China
China complains UK sanctions on Chinese entities over Russia. China’s embassy in Britain said it lodged “serious representations” after London sanctioned several entities, including four from China, over alleged supplies of key military equipment to Russia. Beijing urged Britain to withdraw the measures, said it strictly controls dual-use exports and warned it would protect Chinese companies’ rights, while Britain also targeted Russia’s shadow ships and financial networks. Shi Bu and Liz Lee, Reuters, June 16
China’s Xi vows support for Myanmar as President Min Aung Hlaing moves to bridge isolation. Chinese President Xi Jinping reaffirmed support for Myanmar under Min Aung Hlaing during a Beijing meeting, saying China prioritises ties with its southern neighbour. The leaders witnessed cooperation documents covering transport, free trade, disaster help, health and media. Min Aung Hlaing pledged to protect Chinese businesses and personnel as Beijing pushes stability along the shared border. Laura Zhou, South China Morning Post, June 16
Xia ‘fully recognises’ Hong Kong’s I&T efforts, urges city to seize opportunities. Xia Baolong, Beijing’s top Hong Kong affairs official, began a two-day study tour focused on the Northern Metropolis, innovation projects, housing and economic development. Officials said Xia recognised progress at the Hetao innovation hub, Yuen Long microelectronics centre and Sandy Ridge data facility plans, while urging Hong Kong to seize opportunities from China’s 15th five-year plan. Edith Lin, South China Morning Post, June 16
Japan
Japan shores up Britain, Italy alliances amid U.S. uncertainty. Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi visited Britain and Italy before the G7 summit to strengthen security and economic ties with like-minded partners. Japan and Britain announced cooperation on economic security, frontier technology, offshore wind and nuclear technologies, while Japan and Italy agreed to deepen supply chain, semiconductor, critical minerals and space collaboration. The visits also reinforced coordination on GCAP and the Strait of Hormuz. Takashi Ogawa, The Asahi Shimbun, June 16
Japan to further explore SDF mission after U.S.-Iran ‘deal’. Japan is expected to accelerate debate on a possible Self-Defense Forces deployment to the Strait of Hormuz after a preliminary U.S.-Iran agreement. Options include minesweeping, maritime security operations or intelligence gathering, though Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara said nothing had been decided. Officials are weighing constitutional limits, G7 coordination and expectations from the international community. Ryohei Miyawaki, The Asahi Shimbun, June 16
South Korea
Lee calls for efforts to advance S. Korea-Germany ties to ‘new level’. President Lee Jae Myung and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz discussed expanding cooperation in the economy, industry, science, technology, security and investment on the sidelines of the G7 summit. They also exchanged views on the Middle East and Ukraine, with Lee voicing hope for renewed safe shipping through the Strait of Hormuz after the U.S.-Iran ceasefire deal. Park Boram, Yonhap News Agency, June 16
Lee says ties with Canada advancing quickly in mutually beneficial manner. President Lee Jae Myung and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney discussed expanding South Korea-Canada cooperation in defense, investment, culture and energy during the G7 summit. Lee said South Korea could contribute to Canada’s defense capabilities as Ottawa weighs a major submarine acquisition, while both leaders supported stable energy supply channels in crude oil, LNG and critical minerals. Park Boram, Yonhap News Agency, June 16
South Korea's Lee asks Trump to lead peaceful diplomacy with North Korea. President Lee Jae Myung asked U.S. President Donald Trump during a brief G7 exchange to lead efforts for a peaceful resolution with North Korea. Trump asked about inter-Korean relations and said he would work on the issue. The exchange followed Trump’s past summits with Kim Jong Un and his repeated interest in reviving direct diplomacy. Joyce Lee, Reuters, June 16
Thailand
Thailand appoints South African and German experts for UN arbitration process in dispute with Cambodia, foreign minister says. Thailand appointed German jurist Rüdiger Wolfrum and South African maritime law expert Albert Hoffman as conciliators in the UNCLOS process Cambodia initiated over their Gulf of Thailand maritime dispute. Cambodia welcomed Thailand’s participation after naming its own representatives. The overlapping claims area covers about 26,000 sq km and is estimated to hold nearly 12 TCF of gas and oil worth about $300 billion. Kitiphong Thaichareon and Chayut Setboonsarng, Reuters, June 16
Senate poll probe ‘not delayed’, EC boss insists. Election Commission chairman Narong Klunwarin denied delays in the investigation into alleged collusion in Thailand’s 2024 Senate election, saying the probe followed legal procedures. The defence followed video released by People’s Party MP Parit Wacharasindhu allegedly showing voting notes collected from candidates. EC officials said the notes issue had already been reviewed by the commission and courts. Aekarach Sattaburuth, Bangkok Post, June 16
Dems back senator-led charter bill. A senator-led constitutional amendment bill gained Democrat Party support as sponsors sought 140 signatures to submit it to parliament by late June. The proposal would create a 200-member citizens’ participation council elected by the public, while parliament would select constitution drafters. Backers said drafters would follow public consultations and need council approval for the final draft. Aekarach Sattaburuth, Bangkok Post, June 15
People’s Party demands overhaul of committees. The opposition People’s Party urged urgent reform of parliamentary committees, citing alleged inefficiency, duplication, weak attendance rules and conflicts of interest. Party-list MP Pawoot Pongvitayapanu said parliament should justify its roughly 8 billion baht annual budget through better performance, expert-led chairs, clear KPIs, stricter attendance monitoring and coordination to reduce repeated or overlapping inquiries. Bangkok Post, June 15
Laos
Laos joins East-West rail corridor stretching from Southeast Asia to Europe. Laos joined an OSJD rail corridor linking Southeast Asia to Europe after signing a framework at the group’s ministerial conference in Tajikistan. The agreement lets exporters move goods from Vientiane through China, Central Asia and Russia under one system. Officials said it positions Laos as a transit hub and supports the planned Laos-Vietnam Railway. Thongsavanh Souvannasane, The Laotian Times, June 16
Russia to begin preliminary studies for nuclear power plant in Laos. Laos and Russia agreed to begin preliminary studies for a nuclear power plant, starting with possible sites and integration into Laos’ energy system. The decision followed talks between Prime Ministers Sonexay Siphandone and Mikhail Mishustin in Moscow. Both sides also discussed broader cooperation in energy, infrastructure, agriculture, high technology, trade, tourism and digital platforms. Phoudasack Vongsay, The Laotian Times, June 1
Cambodia
Cambodia renews calls to Thailand to start border demarcation work promptly. Cambodia renewed its request for Thailand to deploy joint survey teams and resume border demarcation, accusing Bangkok of delaying despite forming a government. Phnom Penh said the delay violates bilateral commitments from October and December 2025, while alleging Thai forces continue to occupy Cambodian territory and create faits accomplis on the ground. Teng Yalirozy, Cambodianess, June 16
Philippines
Cayetano bloc asks SC to stop majority. Nine senators led by Alan Peter Cayetano asked the Supreme Court to nullify the June 3 Senate leadership change, arguing it lacked the constitutionally required quorum. The petition seeks a status quo ante order and challenges Sherwin Gatchalian’s acting leadership, warning that disputed Senate authority could affect oversight work and Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment trial. Javier Joe Ismael, Franco Jose C. Baroña and Bernadette E. Tamayo, The Manila Times, June 16
Marcos welcomes German President Steinmeier in Malacañang. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. welcomed German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier for a three-day state visit, the first by a sitting German leader to the Philippines since 1963. Marcos highlighted trade, investment, development assistance, defense, security and maritime cooperation, while Steinmeier cited growing people-to-people ties through Filipino skilled workers in Germany. Kristina Maralit, The Manila Times, June 16
Palace: It’s only right for VP Sara to testify in her own impeachment. Malacañang said Vice President Sara Duterte should testify in her Senate impeachment trial because she is best placed to answer the allegations and explain her side. The House impeached Duterte on May 11 over alleged confidential fund misuse, unexplained wealth, bribery and a “kill” remark against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., which she has denied. Catherine S. Valente, The Manila Times, June 16
Indonesia
Jakarta seeks Singapore investment for MRT expansion projects. Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung invited Singaporean investors to support MRT Jakarta Phase 3 and Phase 4, transit-oriented development and wider urban transformation projects during talks with Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong. Pramono said Jakarta offers access to one of Southeast Asia’s largest markets and pledged transparent, efficient, predictable and investor-friendly policies. Jakarta Globe, June 16
Steinmeier's visit signals a new phase in Indonesia-Germany ties. German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier’s Jakarta visit highlighted a broader Indonesia-Germany partnership spanning trade, investment, energy, climate, education, culture and skilled workforce development. Talks with President Prabowo Subianto emphasized accelerating the Indonesia-EU CEPA and deepening workforce cooperation, including nursing and high-tech industries, as both countries prepare for 75 years of diplomatic relations in 2027. ANTARA News, June 16
Taiwan
Leader of Taiwan’s KMT Cheng Li-wun talks Beijing relations in Washington. KMT chairwoman Cheng Li-wun concluded a two-week U.S. trip that included meetings with lawmakers, think tanks, universities and Taiwanese American communities. Analysts said Washington gained clearer exposure to the KMT’s cross-strait position, including Cheng’s support for the One China policy and 1992 consensus, while concerns over defence spending and her Beijing approach remain. Yuanyue Dang, South China Morning Post, June 16
Taiwan president says he 'won't give up' on defence spending after parliament cuts. President Lai Ching-te said he will keep pursuing higher defence spending after Taiwan’s opposition-majority parliament approved only two-thirds of a $40 billion supplementary budget and cut funds for domestically made drones and missiles. Lai said separate legislation, supplementary budgets or annual budget increases could keep defence projects moving as Taiwan targets 5% of GDP by 2030. Ann Wang, Reuters, June 16
U.S. business group hopeful for progress on stalled double tax deal with Taiwan. AmCham Taiwan President Carl Wegner said he is hopeful a stalled double taxation agreement can advance after Taipei and Washington signed a reciprocal trade agreement. Taiwan is the only top 10 U.S. trading partner without such a deal, which Wegner said would improve investment opportunities for Taiwanese and U.S. companies. Ben Blanchard, Reuters, June 16
India
India, Slovakia forge comprehensive partnership in PM Modi's first visit. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s first visit to Slovakia elevated bilateral ties to a comprehensive partnership covering defence, counter-terrorism, trade, technology, energy, space, labour mobility, education and culture. India and Slovakia signed defence and digital technology agreements, created a counter-terrorism working group, backed India-EU trade implementation and explored cooperation in AI, semiconductors, post-quantum security and skilled migration. Aditya Raj Kaul, NDTV, June 15
Nepal
Nepal’s new Gen-Z inspired government places bets on China, India. Nepalese Foreign Minister Shishir Khanal said the new Rastriya Swatantra Party government wants Chinese technology, investment and cooperation to boost growth, jobs and exports. During his first China visit after an earlier trip to India, Khanal discussed agriculture, health, tourism, science and technology, while saying Nepal values each relationship separately and is considering internet-service talks with Starlink and Huawei. Joe Cash, Reuters, June 16
Bangladesh
Bangladesh protests India 'questioning' PM's adviser at Delhi airport. Bangladesh summoned Indian Deputy High Commissioner Pawan Badhe after adviser Zahed Ur Rahman was stopped and questioned for several hours at Delhi airport. Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman called the incident unexpected and unfortunate. The protest follows strains over Sheikh Hasina’s stay in India, extradition requests and alleged Indian push-ins of undocumented migrants at the border. Ruma Paul and YP Rajesh, Reuters, June 16
Kazakhstan
Kazakhstan signs deal to create “Data Center Valley”. Kazakhstan signed a $10 billion deal with Nvidia and Firebird.ai to develop a “Data Center Valley” near Ekibastuz in the Pavlodar region. The project supports the Digital Qazaqstan strategy and is expected to launch in 2027, with a $5 billion first phase involving a 125MW data center. Officials expect export revenue, jobs and global technology investment. Eurasianet, June 16
Kazakh president’s pet project gets boost from China. Chinese and Kazakh officials agreed in principle on 24 projects tied to Alatau City, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev’s planned finance and digital innovation hub. The potential $6 billion package covers battery production, energy storage, agricultural machinery, electric transport, charging infrastructure, industrial facilities, logistics, energy systems and Smart City technologies. Eurasianet, June 15
Kyrgyzstan
Kyrgyzstan launches gold mining project at Togolok deposit. Kyrgyzstan began developing the Togolok gold deposit, described by officials as the first large-scale mining project since independence to use entirely domestic resources. Kumtor Operating Company has started stripping work, built access infrastructure and hired China Nerin Engineering to construct industrial facilities. First ore extraction is expected in the coming months. Sergey Kwan, The Times of Central Asia, June 16
East Asia
China Is Building New Financial Architecture for Clean Energy Tech. It May Come with Conditions. China offers Global South governments cheap finance, clean-energy hardware, policy banks, renminbi swap lines, and digital payment systems that Western transition finance has not matched. This architecture can speed electrification and reduce exposure to fossil-fuel shocks, but programmable finance may bind borrowers to Chinese vendors, currencies, and infrastructure. Leaders should negotiate conditions, terms, control rights, technology transfer, local content, and exit options before accepting funds to protect sovereign energy goals. Ebipere K. Clark, Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, June 16
Has China hit the limits of chip self-reliance? China’s chip output and exports have risen despite U.S. controls, making it a major supplier of mature-node integrated circuits across East Asia. Yet cheaper export prices than imports show dependence on foreign technology for high-end needs. Self-reliance requires progress in design, equipment, fabrication, and tools, demanding large investment. Heavy state direction could distort innovation, draw trade scrutiny, and leave low-skilled workers outside modernization gains as China seeks global leadership status. Min-Hua Chiang, ThinkChina, June 16
Who rules space may shape the world below: The US-China battle for orbit. Space has become a central arena of U.S.-China rivalry across military power, technology, economics, standards, and alliances. China’s counter-space tools, Strategic Support Force, state-backed firms, spectrum filings, and partnerships challenge U.S. advantages. Washington uses Space Force, commercial innovation, Artemis Accords, and allied coordination to respond. The contest extends beyond rockets, shaping governance, dependency, interoperability, rules, and influence over power on Earth for decades across military and economic domains and alliances. Tahir Mahmood Azad, ThinkChina, June 16
Why CEE Is Interesting for Chinese Military Diplomacy. China views Central and Eastern Europe as an intelligence and diplomacy arena because Russia’s war has increased Asian military activity across the region. Beijing maintains defense attachés in almost all CEE states, giving the PLA channels for open engagement and covert intelligence work. Serbia remains the main partner through weapons imports, exercises, and exchanges, while Belarus drills and NATO deployments make the region relevant to Chinese security planning. Paulína Ovečková, China Observers, June 17
Southbound Diplomacy: Assessing Taiwan’s “Integrated Diplomacy” on the 10th Anniversary of the New Southbound Policy. Taiwan’s integrated diplomacy links values, alliances, and economic outreach to expand international space under the New Southbound Policy. In South and Southeast Asia, economic diplomacy anchors engagement through trade growth, changes in investment, talent programs, and technology projects. The Philippines and India offer room for alliance building, while values messaging must emphasize trust, reliability, civil society ties, and gains that meet regional priorities without provoking Beijing or relying on ideological framing. Henrietta Levin and Daniel Castro Bonilla, CSIS, June 16
Taiwan Bet Too Big on Washington. Trump’s Beijing meeting and comments on Taiwan suggest U.S. support may be treated as a bargaining tool with China. His remarks on independence, arms sales, and talks with Xi, plus a halted $14 billion package, expose risks for the DPP after years of relying on Washington and cutting dialogue with Beijing. Taipei should reassess its strategy, consider cross-strait communication, and avoid letting great powers decide Taiwan’s future on its behalf. Hilton Yip, Foreign Policy, June 16
Southeast Asia
The fallout in Southeast Asia. The Iran war is raising energy, fertilizer, shipping, and remittance pressures across Southeast Asia while weakening legal constraints on force. Strategic chokepoints such as Malacca, Luzon, and Taiwan face greater risk as Hormuz shows how waterways can be weaponized. Doubts about U.S. reliability are growing after tariffs and war costs, giving China room to gain influence unless Washington restores legal credibility and mitigates economic harm. Lynn Kuok, Brookings, June 16
What Do the US Forced Labour Tariffs Mean for Southeast Asia? The U.S. forced labor Section 301 case targets 60 economies, including seven in Southeast Asia, with proposed tariffs of 10 or 12.5 percent. The process appears aimed at replacing struck-down reciprocal tariffs after the Supreme Court rejected IEEPA use. Southeast Asian governments should expect pressure tied to China-linked supply chains, trade surpluses, and Xinjiang concerns, while any compliance may provoke Beijing and deepen balancing dilemmas for regional leaders and firms. Stephen Olson, FULCRUM, June 16
Rebuilding Myanmar’s universities from the borderlands in resistance. Myanmar’s post-coup higher education system is being rebuilt through ethnic institutions, borderland colleges, and Spring Universities that combine teaching, research, and resistance. These initiatives serve displaced students, sustain cultural communities, and challenge military control through participation and critical thinking. International support should expand safe study pathways, build accreditation and credit transfer mechanisms, and let federal education models emerge through internal negotiation rather than external design while respecting plural knowledge traditions. Licia Proserpio, East Asia Forum, June 17
Iran war exposes both energy vulnerability of Thailand and its resilience. The Hormuz closure shows Thailand’s LNG transition has moved dependence from domestic gas to imported supply. Qatar’s disruption exposed risk, while declining Gulf output and rising demand raise reliance on LNG. Thailand entered the shock with diversified suppliers, import terminals, broader procurement, power-sector variety, and flexible buyers. Its response through Malaysia, Alaska-linked talks, portfolio suppliers, Australia, the United States, and China highlights resilience as a core energy priority for transition. Vandana Hari, Nikkei Asia, June 16
Indonesia’s Democratic Transition and Stalled Military Reform. Indonesia’s military reform remains stalled despite Reformasi’s mandate for civilian control and professional defense. The 2025 TNI Law revision expands military roles under vague nonwar operations, while new commands and battalions risk pulling forces from external defense. Interviews with civil society actors point to elite bargains, shrinking civic space, and weak legislative expertise. Renewed reform needs stronger Parliament, independent civic input, and balanced civil-military relations to preserve readiness and accountability. Fannesa Adisty Laksmita, FULCRUM, June 16