China
China holds air, navy patrol in South China Sea. China said it conducted a routine naval and air patrol in the South China Sea while accusing the Philippines of organizing joint patrols with foreign countries that undermined regional peace and stability. The Southern Theatre Command said it would defend China’s territorial sovereignty and maritime rights. Beijing maintains claims over nearly the entire South China Sea and rejects the 2016 arbitral ruling invalidating those claims. Farah Master, Reuters, July 26
Amid Hormuz woes, China tests Central Asian land corridors to bypass maritime chokepoints. Beijing is expanding overland trade routes through Central Asia as disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz expose shipping vulnerabilities. A new China-Kazakhstan-Uzbekistan-Turkmenistan-Afghanistan corridor cuts delivery times to Herat but remains limited by security, customs, infrastructure, and capacity constraints. Analysts said the route can support containerized regional trade but cannot solve China’s energy exposure because it does not move large oil or gas volumes. Shi Jiangtao, South China Morning Post, July 24
Chinese tech firms’ “snub” to U.S. Congress advisers highlights Beijing’s growing AI caution. Major Chinese technology companies declined to meet a visiting U.S. congressional advisory delegation, reflecting Beijing’s increasingly selective approach to AI diplomacy. Analysts said China views the commission as a policy actor tied to restrictions rather than a neutral fact-finding body. The episode highlights narrowing channels for direct U.S.-China technology engagement, even as both governments prepare for possible AI security talks and continue leader-level dialogue. Khushboo Razdan, South China Morning Post, July 26
Japan
U.S., Japan join Philippines in South China Sea drills. The U.S. and Japan joined Philippine maritime exercises in the South China Sea from July 21 to 25 as Manila and Beijing traded accusations over recent encounters. The drills involved warships, coast guard vessels, surveillance aircraft, and fighter aircraft to improve interoperability. The exercises followed a confrontation at Second Thomas Shoal and overlapped with Philippine reports of Chinese water cannon use near Scarborough Shoal. Nestor Corrales, Reuters, July 26
Japan seeks to establish greater cooperation with Solomon Islands. Sanae Takaichi met Solomon Islands Prime Minister Matthew Wale in Tokyo after Wale shifted his country away from a pro-China stance. The two leaders agreed to promote development cooperation, including 3 billion yen in loans, and people-to-people exchanges. Japan sees Pacific island nations as important to its free and open Indo-Pacific policy, while Wale has reviewed the Solomons’ security pact with China and protested Beijing’s Pacific missile test. Yuta Ogi and Eishiro Takeishi, The Asahi Shimbun, July 24
Japan dips toe into diplomatic waters with China, Russia. Toshimitsu Motegi briefly spoke with Wang Yi and Sergey Lavrov on the sidelines of ASEAN meetings in Manila, marking limited contact amid strained ties with China and Russia. Beijing denied a planned meeting with Japan, while Motegi said dialogue with China remains important for regional peace. Tokyo is also cautiously maintaining communication with Moscow on practical issues, including Japanese assets, Sakhalin energy, fisheries, and exchanges, while keeping sanctions and support for Ukraine unchanged. Ryohei Miyawaki, Yuta Ogi, Takashi Ogawa, and Yohei Kobayakawa, The Asahi Shimbun, July 24
PM Takaichi’s Cabinet support rate dips to 53.7%, lowest since launch. Sanae Takaichi’s Cabinet approval rating fell to 53.7%, its lowest since she took office, according to a Kyodo News poll. The decline followed passage of key bills on imperial succession, a second capital, and penalties for desecrating the national flag. Most respondents supported female emperors, nearly half said the imperial revision lacked public understanding, and 66.9% said the second-capital bill did not receive sufficient parliamentary debate. Kyodo News, July 26
South Korea
Lee orders retention of oil price caps until price uncertainty completely recedes. Lee Jae Myung instructed officials to keep oil price caps and related measures, including oil tax cuts, in place until global price uncertainty fully eases. Speaking virtually from Brasilia, he cited renewed Middle East conflict and oil prices near US$100 per barrel, urging preemptive action to limit pressure on domestic prices. He also called for further measures if conditions worsen and tighter scrutiny of market cornering or price-fixing involving essential goods. Park Boram, Yonhap News Agency, July 27
Court set to rule on ex-President Yoon’s election law violation case. A Seoul court was set to rule on charges that Yoon Suk Yeol made false statements as the People Power Party’s 2022 presidential candidate. A conviction carrying more than 1 million won in fines or imprisonment would require the party to return 39.7 billion won in reimbursed election expenses. Special counsel Min Joong-ki sought a two-year prison term, while Yoon faces multiple trials tied to his failed 2024 martial law bid. Chae Yun-hwan, Yonhap News Agency, July 26
$950 bil. chip partnerships reinforce Korea’s place in global AI supply chain. South Korean chipmakers and technology firms announced $950 billion in partnerships with global AI companies during Lee Jae Myung’s San Francisco visit. Samsung signed a $200 billion memorandum with Broadcom covering memory, foundry manufacturing, and advanced packaging, while SK Group agreed to $750 billion in long-term semiconductor supply deals, including more than $500 billion with Nvidia. Lee presented South Korea as a global AI test bed, production platform, and trusted supply chain partner. Yi Whan-woo, The Korea Times, July 26
North Korea
Russia preparing to receive another 30,000 N. Korean troops for Ukraine war: Zelenskyy. Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Russia has prepared since June to receive 30,000 additional North Korean troops in the Voronezh region, while Pyongyang plans to supply more ballistic missile launchers. He warned that Russia is helping North Korea gain combat experience and improve its weapons, creating wider risks for Asia. North Korea is believed to have already sent about 20,000 troops and military engineers to Russia’s Kursk region. Kim Seung-yeon, Yonhap News Agency, July 25
N. Korea skips ASEAN security forum for 2nd consecutive year. North Korea again declined to attend the ASEAN Regional Forum, reflecting its growing preference for bilateral diplomacy with Russia and China over multilateral engagement. South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Hyun urged Pyongyang to resume dialogue and support peace on the Korean Peninsula. Participants raised concerns about North Korea’s nuclear and missile programs, called for denuclearization, and emphasized compliance with UN Security Council resolutions. Oh Seok-min, Yonhap News Agency, July 23
Vietnam
Vietnam proposes banning under-16s from posting on social media. Vietnam proposed rules that would bar users under 16 from posting, commenting, or reacting on social media. Child accounts would need to be registered through a parent or guardian, while platforms would have to verify ages, provide stronger privacy protections, and block harmful content involving violence, pornography, gambling, drugs, and suicide. The draft also proposes online gaming limits, including a 60-minute daily cap for under-16 users on games from the same company. Khanh Vu, Reuters, July 24
Thailand
Witnesses lift lid on Senate vote claims. Opposition figures presented witness testimony alleging coordinated manipulation of Thailand’s 2024 Senate election through candidate recruitment, prescribed voting lists, identification methods, resignation letters, and promised payments or seats. People’s Party MP Parit Wacharasindhu questioned whether election and investigative agencies were acting impartially and warned the case might never reach court. Bhumjaithai denied involvement, while the allegations remain untested and the Election Commission has not ruled on the complaints. Bangkok Post, July 26
PP raises concerns over budget. People’s Party deputy leader Sirikanya Tansakun questioned excessive and overlapping requests in Thailand’s proposed 2027 budget, particularly separate cloud-system spending despite plans for a centralized government platform. She also cited allegedly overpriced equipment for a disability department data center and urged scrutiny of a six-billion-baht solar groundwater project for bid-rigging risks. Budget subcommittees will review individual items and recommend reductions where necessary. Aekarach Sattaburuth, Bangkok Post, July 24
Philippines
House targets passage of priority bills. The Philippine House of Representatives will prioritize the remaining 26 of 52 administration-backed measures during the second regular session. Pending proposals include amendments to universal health care, the Coconut Farmers and Industry Trust Fund Act, support for micro, small and medium enterprises, bank secrecy rules, and anti-money-laundering legislation. The House has already acted on 26 measures, including one enacted law, while Speaker Faustino Dy III urged the Senate to help pass more bills before year-end. Kristina Maralit, The Manila Times, July 26
Castro to Baste: Marcos had no hand in Duterte arrest. Claire Castro rejected Davao City Mayor Baste Duterte’s allegation that Ferdinand Marcos Jr. caused Rodrigo Duterte’s arrest and transfer to The Hague. She said the ICC case arose from complaints by alleged victims of the former president’s drug war and was executed with Interpol assistance. Castro argued that responsibility rests with Duterte’s own actions and statements, not Marcos, and cited claims that police operations under Duterte involved organized wrongdoing and rewards for killings. Bernadette E. Tamayo, The Manila Times, July 26
Indonesia
Indonesia pushes EU to fast-track landmark trade deal. Indonesia urged the European Union to accelerate approval of the Indonesia-EU Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement and its accompanying investment accord. Officials aim for ratification in the second half of 2026 and implementation in early 2027. The agreements would remove EU duties on 98.5% of tariff lines, simplify export procedures, and expand investment opportunities in electric vehicles, electronics, and pharmaceuticals. Jakarta also sought stronger cooperation on renewable energy, sustainable investment, multilateralism, and diplomatic conflict resolution. ANTARA News, July 26
Malaysia
Malaysia envoy summoned by U.S. over Israel policy, Bernama says. Malaysia’s ambassador to the U.S. was summoned by the State Department to explain Kuala Lumpur’s Israel policy after authorities acted against an Israeli national who entered using a U.S. passport. Foreign Minister Mohamad Hasan said Malaysia’s refusal to recognize Israel is longstanding and unchanged. The dispute followed scrutiny of Network School and a congressional letter urging Washington to review ties and consider cutting military education funding unless Malaysia reverses its position. Ashley Tang, Reuters, July 24
Malaysia’s action against Israelis consistent with policy - Mohamed Khaled. Malaysia’s decision to expel Israeli nationals follows its longstanding policy of not recognizing Israel, Defence Minister Mohamed Khaled Nordin said. He said Malaysia does not allow Israelis to enter the country and that the action has not affected International Military Education and Training funding. U.S. lawmakers had urged Washington to review ties with Malaysia after action against an Israeli national who allegedly entered using a second-country passport. BERNAMA, July 25
Taiwan
Taiwan central bank says it has good communications with U.S. Treasury after currency report. Taiwan’s central bank emphasized open communication with the U.S. Treasury after Washington placed Taiwan on its currency monitoring list with nine other economies. The bank said both sides will continue discussing macroeconomic and exchange-rate issues. It cited strong U.S. demand for Taiwanese technology products, rising foreign direct investment outflows, and a November 2025 joint statement committing Taiwan to disclose foreign exchange intervention data at least quarterly. Faith Hung, Reuters, July 24
KMT rallies candidates ahead of 2026 local elections. Kuomintang Chairwoman Cheng Li-wun led candidates from 19 cities and counties at the party’s national convention ahead of Taiwan’s November local elections. The KMT is supporting Taiwan People’s Party candidates in Hsinchu and Chiayi rather than fielding its own. Cheng called for party teamwork and said the KMT should become the “TSMC of Taiwan’s politics,” while former chairman Wu Poh-hsiung urged unity and preparation for a return to the presidency in 2028. Wang Cheng-chung, Liu Kuan-ting, and Shih Hsiu-chuan, Focus Taiwan, July 25
Bangladesh
Bangladesh’s President Shahabuddin, 76, resigns citing health concerns. Bangladesh President Mohammed Shahabuddin resigned, citing autonomic neuropathy and occasional loss of consciousness. Shahabuddin, a former ally of Sheikh Hasina, had held the largely ceremonial presidency since April 2023. His resignation leaves Hasina without allies in high office ahead of her planned return. The speaker of parliament will serve as acting president until a successor is elected. Ruma Paul, Reuters, July 24
Kazakhstan
Speaking alongside Putin, Kazakh president calls for freeze of Ukraine war. Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev said Russia and Ukraine might reach peace by freezing the conflict and returning to negotiations under an “Istanbul formula 2.0.” Speaking beside Vladimir Putin in Omsk, Tokayev said great-power security guarantees could help move toward peace. The Kremlin said Putin told Tokayev a freeze was impossible under Kyiv’s current position and repeated Russia’s demands on occupied regions and Ukraine’s NATO ambitions. Alessandra Prentice and Ron Popeski, Reuters, July 25
Tokayev calls for Ukraine war freeze as Black Sea and Caspian risks grow. Kassym-Jomart Tokayev urged Russia and Ukraine to freeze the conflict and resume negotiations under an “Istanbul Formula 2.0,” supported by security guarantees from major powers. Kazakhstan declined a formal mediation role while maintaining its strategic partnership with Russia and support for sovereignty and territorial integrity. The appeal came as attacks disrupted Kazakhstan’s main oil export route through the Caspian Pipeline Consortium, cut domestic production, and extended security risks into the Caspian Sea. Stephen M. Bland, The Times of Central Asia, July 26
Uzbekistan
Mirziyoyev, Erdoğan discuss strategic partnership. Shavkat Mirziyoyev and Recep Tayyip Erdoğan reviewed the expansion of the Uzbekistan-Türkiye comprehensive strategic partnership during a telephone call. They highlighted growing trade, joint ventures, regular flights, major projects, and cultural exchanges, including Uzbekistan-themed facilities in Hatay and Turkish participation in events in Namangan. Mirziyoyev invited Erdoğan to make an official visit to Uzbekistan. Uzbekistan Daily, July 24
East Asia
China’s changing vision of globalisation. China treats globalisation as a development tool, not an end rooted in interdependence. Beijing combines openness with strategic self-reliance, industrial resilience, and supply chain security. Policies such as Made in China 2025, dual circulation, domestic chip development, and overseas expansion aim to reduce vulnerability while preserving access to markets. This strategy spreads Chinese production networks across foreign markets and prompts tariffs, investment screening, and de-risking responses from advanced economy governments. G Venkat Raman, East Asia Forum, July 25
America Still Has the Upper Hand Over China. The United States retains greater economic leverage than China because American firms and allied companies dominate high-tech profits, advanced inputs, and export markets crucial to Chinese growth. Beijing can weaponize rare earths and soybean purchases, but those chokepoints may weaken as supply chains diversify. Washington has squandered its advantage through tariffs on allies. Coordinated action with Europe and Asia could constrain Chinese coercion, protect industries, and impose costs on Beijing. Ben A. Vagle and Stephen G. Brooks, Foreign Affairs, July 24
Burnham's Britain will take its China cues from Washington. Andy Burnham enters office with a history of engagement with China, but Britain’s dependence on the United States limits any reset with Beijing. Washington has pressured personnel choices and shaped decisions on Huawei and strategic assets. Domestic concern over China narrows his options, while US trade weight creates a stronger constraint. Compensation for Jingye, Manchester links, and the survival of the Beijing partnership will reveal the scale of Burnham’s autonomy. Thomas O. Falk, Nikkei Asia, July 25
The One Unsuccessful Chinese Export: Nuclear Energy. China has built a nuclear fleet but has struggled to export reactors beyond Pakistan. Projects in Argentina collapsed over financing and geopolitical alignment, while Kazakhstan’s purchases remain uncertain. Governments weigh cost against security, maintenance, fuel dependence, and political influence over decades. Chinese financing and turnkey construction offer advantages, but Western alternatives and World Bank support may attract buyers. Energy security concerns could create future openings for Beijing’s civil nuclear industry. Paulína Ovečková, China Observers, July 27
China's New Phase of Financial Statecraft and RMB Internationalisation. China’s renminbi strategy prioritizes resilience over dollar replacement. Beijing aims to reduce exposure to Western financial infrastructure while retaining capital controls and domestic safeguards. Measures include tighter links between onshore and offshore markets, expanded business through the Shanghai Free Trade Zone, digital currency development, swap agreements, and cross-border payment systems. Hong Kong remains a bridge between China and global capital markets. This approach supports coexistence among several independent financial networks. Matteo Giovannini, China-US Focus, July 24
The New Oil Paradigm: China's as Market Stabilizer and Distorter. China emerged from the 2026 oil crisis with greater influence over energy markets. Reduced crude imports eased price pressure, while refined fuel export limits caused shortages and inflation across Asia. Electric vehicles, renewable power, coal conversion, and oil reserves cut dependence on imported crude. State control lets Beijing buy during low prices, draw stocks during disruptions, and direct exports. Opaque reserve data leaves traders unable to judge demand or supply. Kathryn Neville, China-US Focus, July 24
If Europe wants to use its trade leverage with China, now is the time. Europe retains substantial trade leverage over China, with Chinese dependence on 110 EU product categories in 2024, including 15 strategic goods such as vaccines, zirconium, turbines, machine tools, and aircraft. Yet China’s import substitution drive is shrinking this leverage. The EU should act through a unified trade strategy, strengthen its Anti-Coercion Instrument, reduce Chinese dependencies, expand supply sources, and prepare defensive measures if negotiations fail to rebalance commerce with Beijing. Andreas Mischer, MERICS, July 24
South Korea’s semiconductor boom risks flatlining under US–China pressure. South Korea’s semiconductor exports surged in 2026, but dependence on China and US licensing creates twin risks. Samsung and SK Hynix rely on Chinese plants for major memory production, while US controls govern access to equipment and software. China’s drive for chip self-reliance may cause oversupply and weaken Korean profits. Seoul should expand infrastructure, speed permits, train workers, support smaller suppliers, and deepen partnerships between manufacturers and regional university clusters. Hanna Kim and Zhuoshi Bai, East Asia Forum, July 25
Yoon’s life sentence alone will not restore trust in South Korea’s democracy. Yoon Suk-yeol’s life sentence affirmed constitutional accountability after his failed martial law declaration, but punishment cannot repair South Korea’s political divisions or weak trust in courts. Supporters continue to reject the verdict, while past pardons and claims of selective prosecution fuel doubt about equal justice. Democratic recovery requires judicial reform, civic education, consistent enforcement, and safeguards against political interference so citizens view institutions as fair, durable, and worthy of confidence. Joan Cho, East Asia Forum, July 24
Southeast Asia
Redirecting Crypto Exchanges to Fight Rather than Facilitate Crypto Scams in Southeast Asia. Southeast Asian crypto scams exploit exchanges as gateways for victim payments and criminal cashouts, while baseline anti-money laundering rules have failed to curb losses. Governments should require exchanges to monitor scams, mule accounts, and obfuscation tools using customer and blockchain data. Shared liability, enhanced checks on self-hosted wallets, national blacklists, stronger inspections, and regional intelligence sharing could shift platforms from passive compliance toward fraud prevention and disrupt cross-border criminal networks. David Lam, FULCRUM, July 24
Indonesian electoral reform remains stalled by political deadlock. Indonesia’s electoral reform remains blocked by divisions within President Prabowo Subianto’s coalition. Constitutional Court rulings require changes before the 2029 elections, yet parties disagree over parliamentary thresholds, campaign finance, state resources, and oversight bodies. Delay risks preserving rules that favor incumbents, enable opaque funding, and weaken electoral competition. Parliament should open deliberations through transparent public consultation, strengthen audits, restrict misuse of government programs, and shield election administrators from partisan influence. Kahfi Hafiz, East Asia Forum, July 24
South Asia
Narendra Modi’s party discovers the limits of propaganda. Mass protests over repeated exam leaks exposed limits in the Bharatiya Janata Party’s control of India’s media narrative. Police removed activist Sonam Wangchuk from a hunger strike, then used force against demonstrators marching on Parliament. Videos of assaults spread across platforms despite an internet shutdown. The images angered students who face high tuition, scarce university places, and weak job prospects, forcing the government to confront dissent it could not dismiss. The Economist, July 23
India energy resilience faces tougher test as tensions with Iran rise. India managed the first Hormuz disruption through inventories, flexible refineries, diverse sourcing, and diplomacy with Iran. Renewed conflict, Houthi attacks, and sanctions pressure on Russian oil threaten core safeguards. New Delhi should diversify suppliers by geopolitical and shipping risk, permit fuel price adjustments, protect consumers, consider measures that retain products, and expand sovereign reserves. Durable energy security requires overlapping options that can adapt as routes and suppliers become exposed. Vandana Hari, Nikkei Asia, July 26