China
China cracks down on sales of decommissioned military equipment “to protect PLA’s image.” Beijing prohibited unauthorized sales and promotion of decommissioned military uniforms, machinery, components, ammunition, and convincing imitations. Organizations and individuals may not assemble goods from dismantled military parts or market replicas that could be mistaken for genuine equipment. Authorities will conduct routine inspections, while approved channels remain available for surplus sales. Officials cited national security, military secrecy, impersonation risks, and protection of the People’s Liberation Army’s reputation. Alcott Wei, South China Morning Post, July 28
Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang meets US officials as scrutiny grows over China chip access. Jensen Huang met U.S. officials and lawmakers in Washington as authorities investigated whether export-controlled Nvidia processors were used in Thailand to train Moonshot AI’s Kimi K3 models. Nvidia said Huang was discussing American supply-chain investment and U.S. leadership in artificial intelligence. The visit also coincided with debate over possible restrictions on Chinese open-weight models, which Nvidia opposes while promoting open-source development and collaborative AI safety initiatives. Vincent Chow, South China Morning Post, July 28
Trump administration bans new Chinese humanoid robots, to protect US AI buildout. The Federal Communications Commission barred imports of new Chinese humanoid and quadruped robots and connected power inverters. Officials said the equipment could expose U.S. critical infrastructure and artificial-intelligence supply chains to disruption, data theft, and cyberattacks. The measures are also intended to encourage domestic manufacturing and reduce dependence on China for technologies expected to support expanding data centers, renewable energy systems, and industrial robotics. Alexandra Alper and David Shepardson, Reuters, July 28
Japan
LDP pushes for warrantless spy powers, citing national security. Japan’s Liberal Democratic Party plans to seek administrative wiretapping powers allowing intelligence surveillance without warrants tied to specific criminal cases. The proposal initially targets communications passing through Japan between foreign countries and could be introduced through a new foreign intelligence law or amendments supporting active cyberdefense. Party officials envision administrative approval and possible judicial oversight, but critics warn the system could violate constitutional protections for communications secrecy and significantly expand state surveillance. Haruka Suzuki, The Asahi Shimbun, July 28
South Korea
Assembly speaker reaffirms commitment to swiftly push for constitutional revision. National Assembly Speaker Cho Jeong-sik pledged to establish a bipartisan constitutional reform committee and prepare an amendment proposal next year for completion before the Assembly’s term ends in 2028. Proposed changes include limiting presidential martial-law powers, recognizing the May 18 pro-democracy movement in the preamble, and reforming election administration. Cho also proposed designating December 3 as People’s Sovereignty Day and pursuing peace and dialogue with North Korea at the parliamentary level. Yi Wonju, Yonhap News Agency, July 28
Lee cites aircraft, critical minerals as areas with high potential for cooperation with Brazil. President Lee Jae Myung identified next-generation civilian aircraft, critical-mineral supply chains, and Korean cosmetics as promising areas for expanded South Korea-Brazil cooperation. He said South Korean technology and manufacturing could complement Brazil’s resources and urged faster negotiations on a trade agreement with Mercosur. Seven business memorandums were signed, including an agreement strengthening cooperation between Korea Aerospace Industries and Embraer. Senior officials from both countries were assigned to oversee implementation of the bilateral economic agenda. Park Boram, Yonhap News Agency, July 28
North Korea
N. Korea’s exports hit 8-year high in 2025: data. North Korea exported $468.59 million in goods in 2025, a 30% annual increase and its highest total since 2017. Imports rose 13.9% to $2.66 billion, producing a $2.19 billion trade deficit. China accounted for 98.2% of North Korea’s total trade, while the bilateral deficit also reached $2.19 billion. Major exports included prepared feathers and down, minerals, steel, mineral fuels, watches, and watch components. Kim Boram, Yonhap News Agency, July 28
Myanmar
Myanmar’s democratic alliance pushes to unify scattered resistance. The Steering Council for the Emergence of a Federal Democratic Union held talks with 14 resistance organizations to strengthen cooperation, collective leadership, and unified political representation. Participants included major ethnic armed groups, regional councils, and the Spring Revolution Alliance. Discussions covered ASEAN’s Five-Point Consensus, a “One Strategy, One Policy” framework, civilian control of armed forces, abolition of the 2008 Constitution, and creation of a federal democratic union. Myo Pyae, The Irrawaddy, July 28
Myanmar border scams move inland as regional crackdown intensifies. Cyber-scam syndicates are relocating from visible Myanmar-Thailand border compounds to regime-controlled cities, mountain areas, and inland sites in Karen, Mon, Yangon, and Mandalay. Sources said the Karen Border Guard Force, Democratic Karen Benevolent Army, and Karen National Army were involved in moving operations. Thai and U.S. authorities are expanding investigations, sanctions, rewards, and regional funding, while Myanmar’s regime has been accused of tolerating scam networks despite conducting raids and arrests. Zaw Myat Khant, The Irrawaddy, July 28
Cambodia
Cambodia says historic maps confirm An Ses border area lies within its territory. Cambodia’s border authority said official maps and records from the 1908 and 1919 Indochina-Siam Commission place the An Ses crossing in Preah Vihear province within Cambodian territory. Officials argued that both Cambodia’s 1:200,000-scale map and Thailand’s L7017 map support the claim. Phnom Penh accused Thai personnel of erecting structures and conducting activities after the December 2025 ceasefire to create facts on the ground, while rejecting any unilateral map changes as legally invalid. Khorn Champa, Cambodianess, July 28
Philippines
Marcos: Kin not spared from corruption fight. Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said relatives and political allies would receive no special treatment in investigations into alleged flood-control corruption, noting that the Ombudsman is examining former Speaker Martin Romualdez. Authorities have filed charges against politicians, former officials, and contractors, while nearly ₱25 billion in assets has been recovered, frozen, or preserved. Romualdez denied wrongdoing and said he would face any charges. Marcos also highlighted reforms intended to prevent future infrastructure anomalies. Dexter Cabalza, Philippine Daily Inquirer, July 28
Indonesia
Indonesia, China to discuss housing technology cooperation. Indonesian Housing Minister Maruarar Sirait will meet his Chinese counterpart to discuss housing policies, development strategies, technology, and residential construction. Indonesia is prioritizing vertical housing because of limited urban land and a national housing backlog of 9.6 million units. The government plans to use state-provided land for apartments and satellite cities, with potential sites identified across Java, Sumatra, Kalimantan, and Sulawesi. ANTARA News, July 28
Taiwan
Taiwan drills to test relocating arms production under Chinese attack. Taiwan’s August Han Kuang exercises will test moving weapons production lines and converting civilian factories for military use after simulated Chinese strikes on supply hubs. The scenario assumes Beijing uses routine drills to conceal preparations for invasion. Taiwan will also rehearse escorting essential cargo, protecting shipping lanes, dispersing industrial output, and maintaining communications under restricted mobile internet bandwidth, aiming to sustain military operations if command centers, ports, logistics facilities, and defense plants are attacked. Reuters, July 28
Taiwan detains Nvidia employee in Super Micro probe, Taiwan media says. Taiwanese prosecutors detained a suspect identified by local media as an Nvidia employee during an investigation into alleged illegal exports of Super Micro AI servers containing restricted Nvidia chips to China. Authorities cited risks of flight, evidence destruction, or collusion. The detention followed earlier searches and arrests involving Super Micro personnel, while U.S. prosecutors separately alleged that people associated with the company helped smuggle at least $2.5 billion in controlled AI technology to China. Wen-Yee Lee, Reuters, July 28
Taiwan, Lithuania resume talks on new investment action plan. Taiwan and Lithuania restarted negotiations on an economic cooperation plan after Lithuania’s political transition temporarily suspended discussions. The initiative seeks sustainable bilateral ties, Taiwanese investment, and development of Lithuania’s high-technology industries. Proposed cooperation builds on existing work in laser technology, medical artificial intelligence, and financial technology, though detailed projects have not been released. Joseph Yeh, Focus Taiwan, July 28
Kazakhstan
Kazakhstan resumes CPC oil exports after output more than halves. Kazakhstan resumed exports through the Caspian Pipeline Consortium after a weeklong suspension caused by attacks near its Black Sea terminal. Production fell to about one million barrels per day, less than half the June average, while output at Tengiz, Kashagan, and Karachaganak dropped sharply. The reopening restores the route carrying more than 80% of Kazakhstan’s oil exports, though operations will depend on security and safety conditions. Stephen M. Bland, The Times of Central Asia, July 28
U.S. imposes 12.5% tariff on Kazakhstan over third-country import controls. The United States imposed a 12.5% tariff on selected Kazakh goods because Kazakhstan lacks customs restrictions on imports produced with forced labor. Kazakhstan said about 95% of its exports remain exempt, limiting the immediate impact on commodity shipments such as oil, uranium, and metals. The measure replaces an expired 10% surcharge and pressures Astana to tighten import controls while maintaining trade with China and Russia. Andrei Matveev, The Times of Central Asia, July 28
East Asia
A six-point plan to make the US-Japan alliance battle-ready. The United States and Japan should transform their alliance into a unified warfighting partnership built for Indo-Pacific conflict. Six steps include a joint command in Japan, expanded weapons production, integrated missile defense, dispersed fuel and munitions, Japanese repair of American warships, stronger nuclear consultations, secure technology supply chains, and long-term talent development. These measures would increase readiness, sustain forces under attack, strengthen deterrence, and position Japan as a peer partner. David Santoro, Nikkei Asia, July 28
Japan’s Defense Industry Charts an Uncertain Global Path. Japan is removing export restraints that confined its defense industry to domestic procurement. New rules permit sales of warships, missiles, fighters, and licensed systems to selected partners. The Mogami frigate contract with Australia signals market entry, yet high costs, limited sales networks, financing gaps, and integration risks remain. Japan can strengthen allied supply chains and deterrence, but its firms will compete with American, European, and South Korean producers for contracts. Aleksandar Jovovic and Awais Hanif, CSIS, July 28
Behind Kim’s nuclear navy and AI lies Beijing. China’s treaty commitments, trade dominance, energy supplies, diplomatic protection, and technology networks sustain North Korea’s weapons development despite sanctions. Pyongyang has expanded nuclear warheads, hypersonic missiles, artificial intelligence systems, drones, cruise missiles, and nuclear-capable warships. Beijing gains a buffer state and leverage over Washington, while Kim Jong Un receives materials and cover. Measures targeting Pyongyang cannot constrain these programs without pressure on Chinese financial, industrial, and procurement channels across Asia. Tahir Mahmood Azad, ThinkChina, July 28
The Loneliest Island: Will America Truly Defend Taiwan? China’s mounting military and gray-zone pressure tests whether Washington has the capacity and resolve to defend Taiwan. Strategic ambiguity may fail as Beijing gains strength and uses exercises, quarantines, blockades, sanctions, and maritime coercion to change the status quo. Structured ambiguity would impose proportional costs for each provocation while preserving flexibility. Yet deterrence requires military superiority, economic preparation, allied coordination, and sustained willingness to accept escalation against a retaliatory China. Bonny Lin, Foreign Affairs, July 28
Southeast Asia
ASEAN is the missing link in Indonesia’s bridge building ambition. Indonesia’s global bridge-building ambitions exceed its diplomatic resources, legitimacy, and coalition support. Mediation efforts outside Southeast Asia have gained little traction while crises in Myanmar and along the Cambodia-Thailand border persist. ASEAN offers the partners and regional credibility Jakarta needs to shape settlements and project influence. Renewed leadership within the bloc, including the 2028 ASEAN secretary-general term, could restore Indonesia’s diplomatic foundation and support mediation in regional and global conflicts. Arrizal Jaknanihan, East Asia Forum, July 28
Melaka State Government: What DAP’s Departure Portends for Federal Government. DAP’s withdrawal from Melaka’s state administration exposes widening fractures between Pakatan Harapan and Barisan Nasional. The dispute arose after lawmakers approved unelected assembly appointments, which DAP viewed as a threat to democratic representation. BN retains a commanding majority, but the split weakens coalition unity before state elections. Similar tensions in Johor and Negeri Sembilan could strain federal cooperation and pressure Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim before the next general election cycle. Tricia Yeoh, FULCRUM, July 2
South Asia
India’s China doctrine of selective derisking. India eased investment restrictions on firms with limited Chinese ownership while retaining controls over strategic assets and sectors. The policy reflects dependence on Chinese inputs for electronics, clean energy, pharmaceuticals, machinery, and manufacturing. New Delhi seeks domestic capacity, diverse supply chains, and safeguards against coercive chokepoints. Visa reforms, targeted investment approvals, anti-dumping measures, and rare-earth programs support engagement without surrendering ownership, data, technology, or infrastructure control. Screening capacity remains critical. Soumya Bhowmick, East Asia Forum, July 28