China
China patrols Scarborough Shoal after Philippines warns of threat. China’s military and coast guard conducted patrols near Scarborough Shoal after Philippine and U.S. forces held a five-day maritime exercise nearby. Beijing called the patrols a response to rights violations and provocations, while Philippine Defence Secretary Gilberto Teodoro said Manila remains under severe territorial and political threat from China. Phuong Nguyen, Reuters, May 31
China criticizes Czech Senate President’s trip to Taiwan. China condemned Czech Senate President Milos Vystrcil’s visit to Taiwan, saying it violated the one-China principle and interfered in Beijing’s internal affairs. Vystrcil is leading a business delegation and is set to meet President Lai Ching-te, while Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babis criticized the trip. Michael Kahn, Reuters, May 31
From lottery draws to fiscal spending, China broadens digital yuan footprint. China’s central bank is pushing wider digital yuan use through bank incentives, domestic pilots, and cross-border trade applications. Programs cover fiscal spending, salary payments, healthcare disbursements, lottery draws, green electricity charges, and supply chain financing, though overseas adoption remains limited. Reuters, May 30
Japan
Japanese defence minister rejects ‘new militarism’ label from China in Shangri-La speech. Defence Minister Shinjiro Koizumi rejected claims that Japan is reviving militarism, defended a more active defense role, and criticized China’s opaque military expansion. He said Japan remains open to direct dialogue while seeking stronger regional cooperation and defense equipment transfers. Alcott Wei and Amber Wang, South China Morning Post, May 31
Takaichi asks North Korea for summit to solve abduction issue. Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi called on North Korean leader Kim Jong Un to hold summit talks aimed at resolving the abduction of Japanese nationals. Speaking at a Tokyo rally, she said she was prepared to take concrete action and pursue a breakthrough without excluding any options. The Japan Times, May 31
Three Japanese opposition parties explore new alliance. The Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan, Komeito, and the Centrist Reform Alliance are discussing possible integration or creation of a new opposition party. CRA and Komeito officials are more supportive, while some CDP lawmakers and affiliated groups remain cautious because of policy gaps on security legislation and nuclear restarts. The Japan Times, May 31
Japan pitches frigate export to New Zealand in defense ministerial talks. Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi promoted possible Mogami-class frigate exports to New Zealand during trilateral talks with New Zealand and Australia. Tokyo said common vessels could improve interoperability, while the ministers agreed to deepen defense cooperation, expand training, and support a free and open Indo-Pacific. Kyodo News, May 30
Japan, S. Korea to resume search-and-rescue drill after about 9 years. Japan and South Korea will resume a joint search-and-rescue exercise on June 7 for the first time since 2017. The drill reflects improving defense ties after years of strain, while Japan also discussed missile cooperation with the U.S. and fighter development with Britain. Kyodo News, May 30
South Korea
South Korea, Japan discuss military-logistics support deal, Seoul says. South Korea and Japan discussed a possible acquisition and cross-servicing agreement allowing mutual military logistics support, including fuel, food, and ammunition. Seoul remains cautious because of public sensitivities over Japan’s colonial rule and concerns about Japanese troops operating on the Korean Peninsula. The two sides also discussed a joint humanitarian search and rescue exercise. Rae Wee, Hyunjoo Jin, and Kevin Buckland, Reuters, May 31
Main opposition files complaint against Lee over alleged election law violation. The People Power Party filed a police complaint against President Lee Jae Myung, alleging he violated election law by briefly exposing his ballot during early voting. The ruling Democratic Party rejected the claim, saying election officials found no legal violation. Kang Yoon-seung, Yonhap News Agency, May 30
Presidential envoy visits Canada to expand ties, back submarine bid. Presidential chief of staff Kang Hoon-sik visited Canada as a special envoy to expand strategic economic cooperation in energy, resources, supply chains, and high-tech industries. The trip is also linked to support for South Korean shipbuilders competing for Canada’s submarine procurement project. Woo Jae-yeon, Yonhap News Agency, May 31
North Korea
N. Korean FM says Pyongyang shares common position with Russia on all strategic issues: report. North Korean Foreign Minister Choe Son-hui said Pyongyang and Moscow share a common position on all strategic issues during a ceremony honoring late Russian Ambassador Alexander Matsegora. Choe said both countries are expanding relations based on allied ties, mutual interests, comradeship, and trust. Park Boram, Yonhap News Agency, May 31
N. Korea’s spy chief meets chief Russian security official in Moscow. North Korea’s intelligence chief Ri Chang-dae attended an international security forum in Russia and met Security Council Secretary Sergei Shoigu. The talks focused on strengthening bilateral security and intelligence cooperation to defend core interests and address global and regional security challenges. Park Boram, Yonhap News Agency, May 31
Vietnam
General Secretary and President To Lam arrives in Manila for state visit to Philippines. General Secretary and President To Lam arrived in Manila with his spouse and a high-ranking delegation for a state visit through June 1. The visit, invited by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., marks the first Philippines trip by a Vietnamese Communist Party chief and aims to deepen the Vietnam-Philippines Strategic Partnership ahead of 50 years of diplomatic ties. Vietnam News, May 31
Better China ties can help regional peace, security, Vietnam's top leader says. Vietnamese leader Tô Lâm said stronger ties with China can support regional peace while Vietnam also values relations with the U.S. He rejected choosing sides, said maritime disputes should be resolved through international law, and reaffirmed Vietnam’s commitment to ambitious growth targets despite global headwinds. Greg Torode and Francesco Guarascio, Reuters, May 30
Thailand
Thailand’s power shifts from policy to military structure to “Blue Regime” networks. Thailand may be entering a new phase of centralized political power as critics say Bhumjaithai, senators, local political families, coalition allies, and state institutions form a network-based “Blue Regime.” The debate compares this model with Thaksin Shinawatra’s electoral machine and the NCPO’s military-backed state structure. The Nation, May 31
House to talk parties’ charter bills on July 7-8. Thailand’s constitutional amendment bills are expected to be debated in a joint parliamentary sitting on July 7 and 8. House Speaker Sophon Zaram said the bills are on the agenda after talks among government, opposition, and Senate whips, while Democrat leader Abhisit Vejjajiva said his party submitted two charter amendment proposals. Bangkok Post, May 30
Myanmar
Myanmar regime chief arrives in India to strengthen ties. Myanmar regime chief Min Aung Hlaing arrived in India for his first foreign trip since becoming president. He will meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi, President Droupadi Murmu, and business representatives during a five-day visit focused on political, spiritual, and economic ties. The Irrawaddy, May 30
Cambodia
Cambodia, Kazakhstan sign visa-free deal for diplomatic, official passport holders. Cambodia and Kazakhstan signed an agreement exempting diplomatic, official, and service passport holders from visa requirements. The pact was signed in Phnom Penh by acting Foreign Minister Eat Sophea and Kazakhstan Ambassador Kanat Tumysh, with both sides pledging to expand bilateral cooperation. Cambodianess, May 31
Cambodia protests Thai statues, flagpoles set up in border areas. Cambodia protested Thailand’s construction of Buddhist statues and installation of flagpoles in disputed border areas, calling the actions violations of sovereignty and the ceasefire agreement. The Foreign Ministry said 36 statues and two flagpoles had been placed in border provinces and urged Thailand to restore trust. Sao Phal Niseiy, Cambodianess, May 31
Philippines
PH, U.S. reaffirm 75-year alliance. The Philippines and the United States reaffirmed their defense alliance at the Shangri-La Dialogue. Defense chiefs Gilberto Teodoro Jr. and Pete Hegseth discussed support for monitoring the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone, renewed a communications and cybersecurity agreement, and reviewed broader defense cooperation. Philippine Daily Inquirer, June 1
Marcos, Vietnam’s president to hold bilateral meeting. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. will meet Vietnam President and Communist Party leader To Lam during Lam’s two-day state visit. The talks will cover trade, investment, food security, defense, maritime cooperation, education, tourism, and people-to-people exchanges as Manila and Hanoi mark 50 years of diplomatic relations. Kristina Maralit, The Manila Times, May 31
Senate waits for VP’s answer. Vice President Sara Duterte has until June 1 to answer impeachment articles alleging misuse of public funds, unexplained wealth, bribery and corruption, and public threats. The Senate convened as an impeachment court on May 11, and the trial is expected to begin on June 6 after pre-trial procedures. Bernadette E. Tamayo, The Manila Times, May 31
Indonesia
Indonesia expands fishery export access to China. Indonesia said 638 fish processing units are now approved to export to China after eight additional facilities received clearance. The country exported 1,080 fishery commodity types to China in 2025, totaling 491,528 tons worth US$1.04 billion. Officials urged exporters to maintain sanitation, hygiene, and food safety standards. ANTARA News, May 31
Prabowo Returns to Jakarta with $3.5 Billion French Deals. President Prabowo Subianto returned to Jakarta after meetings with French President Emmanuel Macron that produced four commercial agreements worth $3.5 billion. The deals cover energy security, trade, and defense, while a new Indonesia-France high-level business council aims to triple bilateral trade by 2035. Jayanty Nada Shofa, Jakarta Globe, May 30
Taiwan
Taiwan condemns China after New York Times reporter expelled after presidential interview. Taiwan condemned China after The New York Times said reporter Vivian Wang was expelled following the paper’s video interview with President Lai Ching-te. Taipei said Beijing used groundless pretexts to threaten media freedom and would not silence Taiwan’s international outreach. Ben Blanchard, Reuters, May 31
KMT head to discuss cross-strait stability in Washington. KMT Chairwoman Cheng Li-wun will make a two-week U.S. visit to discuss Taiwan-related issues with lawmakers, officials, and policy experts. Her Washington meetings will focus on cross-strait peace, regional security, and Taiwan-U.S. relations. The visit comes as U.S. officials seek clarity on the KMT's cross-strait policy and political orientation. Elaine Hou and Evelyn Kao, Focus Taiwan, May 31
India
India says signed BrahMos missile deal with Vietnam. India signed a deal to supply Vietnam with BrahMos missiles jointly developed with Russia, while a similar agreement with Indonesia is in the final stages. Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh said India remains committed to ASEAN nations, and the Vietnam package could include training and logistical support. Aftab Ahmed, Reuters, May 30
Kyrgyzstan
Kyrgyzstan Opens New Border Post Near Uzbekistan in Batken Region. Kyrgyzstan opened the Sogment border post in Batken region to strengthen security infrastructure near Uzbekistan. The facility includes modern barracks and supports guards monitoring more than 12 kilometers of the border. The opening follows regional efforts to settle border issues, improve cooperation, and develop trade links among Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. Sadokat Jalolova, The Times of Central Asia, May 29
Kyrgyzstan Logistics Center Aims to Link China and Central Asia. Kyrgyzstan opened the Altyn Logistic trade and logistics center in Balykchy to strengthen freight links with China, Central Asia, and CIS markets. The 5.5-hectare facility can handle 200 trucks per day, includes rail loading infrastructure, and could become a key node if planned road and rail projects are completed. Sergey Kwan, The Times of Central Asia, May 29
Don’t Count the Quad Out. The Quad’s narrower agenda makes it more credible after years of broad promises and weak results. Australia, India, Japan and the United States now focus on maritime security, economic security, critical technology and emergency assistance. US-India ties have a lower ceiling after rupture and divergent priorities, but durable institutions remain. The Indo-Pacific Maritime Surveillance Collaboration could turn episodic cooperation into routine regional monitoring that counters coercion and illegal activity. Arzan Tarapore, Foreign Policy, May 29
East Asia
The Xi–Trump summit lived up to modest expectations. The May 2026 Beijing summit produced a strategic consensus around constructive stability, tariff suspension extensions, procurement deals, and new trade and investment boards. Critics faulted the lack of a trade pact, joint communique, Taiwan progress and deeper concessions. Against years of distrust, tariff conflict and domestic resistance, the meeting marked progress toward managed competition, though technology controls, US political pressure and weak trust leave cooperation fragile. Jia Qingguo, East Asia Forum, May 30
China turns Trump’s ill-prepared summit towards Taiwan. The May 2026 Xi-Trump summit produced limited deals on Boeing aircraft and agricultural purchases, while weak US preparation let Beijing steer attention to Taiwan. Trump discussed arms sales with Xi, dismissed the Six Assurances and framed Taiwan weapons as leverage, shaking allied confidence. China gained bargaining power, while Washington faces pressure to link future arms decisions to restraint in Chinese military activity near Taiwan. Susan Shirk, East Asia Forum, May 31
Sino-US relations after Xi-Trump summit: Towards a new stability? After the May Beijing summit, China and the United States adopt “constructive strategic stability” as a new frame for ties after tariff conflict and short tactical calm. The phrase signals movement from rivalry toward managed competition, expanded cooperation, reciprocal trade, investment boards, wider dialogue and caution on Taiwan. China’s strength, Trump’s learning curve, US hawks and midterm politics shape the path ahead for stability in both capitals through this year. Wu Xinbo, ThinkChina, May 31
Rewriting the rules: Huawei’s new gamble to break the US’s chip blockade. Huawei’s He Tingbo presents the Tau Scaling Law as a path around US chip limits, moving emphasis from shrinking transistors to reducing signal travel time through LogicFolding. Huawei has mass-produced 381 chips under this approach and projects density equal to 1.4-nanometre processes by 2031. Debate persists over whether the model is a true law, yet sanctions have pushed Chinese chip self-reliance and engineering optimization toward a narrower manufacturing gap with time. Han Yong Hong, ThinkChina, May 31
China’s AI Heist. Open-weight AI models have moved from data centers to local devices, creating a distribution contest between the United States and China. Chinese firms are accused of distilling frontier American systems into cheaper models, gaining market reach while bypassing US legal constraints. The spread raises safety, security and dependency risks. Washington should tighten export controls, target unauthorized distillation, support US open-weight alternatives and coordinate rules with allies for global adoption standards. Jared Dunnmon, Avanika Narayan and Jon Saad-Falcon, Foreign Affairs, May 29
Japan's advantage in the AI era: Credibility that travels. Artificial intelligence anxiety creates an opening for Japan’s trust-based model, distinct from American speed and Chinese scale. Japan’s Hiroshima AI Process, Sakana AI and reputation for dependable systems position it to shape adoption standards in hospitals, banks and public agencies. The country lacks frontier model leadership and global talent depth, but credibility, transparency and accountability can make its governance framework useful across borders and institutions under scrutiny from major users. Douglas Montgomery, Nikkei Asia, May 30
Southeast Asia
Between Talks and Tensions: Why the South China Sea Won’t Stabilise in 2026. Philippine signals of dialogue with China coexist with maritime friction, alliance building and domestic fragmentation. Reed Bank talks, coast guard consultations, and Code of Conduct pressure face legal, constitutional, and ASEAN obstacles. Manila’s branches and agencies send mixed messages while China challenges the Philippine presence at sea. Expanded exercises with the United States, Japan and Australia deepen Beijing’s concern. The stalemate will persist through 2026, with higher daily risk. Sophie Wushuang Yi, FULCRUM, May 29
The oil shock tests Vietnam’s overstretched economy. Vietnam faces an oil shock as Middle East conflict raises import costs and domestic crude output declines. Short-term price controls, Fuel Price Stabilization Fund drawdowns and E10 biofuel rollout have contained petrol prices, but stocks cover 32 days of demand. A joint Strategic Petroleum Reserve with Middle Eastern exporters could strengthen resilience, while fiscal deficits, bank lending, dong depreciation and thin reserves expose an overstretched growth model across the economy. Cuong Nguyen, East Asia Forum, May 29
Section 301 Investigations on Thailand: Misguided Search for Excess Capacity. The US Section 301 case against Thailand misreads weak factory use as subsidized overcapacity aimed at exports. Low utilization reflects soft domestic demand, post-pandemic technology shifts, and some redundant older capacity. Chinese investment creates risks in limited sectors, above all tires, but transshipment is not widespread. Broad tariffs would be unfair, while case-by-case trade defense tools would address firm-specific risks. Thailand should diversify markets and attract investment. Juthathip Jongwanich, FULCRUM, May 29
South Asia
Nepal’s government takes on old challenges. After Gen Z protests and systemic corruption weakened Nepal’s old parties, the RSP won a historic mandate under Balendra Shah. Arrests of former leaders, a 100-point reform roadmap, bureaucracy depoliticization, and tax changes signal a break with gerontocratic rule. Employment, party cohesion, constitutional restructuring, civil service inertia and scrutiny of Rabi Lamichhane’s corruption charges will test whether public hope becomes durable governance accountability. Anil Sigdel, East Asia Forum, May 29
India’s republic of uncles. India’s gerontocratic politics and culture treat young adults as children through intrusive rules, judicial scolding and moral lectures. A chief justice’s cockroach remark sparked the Cockroach Janta Party meme, drawing mass online support and state pressure. Youth frustration reflects poor job creation, error-laden exams and parental pressure. Half the population is under 30, yet older leaders blame young people, not failed systems that limit opportunity and voice for young India. The Economist, May 31