China
China says Liaoning aircraft carrier completes over 40 days of drills. China’s Liaoning aircraft carrier group returned to port after more than 40 days of drills in the South China Sea and western Pacific. CCTV said training focused on combat readiness, air defence, anti-ship strikes, support missions, rescue and live-fire exercises, with joint drills involving an amphibious assault ship group. Shi Bu and Liz Lee, Reuters, June 22
China says it warned off multiple Japanese ‘provocations’ during aircraft carrier drills. China accused Japanese ships and aircraft of close-range tracking, monitoring and harassment during the Liaoning carrier group’s 40-day drills in the South China Sea and western Pacific. CCTV aired footage of encounters and said the carrier group returned to Qingdao after live-fire training, while Japan had monitored its movements near the Miyako Strait. Alcott Wei, South China Morning Post, June 22
China launches plan to revive foreign investment as FDI continues to fall. China issued a 15-point plan to stabilise foreign investment by expanding market access in services, finance, healthcare, education and other sectors. The measures include broader national treatment for foreign firms, support for R&D centres, data-transfer pilots, tax incentives for reinvested profits and expanded biotechnology and wholly foreign-owned hospital pilots. Frank Chen and Mandy Zuo, South China Morning Post, June 22
Japan
Japan-South Korea detente persists — but breakthrough remains elusive. Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and President Lee Jae Myung have maintained the rapprochement built by their predecessors but have not turned stability into major new cooperation. Experts pointed to economic coordination and possible South Korean accession to the CPTPP as opportunities, while Fukushima seafood restrictions and domestic sensitivities remain obstacles. Kenji Yoshida, The Japan Times, June 22
Takaichi says consumption tax cut would last only two years. Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said any cut in the consumption tax on food and beverages would last only two years before returning to the current 8% reduced rate. She described the measure as a bridge until a refundable tax credit program is introduced, while leaving room for future rate adjustments in emergencies. The Japan Times, June 22
South Korea
South Korea's ex-Justice Minister Park sentenced to 25 years in jail over martial law, Yonhap says. Former South Korean Justice Minister Park Sung-jae was sentenced to 25 years in prison for involvement in the failed martial law attempt tied to former President Yoon Suk Yeol. Yoon is serving a life sentence for masterminding the December 2024 declaration, which parliament forced him to lift within hours. Jack Kim, Reuters, June 22
PM heads to China for Summer Davos Forum, meetings with senior Chinese officials. Prime Minister Kim Min-seok left for China to attend the World Economic Forum’s Summer Davos Forum in Dalian and meet senior Chinese officials in Beijing. Kim is expected to outline South Korea’s innovative economic vision and propose international cooperation, in what is likely his final overseas trip before stepping down to seek Democratic Party leadership. Chang Jae-sun, Yonhap News Agency, June 22
Investigators to question election workers over ballot shortage. Investigators planned to question eight civil servants who managed polling stations affected by ballot shortages during South Korea’s June 3 local elections. A joint police-prosecution team is examining the National Election Commission’s response after shortages halted voting at 26 stations, triggered protests and led demonstrators to block ballot boxes from being removed from a Seoul counting venue. Chae Yun-hwan, Yonhap News Agency, June 22
Outgoing PM pledges to revive party ratings, prepares for party leadership race. Outgoing Prime Minister Kim Min-seok pledged to restore support for the Democratic Party of Korea as he prepares for a likely party leadership bid. Kim said the party and administration need closer alignment after disappointing local election results and falling approval ratings, while also backing constitutional discussions to reform the National Election Commission. Yi Whan-woo, The Korea Times, June 22
Thailand
PP on course to dominate BMC poll. Thailand’s People’s Party is favoured to win the largest share of Bangkok Metropolitan Council seats as strategic voting shapes the contest alongside the governor’s race. Analysts said voters may back PP council candidates to check Governor Chadchart Sittipunt, while Democrats and Working People candidates are each projected to compete for roughly 14–15 seats. Nattaya Chetchotiros, Bangkok Post, June 22
Parit presses BJT on charter vote. People’s Party MP Parit Wacharasindhu urged Bhumjaithai to support a fully elected Constitution Drafting Assembly, arguing that a Constitutional Court clarification allows the public to elect CDA members. BJT MP Nikorn Chamnong said the court president’s explanation was guidance rather than a binding ruling and accused opposition figures of overstating its legal force. Chairith Yonpiam, Bangkok Post, June 22
Myanmar
Situation in Myanmar got worse since election: UN envoy. UN Special Envoy Julie Bishop warned that Myanmar’s political, humanitarian and security crisis has deepened since the military-administered election, with worsening displacement, hunger, airstrikes and trafficking risks. She said the UN neither supported nor observed the vote, while the EU said the election and rebranded civilian administration did not confer legitimacy. The Irrawaddy, June 22
Cambodia
Courting Europe, Cambodia pursues a more diversified foreign policy. Cambodia is expanding engagement with European partners to diversify diplomatic options, attract investment and avoid overdependence on major powers. Analysts said meetings with European officials reflect a balancing strategy rather than a shift in Europe’s concerns over democracy and human rights, with real progress dependent on stronger trade, investment, education, tourism and security links. Rin Ousa, Cambodianess, June 22
Philippines
Prosecutors seek 62 dates in impeachment trial. House prosecutors asked the Senate impeachment court to allot 62 trial dates for evidence and witnesses in Vice President Sara Duterte’s trial, while the defense requested 30. Both sides listed 51 common witnesses and 248 common exhibits. The trial is scheduled to begin July 6, with pre-trial proceedings still unfinished. Reina C. Tolentino, The Manila Times, June 22
VP Duterte reports office’s accomplishments. Vice President Sara Duterte reported Office of the Vice President accomplishments as PASIDUNGOG, its annual partner-recognition ceremony, began. Duterte said the office had served 271,631 people, supported 39 groups and more than 4,400 entrepreneurs, eased transport for 2.9 million commuters, delivered relief to over 535,000 families and provided school and dental kits to 603,751 students. Reina C. Tolentino, The Manila Times, June 22
Indonesia
Indonesia plans to embed AI in key programmes, including $15 billion free-meal drive, document shows. Indonesia plans to use AI across priority government programmes from 2026 to 2029, including its $15 billion free-meals programme. A draft presidential regulation says AI would design region-specific menus, monitor kitchen hygiene, predict food demand, detect irregularities and support health warnings, while officials estimate AI could lift GDP by 12%, or $366 billion, by 2030. Stanley Widianto, Reuters, June 22
Indonesia needs to keep eye on fragile U.S.-Iran talks, ex-FM says. Former Indonesian Foreign Minister Hassan Wirajuda said Jakarta should closely monitor U.S.-Iran talks rather than seek a mediation role. Indonesia relies on crude flows through the Strait of Hormuz, where the closure trapped two Indonesian tankers and pushed Brent above $100 before prices fell after the interim peace deal. Jayanty Nada Shofa, Jakarta Globe, June 22
Indonesia bolsters industrial ties with Eurasia in INNOPROM 2026. Indonesia is strengthening industrial cooperation with Russia and Eurasian countries through INNOPROM 2026, where it will serve as Official Partner Country. A delegation of 50 Indonesian companies will present priority sectors including agro-industry, chemicals, specialized manufacturing, advanced engineering and industrial estates, while pursuing investment, market expansion, business matching and ministerial-level engagement. ANTARA News, June 22
Taiwan
Amid PLA pressure, Taiwan starts drill to simulate rapid deployment in a crisis. Taiwan began the Immediate Combat Readiness Exercise to test rapid movement to a wartime footing as PLA air and naval operations compress response times. The drill focuses on deployment after orders, tactical positioning, protection of key infrastructure, command-and-control and logistical support, forming the first stage of a revamped annual training framework. Lawrence Chung, South China Morning Post, June 22
India
India says ties with China normalising as top officials meet in Delhi. Indian National Security Adviser Ajit Doval met Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on the sidelines of a BRICS security advisers’ meeting in New Delhi. India’s foreign ministry described the talks as constructive and forward-looking, saying both sides reviewed recent developments and noted progress toward gradual normalisation after years of friction following the 2020 border clash. Tanvi Mehta, Reuters, June 22
Kazakhstan
Kazakhstan strengthens position as Central Asia’s investment hub, AIFC head says. Astana International Financial Centre Governor Renat Bekturov said Kazakhstan is becoming a regional investment hub built on transparent institutions, predictable law and capital protection. He cited EU trade, more than $200 billion in cumulative European investment, 5,600 AIFC-registered companies and $21.8 billion raised through the platform, with future opportunities in minerals, energy, logistics and digital infrastructure. The Times of Central Asia, June 22
Kazakh and Chinese officials sign protocol on nuclear energy cooperation. China’s National Energy Administration head Wang Hongzhi visited Kazakhstan for the first Kazakhstan-China Joint Working Group on Cooperation in Civil Nuclear Energy. Participants approved a protocol defining future nuclear cooperation, though no details were provided. Kazakhstan has selected China’s National Nuclear Corp. to build two large-scale reactors, while Rosatom will build the first nuclear plant at Lake Balkhash. Eurasianet, June 22
Tokayev heads to Brussels as Kazakhstan and EU seek progress on trade, minerals and transport. President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev arrived in Brussels to advance cooperation with the EU on critical minerals, transport connectivity, investment and visa facilitation. Meetings with António Costa, Ursula von der Leyen and Bart De Wever focus on moving existing frameworks toward projects, budgets and timelines, with mineral processing, transport, energy, digital links and mobility as priority areas. Stephen M. Bland, The Times of Central Asia, June 22
Uzbekistan
Uzbekistan and BRICS New Development Bank agree on $4.5 billion joint project portfolio. President Shavkat Mirziyoyev and New Development Bank President Dilma Rousseff discussed Uzbekistan’s new role as the bank’s 10th shareholder and first Central Asian member. They agreed to form a medium-term project portfolio in energy, water management, transport, engineering infrastructure, private and social sectors, with a $4.5 billion financing pipeline already prepared. Vagit Ismailov, The Times of Central Asia, June 22
Uzbek prime minister arrives in Kyrgyzstan for working visit. Prime Minister Abdulla Aripov arrived in Kyrgyzstan for a working visit and was received at Issyk-Kul International Airport by Adylbek Kasymaliev. The main program includes the 12th meeting of the Joint Intergovernmental Commission on Bilateral Cooperation, with talks in narrow and expanded formats and a package of bilateral documents planned. Uzbekistan Daily, June 22
Uzbek foreign minister meets Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong. Foreign Minister Bakhtiyor Saidov met Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong during an official visit and conveyed greetings from President Shavkat Mirziyoyev. The sides highlighted shared goals in economic development, public administration, innovation and human capital, and discussed cooperation in education modernization, digital transformation, finance, innovation and public management standards. Uzbekistan Daily, June 22
East Asia
Beyond the Biotech Race: Right-Sizing U.S.-China Competition in a Human-Centered Industry. U.S.-China biotech competition is a case of asymmetric convergence across a layered biomedical ecosystem, not a single race. The United States retains strengths in basic science, frontier discovery, venture capital, FDA credibility, and talent attraction, while China gains scale in research output, clinical trials, manufacturing, and asset formation. Effective policy requires targeted safeguards, domestic renewal, supply-chain resilience, standard-setting, and bounded health cooperation to protect patient outcomes and national security interests. Jing Qian, Lizzi C. Lee, and Chris Li, Asia Society, June 22
The G7 and European Council Discuss China. China dominated G7 and European Council talks despite its absence, as leaders warned that dependence on Beijing can no longer be ignored. The G7 advanced a critical minerals alliance to reduce reliance on single suppliers, while EU leaders debated tougher trade tools but postponed action. European states share concern over subsidies, currency practices, and supply chains, yet divisions keep policy responses cautious. Paulína Ovečková, chinaobservers, June 22
Don’t Let China Stack the Deck. U.S. leadership in frontier AI remains strong, but China is spreading scalable systems through infrastructure, cloud services, and the Digital Silk Road. Washington needs a global adoption strategy that pairs American AI tools with financing, training, cybersecurity, and safeguards. Country compacts could support local needs while reducing reliance on Chinese platforms. A values-based program would expand markets, rebuild soft power, and protect partner autonomy. Suzanne Nossel, Foreign Policy, June 22
China, Not Europe, is the Source of the World’s Imbalances. China’s current account surplus is understated by stale data, a contested goods-balance adjustment, and an implausible investment-income deficit. Europe’s surplus is overstated when Ireland’s distorted balance of payments, shaped by multinational profit shifting, is left unadjusted. Netting out Ireland and using measures closer to China’s customs trade balance shows China’s goods and services surplus far exceeds Europe’s, making IMF and OECD comparisons misleading. Brad W. Setser, Council on Foreign Relations, June 22
China Could Win Taiwan Without Fighting. Xi Jinping seeks to pressure Donald Trump into weakening U.S. support for Taiwan, creating doubts in Taipei and across Asia about American reliability. Trump’s comments after the Beijing summit, his pause on a Taiwan arms package, and shifting rhetoric gave Beijing openings to redefine U.S. policy norms. Washington should approve arms sales, strengthen deterrence, support Taiwan’s defense industry, and affirm that cross-strait outcomes require Taiwanese consent. Richard Haass and David Sacks, Foreign Affairs, June 22
Why North Korea Got the Bomb (And Iran Did Not, for Now). North Korea succeeded in nuclearizing because South Korean leaders refused to risk preventive war, even when Pyongyang’s program was weak. Israel provides the contrast, using force against Iraq, Syria, and Iran because leaders and publics accepted high costs to stop regional rivals from crossing the nuclear threshold. Geography, history, alliance backing, intelligence, and public resolve shaped whether counterproliferation campaigns could succeed. Pyung Hwa (Tim) Park and Uri Kidron, 38 North, June 22
Southeast Asia
Russia’s Place at ASEAN’s Table: Between Principle and Pragmatism. ASEAN’s Kazan summit with Vladimir Putin showed Southeast Asia’s preference for engagement with Russia while maintaining its own diplomatic autonomy. The meeting produced declarations on energy, culture, and cooperation, but Russia remains a secondary partner with limited trade and investment weight. ASEAN gains options through open channels, while Moscow gains markets and symbolism. The challenge is preserving principles on sovereignty and territorial integrity. Joanne Lin, FULCRUM, June 22
A tungsten mine exposes Myanmar’s China-Russia balancing act. A Russian-backed tungsten project in eastern Myanmar highlights a resource-security triangle linking China, Russia, and Myanmar’s military government. China controls mineral flows, processing, border access, and local networks, while Russia offers weapons, diplomatic support, and a new stake in contested mining zones. The junta uses resource concessions to hedge dependence on Beijing, reinforce territorial claims, and bind Moscow closer, while armed groups and communities shape access. Hao Nan, ThinkChina, June 22
South Asia
India cannot rely on bilateral deals alone for trade and growth. India’s recent bilateral trade deals offer market access but do not secure productivity growth, manufacturing strength, or integration into Asian value chains. Shallow liberalization, sector carveouts, and restrictive rules of origin limit their impact, while avoidance of RCEP and CPTPP keeps firms outside regional production networks. India needs broader regional engagement and domestic reform in land, labor, and agriculture to raise competitiveness. Thomas Asplund-Meinecke and Rojan Joshi, East Asia Forum, June 22
Oceania
Australia's most mocked politician is suddenly its most popular. Pauline Hanson’s rise reflects changing Australian politics, voter anger over costs, immigration, housing, and distrust of established parties. Once mocked for crude rhetoric and scandals around One Nation, she has become a strong social media figure and polling leader after the Bondi massacre changed public debate. Her National Press Club appearance reinforced her anti-ABC message, while her consistent positions help voters view her as dependable. Ian Lloyd Neubauer, Nikkei Asia, June 22