China
China urged to control narrative and engage Asia to counteract the West: ‘own the story’. Chinese academics and policymakers called on Beijing to reshape international discourse by promoting an “Asian narrative” and expanding regional academic exchanges. Experts argued that China’s soft power lags behind its economic rise and urged greater global communication efforts, particularly through emerging cultural exports like AI, video games, and the Labubu toy phenomenon. Meredith Chen, South China Morning Post, July 29
Fifth volume of Xi Jinping: The Governance of China published. The fifth volume of Xi Jinping: The Governance of China has been released by Foreign Languages Press in Chinese and English, comprising 91 speeches and writings by Xi Jinping from May 27, 2022, to December 20, 2024, along with 41 photographs. Divided into 18 topical sections, the book aims to aid understanding of Xi Jinping Thought and outlines efforts to build a modern socialist state amid global and domestic challenges. Xinhua, Global Times, July 30
Japan
Japan ruling party eyes plenary meeting amid rift over PM resignation. Japan’s Liberal Democratic Party will convene a joint plenary meeting of its parliamentary members amid intensifying calls for Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba to resign following a major election loss. While Ishiba insists on staying to avoid a power vacuum, LDP lawmakers are collecting signatures to press leadership for accountability. Kyodo News, July 29
U.S.–Japan trade deal guarantees lowest tariff rates for chips, pharma, Japanese official says. Japan’s Economic Revitalization Minister Ryosei Akazawa said the newly concluded trade agreement with the United States ensures Japan will receive the lowest U.S. tariff rates on semiconductors and pharmaceuticals available under any deal Washington negotiates. The agreement also includes a 15% tariff on cars and other goods in return for a $550 billion Japanese investment package. Makiko Yamazaki, Reuters, July 29
South Korea
South Korea finance chief joins last-ditch push for U.S. trade deal. South Korean Finance Minister Koo Yun-cheol joined two cabinet colleagues in Washington for urgent talks with US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick to secure a trade agreement before a looming August 1 tariff deadline. The delegation aims to finalize a package including industrial cooperation, notably in shipbuilding. Yena Park and Jack Kim, Reuters, July 29
Ex-President Yoon again fails to appear for special counsel questioning. Former President Yoon Suk Yeol failed for a second time to appear before special counsel Min Joong-ki’s team investigating allegations involving his wife, Kim Keon Hee. Yoon, detained over a failed martial law attempt, cited poor health as the reason. Investigators are considering a detention warrant to bring him in by force. Lee Haye-ah, Yonhap News Agency, July 30
North Korea
Assembly Speaker Woo calls for dialogue channels with N. Korea to stay open. National Assembly Speaker Woo Won-shik emphasized the importance of maintaining open communication with North Korea despite strained inter-Korean ties. Speaking at the World Conference of Speakers of Parliament in Geneva, Woo cited the recent halt in propaganda activities along the border as a foundation for “small peace” that could expand to lasting stability. Yi Wonju, Yonhap News Agency, July 30
Thailand
Thailand estimates over $300 mln in economic damage from border conflict with Cambodia. Thailand expects the economic toll from its recent border conflict with Cambodia to exceed $300 million, with Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira announcing an initial relief budget of 25 billion baht ($771 million). The government introduced tax breaks, state-backed loans, and direct provincial aid to support affected areas. Orathai Sriring, Kitiphong Thaichareon, and Thanadech Staporncharnchai, Reuters, July 29
Election Commission urged to disband coalition parties over Thaksin influence. Political activist Nopparuj Vorachitwutthikun filed a petition with Thailand’s Election Commission demanding the dissolution of seven coalition parties, including Pheu Thai and the Democrats, for allegedly allowing former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra to influence party affairs in breach of political laws. Aekarach Sattaburuth, Bangkok Post, July 29
Cambodia
Thailand and Cambodia ceasefire holds despite reports of skirmishes. A ceasefire between Thailand and Cambodia remained in effect Tuesday despite reports of renewed gunfire and conflicting accusations of violations. While Thailand claimed Cambodian troops launched attacks early Tuesday, Cambodia denied any breaches. Both militaries agreed to halt troop movements and coordinate ahead of an August 4 border committee meeting. Jintamas Saksornchai and Sopheng Cheang, Associated Press, July 29
Cambodia refutes Thai allegation of ceasefire violation. Cambodia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs rejected Thailand’s claim that Cambodian forces breached the ceasefire agreed on July 28 in Putrajaya, calling the accusation fabricated and dangerous to regional trust. The ministry reaffirmed Cambodia’s full commitment to the agreement and urged the swift formation of an impartial observer team. It thanked Malaysia, the United States, and China for supporting dialogue and promoting peace. Khmer Times, July 30
Philippines
Escudero scraps impeachment trial. Senate President Francis Escudero confirmed the Senate will not convene as an impeachment court after the Supreme Court voided the complaint against Vice President Sara Duterte, citing a violation of the constitutional one-year bar rule. Escudero warned that defying the ruling could trigger a constitutional crisis and referenced the 2012 Corona trial as precedent. Multiple senators called on the Court to reconsider. Javier Joe Ismael and Red Mendoza, The Manila Times, July 29
Taiwan
As U.S. grapples with China relations, Taiwan’s president scraps stop on American soil. Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te canceled a planned U.S. transit en route to Latin America amid speculation that the Trump administration opposed his stopovers in New York and Dallas to avoid disrupting ongoing trade talks with China. Taiwan cited domestic concerns including typhoon recovery and tariff negotiations. Didi Tang and Matthew Lee, Associated Press, July 29
Kazakhstan
New deals boost Kazakhstan-Turkiye economic cooperation. Kazakhstan signed a 160 billion tenge ($294.3 million) investment agreement with Tiryaki Holding during President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev’s official visit to Türkiye. The deal includes wheat and legume processing projects. Other developments include a Kazpost joint venture with S Sistem Lojistik to build a logistics hub in Aktobe and Turkish firms planning investments in healthcare, manufacturing, and dietary supplements across Kazakhstan. Saniya Sakenova, The Astana Times, July 29
Kyrgyzstan
Kyrgyzstan bans online porn in crackdown on internet freedoms. Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov signed laws banning online pornography and placing international internet traffic under state control, citing the need to protect moral values. The legislation allows the culture ministry to block websites and mandates that all telecom operators shift bandwidth contracts to the state-owned ElCat within two months. Aigerim Turgunbaeva, Reuters, July 29
Kyrgyzstan proposes controversial criminal code changes targeting recidivism, limiting official liability. Kyrgyzstan’s Interior Ministry submitted a draft law to reinstate the concept of recidivism and reduce liability for officials acting in the name of national security. The bill would impose harsher penalties on repeat offenders, eliminate reconciliation as a basis to dismiss charges, and shield civil servants from prosecution under broad security-related justifications. Anton Chipegin, The Times of Central Asia, July 29
Northeast Asia
Taiwan’s Great Recall: A grassroots movement meets political reality. Taiwan’s recall elections targeted 24 Kuomintang legislators accused of blocking reforms. Despite campaigning by civil-society groups, all incumbents retained their seats because the KMT mobilized resources and passed a cash-handout bill, undermining the recall drive. The movement nevertheless deepened democratic participation by empowering citizens and strengthening grassroots networks, while revealing the limits of mobilizing against entrenched parties. Ho Ming‑sho, ThinkChina, July 29
The Iran‑Israel War and China: Global Ambitions, Limited Leverage?Following a ceasefire between Iran and Israel, the United States strengthened its regional influence, reducing China’s ability to act as peacemaker. Beijing worries that Tehran could block the Strait of Hormuz in retaliation against U.S. pressure, threatening China’s energy imports and prompting interest in alternative routes such as Russia’s Power of Siberia 2 pipeline. Although China values its partnership with Iran, it lacks leverage to moderate Tehran’s behaviour and may see opportunity if regime change produces a more Western-friendly government. Oliver Konradt, CHOICE, July 29
Southeast Asia
Vietnam Should Keep its Credit Caps and Carry on Structural Reforms. Vietnam’s central bank has limited banks’ credit growth since 2011 to prevent overheating, but rapid lending in 2025 led some officials to propose scrapping caps. Abandoning ceilings could fuel inflation and repeat past crises; credit grew by 17–18 % annually through July and banks’ total assets expanded fourfold after 2015. Vietnam’s reliance on bank financing and property makes it susceptible to booms and busts; previous crises followed rapid credit expansion. To manage risks, regulators should publish clear criteria for allocating credit quotas, adopt modern capital standards like Basel III, and end direct government intervention in large lenders. Nguyen Khac Giang, Fulcrum, July 29
Marriage Equality: Could Vietnam Be Next? Growing acceptance of same-sex relationships in Vietnam, rising from 56 % support in 2023 to 66.8 % in 2024, is pressuring lawmakers to revisit marriage laws. Homosexual acts were decriminalised in 2000, and civil unions are now recognised, but patriarchy and state media reluctance hinder progress. Advocates argue that legalising same‑sex marriage would not threaten family structures and could boost GDP by 1.65–4.36 % by attracting tourism and retaining skilled workers. Linking equality to economic growth and demographic concerns may persuade sceptics and align with national development goals. Huy Ha, Fulcrum, July 29
Outsourcing Gambling: The Rise of Chinese Digital Betting and Digital Crimes in Southeast Asia. China’s prohibition of gambling has pushed syndicates to Southeast Asia, where they establish online casinos and digital betting platforms. These operations, often linked to local elites and infrastructure projects, generate money‑laundering and cybercrime networks that entangle authorities and exploit weak regulation. Profits fund espionage and organised crime, and cooperation between Chinese firms and Southeast Asian governments complicates enforcement. Sino‑Southeast Initiative, July 29
Oceania
Australians ahead of the game in aid debate, MPs should follow. Despite geopolitical fragmentation, two‑thirds of Australians believe the aid budget is adequate or too low, according to Lowy and ANU surveys. Development spending increases Australia’s partnerships in the Indo‑Pacific and prevents crises by addressing poverty and inequality. Stagnant international spending and cuts to aid to fund defence would be counterproductive. With rising Indo‑Pacific economies and increased strategic competition, the government has an opportunity to prioritise aid. Bridi Rice, The Interpreter, July 29