China
China declares branch of ‘Xi Jinping Thought’ as official party doctrine. China’s Communist Party formalized “Xi Jinping Thought on Party Building” as a new official doctrine focused on discipline, unified leadership, organisational cohesion and anti-corruption. The concept, introduced at a national party-building conference chaired by Cai Qi, includes “14 insists” and is meant to guide party construction ahead of the 2027 party congress. Phoebe Zhang, South China Morning Post, June 16
Europe rallies around tough new China strategy ahead of key summit. EU members are converging on a tougher China trade strategy to counter concerns over overcapacity, subsidies and European deindustrialisation. Proposed measures include faster use of existing trade defences, emergency safeguard tariffs and quotas, and possible new tools modelled on Section 301-style measures. Diplomats said China may not be named formally, but Brussels is preparing stronger action. Finbarr Bermingham, South China Morning Post, June 17
Top PLA graft-buster urges more loyalty, ‘political rectification’ as training ends. Zhang Shengmin, the PLA’s top anti-graft official, closed an unprecedented two-month training course for senior officers by calling for stronger Communist Party loyalty and continued “political rectification.” The course followed Xi Jinping’s emphasis on anti-corruption, law-abiding conduct and ideological discipline as the military prepares for its 2027 centenary goal. Phoebe Zhang, South China Morning Post, June 17
China calls for more Global South voices to be heard at United Nations. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said emerging markets are inadequately represented at the United Nations and called for more Global South voices in global governance. He said global crises were challenging the UN’s authority, urged a Middle East ceasefire and promoted a Chinese white paper aimed at making international governance more just and equitable. Joe Cash and Farah Master, Reuters, June 17
China says it will take countermeasures to new Taiwan intelligence gathering site. China said it would take unspecified countermeasures against Taiwan’s new website for Chinese nationals to report intelligence tips. Taiwan’s National Security Bureau said the site offers a secure channel for people who want change in China, while Beijing accused Taipei of intelligence theft, infiltration, sabotage and escalating cross-strait confrontation. Ben Blanchard, Reuters, June 17
China, Myanmar pledge mutual support in joint statement. China and Myanmar pledged mutual support on core interests after meetings between Xi Jinping and Min Aung Hlaing in Beijing. The joint statement backed Myanmar’s election and peace efforts, barred harmful security activities from each other’s territory, and promoted the China-Myanmar Economic Corridor, Kyaukpyu Deep-Sea Port, Muse-Mandalay Railway, mining, digital economy, AI, agriculture and power grid links. Shi Bu, Yukun Zhang and Liz Lee, Reuters, June 17
Japan
Nippon Steel sees strong American market lifting US Steel earnings. Nippon Steel expects U.S. Steel earnings to exceed current forecasts as American steel prices remain supported by tariffs and demand. Vice Chairman Takahiro Mori said U.S. Steel could post more than 100 billion yen in profit this year and eventually 300 billion to 400 billion yen annually, with operational improvements and pledged investments under way. Yuka Obayashi and Kentaro Okasaka, Reuters, June 17
Sanseito submits bill to create agency on policies related to foreign nationals. Opposition party Sanseito submitted an Upper House bill to create a Cabinet Office agency led by a dedicated minister to oversee policies on foreign nationals. The proposal would abolish the Immigration Services Agency and transfer its duties, while coordinating labor, welfare and public order policies. Party leader Sohei Kamiya called existing government policy insufficient and urged a cap on foreign residents. The Japan Times, June 17
South Korea
Leaders of S. Korea, Kenya hold talks on cooperation in economy, development. President Lee Jae Myung and Kenyan President William Ruto met on the sidelines of the G7 summit to discuss economic and development cooperation. The leaders agreed to pursue sustainable cooperation for shared growth, with infrastructure, energy, transportation, water management and irrigation identified as priority areas. Ruto urged more active participation by South Korean companies in Kenya’s economic development. Park Boram, Yonhap News Agency, June 17
North Korea
G7 leaders reaffirm commitment to ‘complete denuclearization’ of N. Korea in joint statement. G7 leaders reaffirmed their commitment to the complete denuclearization of North Korea under U.N. Security Council resolutions and urged Pyongyang to resolve the abductees issue. The joint statement also called for action on North Korean cryptocurrency thefts and cybercrimes, backed a free and open Indo-Pacific, opposed coercive status quo changes and supported implementation of the U.S.-Iran deal. Song Sang-ho, Yonhap News Agency, June 17
Myanmar
U.S. scholar of Myanmar detained in China was on academic visit, think tank says. ISP-Myanmar said U.S. scholar Min Zin was detained in Kunming while attending an academic workshop and called for his immediate release. China said he was suspected of espionage and endangering national security, while the U.S. State Department rejected the allegations and said consular officers had visited him. Reuters, June 17
Myanmar regime vaunts ‘peace talks’ with minor, becalmed ethnic organizations. Myanmar’s military regime held peace talks with friendly or non-combatant ethnic armed organizations while intensifying operations against active resistance forces. The talks followed Min Aung Hlaing’s 100-day ultimatum, but key groups including the KIA, KNU, KNPP, CNF, AA and PDF forces were absent. Analysts called the process a propaganda tool to boost international recognition. Myo Pyae, The Irrawaddy, June 17
Laos
Laos, China approve seven new development projects worth USD 3.31 million. Laos secured seven Mekong–Lancang Special Fund projects for 2026 focused on human resources, agriculture, water, health and poverty reduction. Officials said the $3.31 million package would support basic services, rural living conditions, ASEAN integration, Belt and Road cooperation, South-South cooperation and UN Sustainable Development Goals. Phoudasack Vongsay, The Laotian Times, June 17
Cambodia
Philippines
Escudero to oversee impeachment court despite ‘forthwith’ flak. The Senate majority bloc reportedly agreed to elect Sen. Francis Escudero as presiding officer for Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment trial, despite criticism that he delayed similar proceedings in 2025. Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian backed Escudero’s legal and legislative experience, while critics questioned his past handling of the “forthwith” constitutional requirement. Javier Joe Ismael and Reina C. Tolentino, The Manila Times, June 17
House leadership gives prosecutors free hand in impeachment trial. House Majority Leader Ferdinand Alexander Marcos said House leaders will not direct prosecutors in Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment trial, citing lead prosecutor Jinky Luistro’s management of the case. Duterte was impeached on May 11 over alleged confidential fund misuse, unexplained wealth, bribery and a “kill” remark against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., all of which she denied. Reina C. Tolentino, The Manila Times, June 17
Philippine Senate removes Duterte ally as head, elects new leader ahead of VP impeachment trial. The Philippine Senate elected Sherwin Gatchalian as president, formalising Alan Peter Cayetano’s removal weeks before Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment trial. Thirteen senators present backed Gatchalian during a special sitting called by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. Cayetano and his allies were absent, while the Senate prepares to hear charges Duterte denies as politically motivated. Karen Lema, Reuters, June 17
Indonesia
RI, China Finance Ministers meet in Beijing to deepen funding ties. Indonesian Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa met Chinese Finance Minister Lan Fo’an in Beijing to diversify Indonesia’s sovereign funding and expand its investor base. Purbaya said Jakarta is using strong macroeconomic fundamentals, controlled debt, safe deficit levels, resilient growth, fiscal discipline and predictable policy to secure long-term capital despite global headwinds. ANTARA News, June 17
Taiwan
Taiwan says its delegates have been barred from ocean conference in Kenya. Taiwan said Kenya barred its delegates from the Our Ocean Conference in Mombasa under pressure from China, revoking visas issued to scientists and confiscating some passports and phones for more than 20 hours. Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung condemned Kenya’s interpretation of “One China,” while Beijing praised Nairobi for upholding the principle. Vincent Mumo Nzilani and Ben Blanchard, Reuters, June 17
India
Trump, Modi discuss trade, safety of Indian sailors in Gulf region. President Donald Trump said he had a “very good” G7 conversation with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and that the U.S. and India were working on trade deals. Modi said Indian seafarers’ safety in the Strait of Hormuz was paramount, while Trump called Modi a tough negotiator and said Washington would help India if attacked. Steve Holland, Bo Erickson and Sakshi Dayal, Reuters, June 17
EU and India will formally sign free trade deal by end-2026, says EU chief. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said the EU and India will sign their free trade agreement by the end of 2026 after she met Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the G7 summit. The deal would cut tariffs on most goods, potentially enter force in 2027, double EU exports to India by 2032 and save European firms €4 billion in duties. Sudip Kar-Gupta, Reuters, June 17
Bangladesh
Sri Lanka bribery commission arrests ex-president's son, court gives bail. Sri Lanka’s bribery commission arrested Yoshitha Rajapaksa, son of former President Mahinda Rajapaksa, before a Colombo court granted him bail. The Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery and Corruption is investigating claims that Rajapaksa’s 2006 entry into the Sri Lankan navy proceeded outside due process. Police confirmed the arrest and bail decision. Uditha Jayasinghe and Shanima Aniyeri, Reuters, June 17
Kazakhstan
U.S. Development Finance Corporation signals interest in Tele2 upgrade in Kazakhstan. The U.S. International Development Finance Corporation signaled interest in helping modernize Kazakhstan’s telecom infrastructure through a potential partnership with Qatar’s Power International Holding, owner of Tele2/Altel operator Mobile Telecom-Service. The proposed financing would support a shift to “trusted vendors,” strengthen digital security and advance 5G rollout as Washington expands economic engagement in Central Asia. The Times of Central Asia, June 17
Kazakhstan and Iran expand port access to boost cargo transit. Iran offered Kazakhstan access to Shahid Rajaee Port and possible operations at Chabahar Port as both sides seek to expand the International North-South Transport Corridor. Kazakhstan said it could offer Iran facilities at Aktau and Kuryk, while officials cited rising trade, growing rail freight and a proposed roadmap to lift corridor capacity to 20 million tons annually. Dmitry Pokidaev, The Times of Central Asia, June 17
Uzbekistan
Mirziyoyev says Uzbekistan’s doors will “always remain open” as fifth Tashkent Investment Forum begins. President Shavkat Mirziyoyev opened the Tashkent International Investment Forum by pledging continued openness to foreign investors and outlining priorities in legal protections, capital markets, industrial value addition, green energy, AI, connectivity and regional development. He cited $150 billion in foreign investment since reforms began, 7.7% GDP growth in 2025 and plans for a zero-tax financial center. Javier M. Piedra, The Times of Central Asia, June 17
Uzbek president pledges continued reforms, tax-free zone at Tashkent forum. President Shavkat Mirziyoyev pledged continued economic reforms and announced plans for the Tashkent International Financial Center, a tax- and customs-free zone operating under English common law. Profit tax, VAT, property tax and customs duties would be set at 0%, with free capital movement, payments in any currency and an independent financial regulator. Felix Light and Muhammadsharif Mamatkulov, Reuters, June 17
Kyrgyzstan
Kyrgyz PM courts investors in Tashkent with call for shared regional future. Kyrgyz Prime Minister Adylbek Kasymaliev used the Tashkent International Investment Forum to pitch Kyrgyzstan’s 2030 development strategy, citing 11% GDP growth in 2025 and six investment priorities. He emphasized critical minerals, renewable energy, agribusiness, logistics, digital growth and capital markets, while presenting Central Asian cooperation as a shared source of regional investment appeal. Javier M. Piedra, The Times of Central Asia, June 17
East Asia
Trump’s Defense Demands Are Pushing Asian Allies Toward China. The Trump administration’s demand that Asian partners spend 3.5 percent to 5 percent of GDP on defense is straining alliances and creating space for China. Indo-Pacific states lack NATO-style structures, share large trade exposure to China, and face fiscal shocks that make such increases hard. Doubts about U.S. commitments, Taiwan policy, and respect for allies may drive independent arms buildups, nuclear debates, and regional instability across a tense strategic theater. Joshua Kurlantzick, Council on Foreign Relations, June 17
Why Trump’s Pentagon Abandoned ‘Indo-Pacific’. The Pentagon’s change from INDOPACOM back to PACOM indicates a move from coalition-driven efforts to counter China towards Trump’s more transactional diplomatic approach. The Indo-Pacific label had elevated India, linked the Indian and Pacific oceans, and supported cooperation among Australia, India, Japan, and the United States. Restoring PACOM will not alter military geography, but it reflects weaker emphasis on India, strained ties with New Delhi, outreach to Pakistan, and renewed engagement with Beijing. Derek Grossman, Foreign Policy, June 17.
Ball game’s over, the US is out of the AI chip market in China. U.S. chipmakers have lost access to China’s AI chip market because Beijing views American suppliers as unreliable after export controls. China blocked purchases of Nvidia H20 and H200 processors, favors domestic compute, and accepts lower model performance to build sovereign infrastructure. Washington holds advantages in global AI markets, but tighter third-country controls or bans on Chinese AI could isolate U.S. firms from customers and weaken leadership growth. Mark MacCarthy, Brookings, June 17
Why desperate local governments fund corporate fantasies. China’s local governments are funding ambitious corporate ventures as growth targets, fiscal stress, and investment quotas collide with firms seeking capital. The beng laotou phenomenon captures this mutual exploitation, where companies package inflated visions and officials chase headline projects. Dreame Technology’s controversy and Neta Auto’s failed state-backed funding show risks to public assets, land use, wages, credibility, and governance. Reform requires stronger due diligence, risk management, and performance metrics. Lim Zhan Ting, ThinkChina, June 17
Institutionalising open-source in the PRC. Beijing is turning open-source AI into governed infrastructure after Chinese models gained global reach through open ecosystems. The strategy replaces foreign tools where possible, builds domestic backups, preserves downstream control, and seeks influence inside global standards bodies. CAC filings, national standards, sector rules, Qinglang enforcement, and the OpenAtom Foundation make projects traceable and procurable. Heavy compliance could burden developers and weaken the openness that powered China’s AI gains. CHINA POLICY, June 16
AI nation: Is it boom, bubble or both for South Korea? South Korea has made artificial intelligence the center of its industrial identity, lifting the KOSPI through huge gains in SK Hynix and Samsung. AI demand is powering exports and growth while masking weak consumption, automaker softness, labor rigidity, and demographic risk. The boom also concentrates wealth in conglomerates, exposes Seoul to a market reversal, and raises pressure for safety nets, retraining, governance reform, and broader market access. William Pesek, Nikkei Asia, June 17
Southeast Asia
Vietnam’s lofty vision for prosperity amid volatility. Vietnam enters the 40th anniversary of Doi Moi with a goal of developed-country status by 2045 and 10 percent annual growth through 2030. To Lam has concentrated authority, streamlined ministries and provinces, and prioritized transport, energy, digital systems, science, and innovation. The agenda faces public sector capacity strains, weak AI infrastructure, technology import dependence, and energy shocks from the Iran war and Strait of Hormuz crisis, threatening ambitious national targets. Hai Hong Nguyen, East Asia Forum, June 17
Havana in the Crossfire, Hanoi in a Bind. Vietnam faces a hard test as U.S. pressure on Cuba escalates after Venezuela’s collapse cuts Havana’s subsidized oil. Hanoi’s six-decade friendship with Cuba rests on ideology, wartime solidarity, aid, investment, rice shipments, and UN support against the embargo. Open confrontation with Washington could endanger Vietnam’s strategic partnership and trade talks, but distancing from Cuba would damage credibility, domestic sympathy, and conservative confidence in socialist solidarity. Nguyen Khac Giang, Le Hong Hiep, FULCRUM, June 17
Myanmar Is What Happens When China Fills a Vacuum. China’s financing of Myanmar’s December to January election helped legitimize Min Aung Hlaing’s civilian presidency while protecting Beijing’s borders, investments, and access to resources. Western donors withdrew after the coup, leaving space for Chinese election funding that favors order over inclusive peace. The vote excluded or lost much of the electorate, strengthened a fragile regime, and reflects a wider pattern of authoritarian support for managed democratic rituals in weak states. Grace Stanhope, Foreign Policy, June 17
South Asia
Three Deaths at Sea Could Sink the India-US Moment. India-US relations encounter fresh tensions after the deaths of three Indian seafarers in a U.S. attack on the tanker M/T Settebello near Iranian waters. This event comes amid ongoing tariff impositions, restrictions on advanced technology exports, and renewed U.S. outreach to Pakistan. Although existing defense agreements guarantee maritime cooperation, the absence of prior warning raises concerns. These fatalities may weaken strategic trust, provoke domestic criticism within India, and hinder recent diplomatic efforts with Washington. Vivek Mishra, Observer Research Foundation, June 17