China
Beijing turns to cautious diplomacy in Iran's war with Israel. China denounced Israel’s attacks on Iran and called for a ceasefire but refrained from offering any military support, highlighting its limited influence in the Middle East. Focused on preserving economic ties and energy security, Beijing condemned proposed disruptions like closing the Strait of Hormuz and stressed dialogue over escalation. Didi Tang, Associated Press, June 25
China’s first counterterror chief Liu Yuejin receives suspended death sentence for bribery. Liu Yuejin, China’s former anti-terror commissioner, was sentenced to death with a two-year reprieve for accepting over 121 million yuan in bribes from 1992 to 2020. The court cited the severe damage to national interests but showed leniency due to his repentance and cooperation. Liu previously led anti-narcotics and counterterrorism operations and was investigated in 2024 during a crackdown on the security sector. Phoebe Zhang, South China Morning Post, June 23
China's top legislature convenes standing committee session. China’s National People’s Congress Standing Committee began its 16th session in Beijing under Chairman Zhao Leji to deliberate multiple legislative and fiscal proposals. Lawmakers reviewed draft laws on social welfare, health emergencies, medical insurance, and legal education. Amendments to laws on fisheries, aviation, and food safety were also discussed, alongside reports on 2024 budget performance and new productivity developments. Global Times, June 25
Japan
Japan conducts its first anti-ship missile test on its own territory. Japan’s military test-fired a Type 88 surface-to-ship missile from Hokkaido for the first time on domestic soil, reflecting its shift toward self-sufficient defense and deterrence against China. The test follows Japan’s 2022 security overhaul and aims to strengthen strike-back capabilities. Past missile tests were held abroad due to space constraints. Protesters gathered nearby, warning the move increases regional risks. Mari Yamaguchi, Associated Press, June 24
Japan protests against new Chinese structure in East China Sea. Japan lodged a formal protest against China for installing a new structure west of the equidistant line between the two countries in the East China Sea. Tokyo called the move “extremely regrettable” and urged Beijing to stop unilateral development, emphasizing the unresolved maritime boundaries and urging a return to a 2008 joint development accord. Kiyoshi Takenaka and Xiuhao Chen, Reuters, June 24
South Korea
South Korea special prosecutor seeks arrest warrant for ex-President Yoon. South Korea’s special prosecutor requested an arrest warrant for former president Yoon Suk Yeol over obstruction charges tied to his failed martial law bid. Yoon had earlier been arrested but released on technical grounds. The prosecutor criticized Yoon for ignoring summonses, while his lawyers cited improper procedures. A 200-member team now leads the expanded probe under President Lee’s administration. Joyce Lee, Jack Kim and Ju-min Park, Reuters, June 24
FM nominee Cho vows to pursue peace on Korean Peninsula through N. Korea-U.S. dialogue. Cho Hyun, nominated as South Korea’s next foreign minister, pledged to prioritize lasting peace on the Korean Peninsula by facilitating dialogue between North Korea and the United States. He also emphasized pragmatic diplomacy with the U.S., careful handling of ties with China and Russia, and continued advancement of relations with Japan. Cho previously served as ambassador to the UN. Kim Seung-yeon, Yonhap News Agency, June 24
North Korea
N. Korea holds key party meeting on H1 performance without disclosing leader Kim's speech. North Korea convened the 12th plenary session of the eighth Central Committee of the Workers' Party to review the first half of 2025, but state media did not release Kim Jong-un's speech. The session excluded diplomatic topics and avoided addressing a recent warship accident. The party also approved plans to hold its ninth congress, expected by early 2026. Kim Soo-yeon, Yonhap News Agency, June 24
India
Thailand
Thai party plans no confidence vote against embattled PM. Thailand’s Bhumjaithai party will seek a no-confidence vote against Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra after quitting the coalition over her leaked call with Hun Sen and criticism of the military. The opposition needs 30 more votes to file the motion when parliament reopens. Meanwhile, the government finalized a cabinet reshuffle and approved $3.5 billion in infrastructure spending. Panarat Thepgumpanat, Panu Wongcha-Um and Chayut Setboonsarng, Reuters, June 24
Senator calls for action on new charter. Senator Nantana Nantavaropas urged House Speaker Wan Muhamad Noor Matha to expedite the stalled referendum bill to advance constitutional amendments. The bill, delayed for 180 days due to disputes between the chambers, is set for debate when parliament resumes on July 3. Nantana emphasized that revising the 2017 constitution is crucial to resolving Thailand’s political crisis and called on lawmakers to collaborate for democratic reform. Aekarach Sattaburuth, Bangkok Post, June 24
Cambodia
Cambodia accuses Thailand of escalating tensions with new land crossing restrictions. Cambodia condemned Thailand’s decision to block tourists from entering through land borders, calling it a violation of bilateral pacts and international law. Thai officials said the measure aims to disrupt scam syndicates, while Phnom Penh accused Bangkok of imposing restrictions without notice or consultation. The move has intensified diplomatic tensions following previous retaliatory actions by both sides. Sopheng Cheang and Jintamas Saksornchai, Associated Press, June 24
Philippines
"A scrap of paper": Philippine VP Duterte wants impeachment complaint dismissed. Vice President Sara Duterte described the fourth impeachment complaint against her as baseless and unconstitutional, asserting it violated the one-year rule on multiple filings and duplicated a Supreme Court case. Accused of misusing public funds and inciting assassinations, Duterte pleaded not guilty in her Senate submission. Karen Lema, Reuters, June 24
ICC prosecutor opposes Duterte’s interim release. The International Criminal Court’s prosecutor urged the rejection of former president Rodrigo Duterte’s request for interim release, citing his threats against court personnel, flight risk, and alleged attempts to obstruct justice. The prosecution also referenced his reelection as Davao mayor and his family's positions as evidence of ongoing political influence. Franco Jose C. Baroña, The Manila Times, June 24
Indonesia
Canada, Russia keen to build nuclear plants in Indonesia. Canada and Russia have submitted proposals to help Indonesia develop nuclear power plants using small modular reactor technology, aiming to install 500 MW of capacity by 2034, split evenly between Sumatra and Kalimantan. Energy Minister Bahlil Lahadalia confirmed ongoing discussions while Deputy Minister Yuliot Tanjung revealed regulatory efforts to enable uranium processing from West Kalimantan. ANTARA News, June 24
Uzbekistan
Uzbekistan and Mongolia sign broad cooperation agreements ranging from environment to higher education. Presidents Shavkat Mirziyoyev and Ukhnaagiin Khürelsükh formalized a comprehensive partnership between Uzbekistan and Mongolia through a series of bilateral agreements in Ulaanbaatar. The accords cover sectors including higher education, mining, environmental protection, agriculture, health, sports, and crime prevention. Uzbekistan Daily, June 24
Northeast Asia
The trade-offs of innovating in China in times of global technology rivalry. European companies face escalating dilemmas as they integrate with China’s innovation ecosystem amid rising geopolitical and technological tensions. Strategic sectors such as semiconductors encounter steep risks from Chinese policy-driven competition and IP vulnerabilities, prompting hesitancy in localizing core technologies. Meanwhile, less strategic sectors like automotive embrace China’s ecosystem to compensate for domestic innovation gaps, notably in EVs and infotainment. Despite localized R&D offering resilience, it creates silos, weakens headquarters’ control, and creates knowledge leakage. China’s industrial policy fosters overcapacity and reduced margins, eroding foreign firms’ global competitiveness. Beijing’s selective incentives lure needed technologies while limiting outflows, exacerbating asymmetries with Europe’s open model. Firms must navigate this strategically, weighing short-term opportunities against long-term viability. Jeroen Groenewegen-Lau and Jacob Gunter, MERICS, June 24
Why China Opposes a Nuclear-Armed Iran. China opposes Iran acquiring nuclear weapons not to align with U.S. interests but to uphold its own national security priorities and support global non-proliferation. Despite Chinese media’s critical stance on U.S. “maximum pressure” policies and subtle criticism of Israeli actions, Beijing’s official position emphasizes de-escalation and diplomacy. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi reiterated Iran’s right to peaceful nuclear energy under the NPT while firmly rejecting nuclear armament. Editorials and commentary, including from former Global Times editor Hu Xijin, stress that a nuclear-armed Iran threatens regional stability and contradicts China’s strategic interest, similar to Beijing’s opposition to nuclear weapons for U.S. allies like Japan or South Korea. China continues advocating a return to the JCPOA as the path to resolution. Juan Zhang, U.S.-China Perception Monitor, June 24
Japan’s economic security strategy looks beyond the United States. Facing economic strain from U.S. tariffs and trade tensions, Japan is recalibrating its economic security policy by diversifying partnerships beyond its traditional U.S. alliance. The Trump administration’s protectionist stance has prompted Tokyo to strengthen ties with regional and global partners through initiatives like the Supply Chain Resilience Initiative with India and Australia, rare earth ventures in Malaysia, and technology agreements with the EU and UK. Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba’s government, lacking a parliamentary majority, faces domestic hurdles but presses on with revitalizing key sectors like semiconductors and AI under the Economic Security Promotion Act. Japan’s broader outreach reflects a change toward autonomy and resilience amid global uncertainty and waning U.S. reliability. Silvia Menegazzi, East Asia Forum, June 24
East Asia needs an Economic Community to navigate a turbulent world. Rising U.S. protectionism, exemplified by Trump’s sweeping tariffs on East Asia, has disrupted regional trade, inflated costs, and discouraged long-term investment. These actions reflect a recurring U.S. tendency to offload domestic economic burdens externally, historically evident in policies like the 1985 Plaza Accord. East Asia’s growing economic clout, now comprising over 25% of global GDP, underscores the urgency of forming an East Asian Economic Community (EAEC). Building on frameworks like RCEP, the AEC, and the CJK FTA, the EAEC would deepen integration, harmonize standards, and increase financial resilience. However, historical grievances and economic asymmetries must be addressed. Open regionalism and inclusive development policies are vital to forge a stable, cohesive, and forward-looking East Asian bloc. Cuong Nguyen, East Asia Forum, June 25
North Korea Shows Concern Over Israel-Iran Conflict but Keeps Distance From Iran. North Korea has issued rare back-to-back Foreign Ministry statements denouncing Israel’s strikes on Iran and criticizing U.S. attacks on Iranian nuclear sites, yet pointedly avoided expressing support for Tehran. The reserved tone and timing suggest coordination with Russia, particularly following Kim Jong Un’s June 17 meeting with Russian Security Council Secretary Sergei Shoigu. Unlike prior statements on Middle East conflicts that often included strong anti-U.S. rhetoric, Pyongyang’s response was more subdued, avoiding direct criticism of President Trump. The detached language contrasts with past expressions of solidarity with Iran and Syria. The statements underscore North Korea’s prioritization of its strategic relationship with Russia, aligning its rhetoric accordingly while maintaining calculated distance from direct entanglement in the Israel-Iran conflict. Rachel Minyoung Lee, 38 North, June 24
DeepSeek’s Democratic Deficit. Despite being hailed as a democratizing force in AI, DeepSeek’s R1 model risks exporting Chinese state-aligned narratives under the guise of open access. While praised for its power and accessibility, the model exhibits censorship behaviors and embeds pro-CCP biases, even when locally hosted or labeled “uncensored.” Instances in India and the West reveal its tendency to avoid sensitive topics or promote Chinese government viewpoints, including disinformation on Taiwan and Xinjiang. The model’s training data, governed by Chinese laws, and increasing government oversight reflect deeper systemic control. Its adoption by global players like Nvidia and deployment across the Global South highlight how open-source technology can inadvertently become a vehicle for authoritarian influence, raising alarms about the unchecked spread of embedded propaganda. Alex Colville, China Media Project, June 24
China’s BRI problem: From builder to debt collector. China’s Belt and Road Initiative has evolved from a bold global infrastructure drive into a complex challenge of debt collection. With over US$4.3 trillion committed since 2013, China now holds more than 25% of bilateral external debt in developing countries, and over 50% in the poorest. As repayment peaks, US$22 billion due in 2025 alone, Beijing faces scrutiny over debt sustainability and accusations of leveraging debt for geopolitical gain. Many debtor nations struggle to repay loans while fearing the loss of Chinese investment. Amid global financial pressures, China is changing focus to “small but beautiful” projects and emphasizes debt transparency and multilateral coordination. The BRI’s future hinges on China’s ability to balance influence with sustainable financial practices. Yu Hong, ThinkChina, June 24
Southeast Asia
Trading War For Golf. A recent deal involving Eric Trump and Vietnam’s prime minister to build golf courses near Hanoi reflects deeper U.S.-Vietnam trade tensions ahead of looming tariffs. The Trump administration is pressuring Vietnam to sever tech ties with China and halt transshipments of Chinese goods. While Vietnam maintains a strategic partnership with China and relies heavily on Chinese equipment and investment, the U.S. remains its largest export market. Vietnam is advancing its tech sector with ambitions to capture up to 9% of the global chip market within seven years. Although still reliant on China, Vietnam is becoming a key tech player with the second-largest rare earth reserves. U.S. demands risk undermining economic ties, while Vietnam carefully balances its relationships to ensure sustainable growth. Rian Knighton, ICAS, June 24
What Timor-Leste’s China ties really mean for ASEAN. Timor-Leste’s imminent ASEAN membership, anticipated by October 2025, prompts debate over its institutional readiness and geopolitical alignment, particularly its growing ties with China. While concerns exist that Dili’s relationship with Beijing could mirror Cambodia’s pro-China stance within ASEAN, such fears appear overstated. Timor-Leste has embedded ASEAN norms in its legal framework, opened diplomatic missions across the region, and pursued balanced foreign relations with traditional partners like Australia, Japan, and the EU. Though Chinese investments have increased, Dili continues to support international law in South China Sea disputes and advocates a multilateral approach. The real threat to ASEAN’s unity lies more in internal divisions among longstanding members than in the bloc’s expansion. Jackson Huang and Yao Bowen, ThinkChina, June 24
Thorny Issue: The Durian Economy and Land Tussle in Pahang. Malaysia’s booming durian trade, driven by Chinese demand, faces disruption due to escalating land disputes in Raub, Pahang. Farmers cultivating Musang King durians on state land now face eviction amid state efforts to formalize land use through joint ventures like Royal Pahang Durian Resources. Enforcement actions and the entry of the shadowy DOA Plantation have heightened tensions. While some farmers seek legal recognition and fairer terms, others resist perceived exploitative contracts. A possible out-of-court settlement suggests progress, but the presence of overlapping claims and opaque corporate backing points to deeper systemic issues. Continued uncertainty could impact future harvests and drive up durian prices. Wong Sook Wei, FULCRUM, June 25
Malaysia’s Metadata Controversy: Surveillance in the Guise of Statistics. Malaysia’s directive mandating telcos to submit anonymised user metadata, including location, call, and Internet usage data, has triggered public alarm over surveillance and privacy violations. While officials claim the data aids broadband planning and tourism analysis, critics warn that such detailed metadata can be re-identified, especially without legal safeguards. The directive, issued without public consultation, imposes penalties for non-compliance and bypasses Malaysia’s Personal Data Protection Act, which excludes government agencies. Past actions, like DNS hijacking mandates in 2024, compound fears of a trend toward opaque digital governance. Calls for transparent data-handling protocols, independent audits, and oversight remain unheeded. Nuurrianti Jalli, FULCRUM, June 24