China
China welcomes U.S.-Iran phase-one MoU signing, urges all parties to honor commitments: Chinese FM. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian welcomed the first-phase U.S.-Iran MoU as a positive step for easing tensions and consolidating the ceasefire. Lin urged all parties to fulfill commitments, said force cannot solve problems, called for rational second-phase negotiations and said China will continue supporting long-term peace and stability in the Middle East and Gulf. Global Times, June 18
China’s U.S. envoy calls for 10-fold rise in tariff-free trade under joint board. Chinese Ambassador to the U.S. Xie Feng proposed expanding tariff-free goods under the new U.S.-China Board of Trade from $30 billion to as much as $300 billion. Speaking at a U.S.-China Business Council gala, Xie said the exemption list should be longer and criticized export controls, investment restrictions and blacklists targeting Chinese firms. Nayan Seth, South China Morning Post, June 18
China urged to strengthen navy escorts and find other routes to secure energy supply. Chinese energy analysts urged Beijing to strengthen escort capabilities, emergency responses and alternative transport routes after the Middle East conflict exposed vulnerabilities in maritime chokepoints. Lu Ruquan called for monitoring the Strait of Hormuz, Strait of Malacca and Bab el-Mandeb, while Ma Bo said China needs better situational awareness, overseas supply points and land-based energy corridors. Alyssa Chen, South China Morning Post, June 18
Two men jailed in Britain for spying for China. Chung Biu “Bill” Yuen and Chi Leung “Peter” Wai were jailed after being convicted of spying on pro-democracy dissidents in Britain on behalf of Hong Kong and ultimately China. Wai, a former UK Border Force officer, also misused government databases to search for targets. Yuen received eight years in prison, and Wai received 10 years. Michael Holden, Reuters, June 18
Japan
LDP proposal seeks to offset food tax with cash handouts. LDP tax chief Itsunori Onodera proposed cutting the consumption tax on food from 8% to 1% for two years starting in April and providing cash benefits to low- and middle-income earners next year. The payments, estimated at 600 billion yen annually, would effectively offset the remaining food tax. Opposition parties criticized the draft as mirroring the government’s position. Junichi Miyagawa, The Asahi Shimbun, June 18
JIP to submit proposals seeking swift introduction of nuclear submarines. The Japan Innovation Party plans to submit proposals urging the swift introduction of nuclear-powered submarines as Japan updates key security documents. The party cited China’s naval expansion, the need for longer underwater operations and challenges including budget increases, specialized personnel, legislation and industrial foundations. It also called for realistic discussions on nuclear weapons policy and nuclear sharing. The Japan Times, June 18
Japan prime minister Takaichi touts G7 unity on energy security, critical minerals. Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said the G7 delivered a unified message on energy security and critical mineral supply chains after the Evian summit. She said Japan must assess the Strait of Hormuz situation before deciding on any SDF deployment, highlighted support for coordinated critical mineral stockpiling and reiterated Japan’s aim for constructive, stable relations with China. Kyodo News, June 18
South Korea
South Korea parliament launches probe into election ballot shortages. South Korea’s parliament launched a 45-day investigation into the National Election Commission after ballot shortages disrupted June 3 local election voting. The inquiry will examine the NEC and regional commissions over voting-rights infringements and election-management reform. The controversy triggered protests, the NEC chief’s resignation and President Lee Jae Myung’s call for a thorough probe. Joyce Lee, Reuters, June 18
South Korea's Lee leaves G7 with Trump's pen after talks about peace on the peninsula. President Lee Jae Myung said he had a 90-minute G7 dinner conversation with President Donald Trump about peace on the Korean Peninsula and South Korea-U.S. relations. Trump gave Lee a pen used at the summit, discussed a future golf game with Lee and first lady Kim Hea Kyung, and called Lee a strong leader. Kyu-seok Shim, Reuters, June 18
PM nominee's confirmation hearing set for June 25-26. South Korea’s ruling and opposition parties agreed to hold a two-day confirmation hearing for Prime Minister nominee Han Seong-sook next week. The appointment requires National Assembly approval after the hearing. If confirmed, Han would become the first female prime minister under President Lee Jae Myung and South Korea’s second female prime minister. Yi Wonju, Yonhap News Agency, June 18
North Korea
North Korea recalls its ambassador to Britain after sanctions on children’s camp, report says. North Korea recalled Ambassador Mun Myong Sin from Britain and downgraded ties to charge d’affaires level after London sanctioned the Songdowon International Children’s Camp. Pyongyang’s embassy told NK News the move would remain until sanctions are lifted, calling Britain’s action politically motivated and aimed at damaging North Korea’s image and Russia ties. Kyu-seok Shim, Reuters, June 18
North Korea’s Kim Yo Jong condemns G7 call for denuclearisation as violation of sovereignty. Kim Yo Jong condemned the G7’s call for North Korea’s denuclearisation as a violation of sovereignty and said nuclear possession is an irreversible core interest. She described denuclearisation as impossible and outdated, arguing that Pyongyang’s nuclear weapons are a self-defensive deterrent against enemy threats and a cornerstone of peace. Kyu-seok Shim, Reuters, June 18
Thailand
Thailand revives $30 billion coast-to-coast corridor to rival Malacca Strait. Thailand revived its 1 trillion baht “Land Bridge” plan linking deep-sea ports in Chumphon and Ranong through railways, highways and logistics infrastructure. Backers say the corridor could cut costs and transit times for feeder cargo, but investors remain cautious over costs, logistics and geopolitics, while residents and activists oppose industrialisation and environmental risks. Panu Wongcha-Um, Reuters, June 18
Phiphat loses key EEC post. Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul took direct oversight of the Eastern Economic Corridor from Deputy Prime Minister and Transport Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn. Anutin said the shift does not reflect conflict and would help market the EEC internationally as an investment hub focused on food security, data centres, industrial estates, universities and new business cities. Mongkol Bangprapa, Bangkok Post, June 17
Anutin takes back EEC to lead new investment push, source says. Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul reclaimed direct supervision of the Eastern Economic Corridor to reposition it as Thailand’s flagship investment project. A Government House source said the new focus will be food security and data centres, not traditional heavy industry, and denied the move reflected conflict with Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn or the three-airport rail dispute. The Nation, June 17
Myanmar
Visiting Shanghai, Min Aung Hlaing steps up push for Chinese investment. Min Aung Hlaing used a Myanmar-China investment summit in Shanghai to urge Chinese firms to expand investment in agriculture, renewable energy, EV production, e-commerce and digital services. He promoted Myanmar as a land bridge linking China, India and Southeast Asia, while junta-aligned business groups sought fresh investment despite falling bilateral trade and conflict-disrupted border routes. The Irrawaddy, June 18
Philippines
New Chinese research vessel spotted near Panatag. Philippine authorities documented the Chinese research ship Tong Ji about 1.2 km southeast of Bajo de Masinloc during a Coast Guard maritime awareness flight after a floating platform was removed. The PCG also saw Chinese Coast Guard and maritime militia vessels, while Rear Adm. Jay Tarriela questioned any Chinese marine research in the Philippines’ EEZ without Manila’s consent. Gabryelle Dumalag, Philippine Daily Inquirer, June 19
Marcos urges stronger ASEAN-Russia cooperation on security, economy, and people-to-people ties. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., chairing the 35th ASEAN-Russia Commemorative Summit in Kazan with Vladimir Putin, called for deeper cooperation on peace and security, economic engagement and people-to-people exchanges. He urged stronger action against terrorism, trafficking, cybercrime and online scams, broader trade and investment ties, MSME inclusion, and expanded scholarships, academic partnerships, tourism and cultural exchanges. Kristina Maralit, The Manila Times, June 18
Malayisa
Malaysia jumps eight spots to 15th in IMD World Competitiveness Ranking. Malaysia rose to 15th among 70 economies in the 2026 IMD World Competitiveness Ranking, its best position in recent years. Gains across economic performance, government efficiency, business efficiency and infrastructure lifted the country’s standing. Malaysia ranked fourth globally in economic performance, while business efficiency climbed 16 places and government efficiency rose 11 places. Malay Mail, June 18
Taiwan
Taiwan central bank raises growth outlook, flags inflation concerns. Taiwan’s central bank raised its 2026 GDP forecast to 9.45% from 7.25%, citing strong AI-driven demand and export growth, while leaving its benchmark discount rate unchanged at 2%. Governor Yang Chin-long said inflation pressure requires close monitoring, with some board members opposing the hold and the CPI forecast lifted to 1.91%. Liang-Sa Loh and Faith Hung, Reuters, June 18
More in Taiwan favour goodwill to Beijing over defence ties with U.S., poll shows. A Taipei defence institute poll found 44.9% of Taiwanese respondents saw stronger self-reliant defence as the top way to safeguard peace, while 29.7% preferred extending goodwill to Beijing and 11.8% favoured deeper U.S. cooperation. Views split sharply by party support, with DPP voters favouring defence and KMT and TPP voters prioritizing goodwill. Phoebe Zhang, South China Morning Post, June 18
Taiwan not ‘provoking’ China, hopes U.S. arms sale package can be approved soon, president says. President Lai Ching-te said Taiwan’s defence of its security, democracy and refusal to accept Communist Party rule should not be viewed as provoking China. Lai said Beijing is changing the Taiwan Strait status quo through intensifying coercion, while Taiwan hopes pending U.S. arms sales are approved soon and proposed a $6.66 billion drone package. Yimou Lee and Ben Blanchard, Reuters, June 18
Lai meets U.S. lawmakers, seeks expanded defense and tech cooperation. President Lai Ching-te met U.S. Representatives Lucy McBath and Valerie Foushee in Taipei, seeking stronger cooperation in defense, technology and industry. Lai said Taiwan will strengthen economic resilience and self-defense while expanding U.S. defense ties, and urged Congress to pass legislation preventing double taxation to reduce investment barriers and support commercial cooperation. Wen Kuei-hsiang and Shih Hsiu-chuan, Focus Taiwan, June 18
Kazakhstan
Kazakh PM calls for deeper regional cooperation at Tashkent Investment Forum. Kazakh Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov called for deeper Central Asian cooperation at the Tashkent Investment Forum, citing Kazakhstan’s investment policy reforms, Kazakh Invest, stronger investor protections and the new Altyn Visa. Bektenov also met Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev to discuss trade, industrial ties, transport connectivity, energy, water management and tourism. Assel Satubaldina, The Astana Times, June 18
Tajikistan
Tajikistan targets industrial growth as share of GDP to reach 30% by 2030. Tajikistan aims to raise industry’s share of GDP to 30% by 2030 through accelerated industrialization and a shift from raw material extraction to processing. Authorities cited strong reserves of critical minerals and more than 800 mineral and precious metal deposits, while prioritizing textiles, agricultural processing, construction materials, machine building, chemicals and electrical equipment manufacturing. Rayana Amankulova, The Times of Central Asia, June 18
East Asia
Currency Moves Can Drive Rebalancing. Asian surplus economies have weak currencies, and exchange rate action could reduce trade imbalances faster than waiting for domestic policy reforms. Coordinated appreciation of the yuan, yen, won, and other currencies would pressure China and peer economies to rely less on exports and more on internal demand. Currency diplomacy cannot solve imbalances alone, but it can start the needed adjustments across China, the United States, and Europe. Brad W. Setser, Council on Foreign Relations, June 18
China Is Pulling Up the Ladder Behind It. China dominates high-tech manufacturing while retaining control of labor-intensive sectors that poor countries need for industrialization. Its large surplus, low-skill export strength, and possible currency undervaluation squeeze export opportunities in Africa and Asia. Beijing could ease pressure by opening markets, supporting imports from developing countries, moving factories abroad, and adjusting the renminbi to match claims of global leadership. Shoumitro Chatterjee and Arvind Subramanian, Foreign Affairs, June 18
Beijing’s sanctions only strengthened the Philippine defence chief. China’s sanctions against Philippine defense chief Gilberto Teodoro Jr followed his Shangri-La Dialogue remarks naming Beijing as the main challenge in the South China Sea. The move backfired by strengthening his domestic standing, validating criticism of Chinese coercion, and rallying Philippine institutions behind him. The episode exposed limits in Beijing’s pressure tactics and deepened doubts about its handling of maritime disputes. Elaine Tolentino, ThinkChina, June 18
Why China’s Belt and Road oil-and-gas boom is different this time. China’s 2025 Belt and Road energy surge was driven by oil and gas megadeals in Nigeria and Congo, but the model has changed. Chinese firms are prioritizing engineering, procurement, construction, equipment, and project delivery over direct ownership of resources. Host governments gain industrial infrastructure, power, and processing capacity, while facing risks from carbon rules, opaque financing, local pollution, and long-term high-emission assets. Betty Wang, Dialogue Earth, June 16
Japan’s maritime strategy quietly reshapes Southeast Asia’s security. Japan’s anti-piracy cooperation with ASEAN has become a model for regional order-building through coast guard training, legal standards, and information-sharing. Tokyo avoids militarization by using civilian agencies and unarmed assistance, which reassures Southeast Asian states while improving maritime governance. Partnerships with the Philippines and Vietnam show how technical capacity-building can raise costs for rule-breaking and extend into energy security and supply chains. Nguyen Truong Giang, East Asia Forum, June 18
Japan's conservatives are putting the monarchy at risk. Japan’s conservative push to preserve male-only imperial succession risks deepening a future crisis for the monarchy. Emperor Naruhito’s daughter Princess Aiko remains barred, while Prince Hisahito is the sole young male heir. Proposals to retain female royals after marriage and adopt males from former branches avoid female succession, despite broad public support and warnings that reform is needed to sustain the imperial line. Linda Sieg, Nikkei Asia, June 18
North Korea Rebuilds Anti-American Rhetoric and Education. North Korea’s anti-American messaging faded from KCNA after the 2018 Singapore summit, but educational structures kept hostile framing in place. Since 2022, state rhetoric and school directives have restored anti-US language, with classrooms used to shape youth views of Washington. New mandates, legal controls, and ideology sessions suggest a targeted campaign that may outlast any diplomatic opening with the United States. Gabriella Wangmu Zhaxi, 38 North, June 18
South Korea’s middle power diplomacy at an inflection point. South Korea’s middle power diplomacy has moved from prestige-building within a stable liberal order to a survival tool amid US-China rivalry and Trump’s transactional alliance policy. Seoul seeks autonomy through defense resilience, supply-chain strength, and diversified diplomacy, while still depending on US security guarantees. The Lee government favors issue-based coalitions, but lasting influence will require bolder statecraft and stronger middle power partnerships. Sang Yoon Ma, East Asia Forum, June 18
Southeast Asia
Minority Education, Major Controversy: Malaysia’s Lose-Lose Reform on Chinese Independent Schools. Malaysia’s limited opening for UEC graduates to enter public universities has reignited disputes over language, identity, and national integration. The reform covers only Chinese studies courses and requires Malay language and history passes, yet drew criticism from Chinese education advocates and Malay conservatives. The UEC remains a proxy for unresolved questions about minority rights, assimilation, equity, and the future of Malaysia’s education system. Ooi Kok Hin, FULCRUM, June 18
South Asia
Why the G7 needs India. Geopolitical crises have restored the G7’s role in crisis coordination, but the group lacks legitimacy without non-Western powers. India gives the forum Global South reach, strategic autonomy, democratic credentials, and access to partners across rival blocs. New Delhi gains influence over debates on security, technology, energy, supply chains, China, and governance reform while preserving multi-alignment and shaping Western agendas before decisions harden. Shishir Priyadarshi, ThePrint, June 18
Central Asia
Iran’s Pivot to the East Meets China’s Eurasian Connectivity Push. Iran is redirecting trade, energy, and transport strategy toward China and Eurasia to reduce exposure to sanctions and maritime pressure. Overland corridors through Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Central Asia could shift commerce away from vulnerable sea routes. China’s demand for Iranian oil, postwar reconstruction needs, and Belt and Road links make Tehran a stronger partner in Eurasian connectivity and energy security. Lucio Blanco Pitlo III, China US Focus, June 18