China
China looks to Singapore to help secure global supply chains from US trade war turmoil. Chinese Premier Li Qiang urged deeper economic collaboration with Singapore to fortify global supply chains amid US trade frictions. In meetings with Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, both sides pledged support for free trade, multilateralism, and partnerships in digital economy and AI. Agreements were signed, and Wong is set to meet President Xi Jinping. Dewey Sim and Laura Zhou, South China Morning Post, June 23
DeepSeek aids China's military and evaded export controls, US official says. A senior US official said AI firm DeepSeek supports China’s military and intelligence sectors and used Southeast Asian shell firms to evade export restrictions on advanced chips. The company allegedly transmitted user data to Chinese authorities and was named in over 150 military procurement records. DeepSeek also reportedly accessed Nvidia H100 chips despite export bans. Michael Martina, Stephen Nellis and Fanny Potkin, Reuters, June 23
Japan
Japanese leader joins regional allies in skipping NATO summit. Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba canceled his NATO summit trip after a planned IP4 meeting and bilateral talks with Donald Trump became unlikely. South Korea, Australia, and New Zealand also opted out, signaling a weakened Indo-Pacific-European security linkage. Japan cited “various circumstances” for the decision, while Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya will attend instead. Yoshifumi Takemoto and David Brunnstrom, Reuters, June 23
Japan PM aims to retain upper house majority after July poll. Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba stated his administration's main goal for the July election is to preserve the ruling coalition’s majority in the upper house, needing 50 of the 125 contested seats to do so. He reaffirmed his commitment to dialogue with the U.S. on tariff issues and dismissed opposition calls to reduce the consumption tax, framing the vote as a referendum on his economic agenda. Kyodo News, June 24
South Korea
PM nominee set to undergo confirmation hearings. Prime Minister nominee Kim Min-seok will face two days of National Assembly confirmation hearings starting Tuesday, amid demands from the main opposition party for his withdrawal. Critics cite past convictions, rapid asset growth, and his son’s controversial college admission. The Democratic Party, holding a parliamentary majority, supports his candidacy and may unilaterally approve the motion. Lee Haye-ah, Yonhap News Agency, June 23
Cho Hyun named foreign minister; Ex-Unification Minister Chung Dong-young returns to post. President Lee Jae-myung named Cho Hyun as foreign minister and reinstated Chung Dong-young as unification minister in his first Cabinet announcement. Cho, a former UN ambassador, is expected to steer foreign policy amid global tensions. Chung brings experience from the Roh Moo-hyun era. The Cabinet lineup includes veteran politicians, prioritizing expertise and policy continuity. Bahk Eun-ji, The Korea Times, June 23
North Korea
North Korean leader Kim presides over key party meeting, state media says. Kim Jong Un led the 12th plenary session of the 8th Central Committee of the Workers' Party of Korea, reviewing this year’s policy outcomes and advancing industrial revitalization. The session approved preparations for the Ninth Party Congress, though no date was announced. Kim delivered a speech, with its content not publicly disclosed. Hyunsu Yim, Reuters, June 23
U.S. to extend national emergency declaration over N. Korean threats for another year. The United States will renew its national emergency designation regarding North Korea, citing the continued risk from its nuclear and missile programs. The executive order, first enacted in 2008, will be extended by President Donald Trump for another year amid Pyongyang’s growing military ties with Russia. The renewal follows his expressed openness to summitry with Kim Jong-un. Song Sang-ho, Yonhap News Agency, June 24
Thailand
Under-fire Thai government to push ahead with cabinet reshuffle. Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra said a cabinet reshuffle will proceed this week to stabilize her coalition after a leaked call with Hun Sen and Bhumjaithai’s exit. She pledged tighter border controls and warned of halting cross-border supplies to combat scams. The move comes amid calls for her resignation and aims to preserve the coalition’s parliamentary majority. Panu Wongcha-Um, Panarat Thepgumpanat, Reuters, June 23
Thailand announces new border restrictions as tensions with Cambodia soar. Thailand introduced new land border restrictions to block tourist traffic into Cambodia amid a worsening diplomatic dispute. Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra cited the need to curb access to scam-linked casinos, allowing only essential travelers to cross. Cambodia has retaliated by cutting electricity and fuel imports. Jintamas Saksornchai and Sopheng Cheang, Associated Press, June 23
Myanmar
Myanmar junta scrambles for Chinese energy investment as lights go out. Myanmar’s energy chief Tin Aung San visited China seeking investment as power shortages limit daily supply to eight hours in parts of the country. He held talks with firms linked to controversial projects like the shelved Myitsone Dam and the Mee Lin Gyaing gas plant. The junta is also pursuing solar and wind energy collaborations, with China remaining a vital energy partner. Maung Kavi, The Irrawaddy, June 23
Cambodia
Ministry of Foreign Affairs hosts a meeting to prepare necessary documents for ICJ. Cambodia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs held the first meeting of the Commission for the Preparation of Documents for Submission to the International Court of Justice concerning border disputes with Thailand in four areas. Chaired by Prak Sokhonn, the meeting outlined strategies, reviewed procedural actions, and designated legal and diplomatic working groups to support the submission process. Chanthy, Khmer Times, June 24
Philippines
Duterte's party seeks vote recount. PDP-Laban, led by former president Rodrigo Duterte, petitioned the Supreme Court for a manual recount of senatorial votes from the 2025 midterm elections. The party cited ballot-receipt mismatches, software updates on vote-counting machines, and alleged transmission anomalies involving an undisclosed “Data Center 3.” It called for the enforcement of a law requiring manual counts amid irregularities. Franco Jose C. Baroña, The Manila Times, June 24
Junk impeachment articles, VP asks Senate tribunal. Vice President Sara Duterte asked the Senate to dismiss the impeachment articles filed against her, calling the fourth complaint unconstitutional and “a scrap of paper.” She argued it violated the one-year prohibition on filing multiple complaints against an official and duplicated arguments in her Supreme Court petition. Duterte is accused of misusing P612.5 million in confidential funds and publicly admitting to ordering assassinations of top officials. Gabriel Lalu and Marlon Ramos, Philippine Daily Inquirer, June 24
Taiwan
China says Taiwan president spreading 'heresy' with sovereignty speech. Beijing denounced Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te's sovereignty remarks as a distortion of history and labeled them a pro-independence declaration. China’s Taiwan Affairs Office accused Lai of inciting cross-strait confrontation and reiterated its claim that Taiwan has never been a country. Taiwan’s Mainland Affairs Council countered that the Republic of China objectively exists and emphasized that only Taiwan’s people can decide their future. Ben Blanchard, Reuters, June 23.
Bangladesh
IMF says Bangladesh to receive $1.3 billion under third and fourth reviews. The IMF approved $1.33 billion in funding for Bangladesh following the completion of its third and fourth program reviews. This includes $884 million from the Extended Credit and Fund Facilities and $453 million under the Resilience and Sustainability Facility. Additionally, 567.2 million SDRs were added with a 6-month extension to support macroeconomic stability amid persistent inflation and external financing gaps. Gursimran Kaur, Reuters, June 23
Uzbekistan
Daughter of Uzbekistan’s president – his aide as well – gets promoted. Saida Mirziyoyeva, daughter of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, has been appointed head of Uzbekistan’s newly established Presidential Administration, elevating her influence within the government. Known for advocating women’s rights and freedom of speech, her new role raises speculation about potential succession. The Times of Central Asia, June 23
Northeast Asia
Between China and the US: Challenging times for liberal democracies. Liberal democracies are increasingly pressured to align with either the United States or China amid escalating ideological and economic tensions. While a temporary easing of tariffs was reached in London following a failed truce in Geneva, core structural trade issues remain unresolved. The conflict extends beyond trade into a broader ideological struggle, with the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) explicitly opposing liberal democratic norms. Rare earths have become a strategic weapon. As the CCP tightens its grip on critical resources, the U.S. and allies are urged to adopt industrial policies prioritizing economic and national security resilience. Strategic choices are inevitable, and ambiguity, especially regarding critical supply chains, is the most detrimental option. Charles Parton, MERICS, June 23
How NATO Can Support the United States in Asia. As U.S.–China tensions rise, NATO’s role in Asia is less about direct military engagement and more about strategic support that enables American focus on the region. Despite Europe’s limited military reach in Asia, its participation in symbolic operations, economic sanctions, and logistical support can deter conflict and reinforce alliances. European states can assist by absorbing greater security responsibilities in Europe and the Middle East, supplying arms to Asian allies, and maintaining pressure on China through coordinated economic measures. Aligning NATO’s planning with U.S. strategic needs, especially amid Russian and Chinese cooperation, will be critical for ensuring transatlantic solidarity in future Indo-Pacific contingencies. Iselin Brady and Daniel Byman, CSIS, June 23
Restraining China’s Chip Rise, Partnering with Taiwan for Global Stability. The United States’ “small yard, high fence” export control strategy has stalled China’s progress in advanced semiconductors, constraining companies like SMIC and Huawei through key technological chokepoints. Taiwan remains the global leader in advanced chip manufacturing, with TSMC expected to retain 58 percent of global capacity by 2030. Meanwhile, China is aggressively targeting the mature-node chip market through a state-backed Pseudo-IDM model, aiming to undercut global competitors and dominate foundational chip production. The U.S. and EU are urged to improve export controls, establish dependency-tracking mechanisms, and deepen collaboration with Taiwan. Strengthening Taiwan’s role in democratic tech alliances is vital for maintaining supply chain resilience and deterring Chinese aggression. Min-Yen Chiang, China Observers, June 24
Strait of Hormuz blockade: Why Beijing is better prepared than you think. Despite looming fears over a potential closure of the Strait of Hormuz amid escalating Iran-Israel conflict, China is strategically positioned to weather the disruption. Its diversified energy portfolio, comprising domestic coal, hydropower, renewables, and growing imports from non-Middle Eastern sources, reduces reliance on the Strait. Strategic petroleum reserves and gas storage further buffer against short-term shocks. Beijing’s diplomatic posture focuses on quiet shuttle diplomacy over military involvement, leveraging ties with Iran, the GCC, and Russia to stabilize the region. By avoiding entanglement while projecting influence, China aims to solidify its role as a stable regional power broker without incurring the strategic costs of direct intervention. Hao Nan, ThinkChina, June 23
Southeast Asia
Trump 2.0 alienates Southeast Asia’s next generation. President Trump’s second term has deepened skepticism among Southeast Asia’s youth, who view the United States as erratic, morally inconsistent, and increasingly unreliable. A series of tariffs in April 2025 has exacerbated regional economic strain and diminished U.S. credibility. Pre-election focus groups revealed growing discontent over Washington’s stance on Gaza, international law, and perceived double standards when comparing U.S. responses to Ukraine and Palestine. A notable segment of young elites, especially from Indonesia, Malaysia, and Vietnam, now prefers alignment with China, viewing Beijing as a more stable and consistent actor despite its assertive regional posture. While older elites remain cautiously optimistic about U.S. engagement, the generational shift suggests long-term implications for American influence in the region. Sharon Seah, East Asia Forum, June 24
Trump’s tariff turbulence is reshaping Vietnam’s trade future. The temporary suspension of a 46 percent U.S. tariff on Vietnamese exports highlights both Hanoi’s vulnerability and its adaptive strategy amid global protectionism. With exports accounting for 87.2 percent of its GDP and the U.S. being a major trade partner, Vietnam faces economic strain from Trump’s tariff threats. Allegations of transshipment of Chinese goods through Vietnam have fueled Washington’s trade concerns. In response, Hanoi offered unprecedented concessions, including tariff removals and energy deals with U.S. firms, aiming to safeguard its 8 percent growth target. However, limited leverage and asymmetrical trade relations constrain Vietnam’s options. The pause provides a brief window to implement reforms, but longer-term resilience requires structural overhauls and diversification of trade partnerships. Do Khuong Manh Linh, East Asia Forum, June 23
New Kid on the Bloc: Timor-Leste and the Future of ASEAN. Timor-Leste’s imminent accession to ASEAN marks a turning point in Southeast Asia’s geopolitical and economic trajectory. As global powers vie for regional influence, Timor-Leste emerges as both a strategic pivot and a vocal actor in a bloc often criticized for muted diplomacy. The nation's alignment with China via a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership underscores the urgency among ASEAN members to finalize its admission. Economically, membership could bolster Timor-Leste’s LNG ambitions, especially its bid for onshore processing at the Greater Sunrise fields. Politically, President José Ramos-Horta’s stance on human rights and Myanmar’s junta challenges ASEAN’s norm of non-interference. The bloc’s response will reveal its commitment to regional unity and relevance. Yang Ming, Sino-Southeast Initiative, June 23
The Onset of ‘De-Jokowi-sation’ in Indonesian Politics? President Prabowo Subianto is steadily dismantling the influence of former President Joko Widodo, signaling a change in Indonesia’s political trajectory. Moves to impeach Vice President Gibran, Jokowi’s son, by retired military personnel align with broader efforts to curtail Jokowi’s legacy. Prabowo has sidelined key Jokowi-era figures, reoriented flagship projects, and distanced himself from Jokowi’s policies. Aligning with rival political figures like Megawati Soekarnoputri, he is consolidating power by co-opting Parliament and increasing the role of the military. While Jokowi retains limited sway through the police and anti-graft agency, his political capital is waning. Gibran, though unlikely to be removed, appears increasingly marginalized in a government moving beyond the Jokowi era. Made Supriatma, FULCRUM, June 23
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