China
China test-launches a ballistic missile in the South Pacific and raises regional concerns. China’s navy test-launched a long-range ballistic missile with a dummy warhead from a nuclear-powered submarine in the South Pacific. Beijing described the launch as routine annual training that followed international law and was not directed at any country. Australia, Japan, and New Zealand criticized the test, with Wellington noting it occurred in the South Pacific Nuclear Free Zone. Analysts said the launch signaled that China’s nuclear deterrent is expanding beyond land-based missiles. Huizhong Wu and Charlotte Graham-McLay, Associated Press, July 6
Christian NGO welcomes release of pastor held in southern China. ChinaAid welcomed the release of Zion Church Pastor Jin Mingri, who had been detained in Beihai since October and arrived in Los Angeles on July 4. Eighteen Zion Church leaders, including Jin, were arrested last November on charges of illegally using information networks. Jin’s daughter Grace said eight church members remain detained. The family credited intervention from Xi Jinping after Donald Trump raised the case during his May trip to Beijing. Reuters, July 5
Alibaba wins reprieve on U.S. lobbying after Pentagon blacklisted companies. Alibaba secured temporary relief from a U.S. lobbying restriction tied to the Pentagon’s Section 1260H blacklist, allowing the company to resume lobbying while a California court considers its constitutional challenge. The company denies ties to China’s military and argues the lobbying ban violates due process and free speech rights. The broader case could affect how Washington uses the military-civil fusion blacklist against Chinese technology firms. Ann Cao, South China Morning Post, July 6
China dismisses US, EU criticism of new ethnic law as 'malicious smear'. China rejected U.S. and EU concern over an ethnic unity law that took effect Wednesday, calling the criticism interference and a smear. The measure seeks a shared national identity among 55 ethnic minority groups and allows action against people abroad accused of separatism. Taiwan warned the law has global reach and could threaten Taiwanese travelers in countries with close Beijing ties through extradition risk or prosecution under Chinese authority. Joe Cash and Ben Blanchard, Reuters, July 3
Japan
Japan, India vow cooperation on security and the economy. Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and Prime Minister Narendra Modi pledged cooperation on security, economic security, energy, and growth during a New Delhi summit. Japan seeks closer ties with India to counter China’s influence and strengthen supply chains in semiconductors, critical minerals, and petroleum reserves. The leaders agreed on joint exercises, defense collaboration, a two-plus-two meeting, investment support involving about 150 Japanese firms, and AI talent exchanges. Yuta Ogi and Akiko Suzuki, The Asahi Shimbun, July 3
LDP to halt debate on JIP priorities to focus on imperial family bill. The Liberal Democratic Party said it would pause debate on Japan Innovation Party priorities, including Lower House seat cuts and a secondary capital, to concentrate on revising the Imperial House Law. Opposition parties sought a calm setting for imperial family deliberations after the ruling bloc began bill debates without their consent. Speaker Eisuke Mori urged both sides to restore Diet business as both chambers suspended bill discussions on Thursday. The Japan Times, July 2
South Korea
South Korean president to attend NATO summit in Ankara, visit Mongolia. South Korean President Lee Jae Myung will attend a NATO summit in Ankara from July 7 to 8 to deepen defense industry cooperation with NATO members. He will meet Secretary General Mark Rutte, join Indo-Pacific leaders, and speak at a defense forum. Lee then visits Mongolia on July 9 for talks, agreements, and cooperation on critical minerals and Korean Peninsula peace through close ties with North Korea. Heejin Kim and Kyu-Seok Shim, Reuters, July 3
Lee says despite failure, Canada submarine bid showed South Korea’s potential. President Lee Jae Myung said Canada’s decision to choose Germany’s Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems was disappointing but showed South Korea’s submarine competitiveness. He pledged continued support for research, exports, and international cooperation in the sector. Lee Haye-ah, Yonhap News Agency, July 7
Iran invited S. Korea to late supreme leader's funeral, later canceled plan: sources. Iran invited South Korea to attend a funeral event for former supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, then withdrew the invitation, Seoul diplomatic sources said. A foreign ministry official said Iran cited venue issues. Observers said Tehran appeared to prioritize high-level delegations over condolences from foreign missions. South Korea accepted the change while weighing ties with Washington after Khamenei was killed in February U.S. and Israeli attacks. Kang Yoon-seung, Yonhap News Agency, July 5
Vietnam
Top leader receives newly accredited ambassadors from Portugal, Iran, Mongolia, U.S., Myanmar. To Lam received new ambassadors from Portugal, Iran, Mongolia, the U.S., and Myanmar as they began their missions in Vietnam. Talks focused on expanding trade, investment, technology, energy, education, tourism, regional cooperation, and implementation of key bilateral partnerships. Vietnam News, July 7
Thailand
Opposition party pushes for quick charter changes. Opposition leader Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut urged parliament to start section by section constitutional amendments during the July 7 to 8 session while broader reform plans await civil society and party drafts. The People’s Party supports action on nonpolitical sections such as the 20-Year National Strategy and Section 236. More contested issues, including the Senate and independent organizations, need negotiation, with civil society seeking 50,000 endorsements before submission. Aekarach Sattaburuth, Bangkok Post, July 3
People’s Party leadership under scrutiny. Thailand’s People’s Party faces scrutiny after weak results in Bangkok and Pattaya executive races, despite retaining the largest bloc on Bangkok’s council. Analysts cited candidate selection, leadership questions, and limits of party branding when voters choose administrators. A local administration exam-rigging scandal involved altered answer sheets, alleged payments, and pressure on Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul to show accountability as Interior Minister during the current public probe and NACC investigative reach. Bangkok Post Public Company Limited, Bangkok Post, July 4
Myanmar
Myanmar coup leader bets on Beijing’s global initiatives to secure new regime. Min Aung Hlaing signed memoranda on all four of Xi Jinping’s Global Initiatives, signaling deeper alignment with Beijing. Experts said Chinese political, financial, and military support has become central to the regime’s survival, while Myanmar pledged border security, Belt and Road acceleration, and protection for Chinese personnel. The Irrawaddy, July 6
Cambodia
Investigation underway after border blast injures four Cambodian soldiers. Cambodia’s Defence Ministry said four soldiers were injured by shrapnel during a patrol in Oddar Meanchey province near the Thai border. Officials said the blast occurred as Cambodian troops passed a Thai patrol across a barbed-wire fence, and technical experts are investigating the cause. Meng Seavmey, Cambodianess, July 6
Cambodia briefs envoys on Thai border build-up. Cambodia briefed 42 diplomatic and international representatives on Thai troop reinforcement in occupied border areas. Acting Foreign Minister Eat Sophea urged resumption of Joint Boundary Commission survey and demarcation work, while reaffirming Cambodia’s commitment to resolving disputes peacefully under international law. Rin Ousa, Cambodianess, July 6
Philippines
VP Sara a no-show on trial’s first day. Vice President Sara Duterte did not appear in person as the Senate opened her impeachment trial, saying she would appear through counsel. The court convened with 21 senator-judges, elected Francis Escudero presiding officer, and received appearances from the prosecution and defense panels. Bernadette E. Tamayo, Javier Joe Ismael, and Red Mendoza, The Manila Times, July 6
VP trial starts: Escudero presides, sets rules. The Senate impeachment court elected Francis Escudero to preside over Vice President Sara Duterte’s trial after a 12-8 vote and objections from the Cayetano-led minority. Escudero set key procedures, including a 16-vote threshold for conviction and rules on evidence presentation. Keith Clores, Kenneth Christiane Basilio, and Tina G. Santos, Philippine Daily Inquirer, July 7
Indonesia
Prabowo welcomes Modi at airport as Indonesia, India seek stronger ties. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Jakarta for a three-day official visit aimed at strengthening bilateral ties. President Prabowo Subianto welcomed him at Halim Perdanakusuma Air Force Base with an honor guard and ceremonial gun salute. Modi is scheduled for bilateral talks, a state banquet, an address to the Indian community, and a visit to Prambanan Temple. The Jakarta Globe, July 6
Full list of agreements from Indonesia-Singapore Leaders’ Retreat. Indonesia and Singapore signed 26 cooperation agreements during the annual Leaders’ Retreat at the Merdeka Palace. President Prabowo Subianto said the agreements included 18 government-to-government documents and eight business-to-business deals covering economic cooperation, supply chain resilience, carbon credits, defense, cross-border electricity trade, digital infrastructure, AI trade advisory services, air connectivity, industrial estates, and renewable energy projects. ANTARA News, July 6
Kazakhstan
Kazakhstan looks to open trade outpost at Iranian port. Kazakhstan plans to build a privately financed terminal at Iran’s Bandar Abbas port to support exports, with lease terms reportedly in the final stage. Deputy Prime Minister Serik Zhumangarin said the 15-hectare facility would connect Kazakhstan to markets in India, East Africa, the Persian Gulf, and Southeast Asia, while the government also pursues alternative routes through Afghanistan and Pakistan. Eurasianet, July 6
Kyrgyzstan
Kyrgyzstan launches Tamchy Financial Zone to attract foreign capital. Kyrgyzstan inaugurated the Tamchy Special Financial Investment Territory near Lake Issyk-Kul to attract foreign capital and develop a regional financial hub. The 6,000-hectare zone offers English common law, a zero-tax regime for 49 years, full profit repatriation, and independent dispute resolution. President Sadyr Japarov said more than 3,900 resident companies and over 10,000 jobs are expected by 2035. Sergey Kwan, The Times of Central Asia, July 6
Kyrgyzstan: Former state security chief gets probation for conspiring against president. Former Kyrgyz state security chief Kamchybek Tashiev was convicted on a coup conspiracy charge and given a four-year prison sentence that was immediately commuted to probation. Two co-defendants received similar outcomes, five others were released, and all were acquitted of abuse of power. Tashiev denied the charge and plans to appeal after being dismissed in February during a security services purge. Eurasianet, July 6
East Asia
The U.S. Can’t ‘Yield Even an Inch’ to Xi, Top Democrat Says. Sen. Tammy Duckworth is visiting Taiwan to reaffirm U.S. security commitments amid concern over President Trump’s China policy and delayed arms package. She warns against concessions to Xi Jinping and stresses Taiwan’s role in semiconductors, shipping, and Indo-Pacific security. The trip seeks to reassure allies, support investment in Illinois, and defend bipartisan backing for Taiwan despite anxiety over Beijing’s pressure and Washington’s negotiating posture. John Haltiwanger, Foreign Policy, July 6
How China’s Quantum Race Threatens Nuclear Deterrence. China’s quantum advances are reshaping military competition by threatening encryption, surveillance, targeting, navigation, and nuclear command systems. Quantum computing could break current cryptography, while sensing and radar may expose submarines, stealth aircraft, and second-strike forces. Beijing’s large state program and PLA integration have sharpened US concern. Existing arms control tools offer no clear framework, making post-quantum cryptography, allied intelligence sharing, and quantum stability talks urgent priorities for strategic security. Tahir Mahmood Azad, ThinkChina, July 6
The UAE and Japan have an enduring partnership, built to last. The UAE and Japan mark 64 years of energy ties rooted in crude and LNG trade. The UAE supplies one-third of Japan’s crude imports, supports strategic reserves in Kagoshima, and plans higher output capacity. Both sides concluded talks on a trade pact and aim to expand LNG, low-carbon ammonia, renewables, industrial technology, logistics, and investment while maintaining reliable oil and gas flows for Japan’s economic security, growth, and resilience goals. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, Nikkei Asia, July 6
Southeast Asia
China’s Sanctions on Philippine Defense Chief: Disrupting A Diplomatic Thaw. China’s travel and business ban on Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro threatens a fragile easing in relations with Manila. The sanctions followed his Shangri-La Dialogue remarks criticizing negotiations with Beijing and dismissing Chinese fuel and fertilizer aid. The move may weaken defense contacts, coast guard talks, ASEAN diplomacy on the South China Sea, tourism growth, and Chinese investment interest, while raising risks of accident, distrust, and nationalist backlash at sea. Lucio Blanco Pitlo III, China-US Focus, July 6
Cambodia’s Crackdown on Scams Needs a Concrete and Durable Strategy. Cambodia has strengthened its campaign against online scam networks through a new law, the CCOS coordination body, raids, casino license revocations, and deportations. Yet scam operations remain transnational, adaptive, and tied to trafficking, money laundering, corruption, weak regulation, porous borders, and digital vulnerabilities. Durable progress requires stronger prosecutions, financial disruption, transparent reporting, victim protection, border and telecom controls, and institutionalized cooperation with regional and global partners. Vannarith Chheang, Fulcrum, July 6
South Asia
India Can No Longer Take Nepal for Granted. Nepal is moving beyond India’s traditional sphere as China and the United States expand influence in Kathmandu. Beijing has built political and economic ties linked to Tibet and regional strategy, while Washington treats Nepal as an independent strategic actor. Nepali leaders use rivalry among larger powers to gain investment, aid, technology, and diplomatic room. India retains cultural, geographic, and social advantages, but influence now requires sustained engagement and competitive statecraft. Brahma Chellaney, Nikkei Asia, July 7
Are U.S.-India Ties Really Thawing? Washington and New Delhi are close to a trade deal, yet mistrust remains after tariffs, visa fees, Russian oil sanctions, Pakistan diplomacy, and Iran war pressures. India seeks lower levies than Asian competitors, while the United States wants forced labor assurances. Trade barriers, investment limits, reliance on Russia, and rigid diplomacy weakened India’s position, though defense, naval, technology, and democratic ties still support recovery if leaders manage remaining disputes ahead. Sumit Ganguly, Foreign Policy, July 6