China
Abu Dhabi to tap Chinese tech to scale up green economy, energy chief says. Abu Dhabi is seeking deeper cooperation with Chinese companies in renewable energy, EVs, robotics and energy storage as it expands its green economy. Energy chief Abdulla Humaid Al Jarwan said officials held talks with 22 Chinese firms, including CATL, and would provide logistics and policy support as Abu Dhabi aims to add at least 3GW of solar power annually. Daniel Ren, South China Morning Post, June 15
China’s military mouthpiece PLA Daily cites SpaceX role in warning of satellite arms race. PLA Daily warned that low-Earth orbit satellite constellations are being militarized at accelerating speed, citing SpaceX’s Starlink, Starshield and a U.S. Space Force contract. The newspaper said LEO networks are shifting from strategic support to battlefield use through communications, targeting, drone swarms and missile tracking, while the U.S., Russia, the EU and Japan expand satellite plans. Albee Zhang, South China Morning Post, June 15
EU says China trained Russian troops as bloc weighs tougher stance on Beijing. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said the bloc verified reports that China’s military trained Russian personnel to fight in Ukraine, as foreign ministers agreed to sanction several Chinese entities. The EU also weighed a tougher China trade stance, citing subsidies, overcapacity, critical raw material dependence and a record €360 billion trade deficit with Beijing in 2025. Finbarr Bermingham, South China Morning Post, June 15
Japan
Takaichi and Starmer use talks to push Japan-U.K. ties toward ‘quasi-alliance’. Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and British leader Keir Starmer agreed to strengthen supply chain resilience, coordinate with G7 partners on critical minerals and deepen support for GCAP, their next-generation fighter jet program with Italy. Takaichi said Japan-U.K. ties had reached a “quasi-allies” level, while both sides cited shared Indo-Pacific and Euro-Atlantic security concerns. Kenji Yoshida, The Japan Times, June 15
Japan, Italy leaders vow to boost tech, critical minerals cooperation. Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni agreed in Rome to expand cooperation on semiconductors, critical minerals, supply chain resilience, space collaboration and defense. They welcomed a preliminary U.S.-Iran deal, stressed freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz and reaffirmed support for accelerating GCAP, the joint fighter jet project involving Japan, Italy and Britain. Kyodo News, June 16
Japan PM Takaichi hails U.S.-Iran deal toward ending war as “big step”. Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi welcomed a U.S.-Iranian deal aimed at ending their war, calling it a “big step” toward de-escalation and economic stability. Japan will join a European statement supporting implementation, freedom of navigation and mine clearance around the Strait of Hormuz. Takaichi reiterated Japan’s opposition to Iranian nuclear weapons and urged steady implementation. Kyodo News, June 15
South Korea
Lee welcomes U.S.-Iran ceasefire deal, hopes for resumption of safe Hormuz shipping. President Lee Jae Myung welcomed the U.S.-Iran ceasefire deal as “an important step” toward restoring Middle East stability and safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz. He expressed hope that global energy supplies will stabilize and that South Korean ships and sailors affected by navigation restrictions can safely resume operations, while officials said the strait’s reopening still requires confirmation. Chang Dong-woo, Yonhap News Agency, June 15
Court rejects arrest warrant for ex-JCS chief in martial law involvement case. A Seoul court denied an arrest warrant for former Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Kim Myung-soo over alleged involvement in former President Yoon Suk Yeol’s failed martial law bid. The court said the charges were disputable, Kim’s defense rights should be protected and flight or evidence-destruction risks were low. Three other former military officials received warrants. Yi Wonju, Yonhap News Agency, June 15
Lee invites Pope Leo XIV to visit S. Korea for World Youth Day 2027. President Lee Jae Myung invited Pope Leo XIV to visit South Korea for World Youth Day 2027 during their Vatican meeting. Lee briefed the pope on Seoul’s peace initiative for the Korean Peninsula, while the Vatican reaffirmed support for peace efforts. Both sides shared the view that inter-Korean dialogue and cooperation should continue despite political difficulties. Park Boram, Yonhap News Agency, June 15
North Korea
N. Korea, Vietnam hold talks over cooperation on public security, law enforcement. North Korean Public Security Minister Pang Tu-sop met Vietnamese counterpart Luong Tam Quang in Pyongyang to discuss expanding cooperation on public security and law enforcement. The visit followed recent senior exchanges, including a Vietnamese foreign minister’s trip and an October summit between Kim Jong-un and Vietnamese President To Lam, as both countries move closer. Woo Jae-yeon, Yonhap News Agency, June 14
North Korea touts industrial ‘miracles’ as output exceeds targets, state media says. North Korea said industrial output reached 105% of planned targets in the 100 days after its February party congress, with gains in coal, cement, power and fertilizers. KCNA credited science, technology, self-reliance and worker mobilization, while major cement plants reached 107% of monthly targets and coal mines posted output around 106% of year-earlier levels. Kyu-seok Shim, Reuters, June 15
Thailand
PP demands overhaul of committees. The People’s Party called for urgent reform of Thailand’s parliamentary committees, citing alleged inefficiency, duplication, weak attendance rules and conflicts of interest. Party-list MP Pawoot Pongvitayapanu urged committee chairs to be chosen by expertise, stronger attendance monitoring and clearer performance measures. Party spokesperson Pukkamon Nunarnan said committees also serve as learning spaces for MPs. Bangkok Post, June 15
Anutin defends TH-AI Passport as opposition seeks halt. Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul defended Thailand’s 1.6-billion-baht TH-AI Passport project, saying broad AI access is essential for competitiveness and daily life. The People’s Party urged cancellation and investigation, citing TOR changes, procurement questions and alleged early digital traces. Opposition lawmakers proposed redirecting funds to domestic AI infrastructure, startups, skills development and national digital capacity. Akarin Vibultangman, The Nation, June 15
Myanmar
Myanmar regime confirms massive new gas find. Myanmar’s regime announced four new offshore gas fields estimated at a combined 109 TCF, including a Tanintharyi deep-sea field with 95 TCF and an Ayeyarwady field with up to 14 TCF. The discovery could expand foreign-currency revenue for MOGE, which has been sanctioned by the EU and U.S. for funding the military regime. Myo Pyae, The Irrawaddy, June 15
Myanmar's former junta chief kicks off visit to China as civilian president. Min Aung Hlaing arrived in Beijing for a five-day visit at Xi Jinping’s invitation, marking his first trip to China since being elected president by a military-aligned parliament in April. The former junta chief, who led Myanmar’s 2021 coup, will meet Xi, Premier Li Qiang and top legislator Zhao Leji after years of sanctions-driven isolation. Ryan Woo, Reuters, June 15
Cambodia
PM Hun Manet to join ASEAN-Russia Summit. Prime Minister Hun Manet will attend the ASEAN-Russia Commemorative Summit in Kazan, Russia, on June 17 and 18 at President Vladimir Putin’s invitation. The Cambodian delegation will include senior ministers and business representatives. The summit marks 35 years of ASEAN-Russia Dialogue Relations and will cover regional and global issues, peace, stability and future cooperation. Meng Seavmey, Cambodianess, June 15
Cambodian opposition politician appeals conviction. Nation Power Party adviser Rong Chhun asked Cambodia’s Supreme Court to overturn his four-year sentence for incitement to cause social unrest. The case followed meetings with land-dispute victims and comments on Prime Minister Hun Manet’s border visit with Vietnam. About 200 supporters rallied outside the court, which is expected to issue its ruling Friday. Agence France-Presse (AFP), Cambodianess, June 15
Philippines
Marcos calls Congress to special session on June 17. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. called both chambers of Congress into a special session to act on priority bills covering social protection, education, health care, nutrition and aid for vulnerable Filipinos. The session also aims to address disaster relief after the Mindanao earthquake and allow the Commission on Appointments to consider pending Cabinet, military and foreign service appointments. Kristina Maralit, Bernadette E. Tamayo and Reina C. Tolentino, The Manila Times, June 15
Prosecutors will present over 30 witnesses at VP’s impeachment trial. House prosecutors plan to present more than 30 witnesses in Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment trial, according to their pre-trial brief filed with the Senate impeachment court. Lead prosecutor Gerville Luistro said there would be no surprise witnesses and proposed translations in Filipino and regional languages to make proceedings more accessible to the public. Reina C. Tolentino and Red Mendoza, The Manila Times, June 15
Indonesia
Qatar backs Indonesia’s growth agenda with $4 billion commitment. Qatar reaffirmed a $4 billion investment commitment during President Prabowo Subianto’s meeting with Qatari Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Sultan bin Saad Al Muraikhi in Jakarta. The talks covered investment cooperation, strategic sectors and preparations for the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties, while Qatar’s Emir praised Indonesia’s economic progress and social programs. ANTARA News, June 15
Indonesia kicks off 2026 economic census. Statistics Indonesia launched nationwide field data collection for the 2026 Economic Census from Southeast Sulawesi, with visits scheduled from June 15 to Aug. 31. The census aims to capture macro- and microeconomic conditions and expands coverage to agriculture, forestry and fisheries. Officials urged businesses, MSMEs, governments, academics, media and the public to support accurate, confidential data collection. ANTARA News, June 15
Taiwan
Taiwan likely to hold rates steady but inflation a concern ahead. Taiwan’s central bank is expected to keep its benchmark discount rate at 2% this week, with 27 of 30 economists polled forecasting no change and rates staying steady into 2027. The economy is projected to grow 9.64% this year, but inflation reached 2.2% in May, raising concern over future policy pressure. Ben Blanchard and Faith Hung, Reuters, June 15
Majority reject 'one China principle,' but opposition drops: Poll. A National Development Education Fund poll found 58.0% of Taiwanese respondents reject Beijing’s “one China principle” as a precondition for cross-strait political talks, down sharply from earlier surveys. Acceptance rose to 25.8%, while support for political negotiations fell to 61.6%, the lowest level in the series. The poll surveyed 1,068 adults in May. Sunny Lai, Focus Taiwan, June 15
Kazakhstan
Kazakhstan registers five new gold deposits as jewelers seek raw materials. Kazakhstan added five new gold deposits with reserves of about 98 tons to the state register, while total listed reserves reached 2,369 tons across 374 deposits. Officials said refined gold output reached 71.2 tons in 2025, but jewelers warned that high raw material costs, limited financing and a large shadow market continue to constrain domestic jewelry production. Dmitry Pokidaev, The Times of Central Asia, June 15
Amanat Adilet merger as Kazakhstan prepares for new parliament. Kazakhstan’s long-dominant Amanat party voted to merge into the pro-presidential Adilet party, transferring its nationwide campaign infrastructure into a newer vehicle associated with President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev. The merger comes ahead of expected August elections for a new unicameral Kurultai and moves Amanat’s organization away from a brand still linked to former President Nursultan Nazarbayev. Andrei Matveev, The Times of Central Asia, June 15
East Asia
Comfort meets constraint in China’s most “liveable” city. Shaoxing offers safety, clean canals, lower housing costs, migrant access to schools, and income near Shanghai levels. Its comfort comes with surveillance, managed public life, property weakness, falling births, and school pressure. Residents accept cameras and order as trade-offs for security, while younger people find the city constrained. The model suits a China seeking control, stability, and aging urban ease. The Economist, June 15
What SpaceX’s IPO means for China. SpaceX’s IPO signals a US edge in turning frontier technology into financial power through deep capital markets, private risk appetite, and investor trust. China may answer with greater state support for AI, commercial space, semiconductors, robotics, and defense systems, but overinvestment and bubbles remain risks. The exclusion of Chinese capital shows national security politics now limit commercial pragmatism. Bo Chen, ThinkChina, June 15
China’s climate toolkit in search of a strategy. China’s April 2026 emissions measures make carbon targets binding through Party regulation, provincial accountability, and stronger reporting rules. Its renewable supply chains and commodity demand give Beijing influence over standards, infrastructure, and low-carbon production choices. Resistance to Chinese clean-technology exports and tighter fiscal space constrain that power. China has tools for climate governance, but has not formed an external strategy. Patrick Xue, East Asia Forum, June 15
The False Promise of U.S.-China Stability. U.S.-China relations appear calm, but the stalemate favors Beijing if Washington wastes military capacity, fiscal room, and attention in the Middle East. Trump’s focus on commerce, Taiwan caution, and strategic stability revives elements of past engagement. China uses the pause to strengthen its military, rare-earth leverage, industrial base, and technology portfolio. Washington risks facing a stronger rival after losing time and resources. Jonathan A. Czin, Foreign Affairs, June 15
New era of cooperation between Britain and Japan. Britain and Japan are deepening cooperation across economic security, energy, technology, defense, and education. New partnerships include a frontier technology initiative, offshore wind compact, nuclear collaboration, and a Defense Capability and Industrial Council. The agenda links British research and software with Japanese manufacturing, clean-energy investment, and supply-chain strength. Stronger business ties are presented as a path to growth, resilience, jobs, and shared strategic advantage. Keir Starmer, Nikkei Asia, June 15
Southeast Asia
Myanmar’s Overvalued Exchange Rates Are a Recipe for Economic Deterioration. Myanmar’s military government appears set to keep multiple overvalued exchange rates that weaken exports, reduce farmer incomes, limit investment, and encourage informal trade. Exporters lose kyat when foreign earnings are converted at official rates below market value. Scarce foreign exchange also creates import shortages and black markets. The policy damages agriculture, jobs, wages, migration patterns, and recovery prospects while deepening long-term economic strain. Jared Bissinger, Fulcrum, June 15
South Asia
Russia's embrace of the Taliban. Russia’s military-technical engagement with the Taliban marks a move toward fragmented Eurasian security arrangements. Moscow seeks leverage after the Western exit from Afghanistan, while Pakistan faces added pressure along the Durand Line and India must manage Russia’s contact with a regime it distrusts. The arrangement may aid Taliban capacity, but Afghanistan’s fragility still threatens connectivity, investment, and regional predictability. Imran Khalid, Nikkei Asia, June 15