China
China’s Li Qiang announces launch of Tibet mega dam project that has worried India. Chinese Premier Li Qiang has launched construction of a massive hydroelectric dam on the Yarlung Tsangpo River in Tibet, expected to become the world’s largest by capacity. The project, raising concerns in India and Bangladesh over water security and environmental impact, will generate three times the electricity of the Three Gorges Dam. Beijing insists it will not harm downstream neighbors. Meredith Chen, South China Morning Post, July 19
Japan
Japan's shaky government loses upper house control. Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba’s ruling coalition lost its upper house majority in Sunday’s election, deepening political instability as a U.S. tariff deadline looms. The LDP-Komeito bloc secured only 47 seats, while opposition parties gained momentum by campaigning on tax cuts and social spending. Ishiba pledged to remain in office and continue trade talks. Mariko Katsumura and Kantaro Komiya, Reuters, July 19
Japan eyes tariff talks in U.S. next week before Aug. 1 deadline. Japan’s top negotiator Ryosei Akazawa plans to travel to the U.S. early next week for an eighth round of trade talks ahead of a 25% tariff on Japanese goods set to take effect August 1. The visit follows the House of Councillors election and builds on informal exchanges with U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent at the Osaka Expo. Tokyo has struggled to gain concessions. Kyodo News, July 19
South Korea
South Korea ex-President Yoon indicted again as martial law probe continues. Former President Yoon Suk Yeol was indicted on new charges including abuse of authority, obstruction, and tampering with arrest warrants, adding to ongoing insurrection proceedings linked to his December martial law declaration. The special prosecutor, appointed in June, continues building the case. Yoon remains jailed and denies all wrongdoing. Joyce Lee and Jack Kim, Reuters, July 19
Lee’s approval rating drops to 62.2% in first decline since inauguration: poll. President Lee Jae Myung’s approval rating fell to 62.2%, down 2.4 points from the previous week, marking the first decline since he took office in June. The drop follows ministerial confirmation controversies and damage from recent torrential rains. A separate survey showed support for the ruling Democratic Party declined to 50.8%, while the opposition People Power Party rose to 27.4%. Yi Wonju, Yonhap News Agency, July 21
Top security adviser heads for U.S. as tariff deadline nears. South Korean National Security Adviser Wi Sung-lac has departed for Washington with less than two weeks before the August 1 tariff deadline imposed by the Trump administration. The visit follows his earlier July trip to meet U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and is aimed at advancing negotiations through a proposed package deal. Lee Minji, Yonhap News Agency, July 20
North Korea
Seoul says reviewing measures to improve ties with NK amid report on individual trips to North. South Korea is reviewing ways to improve relations with North Korea, including allowing individual trips as a long-term measure, according to the unification ministry. The idea reportedly surfaced during a July 10 National Security Council meeting. Officials say such trips, suspended since 2008, would not violate U.N. sanctions if conducted on a per-expense basis. Park Boram, Yonhap News Agency, July 21
Thailand
Thin majority pressures Thailand's governing coalition. Government chief whip Wisut Chainarun urged coalition MPs to improve attendance in Parliament, warning that their slim 10-seat majority is at risk after a session was cut short due to lack of quorum. He criticized opposition parties for using repeated quorum calls to stall proceedings and noted logistical challenges for MPs. A vote for Second Deputy House Speaker is scheduled for July 24. Aekarach Sattaburuth, Bangkok Post, July 19
Vietnam
13th Party Central Committee wraps up 12th plenum. Vietnam’s 13th Party Central Committee concluded its 12th plenum on July 19 after two days of high-level discussions focused on preparations for the 14th National Party Congress. Party General Secretary To Lam emphasized institutional reform, governance innovation, and political integrity. The draft political report will be revised to define development goals through 2050, prioritizing science, technology, digital transformation, and anti-corruption. Vietnam News, July 19
Former presidents, former National Assembly chair stripped of all Party positions. Vietnam’s Communist Party Central Committee removed all Party roles from former presidents Nguyen Xuan Phuc and Vo Van Thuong, and former National Assembly chairman Vuong Dinh Hue, citing violations during their tenures. Former Deputy Prime Minister Le Minh Khai was also stripped of his posts. Former health minister Nguyen Thi Kim Tien was expelled from the Party. Vietnam News, July 19
Cambodia
Cambodia promulgates amendment to Article 33 of the Constitution on nationality. King Norodom Sihamoni has issued a Royal Decree enacting an amendment to Article 33 of Cambodia’s Constitution, governing the acquisition, loss, and revocation of nationality. The revised article states that citizens cannot be deported or extradited without mutual agreement and affirms state protection for Cambodians abroad. Khmer Times, July 21
Philippines
Marcos arrives in U.S. for official visit. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. arrived in Washington, D.C. for a three-day visit focused on strengthening the Philippines’ alliance with the United States, particularly on defense and economic issues. He is the first Southeast Asian leader to meet with President Donald Trump in his second term. Marcos aims to address the recent 20% U.S. tariff on Philippine exports and discuss a future-oriented bilateral trade deal. The Manila Times, July 21
House explains to SC: 4th impeach rap adopted, first 3 became moot. The House of Representatives told the Supreme Court that it followed constitutional procedure in impeaching Vice President Sara Duterte, stating the fourth complaint, endorsed by over a third of its members, rendered the first three moot. The House emphasized its internal authority, asserted due process is preserved for Duterte, and clarified that the fourth complaint was transmitted directly to the Senate. Jason Sigales, Philippine Daily Inquirer, July 21
Malaysia
Anwar: Govt will not block confidence vote in Parliament. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said his administration would not obstruct any motion of no confidence in Parliament, asserting respect for constitutional processes. He instructed Speaker Johari Abdul to permit such motions if tabled and pledged to abide by the outcome. Speaking amid opposition calls for his resignation, Anwar warned that attempts to seize power through non-constitutional means would endanger national stability. Fuad Nizam, New Straits Times, July 21
Anwar succeeds in halting civil sexual assault suit filed by Yusoff Rawther. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim successfully obtained a stay from the Court of Appeal in the civil sexual assault case filed by former research officer Muhammed Yusoff Rawther. The court cited special circumstances warranting the suspension to protect the appeal process. Rahmat Khairulrijal, New Straits Times, July 21
Taiwan
Taiwanese leader William Lai in one of his worst moments as approval rating falls. President William Lai’s approval rating dropped to 42.9%, with disapproval reaching 44.5%, amid backlash over his handling of Typhoon Danas and support for a controversial recall campaign targeting opposition lawmakers. Critics say Lai’s remarks during disaster visits were callous and out of touch, while his “Ten Talks” tour is viewed as divisive. Lawrence Chung, South China Morning Post, July 19
Northeast Asia
Will the United States Push Europe Toward China? U.S. trade policies under both Trump and Biden administrations risk inadvertently strengthening Europe–China ties by undermining transatlantic economic coordination. A lack of clear U.S. demands and enforcement strategies, combined with protectionist clauses in recent trade deals, has strained European economies, potentially reducing their leverage with Beijing. Amid sluggish transatlantic diplomacy, Europe has seen increased Chinese investment in sectors like EVs and semiconductors, often without sufficient safeguards or reciprocity. While mutual grievances persist, weak U.S. strategic alignment may leave Brussels more open to Chinese overtures. Avoiding long-term strategic losses requires the U.S. to craft a coherent, diplomatic, and goal-oriented China strategy that aligns economic interests with allies. Ilaria Mazzocco, CSIS, July 19
A Quiet Signal: Serbia Deepens Military Ties with China Amid Global Distractions. Serbia’s upcoming joint exercise with Chinese special forces, Peace Defenders-2025, shows Belgrade’s expanding military ties with Beijing amidst global geopolitical distractions. While officially committed to military neutrality, Serbia has increasingly pursued bilateral defense cooperation, purchasing Chinese drones and missile systems and co-developing UAVs. A new arms trade dynamic is forming, backed by a bilateral free trade agreement that reduces tariffs on Chinese weaponry. Despite Serbia’s continued engagement with NATO and the EU, this reflects a calculated foreign policy alignment with China, rather than strategic military need. As Western attention remains elsewhere, Serbia leverages its neutral stance to deepen ties with Beijing, facing minimal international pushback. Stefan Vladisavljev, China Observers, July 19
The Chinese readout of Albanese’s visit. Chinese state media portrayed Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s recent six-day visit as a positive milestone, signaling a normalization of bilateral ties. Outlets including the Global Times and People’s Daily emphasized strengthened economic complementarity and diplomatic engagement, with praise for high-level meetings with Xi Jinping, Li Qiang, and Zhao Leji. However, embedded within the optimism were subtle but consistent calls for fair treatment of Chinese enterprises in Australia, particularly regarding market access and investment reviews. While the media coverage lacked detailed accounts of agreements, it highlighted areas like AI, life sciences, and green energy as key cooperation points. The visit’s tone aligns with China’s broader charm offensive, though lingering tensions over foreign investment remain a sensitive issue. Carolin Kautz, Lowy Institute, July 15
Ishiba walks a political tightrope on immigration. Japan’s immigration debate has resurfaced as Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba and the ruling LDP confront demographic challenges while managing rising right-wing pressure. Although Japan welcomed nearly 360,000 new foreign residents in 2024 and the foreign-born share of young adults rose to 9.5 percent, immigration has remained sidelined in mainstream political discourse, that is until recently. Facing July 2025 Upper House elections and growing voter support for stricter immigration controls, the LDP adopted a more hardline stance, embracing proposals like “Zero Illegal Foreign Residents.” This change responds to public concerns over foreigner-related issues, including overtourism, property speculation, and Kurdish asylum cases. Yet, despite tougher rhetoric, the government quietly maintains its commitment to foreign labour as essential for Japan’s aging workforce, highlighting a calculated political balancing act. Maximilien Xavier Rehm, East Asia Forum, July 19.
Southeast Asia
Prabowo’s economic agenda faces a fiscal stress test. President Prabowo Subianto’s economic strategy focuses on national security and populism, but is increasingly strained by slowing growth and shrinking fiscal space. Programs like Free Nutritious Meals, electricity discounts, and income tax exemptions aim to boost consumption, yet risk undermining long-term investment and budgetary stability. Despite short-term gains, weak tax revenue and an expanding cabinet contribute to fiscal inefficiency. The creation of Danantara, a sovereign wealth fund controlling key state enterprises, raises transparency and oversight concerns. Macroeconomic pressures, including declining exports, falling coal prices, and external shocks, complicate implementation. While food security efforts have achieved a rice surplus, energy self-sufficiency remains fragile. The diminished role of reformist Finance Minister Sri Mulyani and growing off-budget expenditures further jeopardize fiscal credibility. Manggi Habir and Siwage Dharma Negara, East Asia Forum, July 19
South Asia
India’s Naxals: Why do they fight? The enduring appeal of India’s Naxalite insurgency lies not in material deprivation or ethnic identity, but in a resilient ideological commitment rooted in class struggle and radical transformation. Although the movement has inflicted over 12,000 deaths and once spanned nine states, it now faces a steep decline, marked by the recent killing of senior leader Nambala Keshava Rao. Yet, its staying power stems from an internally coherent worldview that appeals to disaffected, educated youth seeking uncompromising alternatives to a system they view as irredeemably feudal. Despite lacking strategic goals or a theory of victory, the Naxals’ actions serve as symbolic spectacles rather than concrete wins. As India modernizes rapidly, ideology remains the insurgency’s animating force. Abhijnan Rej, Lowy Institute, July 18