China
Senior Chinese leader Wang Huning tours Tibet, stresses ethnic unity, stability. Wang Huning urged Tibet to safeguard stability, enforce China’s new ethnic unity law, and align Tibetan Buddhism more closely with Communist Party priorities during a four-day tour of Lhasa and Ngari. Wang said governing Tibet requires stabilizing Tibet first, called for full implementation of the law, and emphasized Sinicization of religion. His visit included a monastery tour highlighting law-based management of religious institutions. Reuters, July 22
U.S. lawmakers accuse China of using UN peacekeeping forces to spy on countries. U.S. lawmakers and UN Ambassador Mike Waltz alleged China’s peacekeeping roles in strategic regions may serve military and intelligence objectives. Waltz said Washington is pushing back against Beijing’s efforts to limit Taiwan’s UN participation while pursuing UN reforms, budget cuts, and peacekeeping reductions. China’s embassy rejected the claims as baseless and accused critics of Cold War thinking. Mark Magnier, South China Morning Post, July 22
U.S. not getting enough critical minerals from China, Greer says as Xi-Trump meeting looms. U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer said critical mineral exports from China are flowing but remain below Washington’s desired volume and pace. He said U.S. officials are pressing Beijing to speed export approvals while accelerating domestic production to reduce dependence. The comments came as Marco Rubio and Wang Yi discussed potential economic deliverables ahead of Xi Jinping’s expected White House visit. Nayan Seth, South China Morning Post, July 22
Beijing and Manila should avoid South China Sea “miscalculation”: top diplomats. Wang Yi and Maria Theresa Lazaro met in Manila after a new clash near Second Thomas Shoal and stressed reducing miscalculation, maintaining stability, and keeping dialogue open. Lazaro protested Chinese actions against Filipino personnel and raised concern over a Chinese state media video mocking the 2016 arbitral ruling. Both sides discussed maritime disputes, security, trade, tourism, confidence-building measures, and code of conduct talks. Shi Jiangtao, South China Morning Post, July 22
Rubio meets Wang, discusses laying groundwork for Chinese president’s U.S. visit. Marco Rubio said he and Wang Yi discussed potential cooperation to prepare for Xi Jinping’s expected September visit to Washington. Rubio said the U.S. and China must manage major differences, including Taiwan and trade, while maintaining dialogue because of both countries’ global influence. Election interference allegations were not discussed. Rubio also called the latest South China Sea altercation an escalation and reaffirmed U.S. treaty obligations to the Philippines. Michael Martina, Mikhail Flores, Shi Bu, and Martin Petty, Reuters, July 22
Japan
Upper House panel approves referendum reform bill. An Upper House committee approved a bill easing requirements for appointing poll watchers under Japan’s national referendum law for constitutional amendments. The measure was backed by the ruling coalition and several opposition parties, excluding the Japanese Communist Party and Reiwa Shinsengumi. The committee also adopted a supplementary resolution calling for measures on advertising and internet use in referendum campaigns. The Japan Times, July 22
Takaichi faces growing headache over LDP and JIP’s lack of unity. Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi faces criticism over weak coordination between the Liberal Democratic Party and coalition partner Japan Innovation Party. Parliament was extended until Saturday because of a clash over a JIP-backed bill that some LDP members oppose, adding pressure as Takaichi’s approval rating slips. The coalition was formed after Komeito left the ruling bloc, making JIP support essential to Takaichi’s premiership. Eric Johnston, The Japan Times, July 22
South Korea
South Korean industry minister heads to U.S. as tariff decision looms. Industry Minister Kim Jung-kwan traveled to Washington for trade and investment talks before an expected U.S. Section 301 tariff decision tied to forced labor concerns. He will meet U.S. officials on shipbuilding, energy, resources, strategic investment, and tariff implementation, including cooperation through a new South Korea-U.S. Shipbuilding Partnership Center. Joyce Lee, Reuters, July 22
Lee to visit U.S., Brazil, Chile, Argentina, and Germany from Friday through Aug. 3. President Lee Jae Myung will begin a five-nation trip in San Francisco, where he will meet tech leaders including Sam Altman and Jensen Huang, attend a high-level AI meeting with South Korean conglomerate chiefs, and issue a San Francisco AI declaration. He will then visit Brazil, Chile, and Argentina for summits focused on trade, investment, and South Korea’s regional diplomacy before stopping in Frankfurt. Park Boram, Yonhap News Agency, July 22
South Korea says Coupang dispute not holding up U.S. trade and security agenda. National Security Adviser Wi Sung-lac said South Korea’s dispute with Coupang over a data leak is not delaying trade, investment, or security talks with Washington. Seoul continues consultations on U.S. investment pledges, possible Section 301 tariffs, and uranium enrichment and spent-fuel reprocessing talks. Heejin Kim and Kyu-Seok Shim, Reuters, July 22
North Korea
S. Korea seizes cargo vessel suspected of violating U.N. sanctions on N. Korea. South Korea seized the cargo vessel Prada, also known as Sophia, after an investigation confirmed violations of U.N. sanctions on North Korea. The ship had been moved to Pyeongtaek in March and was among seven vessels named in a May joint statement urging U.N. action over suspected North Korean coal and iron ore exports. Woo Jae-yeon, Yonhap News Agency, July 22
Vietnam
Vietnam attends ASEAN foreign ministers’ meetings with partners. Vietnam joined ASEAN meetings with Canada, South Korea, Australia, and CEAPAD, supporting deeper cooperation on energy security, AI, digital transformation, innovation, education, healthcare, disaster response, and Mekong development. Vietnam backed ASEAN centrality, freedom of navigation and overflight in the South China Sea, peaceful dispute settlement under UNCLOS, and continued support for Palestinian development through training and international coordination. Vietnam News, July 22
Thailand
Thailand presses on with Cambodia border fence after 2025 clashes. Thailand completed the first 1.3-kilometer section of a permanent border fence with Cambodia in Pong Nam Ron, using reinforced concrete, steel mesh, and concertina wire. Chief of Defense Forces General Ukrit Boontanon said the barrier was built for long-term security and tested against small-arms fire. The military plans more than 7 kilometers of additional fencing after last year’s clashes killed nearly 150 people and displaced 300,000. Artorn Pookasook, Chalinee Thirasupa, and Panu Wongcha-um, Reuters, July 2
PP attacks changes to card terms. The People’s Party criticized revised state welfare card criteria, saying poor cabinet coordination could exclude vulnerable people. Veerayooth Kanchoochat said rules on vehicle ownership, disability classifications, farm landholdings, and agricultural debt were not properly scrutinized before approval. He urged a broader assessment using data from multiple ministries instead of relying on single indicators. Aekarach Sattaburuth, Bangkok Post, July 22
PM to sue over Senate collusion claim. Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul vowed to sue iLaw chief Yingcheep Atchanont for defamation after allegations linked Anutin and senior Bhumjaithai figures to manipulation of the 2024 Senate election. Anutin said no indictment has been filed, questioned the credibility of unnamed witnesses, and ruled out reconciliation. Bhumjaithai assigned Supachai Jaisamut to pursue legal action. Bangkok Post, July 22
Myanmar
Three aid workers found dead as Myanmar troops clear Dawei SEZ. Three aid workers from The Ants and another civilian were found dead in Yebyu Township after reportedly being abducted as human shields by Myanmar regime troops. More than 500 troops advanced through villages near the Russian-backed Dawei Special Economic Zone, while residents fled looting, arson, and forced displacement. Local volunteers said displaced villagers urgently need food, shelter, and medicines. Phoe Tar, The Irrawaddy, July 22
Cambodia
Prak Sokhonn raises displaced people concerns with ASEAN. Cambodian Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn urged ASEAN counterparts to support the safe return of more than 20,000 civilians still displaced after the Cambodia-Thailand border ceasefire. He said the crisis has kept children out of school and limited care for vulnerable groups, while also discussing human rights work, nuclear-weapon-free-zone commitments, and bilateral cooperation with the Philippines and Timor-Leste. Rin Ousa, Cambodianess, July 22
Philippines
Philippine, Chinese foreign ministers trade protests over South China Sea encounter. Philippine Foreign Secretary Maria Theresa Lazaro and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi exchanged strong protests in Manila over the Second Thomas Shoal confrontation. Lazaro cited unacceptable actions against Filipino personnel, while Wang accused Philippine personnel of ramming Chinese vessels. Both sides discussed keeping communication open and managing tensions. Mikhail Flores and Martin Petty, Reuters, July 22
Marcos, Rubio commit to build further on PH-U.S. longstanding ties. Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Marco Rubio agreed to strengthen Philippines-U.S. cooperation during Rubio’s first Manila visit as secretary of state. Their discussions covered the Middle East conflict, AI, defense, security, economic cooperation, Indo-Pacific stability, trade, business ties, and disaster response. The Philippines and the U.S. are marking 80 years of diplomatic relations, with defense cooperation remaining a central pillar. The Manila Times, July 22
Defense says VP’s request for Senate-funded catering during trial has not been approved. Sara Duterte’s defense team said the Senate has not approved the Office of the Vice President’s request for Senate-funded catering during her impeachment trial. Defense spokesman Michael Wesley Poa said the team was not involved in the request, which sought food and beverages from the OVP’s accredited caterer for lawyers, staff, and witnesses, citing security and orderly proceedings. James Daniel Danio, The Manila Times, July 22
Singapore
PM Wong unveils new Cabinet; appoints first-term politicians to larger roles. Lawrence Wong announced a Cabinet reshuffle that promotes newer political officeholders while retaining experienced leaders during Singapore’s leadership transition. Jeffrey Siow and David Neo will become full ministers, Jasmin Lau will helm the Manpower Ministry as acting minister, Ng Chee Meng will return to Cabinet, and K. Shanmugam will become senior minister while retaining Home Affairs. Wong said the changes reflect a continuous renewal process following recent political resignations. Ng Wei Kai, The Straits Times, July 22
Taiwan
China using “elite capture” in Pacific, Taiwan says, citing PNG. Taiwan’s Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung accused China of using “elite capture” to influence South Pacific leaders after Papua New Guinea ordered the closure of Taiwan’s representative office. Lin said the announcement reflected PNG Foreign Minister Justin Tkatchenko’s position rather than a Cabinet consensus, and Taiwan’s office continues operating. Taiwan is assessing LNG imports from PNG while warning that China is expanding influence through infrastructure, critical minerals, military activity, and pressure on regional governments. Joseph Yeh, Focus Taiwan, July 22
Pakistan
Pakistan and Uzbekistan turn to China for transit trade amid regional security risks. Pakistan and Uzbekistan agreed in principle to reroute some bilateral transit trade through China after insecurity disrupted routes through Afghanistan and Iran. The revised arrangement would make the China corridor an official route through Pakistan’s Sost Dry Port, western China, and Central Asia. The route is expected to serve as a strategic backup rather than a full replacement because it involves longer distances, additional border procedures, higher costs, and longer transit times. Sadokat Jalolova, The Times of Central Asia, July 22
Turkmenistan
New U.S. embassy chief in Turkmenistan to continue building ties. Kristin Hawkins became charge d’affaires ad interim at the U.S. Embassy in Ashgabat after Elizabeth Rood completed her ambassadorial tour. Hawkins will lead the mission until a permanent ambassador is appointed. She and Foreign Minister Rashid Meredov reaffirmed interest in strengthening Turkmen-U.S. cooperation, building on what Turkmenistan described as positive momentum in recent years through Washington’s broader trade and diplomatic outreach in Central Asia. The Times of Central Asia, July 22
East Asia
When China Gets Its Own Mythos. Frontier AI models can detect and leverage software vulnerabilities on a scale formerly limited by the scarcity of human expertise. China might achieve similar capabilities within months, providing hackers with the means to endanger water, power, transit, and industrial infrastructure. The U.S. should focus on combating model theft and chip smuggling, enhancing counterintelligence efforts, establishing a dedicated institution for coordinated defenses, assisting vulnerable operators, and developing resilient infrastructure that can maintain essential services even if intrusions occur. Michael Sulmeyer, Foreign Affairs, July 22
Plugging In, Charging Ahead: Comparing EU and Canadian Approaches to Chinese Investment in the Electric Vehicle Sector. The EU and Canada aim to attract Chinese electric vehicle investments while safeguarding jobs, supply chains, technology, data, and competitiveness. The EU advocates for binding conditions via its Industrial Accelerator Act, such as ownership restrictions, joint ventures, local sourcing, research, employment, and technology transfer agreements. Canada focuses on market access, political dialogue, and principles emphasizing Canadian ownership, labor standards, domestic suppliers, and secure software solutions. Ongoing Beijing controls and North American trade uncertainties are likely to influence these strategies. Kate Logan and Taylah Bland, Asia Society, July 21
China’s real space race is not against SpaceX. China’s retrieval of the Long March 10B booster using a sea-based net system signifies progress toward reusable launch technology. Lower costs may enable satellite constellations, bolster Beijing’s infrastructure, and enhance control over communications, data, navigation, finance, logistics, and security. The design transfers landing complexity from the rocket to recovery ships, decreasing weight. China’s rivalry with the United States focuses on industrial scale, orbital networks, commercial ecosystems, and state influence. Akhmad Hanan, ThinkChina, July 22
Japan, China need an economic hotline as well as a defense one. China’s export controls on rare earths demonstrate how diplomatic conflicts can rapidly escalate into corporate crises. Japan’s reliance on Chinese minerals, components, and processing capacity makes its companies vulnerable to licensing delays and policy shifts. To mitigate these risks, Tokyo should develop early warning systems, diversify its supply sources, coordinate stockpiles with allies, and set up an economic hotline with Beijing. This channel could help clarify restrictions, outline enforcement measures, safeguard contracts, and prevent escalation while still allowing for national security measures. David Tingxuan Zhang, Nikkei Asia, July 22
Japan’s half-cancelled employment bargain. Japanese companies continue to hire graduates en masse and value loyalty, yet they are pulling back on the security that once underpinned the postwar employment system. Profitable companies are downsizing staff, and young employees increasingly turn to resignation agencies to leave their jobs. The lack of consistent performance-based pay and minimal investment in skills have led to lower productivity and a shortage of midcareer managers. To adapt, employers should consider providing training, fair exit packages, or year-round trial hiring instead of maintaining a system designed for lifetime employment. Miyo Tanaka, East Asia Forum, July 22
Southeast Asia
Vietnam is ready to meet the middle power moment. Vietnam is transforming its economic growth and diplomatic prudence into influence as a middle power by forming partnerships, enhancing regional connectivity, and engaging in multilateral initiatives. It has signed agreements with Japan, India, Thailand, Singapore, and the Philippines on topics like climate resilience, digital infrastructure, food security, energy, and AI. Hanoi actively promotes cooperation on cybercrime, climate legislation, pandemic response, and AI regulation. Its strategy ties development efforts to security priorities while also addressing challenges such as export reliance, Chinese imports, territorial conflicts, and external pressure on the rules-based order. Nicholas Chapman, East Asia Forum, July 22
Vietnam’s Ambition for Double-Digit Growth: Rationale and Challenges. Vietnam aims for double-digit growth to attain high-income status before an aging population increases fiscal and healthcare pressures. Its strategy relies on expanding credit, public investments, consumption, exports, and infrastructure development. However, each of these drivers risks inflation, exchange rate stability, banking sector health, and asset prices. Challenges include low consumer confidence, reliance on trade, foreign-led exports, and speculative property lending, all adding to risks. Credit should be focused on transport, energy, and digital infrastructure, accompanied by better oversight, reforms, and safeguards to prevent capital misallocation. Ho Quoc Tuan, FULCRUM, July 22
South Asia
Why a Hunger Strike Is Rallying India’s Youth. Sonam Wangchuk’s hunger strike has emerged as a symbol of protest for young Indians frustrated by leaked medical entrance exams, unemployment, and perceived systemic unfairness. The Cockroach Janta Party has transformed an insult aimed at jobless youth into a rallying point for resistance. Wangchuk demands the resignation of the education minister and reforms to the exam process. His fast reflects India’s tradition of moral protest, using self-sacrifice to challenge authority, risking his life and facing potential political exploitation by rivals. Salil Tripathi, Foreign Policy, July 21
Central Asia
Where Are President Tokayev’s Political Reforms Leading Kazakhstan? Kassym-Jomart Tokayev’s constitutional reforms, the introduction of a unicameral Quryltay, and the dominance of the Adilet party have restructured Kazakhstan’s political landscape without curbing presidential authority. These changes eliminate symbols from the Nazarbayev era, consolidate the ruling party, and promote technocrats whose careers are tied to Tokayev. A court decision allows his terms to be reset, keeping open the possibilities for reelection, early elections, or succession. This uncertainty enhances his power, while the existing system continues to concentrate authority and reflect a state-capitalist approach influenced by China and Singapore. Temur Umarov, Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, July 22