. Laos established the Lao Cultural Values Promotion Association to preserve national heritage and develop culture as a source of soft power, tourism, and economic growth. The association plans to support artists, cultural entrepreneurs, and businesses while seeking cooperation with UNESCO and other partners. Its launch follows government efforts to raise Lao culture’s global profile, including nominations for Larb and the Su Khuan ceremony as UNESCO intangible heritage. Phoudasack Vongsay, The Laotian Times, July 19
Cambodia
UN rights rapporteur Tom Andrews to visit Cambodia, meet border conflict victims. UN Special Rapporteur Tom Andrews will make his first official visit to Cambodia from July 20 to 31 to assess human rights conditions and meet people displaced by the Cambodia-Thailand border conflict. His mission will examine human trafficking, border conflict, freedoms of expression, association, and assembly, and the rights of vulnerable groups, with stops in Phnom Penh, Banteay Meanchey, and Siem Reap. Sao Phal Niseiy, Cambodianess, July 19
Japan grants Cambodia $3 million to build military capacity. Japan pledged about $3 million in Official Security Assistance to Cambodia for communications equipment for the army and patrol boats for the navy. Ambassador Ueno Atsushi and Defense Minister Tea Seiha signed and exchanged notes on the assistance, which Japan said would strengthen Cambodia’s security and deterrence capabilities and support regional peace and stability. Japan earlier provided communications equipment for ASEAN Observer Teams along the Cambodia-Thailand border. Heang Tong, Cambodianess, July 19
Philippines
Impeach court to decide on move to subpoena VP bank records. The Senate impeachment court will decide whether to subpoena Vice President Sara Duterte and Manases Carpio’s bank and tax records after hearing both camps. Senator-judges said the prosecution motion needed further study because not all had read the memoranda. Only senators present will vote, with approval requiring 50 percent plus one. The prosecution says impeachment proceedings allow exceptions to bank secrecy laws. Bernadette E. Tamayo and Reina C. Tolentino, The Manila Times, July 19
Marcos trust rating slips to 34%; Duterte steady at 57%. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s trust rating slipped to 34% in a June Social Weather Stations survey commissioned by the Stratbase Group, extending a decline from 64% in July 2024. Vice President Sara Duterte’s trust rating held at 57%, though distrust toward her rose to 27%. Stratbase said the figures should push Marcos to address prices, jobs, services, accountability, and governance in his State of the Nation Address. Franco Jose C. Baroña, The Manila Times, July 19
Taiwan
U.S. says it is “deeply concerned” by PNG closure of Taiwan office. The U.S. expressed deep concern over Papua New Guinea’s order to close Taiwan’s representative office, calling it part of Beijing’s intimidation campaign. Taiwan said China suppresses it everywhere, while China praised PNG’s decision. The State Department said Taiwan’s global partnerships provide significant benefits and that Beijing’s pressure threatens international peace and prosperity. Ben Blanchard, Renju Jose, and Joe Cash, Reuters, July 17
Democratic Taiwan must not become “China’s Taiwan,” president says. Taiwan President Lai Ching-te urged members of the Democratic Progressive Party to defend the island’s democracy and oppose what he called Beijing’s “red terror.” Lai warned against China’s legal warfare, military threats, disinformation, and diplomatic pressure, saying Taiwan’s future must be decided by its 23 million people and that democracy remains a source of strength. Yi-Chin Lee, Ann Wang, and Ben Blanchard, Reuters, July 19
Duckworth warns China may opt for economic blockade of Taiwan in 2028. U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth warned that China may be more likely to impose an economic blockade on Taiwan in 2028 than launch a full-scale invasion. She said Beijing could require commercial ships in the Taiwan Strait to check in with China’s coast guard under the guise of maritime safety. Duckworth urged continued freedom-of-navigation operations and warned that disruption in the strait would carry major global economic costs. Elaine Hou and Joseph Yeh, Focus Taiwan, July 19
India
India bans march on parliament by “Cockroach” activists, standoff looms. Indian police denied permission for Cockroach Janta Party supporters to march on parliament, citing security restrictions in New Delhi as the monsoon session begins. Activists said the march would proceed despite the ban. The movement has grown around anger over exam paper leaks, youth unemployment, and the hospitalization of hunger-striking activist Sonam Wangchuk, whose wife called his treatment illegal detention. YP Rajesh, Arpan Chaturvedi, Abhijith Ganapavaram, Saurabh Sharma, and Gnaneshwar Rajan, Reuters, July 19
Turkmenistan
Iran says trains resume after reported strike on railway bridge to Turkmenistan. Iran said rail service resumed after a reported U.S. strike damaged the Aq Tekeh Khan bridge on a northern line linking Iran to Turkmenistan. Iranian media said there were no casualties, repairs began immediately, and traffic was restored within 24 hours. The incident raised concerns about Central Asian trade routes that connect Iran with Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan, Russia, China, Gulf ports, and global markets. The Times of Central Asia, July 17
Kyrgyzstan
Kyrgyzstan fuel crisis: Bishkek relaxes fuel import rules to ease supply pressures. Kyrgyzstan relaxed fuel import rules until April 1, 2027, allowing road tanker deliveries to ease domestic supply pressure after disruptions to Russian refining. Russia supplies more than 90% of Kyrgyzstan’s imported petroleum products. Bishkek also extended export restrictions on crude oil, gasoline, diesel, and other petroleum products until domestic demand is satisfied or the EAEU’s common petroleum market begins operating. Sergey Kwan, The Times of Central Asia, July 17
The Indo-Pacific’s security runs through its rivers. Water stress, sinking deltas, dam construction, groundwater depletion, and disrupted monsoons pose security threats across the Indo-Pacific. Mekong dam operations alter seasonal flows, deepen droughts, and expose downstream farms and fisheries to pressure. Australia and regional partners should place the water, energy, and food nexus within security strategy. Shared data systems, transboundary governance, delta preservation, and climate resilience would strengthen stability, reduce displacement, and support partnerships built on shared benefits. Imran Khalid, East Asia Forum, July 18
East Asia
Shanghai ringfences an offshore bond market. Shanghai’s free trade zone has revived offshore RMB bonds governed by international rules within China’s financial architecture. The ringfenced market restricts issuers and investors to foreign entities or overseas subsidiaries, supports Chinese firms operating across borders, and advances RMB internationalization without dismantling capital controls. Lower funding costs and links to shipping finance offer promise, but liquidity, participation, disclosure, short maturities, and ratings constrain growth and regional competition with Hong Kong. CHINA POLICY, July 17
China’s mysterious new billionaires are conquering the world. China’s new class of billionaires has built fortunes across artificial intelligence, gaming, consumer brands, beverages, and media, with property absent. Their companies pursue foreign markets from inception as weak domestic demand limits growth at home. Founders favor flexible work cultures and avoid public attention. Global expansion brings exposure to policy shifts in China and the United States while Beijing’s scrutiny of wealth encourages discretion among entrepreneurs seeking to protect companies. The Economist, July 19
Beijing Is Trying to Turn Taiwan’s Sea Goddess Into a Chinese Agent. Beijing is using shared Mazu worship to frame Taiwan and China as one cultural family and support unification. Pilgrimages to Meizhou receive subsidized hospitality, political messaging, and follow-up chat groups that can spread election misinformation. Taiwanese temples differ over Meizhou’s religious authority, and many devotees reject political interpretations. Taipei has increased oversight of cross-strait exchanges, warning that trust-based freedoms can become channels for influence operations targeting voters and temple networks. Ashish Valentine, Foreign Policy, July 17
Global Public Opinion on China: China’s Standing in Southeast Asia’s Swing States. Public sentiment toward China across Southeast Asian swing states remains positive but has declined as security concerns offset economic benefits. Trade, investment, tourism, and infrastructure sustain support in Thailand and Singapore. South China Sea confrontations drove downturns in the Philippines and Vietnam. Indonesia and Malaysia contained maritime disputes through diplomacy and enforcement. Views show lower polarization than elite assessments, reflecting a balance between economic opportunity, sovereignty risks, and social concerns. Kevin Zongzhe Li, Asia Society, July 16
U.S.-China Relations Are More Volatile Than Ever. U.S.-China relations face greater danger because Trump and Xi have centralized power, purged experts, weakened institutions, and damaged communication channels. Unclear chains of authority hinder negotiation, while loyalty-based systems reduce policy predictability. Taiwan tensions expose the risk, as contradictory signals and mutual distrust undermine agreements. Stable competition requires competent bureaucracies, credible counterparts, routine communication, and institutional restraint. Without safeguards, personal rule can turn trade, technology, and security disputes into crises. Andrew Scobell and Andrea Ghiselli, Foreign Policy, July 17
Paralysis in Europe’s China policy debate. Europe faces mounting concern over Chinese overcapacity, industrial job losses, and dependence, but political divisions have blocked a common response. Germany lacks agreement on trade defenses, investment screening, localization rules, and retaliation risks. Its postwar model of automobile exports to China and cheap Russian energy has weakened. Europe should build industrial policy and economic security tools before negotiations with Beijing, enabling de-risking that protects strategic capacity without adopting full separation. James Curran, East Asia Forum, July 19
The Iran War Is a Gift to China. China has gained strategic, economic, and reputational advantages from the Iran war without military involvement. Gulf states seek diversified ties, reducing American leverage while expanding regional cooperation with Beijing. China’s diversified energy supplies, oil reserves, electrification, and clean technology dominance softened the shock. Demand for Chinese solar panels, batteries, grids, and electric vehicles may rise, while renminbi settlement expands. American costs, alliance strain, and policy failures make China’s position stronger. Fareed Zakaria, Foreign Policy, July 17.
No longer an island: Japan’s drug pricing has global consequences. Japan’s medicine pricing system cuts reimbursement when successful drugs exceed sales forecasts or gain new uses, weakening returns on innovation. Eli Lilly’s Mounjaro faces another 25 percent reduction despite carrying the lowest G7 price. Because other governments reference Japanese prices, such cuts affect global markets. The system has delayed launches, limited treatment access, and reduced research investment. Japan should review its repricing rules to support patients, innovation, and biopharmaceutical investment. David Ricks, Nikkei Asia, July 17
Japan’s anti-Muslim sentiment turns its sights on mosques. Opposition to mosque construction in Fujisawa reflects growing anti-Muslim sentiment across Japan, fueled by misinformation, xenophobia, and weak national support for local migration governance. Muslim communities have served residents through charity, disaster relief, and cultural exchange, yet mosque and burial projects face organized resistance. Japan needs a coherent immigration policy, legal protections for multicultural coexistence, and stronger resources for municipalities managing religious diversity, integration, and demographic change across Japanese communities. Shinji Kojima and Atsushi Yamagata, East Asia Forum, July 17
North Korea Taps India for Smartphones. North Korean smartphone brand Phurunhanal appears to have sourced its 9-3 handset from India’s Lava International, marking the first identified link between a North Korean phone and a non-Chinese manufacturer. The device matches Lava’s Agni 3 in design and core specifications. North Korean brands import foreign handsets, apply domestic branding, and install localized Android software containing surveillance and censorship controls that restrict users to state-approved content amid growing market competition. Martyn Williams, 38 North, July 17
Southeast Asia
ASEAN Oil Stockpile Ambition: Destined for the Same Old Fate? ASEAN’s renewed proposal for a regional oil stockpile responds to heavy Middle Eastern import dependence and uneven national reserves. Earlier efforts failed because voluntary frameworks, high costs, technical differences, governance concerns, and distrust blocked implementation. The bloc needs a binding mandate, financing plan, working group, and operational roadmap before crisis urgency fades. Ticket systems, partnerships with exporters, or an ASEAN Minus X pilot could reduce costs and bypass consensus barriers. Elbinsar Purba, FULCRUM, July 17
Bangkok voters reward performance over party politics. Bangkok voters returned independent governor Chadchart Sittipunt with a record vote share, rewarding municipal performance over party identity. Improvements to drainage, footpaths, and rubbish collection outweighed allegations and campaign rhetoric. Bhumjaithai’s national victory and the People’s Party’s parliamentary sweep failed to shape the gubernatorial race. The result reflects split-ticket voting, strong personal appeal, and durable local networks, showing that visible service delivery can surpass ideology in contests centered on candidates. Ladawan Khaikham, East Asia Forum, July 18
Temasek’s new blueprint: More America, more AI, less China. Temasek’s portfolio reached S$518 billion after strong Singapore market gains and a shift to mark-to-market accounting. Singapore remains its anchor, while exposure to the Americas has climbed to 26 percent. AI assets account for 6 percent and could reach 15 percent by 2031, spanning models, semiconductors, data centers, energy, and infrastructure. China represents 17 percent of holdings as Temasek adopts selectivity toward biotechnology, robotics, hardware, energy transition, and consumer leaders. Hu Yuanwen, ThinkChina, July 19
Why hosting US and Chinese AI giants is only step one for Singapore. Singapore can convert the arrival of American and Chinese AI firms into lasting gains through local collaboration and capability building. Foreign labs should work with banks, hospitals, manufacturers, and universities while incentives support co-development and publication. Talent policy must cultivate specialists fluent in AI and sector knowledge. Singapore should avoid dependence on one vendor or government through provider diversity, open models, domestic capacity, governance, certification, and research partnerships retaining skills. Lin William Cong, ThinkChina, July 19
South Asia
How India is weathering the energy shock. India limited the Gulf war’s damage by freezing retail fuel prices, cutting excise duties, raising refinery output, and securing sanctions relief for Russian oil purchases. Diversified suppliers, flexible refineries, rail electrification, and ethanol blending reduced vulnerability. The strategy contained inflation, protected consumption, and prevented shortages, but relied on favorable timing and costly fiscal support. Renewed conflict, rising oil prices, and rupee pressure show that India needs preparation for future shocks. The Economist, July 19
Oceania
New Zealand’s naval future with Japan awaits a signature. Japan’s relaxed defense export rules create an opening for New Zealand to purchase Mogami-class frigates and deepen naval cooperation with Japan and Australia. A bilateral Equipment and Technology Transfer Agreement remains essential before any sale can proceed. The Mogami option offers interoperability, alliance integration, and public support, but election uncertainty, ship costs, maintenance capacity, and crew training complicate the decision. Wellington and Tokyo must conclude the agreement before procurement advances. Tadashi Iwami, East Asia Forum, July 17