China
Trump, Xi aides discussed autumn US-China leaders meeting, sources say. Aides to Donald Trump and Xi Jinping are in early talks about a potential bilateral meeting later this year, possibly on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit or during Trump’s visit to Asia. China also invited U.S. guests to a September 3 WWII anniversary ceremony in Beijing, where a Trump-Putin meeting is possible. Trump has set an August 12 deadline for a tariff deal. Trevor Hunnicutt, Reuters, July 21
Chinese investors snap up stocks on hopes for end to price wars and overcapacity. Chinese investors are driving stock gains following government efforts to curb intense competition and excess production in sectors like electric vehicles, solar panels, and steel. Measures include a 30% production cut by solar glass makers and tighter auto safety inspections. Ken Moritsugu, Associated Press, July 21
Japan
Despite election loss, Japan says seeking U.S. trade deal by Aug. 1. Japan’s top negotiator Ryosei Akazawa said he remains committed to reaching a trade agreement with the U.S. by the August 1 deadline, despite the ruling coalition’s upper house election defeat. Akazawa is in Washington for the eighth round of talks focused on avoiding a 25% tariff. The U.S. remains firm on securing a high-quality deal, especially on auto and agriculture. Kyodo News, July 21
‘Japanese First’ party emerges as election force with tough immigration talk. Japan’s far-right Sanseito party won 14 new seats in the Upper House election, rising to prominence with a populist “Japanese First” platform critical of immigration, globalism, and the ruling coalition. Led by Sohei Kamiya and inspired by Donald Trump, the party gained traction through YouTube and calls for tax cuts, welfare expansion, and cultural conservatism. The Asahi Shimbun, July 21
South Korea
South Korea court rejects arrest warrant for drone chief over operation in North Korea, Yonhap says. A Seoul court denied prosecutors’ request to arrest Kim Yong-dae, head of South Korea’s military drone unit, over allegations linked to former President Yoon Suk Yeol’s alleged covert drone mission in North Korea. The court ruled the arrest would overly restrict Kim’s right to defense. Prosecutors allege the 2024 operation aimed to provoke tensions to justify Yoon’s martial law decree. Heekyong Yang, Reuters, July 21
Ex-PM Han booked for alleged perjury over martial law attempt. Former Prime Minister Han Duck-soo has been booked for allegedly giving false testimony about former President Yoon Suk Yeol’s martial law declaration. Investigators say Han denied knowing about the printed decree until after it was lifted, but surveillance footage reportedly shows him retrieving copies from the presidential office. He is also suspected of helping legitimize the document post-factum. Lee Haye-ah, Yonhap News Agency, July 22
North Korea
N. Korea says to build additional 5,000-ton destroyer by Oct. 2026. North Korea plans to construct another 5,000-ton destroyer by October 10, 2026, following the launch of two such vessels this year. A rally at the Nampho dockyard affirmed the timeline, aligning with the Workers’ Party founding anniversary. Leader Kim Jong-un has ordered two or more destroyers annually starting in 2026. Park Boram, Yonhap News Agency, July 21
Vietnam
Top legislator leaves for official visits to Senegal, Morocco, IPU global speakers' conference in Switzerland. National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man departed Hanoi for official visits to Senegal and Morocco, and to attend the Sixth World Conference of Speakers of Parliament in Switzerland. The trip marks Vietnam’s first high-level visit to Morocco in six years and to Senegal since 1969. Vietnam News, July 23
Myanmar
Myanmar’s junta chief makes first appearance at memorial event. Junta leader Min Aung Hlaing publicly marked Martyrs’ Day for the first time since seizing power, attending a ceremony honoring Aung San, father of imprisoned opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi. The appearance comes amid international condemnation of the junta’s planned elections and ongoing detention of civilian leaders. Myanmar Now, July 21
2 political prisoners die of medical neglect in jail. Student activist Ma Wut Yi Aung and NLD member Ko Pyae Sone Aung died in junta custody on Saturday due to inadequate medical care. Ma Wut Yi Aung, tortured during interrogation and denied outside treatment, died in Insein prison after prolonged health complications. Ko Pyae Sone Aung, imprisoned for sedition, succumbed to untreated chronic conditions. Rights groups report 14 such deaths this year. The Irrawaddy, July 21
Cambodia
Landmine dispute escalates tensions between Thailand and Cambodia. Tensions rose between Thailand and Cambodia after a July 16 landmine blast injured three Thai soldiers near the disputed border, prompting Thai accusations of newly planted Russian-made PMN-2 mines. Cambodia denied the claim, saying the troops entered unsafe zones outside agreed patrol routes. Thailand plans to formally condemn the incident, citing a breach of the Ottawa Treaty, amid broader diplomatic fallout and domestic political instability. Panu Wongcha-um and Panarat Thepgumpanat, Reuters, July 21
PM Hun Manet to Thailand: ‘The method of blaming others is neither ethical nor honest.’ Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet issued a five-point statement rejecting Thai accusations of interference, landmine incidents, and unilateral threats near disputed border areas. Posted on social media, his message condemned Thai political and military leaders for what he called baseless claims. He warned against violations of Cambodia’s sovereignty and emphasized readiness to defend national interests while urging peaceful resolution. Khmer Times, July 22
Philippines
Marcos reaffirms alliance with US in meeting with its Defense chief. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. emphasized the Philippines' alliance with the United States as crucial to maintaining peace and stability in the South China Sea and the broader Indo-Pacific. During a meeting with US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth at the Pentagon, Marcos credited the partnership with preserving regional balance and reiterated the Philippines’ commitment to defense cooperation. Catherine S. Valente, The Manila Times, July 22
Indonesia
Indonesia says 19% U.S. tariff might kick in before August 1. Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto said the reduced 19% U.S. tariff on Indonesian goods could take effect before the August 1 deadline, depending on a joint statement between the two countries. The tariff follows a trade deal reached last week that lowered the originally proposed 32% rate. The agreement is one of the few concluded by the Trump administration so far. Stefanno Sulaiman and Gibran Peshimam, Reuters, July 21
Malaysia
Anwar to make 'extraordinary tribute' announcement tomorrow at 10.30am. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim will deliver an “extraordinary tribute” announcement on Wednesday morning to express appreciation to Malaysians, according to Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil. The statement, linked to efforts addressing the rising cost of living, follows the unity government’s recent retreat in Port Dickson. Fuad Nizam, New Straits Times, July 21
Malaysia stands firm on Palestine, Iran amid US tariff threats – Anwar. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim declared Malaysia will uphold its support for Palestine and maintain ties with Iran, regardless of potential retaliatory U.S. tariffs. He emphasized the country’s commitment to sovereignty, justice, and international law, criticizing the tariff threat as a violation of WTO principles and existing trade norms. Qistina Sallehuddin and Nor Ain Mohamed Radhi, New Straits Times, July 21
Singapore
Singapore central bank to place S$1.1 billion with asset managers to boost stock market. Singapore’s central bank will allocate S$1.1 billion to three asset managers under a broader S$5 billion initiative aimed at strengthening local equities. Selected firms — Avanda, JP Morgan, and Fullerton — were chosen based on strategy alignment and capacity-building commitments. The Equity Market Development Programme is part of a regulatory push to deepen investor participation and revive the market, which has gained 23.9% since last August. Jun Yong, Reuters, July 21
Taiwan
From job cuts to suspending plans, Taiwan firms brace for Trump tariff storm. A new study shows 25% of Taiwanese companies have halted expansion and 5% have started layoffs amid fears of a potential 32% U.S. tariff. The survey of 238 firms revealed that over half expect to be affected, with small and medium enterprises particularly vulnerable. Officials warn of worsening impacts without transparency from Washington, as Taiwan awaits formal notice on its tariff rate. Lawrence Chung, South China Morning Post, July 21
Uzbekistan
Uzbekistan, Pakistan and Afghanistan sign agreement on Trans-Afghan railway. Uzbekistan, Pakistan, and Afghanistan signed a framework agreement on July 17 to develop a feasibility study for the Trans-Afghan railway, a strategic project expected to span over 700 kilometers and reduce cargo transit time from 35 days to 3–5 days. The route will link Central Asia to the Arabian Sea via Peshawar. Project costs have risen from $5 billion to $7 billion. Fatima Kemelova, The Astana Times, July 21
Northeast Asia
In China’s factory belt, workers race to survive the robot era. As automation accelerates across China’s industrial hubs, workers like electrical engineer Chen Zhen are racing to reskill to avoid redundancy. In Foshan, authorities have pledged billions in subsidies and certifications to support upskilling, while AI systems are replacing dozens of manual roles. Despite government-backed retraining efforts, participation remains uneven and private firms show reluctance. Success hinges on coordination among schools, industry, and state. Fan Yiying and Chen Yongyi, Sixth Tone, July 21
One Big Beautiful Bill: is Trump’s climate rollback China’s opportunity? The Trump administration’s “One Big Beautiful Bill” eliminates clean energy tax credits while expanding fossil fuel subsidies and lease sales, sparking an estimated US$15.5 billion in canceled green projects and 12,000 job losses. As U.S. climate policy regresses, China—remaining committed to the Paris Agreement and leading in green tech—may benefit globally. However, fossil fuel interests remain entrenched in both countries. Erik Baark, ThinkChina, July 21
The Chinese readout of Albanese’s visit. Chinese state media portrayed Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s six-day visit as a turning point in China–Australia ties, highlighting economic complementarities and strategic cooperation. While praising the improved relationship, reports subtly reiterated concerns over Australia’s treatment of Chinese firms and restrictions on investment. Key areas for collaboration include energy, green development, and AI. Despite sparse details on agreements, the visit signals a broader diplomatic charm effort. Carolin Kautz, The Interpreter, July 21
Southeast Asia
Malaysia’s push for the ASEAN-GCC-China summit: connecting past and present. The inaugural ASEAN-GCC-China Summit, held on May 27 in Kuala Lumpur, marked a key initiative of Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s 2025 ASEAN chairmanship. Rooted in Malaysia’s historic role as a regional connector, the summit aims to institutionalize trilateral cooperation to counter shifting global alignments. It signals Malaysia’s commitment to multi-alignment strategies while promoting trade, strategic partnerships, and resilience amid geopolitical fragmentation. Kuik Cheng-Chwee, Fulcrum, July 22
South Asia
Foreign involvement fans the flames of India–Pakistan tensions. The April 2025 Pahalgam terror attack triggered a four-day India–Pakistan conflict that escalated into a global diplomatic contest, with both sides courting foreign powers. While India rejected mediation, Pakistan sought leverage via U.S. and Chinese ties. The U.S. adopted a neutral stance, despite inconsistencies such as hosting Pakistan’s army chief while labeling The Resistance Front a terrorist group. China’s support of Pakistan intensified, including military aid and real-time intelligence, raising risks of superpower entanglement. Chietigj Bajpaee, East Asia Forum, July 22