China
China names Zhejiang-born Ling Zhifeng to head the Special Service Bureau. Ling Zhifeng has been appointed vice-minister of public security and head of the Special Service Bureau, which oversees protection for senior Chinese officials such as vice-presidents and vice-premiers. Previously party chief in Jinhua and Guangxi’s public security head, Ling’s career has intersected with top leaders including Cai Qi and Li Qiang. He replaces Wang Zhizhong, now head of the National Immigration Administration. Yuanyue Dang, South China Morning Post, July 23
EU, China plan joint statement on climate change, sources say. The European Union and China are preparing a joint climate declaration reaffirming their commitment to address global warming ahead of the COP30 summit in Brazil. The statement, expected during an EU-China summit in Beijing, will not introduce new pledges but signals continued cooperation despite ongoing tensions over trade and geopolitical issues. The move contrasts with U.S. disengagement from global climate efforts. Kate Abnett, Reuters, July 23
Japan
Japanese PM denies reports of resignation despite mounting pressure after historic election loss. Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba rejected resignation speculation after his coalition lost its upper house majority, stating he intends to oversee implementation of the Japan-U.S. tariff deal. Despite his denial, media reports suggest he may step down by late July. Internal party dissent is rising, and several figures are viewed as potential successors amid growing voter dissatisfaction and political instability. Mari Yamaguchi, Associated Press, July 23
EU and Japan step up alliance in trade, economic security and defense amid challenges from U.S., China. Japan and the European Union launched a competitiveness alliance to expand trade, strengthen economic security, and enhance cooperation in innovation, energy, and defense. The move comes as both face pressure from U.S. tariffs and growing Chinese assertiveness. Leaders reaffirmed support for multilateral trade rules and agreed to begin talks on an information security pact. Mari Yamaguchi, Associated Press, July 23
South Korea
National Assembly passes confirmation motion for Constitutional Court chief nominee. South Korea’s National Assembly approved the appointment of Kim Sang-hwan as Constitutional Court chief justice in a 206-49 vote, with nine abstentions. Kim, a former Supreme Court justice, was nominated by President Lee Jae Myung to replace acting chief Moon Hyung-bae, who retired in April. His confirmation fills a months-long vacancy and secures a six-year term for the court’s leadership. Yi Wonju, Yonhap News Agency, July 23
Embattled lawmaker declines gender equality minister nomination. Rep. Kang Sun-woo of the Democratic Party of Korea withdrew her nomination as gender equality minister amid controversy over alleged abuse of authority, including assigning personal tasks to staff and leveraging her influence against colleagues. Her decision came after pressure from within her party and President Lee Jae Myung's push to finalize several Cabinet appointments. Son Ji-hyoung, The Korea Herald, July 23
Thailand
Thailand recalls ambassador to Cambodia amid border tensions, ruling party says. Thailand has recalled its ambassador to Cambodia and will expel Cambodia’s envoy following a landmine incident that injured a Thai soldier along the disputed border. The Thai government lodged a protest, accusing Cambodia of placing new mines, while Cambodia denied the claim. Thailand also ordered border checkpoint closures and banned tourist access to the area. Panu Wongcha-um and Orathai Sriring, Reuters, July 23
CIB passes on 14 complaints against Paetongtarn over Hun Sen clip to NACC. Thailand’s Central Investigation Bureau has submitted to the National Anti-Corruption Commission a report on 14 complaints against suspended Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra over a leaked phone call with Cambodian Senate President Hun Sen. The primary complaint, led by former senator Somchai Sawaengkarn and others, accuses her of sedition under multiple criminal code sections. The Nation, July 23
Myanmar
Planned elections prove logistical nightmare for Myanmar’s political parties. Political parties across Myanmar are scrambling to meet legal requirements for elections scheduled later this year amid intensifying conflict and a lack of public trust. Of 55 registered parties, only nine plan to contest nationwide. Most parties struggle to open required offices due to security risks, particularly in conflict-ridden ethnic states. The Irrawaddy, July 23
Cambodia
Cambodia downgrades diplomatic ties with Thailand to lowest level. Cambodia has reduced its diplomatic relations with Thailand to the lowest level following Bangkok’s decision to downgrade engagement over a second landmine incident along the border that injured a Thai soldier. Phnom Penh ordered the recall of its ambassador and expulsion of Thailand’s envoy, reciprocating Bangkok’s moves. All Cambodian embassy staff in Bangkok were recalled, and Thai diplomatic staff were instructed to depart Cambodia. Khmer Times, July 23
Philippines
Duterte silent on August 4 trial. Vice President Sara Duterte has not commented on her impending impeachment trial set for August 4, following the opening of the 20th Congress. Speaking in The Hague, she deferred questions to her lawyer, Michael Wesley Poa, who said the complaint lacks constitutional basis. Duterte is expected to miss the President’s address and travel to South Korea for a meeting with Filipino communities. Red Mendoza, The Manila Times, July 23
Indonesia
China says its defense ties with Indonesia sets example for ASEAN nations. Chinese defense attaché Xu Sheng said Beijing’s growing military ties with Jakarta demonstrate a model for broader regional cooperation. Speaking at a PLA anniversary gala in Jakarta, Xu highlighted joint drills, expanding dialogue, and a shared focus on regional stability. Indonesia is also considering purchasing Chinese fighter jets. Jayanty Nada Shofa, Jakarta Globe, July 23
Taiwan
Taiwan says trade delegation in Washington for talks on potential tariff and trade deal. Taiwan has dispatched a delegation led by Vice Premier Cheng Li-chun to Washington for direct negotiations aimed at safeguarding the island’s industrial, health, and food security interests amid looming U.S. tariffs. Although no new tariffs have been imposed yet, the expired 90-day pause has heightened urgency. Talks come as the U.S. finalizes other regional deals ahead of an August 1 deadline. Faith Hung and Jeanny Kao, Reuters, July 23
Taiwan rejects report Yoon sought martial law support. Taiwan’s Presidential Office dismissed claims that former South Korean intelligence commander Moon Sang-ho sought Taipei’s backing for a martial law declaration by ex-president Yoon Suk-yeol. A spokesperson labeled the report, published by South Korea’s Hankyoreh, as fabricated and malicious. The office reiterated that Taiwan maintains routine security exchanges focused solely on regional stability and does not interfere in other nations' internal affairs. Taipei Times, July 23
Kazakhstan
Kazakhstan and China launch unmanned cargo transport at border. Kazakhstan and China have initiated unmanned cargo transport at the Bakhty–Pokitu border as part of the Smart Customs pilot project. The system enables 24-hour driverless goods movement using digital documentation and automated navigation. It aims to boost cargo volumes to 10 million tons annually, cut costs, reduce clearance time, and promote exports like grain and processed foods. Fatima Kemelova, The Astana Times, July 23
Kazakhstan to more than double oil refining capacity by 2040. Kazakhstan has approved a long-term strategy to raise its oil refining capacity from 18 million to 39 million tons annually by 2040. The plan involves modernizing existing facilities, constructing a new refinery, and enhancing technological standards to reach a 94% refining depth. Around 30% of refined output is expected to be exported, targeting markets in China, India, and Central Asia. Saniya Sakenova, The Astana Times, July 23
Northeast Asia
Japan as a global bulwark against illiberalism under Trump 2.0. Japan is stepping up as a defender of liberal democracy in response to a retreat in U.S. global leadership under Trump’s second term. Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba’s government is strengthening ties with Ukraine, the Philippines, India, and Taiwan while resisting U.S. tariff pressure and advocating for free trade. Tokyo is also promoting democratic values abroad through diplomatic outreach and public communication. Maiko Ichihara, East Asia Forum, July 24
How Taiwan is bracing for war: a whole-of-society strategy. Taiwan conducted its largest-ever Han Kuang military drills, simulating a full-scale Chinese invasion with over 22,000 reservists and urban warfare exercises. The government is increasing defense spending, restoring military tribunals, and extending mandatory service. U.S. support has grown through funding and training. The drills reflect a whole-of-society defense strategy aimed at improving readiness, morale, and deterrence. Ghulam Ali, ThinkChina, July 23
Assessing the U.S.-Japan trade deal announcement. The United States and Japan reached a major trade agreement reducing proposed 25 percent tariffs on Japanese exports to 15 percent and excluding steel and aluminum. In exchange, Japan committed to $550 billion in new U.S. investments and eased access for U.S. rice and automobiles. The deal follows eight rounds of talks and sets a precedent for upcoming negotiations. Kristi Govella, CSIS, July 23
Southeast Asia
Vietnam Chinese investment trends in 2025 revealed. Chinese firms are expanding rapidly in Vietnam, with over 390 companies registering in the first quarter — a 30% increase from last year — but rising costs and shallow supply chains cast doubt on the boom’s sustainability. Industrial rents in Ho Chi Minh City now rival China’s, while Vietnam’s reliance on assembly and poor tech integration limit value-added potential. Han Zhen, China Global South, July 24
Central Asia
Kazakhstan’s oil workers face the end of TCO expansion. The completion of Tengizchevroil’s $45.2 billion expansion project has triggered mass layoffs, leaving thousands of oil workers in western Kazakhstan without jobs. Only about 1,000 permanent positions remain out of 90,000 created during the project. Labor unions warn of rising unemployment and unrest, criticizing the government’s retraining programs as ineffective and poorly targeted. Dmitry Mazorenko, Vlast, July 23
South Asia
Falsehoods in conflict: disinformation in India-Pakistan crises and lessons for the future. The May 2025 India-Pakistan conflict was marked by disinformation campaigns that fueled escalation and hindered crisis management. AI-generated deepfakes, fake news broadcasts, and social media manipulation spread false narratives, including fabricated claims of military victories. Government censorship and partisan reporting worsened the situation. Roshni Kapur, South Asian Voices, July 23