China
Chinese official media showcases DF-17 hypersonic missile launch for first time. Chinese state media publicly showed a PLA Rocket Force DF-17 hypersonic missile launch for the first time during a joint training exercise in the northwestern Gobi Desert. CCTV said newer missile systems have higher automation, mobility, precision, all-weather capability and defense penetration. Military commentator Du Wenlong said the footage reflected stronger field operations and combat readiness. Global Times, June 21
China adds 10 U.S. firms to export control list, restricts 46 on government procurement. China added 10 U.S. firms, including rare earth and drone companies, to its export control list and restricted 46 U.S. firms from government procurement. Beijing said the measures protect national security and respond to U.S. actions after the Pentagon added Chinese entities to its list of companies linked to China’s military. Frank Chen, South China Morning Post, June 22
Beijing planning more surveys east of Taiwan to assert sovereignty, state media reports. Beijing plans to make maritime surveys east of Taiwan routine as part of efforts to assert sovereignty through military drills, coastguard patrols and natural resources surveys. State media said future operations could support territorial planning, resource exploration, aquaculture and underwater infrastructure, following Japan-Philippines talks on exclusive economic zones and continental shelf boundaries. Meredith Chen, South China Morning Post, June 20
Japan
Japan PM Takaichi’s Cabinet support rate dips to 55.8%, lowest since launch. Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s Cabinet approval fell to 55.8%, its lowest since taking office, amid concerns over Middle East-related economic fallout. A Kyodo poll found 54.7% saw no need to send SDF personnel to the Strait of Hormuz, while households remained divided over proposed food tax cuts. Kyodo News, June 21
Bill easing referendum procedures for constitutional amendments clears Lower House. Japan’s Lower House passed a bill easing procedures for national referendums on constitutional amendments after parliamentary approval. The measure relaxes poll observer eligibility, sets rules for vote-counting observers on remote islands and allows FM radio public service announcements. Lawmakers still face debate over regulating online ads, deepfakes and AI-generated misinformation without restricting free speech. Eric Johnston, The Japan Times, June 19
South Korea
South Korea's Lee calls for overhaul of election management after flawed vote. President Lee Jae Myung called for a major overhaul of South Korea’s election management system after ballot-paper shortages disrupted the June 3 local elections and triggered public anger, protests and the resignation of the National Election Commission chief. Lee urged a thorough probe, legal revisions and possible constitutional changes to increase oversight of the independent commission. Kyu-seok Shim and Joyce Lee, Reuters, June 19
Lee appoints new senior secretaries for communication, civil affairs. President Lee Jae Myung appointed new senior presidential secretaries and security aides as he entered the second year of his term. Seong Ghi-hong was named secretary for public relations and communication, Han Chan-sik for civil affairs and Kim Kyoung-ja for social affairs, while Nam Jae-heon became oceans and fisheries vice minister. Lee Minji, Yonhap News Agency, June 21
PM nominee apologizes for information leak from ‘Startup for All’ website. Prime Minister nominee Han Seong-sook apologized after a partner firm exploited a security loophole on the Startup for All platform and collected emails, startup idea summaries and judge reviews from 5,000 first-round candidates. The startup ministry also drew criticism for reporting the leak to KISA about 70 hours after learning of it. Chang Jae-sun, Yonhap News Agency, June 22
North Korea
South Korea’s Lee says Trump open to considering phased approach to North Korea nuclear issue. President Lee Jae Myung said President Donald Trump agreed to consider a phased approach that prioritizes halting North Korea’s nuclear and missile programs while keeping denuclearisation as a longer-term goal. Lee said the short-term focus should include stopping new nuclear material production, weapons transfers and further ICBM development, as sanctions lose effectiveness. Joyce Lee and Kyu-Seok Shim, Reuters, June 19
Lee says told Trump cannot deal with N. Korean nuclear issue the same way as others. President Lee Jae Myung said he told President Donald Trump that North Korea’s nuclear issue cannot be handled like other cases and proposed a phased approach focused first on halting nuclear material production and transfers before long-term denuclearization. Lee said Seoul will work to facilitate U.S.-North Korea dialogue despite strained inter-Korean channels. Park Boram, Yonhap News Agency, June 19
U.S. diplomat says N. Korea’s denuclearization ‘very high up’ on U.S. priority list. Deputy Assistant Secretary of State David Wilezol said North Korea’s denuclearization remains a high U.S. priority and that Washington is ready for talks if Kim Jong Un is willing. He said the U.S. will continue sanctions enforcement and cooperation against North Korean cyber threats and cryptocurrency thefts while relying heavily on military views on OPCON transfer. Song Sang-ho, Yonhap News Agency, June 18
Thailand
Government denies media interference. Thailand’s government denied interfering with the media after MCOT dropped the political program Jor Luek Thua Thai, whose hosts often criticized governments and politicians. Spokeswoman Rachada Dhanadirek said monitoring coverage is routine and does not amount to pressure, though Isra reported that three major media groups were being closely watched. Bangkok Post, June 20
EC rejects irregularity claims in Senate election. Thailand’s Election Commission rejected claims of irregularities in the 2024 Senate election after video resurfaced showing officials collecting voting notes from candidates. The EC cited a court ruling that carrying candidate-number documents into polling areas was not illegal, while saying it later barred such documents during cross-voting to maintain order. Aekarach Sattaburuth, Bangkok Post, June 19
Opposition prepares to scrutinise budget transfer bill. Thailand’s opposition parties prepared to scrutinise a fiscal 2026 budget transfer bill and the proposed 2027 budget, citing transparency, delays, public debt and spending priorities. Democrat leader Abhisit Vejjajiva questioned the government’s slow action and borrowing needs, while People’s Party deputy leader Sirikanya Tansakul raised concerns over off-budget spending and ministry allocations. Bangkok Post, June 21
Myanmar
Embassies, rights groups call for Daw Aung San Suu Kyi’s release on her 81st birthday. Foreign embassies, rights groups, ASEAN parliamentarians and Myanmar democracy advocates marked Daw Aung San Suu Kyi’s 81st birthday by demanding her immediate release and proof of life. She has been detained since the 2021 coup, sentenced to 27 years and denied public, family and legal access, while supporters held birthday events nationwide. Myo Pyae, The Irrawaddy, June 19
Philippines
Lawmakers: Filipinos await Sara Duterte reply to charges. House prosecutors said Vice President Sara Duterte should personally answer impeachment allegations as her Senate trial approaches. Akbayan Rep. Chel Diokno said proceedings would let Duterte rebut accusations involving confidential funds, procurement, unexplained wealth and threats. Prosecutors said they are focused on presenting evidence, not counting Senate votes. Kenneth Christiane Basilio, Philippine Daily Inquirer, June 22
Impeach pre-trial conference resumes. The pre-trial conference for Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment trial resumes June 22, with defense and prosecution panels finishing document marking before the expected July 6 trial. Michael Poa said evidence for bribery and threats had been marked, while records tied to alleged misuse of funds and unexplained wealth needed more time because of their volume. Bernadette E. Tamayo and Reina C. Tolentino, The Manila Times, June 21
PH, U.S. forces complete military exercise in WPS. Philippine and U.S. forces completed a six-day Bilateral Maritime Cooperative Activity in the West Philippine Sea, the fourth such exercise this year. Naval, air, marine and coast guard units conducted search and rescue, boarding drills, communications exercises, maneuver training, photo exercises and joint fire rehearsals to improve maritime awareness and operational coordination. Franco Jose C. Baroña and Philippine News Agency, The Manila Times, June 20
Taiwan
Taiwan to stage five days of combat readiness drills. Taiwan will hold an “Immediate Combat Readiness Exercise” from Monday to Friday to train forces for more realistic wartime conditions and rapid peacetime-to-wartime transitions. The drill follows increased Chinese military activity near Taiwan, including 21 aircraft reported near the island, and supports a broader shift away from setpiece training. Ben Blanchard, Reuters, June 21
KMT accuses DPP of targeting Taiwan’s farmers over trade ties with mainland. Taiwan’s KMT accused the Lai administration of targeting farmers after authorities opened investigations into five agricultural groups over reported participation in the Straits Forum in Fujian. The KMT said the government was penalizing legitimate efforts to secure export markets, while Taiwan’s Mainland Affairs Council said mainland engagement had changed after 2016 and required scrutiny. Cao Jiaxuan, South China Morning Post, June 21
Legislative Speaker Han, lawmakers depart for U.S. trip. Legislative Speaker Han Kuo-yu led a cross-party delegation on a six-day U.S. visit focused on parliamentary diplomacy and closer Taiwan-U.S. exchanges. The itinerary includes TSMC’s Arizona complex, meetings with U.S. senators, House members and senior officials in Washington, and a return on EVA Airways’ inaugural direct Washington-to-Taiwan flight. Wu Ruei-chi and Joseph Yeh, Focus Taiwan, June 21
Bangladesh
Bangladesh's premier looks to China, Malaysia for investment, jobs in first trip. Prime Minister Tarique Rahman will make his first overseas trip to Malaysia and China to seek investment, jobs and stronger Asian partnerships. Bangladesh expects to sign 15-17 bilateral instruments in China, discuss the Teesta River project and promote a Chinese-backed Chittagong economic zone expected to create 100,000 jobs and attract more than $500 million. Ruma Paul, Reuters, June 20
East Asia
China and the sleeping giant theory of American power. China’s rise may spur American renewal rather than confirm decline. Democratic friction can become resilience when competition forces mobilization. Past challenges from Imperial Japan, Nazi Germany, and the Soviet Union pushed the United States toward industrial, scientific, and military expansion. Current rivalry with Beijing has revived industrial policy, semiconductor priorities, export controls, defense spending, and bipartisan focus, while China faces demographic decline, debt, and strains in its growth model. Vincent So, Lowy Institute, June 19
ByteDance sidelines listing as China's first $1 trillion valuation nears. ByteDance has postponed listing while grey-market shares value the company above US$600 billion, with investors seeing a path toward US$1 trillion. The board sees no reason to list while the valuation may rise. TikTok’s US uncertainty eased after Oracle and investors took control of the local entity. Doubao’s paid tiers, strong backers, and market reach make ByteDance a rare bright spot for Chinese tech sentiment. Henny Sender, Nikkei Asia, June 21
The AI boom is quietly choking people in East Asia. AI growth is increasing power demand in Taiwan and South Korea, pushing governments toward gas and coal for chip plants and data centers. Kaohsiung and Yongin face health burdens from pollution tied to semiconductor expansion. Studies cited forecast premature deaths, asthma, disease, and economic losses. Governments should assess regional pollution, long-term health effects, and supply-chain emissions before using fossil fuels to power AI growth. Yujie Xue, Nikkei Asia, June 19
Southeast Asia
China’s chipmaking supply chain runs through Southeast Asia. US export controls are reshaping China’s chipmaking equipment access through Singapore and Malaysia. Direct US imports have fallen, while imports from Southeast Asia have grown through compliant channels tied to components, servicing, packaging, and mature-node tools. Singapore and Malaysia gain strategic value as nodes in US-linked technology systems, yet their role brings exposure to export-control politics, multinational dependence, and pressure from US-China semiconductor competition. Jing Ge, East Asia Forum, June 20
The long shadow of the Cambodia–Thailand border conflict. Since mid-2025, the Cambodia Thailand border conflict has disrupted trade, displaced communities, and weakened livelihoods despite a fragile December ceasefire. Cambodia faces greater harm because it relies on Thai imports and migrant remittances, while Thailand needs Cambodian labor for aging-sensitive sectors. Closed land borders, rising oil costs, and poverty pressure require targeted aid, job restoration, skills programs, industrial upgrading, and renewed economic cooperation to prevent deeper setbacks for border households. Wannaphong Durongkaveroj, East Asia Forum, June 20
Vietnam is not China in the making. To Lam’s rise has prompted claims that Vietnam is moving toward Xi-style strongman rule, but Vietnam’s party system still preserves collective leadership. His dual role as general secretary and president is unusual, yet authority remains constrained by the Politburo, Central Committee, and National Assembly. Lam is using seniority, factional support, and reform programs to pursue growth, technology, energy security, and international integration. Carlyle Thayer, East Asia Forum, June 19
Bypassing Malacca is a bridge too far for Thailand’s ports project. Thailand’s US$36 billion Land Bridge would link Ranong and Chumphon through ports, roads, rail, and related infrastructure, but it cannot replace the Malacca Strait’s maritime ecosystem. High costs, cargo uncertainty, port competition, environmental risks, and local opposition weaken its commercial case. Its value lies in strategic bargaining, regional development, and route redundancy, provided Bangkok proves demand, financing, transparency, and safeguards. Apoorba Banerjee, East Asia Forum, June 19
Malaysia Should Channel US Trade Representative Section 301 Pressure Into Forced Labour Compliance. Malaysia faces a proposed 10 percent US tariff after Section 301 findings faulted gaps in forced labor import bans and enforcement. Existing plans, treaty commitments, and employment law address domestic production, but Washington wants controls over imported inputs in electronics, gloves, garments, and palm fruit. Priorities include an import prohibition, trained customs detention powers, digital traceability, vendor screening, and deeper ESG compliance across manufacturers. Tham Siew Yean, FULCRUM, June 19
Central Asia
Multiple Wars Are Ruining Central Asia’s Efforts to Diversify Its Trade Routes. Central Asian states sought alternatives to Russian transit after the Ukraine invasion made the Northern Corridor costlier and less predictable. Routes through Iran, Afghanistan, Pakistan, and the Middle Corridor offered options for trade with Europe and global markets. New fighting, port closures, damaged infrastructure, and regional insecurity have made those paths hazardous. Russia, despite war and sanctions, again appears safer, reinforcing elite reluctance to move trade away from Moscow. Galiya Ibragimova, Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, June 19
Oceania
One Nation captures Australia’s conservative imagination. One Nation’s support has surged since Labor’s 2025 landslide, drawing many conservative Liberal and National voters toward Pauline Hanson’s right-wing populism. The change reflects hostility to left parties, lower tertiary education rates, and concern over immigration, rather than a clear cost-of-living revolt. Its rise pressures Liberals to adopt sharper cultural and migration rhetoric, threatening their role as Labor’s main conservative opponent before 2028. Liam Gammon, East Asia Forum, June 21