China
China angered, Taiwan cheered by Western allies’ alarm over Chinese Coast Guard activities. China criticized the U.S., Britain, France, and Germany for raising concerns over Chinese Coast Guard operations off eastern Taiwan, calling the patrols legitimate jurisdiction. Taiwan thanked the four countries, saying maritime harassment violates international law, threatens freedom of navigation, and harms global trade interests. Mei Mei Chu and Ben Blanchard, Reuters, June 25
Hong Kong arrests booksellers suspected of selling ‘seditious’ publications. Hong Kong police arrested two Sham Shui Po bookshop owners suspected of displaying and selling publications with “seditious” content. Authorities said the materials incited hatred against the Hong Kong government, judiciary, and law enforcement agencies, and that the two suspects had received multiple remittances funded by foreign political organizations. Ryan Woo, Reuters, June 25
U.S. is ‘superhero’, China ‘supervillain’ in global AI contest, American officials warn. House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Brian Mast and Senator Jim Banks framed the AI race with China as an economic, national security, and moral contest. Mast said even a narrow U.S. lead matters, while Banks said Washington cannot afford to lose to its “biggest adversary.” Lucy Quaggin, South China Morning Post, June 25
U.S. says China trying to discourage states, businesses from engaging with Taiwan. The U.S. Departments of State, Agriculture, and Commerce told governors and business leaders that China is pressuring U.S. states and companies to avoid engagement with Taiwan while mischaracterizing U.S. policy. The letters urged recipients to contact the State Department if pressured and encouraged expanded economic ties with Taiwan. Ben Blanchard and Mei Mei Chu, Reuters, June 25
Japan
Takaichi unveils growth strategy with 370 trillion yen investment. Japan’s government unveiled a growth strategy envisioning more than 370 trillion yen in public and private investment across 17 sectors by fiscal 2040, including 102 trillion yen for AI and semiconductors. Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi announced a separate investment framework using multi-year plans and government bonds, while projections depend on private investment raising productivity. Naofumi Ishikawa, The Asahi Shimbun, June 25
Japan ruling parties submit bill to Diet to create 2nd capital. Japan’s ruling LDP and Japan Innovation Party submitted a bill to create a “second capital” that would back up Tokyo’s core functions during disasters or emergencies and decentralize power. The bill supports JIP’s Osaka-focused restructuring agenda, while a separate proposal would cut 45 proportional representation seats if lawmakers fail to agree on reductions within a year. Kyodo News, June 24
South Korea
PM nominee undergoes confirmation hearing amid controversies over data leak, multiple homes. Prime Minister nominee Han Seong-sook began a two-day confirmation hearing as opposition lawmakers questioned her eligibility over a data leak and past multiple-home ownership. Han pledged AI-driven economic transformation, defended selling three homes before the hearing, corrected a mistaken Korean War remark, and described North Korea as both “a threat and a compatriot.” Yi Wonju, Yonhap News Agency, June 25
U.S. lawmakers reintroduce Senate bill to reauthorize N. Korean human rights act. Senators Tim Kaine and Dan Sullivan reintroduced a bipartisan bill to reauthorize the 2004 North Korean Human Rights Act through 2030. The measure would renew humanitarian aid and democracy programs, require reporting when the special envoy post is vacant, and expand sanctions on Chinese and Russian officials involved in forcibly repatriating North Korean defectors. Song Sang-ho, Yonhap News Agency, June 25
3 contenders, 3 leadership styles compete in DPK chair race. The Democratic Party of Korea leadership race is taking shape as a three-way contest among Jung Chung-rae, outgoing Prime Minister Kim Min-seok, and veteran lawmaker Song Young-gil. Jung is appealing to activists, Kim to lawmakers seeking close coordination with Lee Jae Myung, and Song to members looking for a dealmaker if the contest reaches a runoff. Bahk Eun-ji, The Korea Times, June 25
Vietnam
Vietnam urges consumers to save power as heatwave drives record demand. Vietnam’s state utility EVN urged businesses and households to conserve electricity as temperatures were forecast to exceed 40 degrees Celsius and peak demand reached a record 58.46 gigawatts. EVN asked consumers to set air conditioners no lower than 26 degrees Celsius and said Vietnam is importing more electricity while running power plants at full capacity. Khanh Vu, Reuters, June 25
Thailand
Budget transfer plan under fire. Opposition MPs criticized Thailand’s 10.3-billion-baht budget transfer bill, saying it would have limited economic impact and reflected questionable spending priorities. Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said the transfer would replenish the emergency and contingency fund, while critics said the government could have reallocated far more and was delaying state-agency spending. Aekarach Sattaburuth, Bangkok Post, June 25
Cambodia
Cambodia Supreme Court upholds jail sentences for two journalists accused of revealing military secrets. Cambodia’s Supreme Court upheld 14-year jail sentences for Phorn Sopheap and Pheap Pheara, two TSP 68 TV Online journalists convicted of revealing military secrets during border clashes with Thailand. They were accused of producing content exposing military positions and strategies after returning from Oddar Meanchey province. David Stanway, Reuters, June 25
Hun Sen to visit China to cement ironclad friendship. Hun Sen will visit China from June 25-27 to reinforce Cambodia-China ties, shared future, and cooperation across sectors. He is expected to meet Xi Jinping, Li Qiang, and Zhao Leji, while also visiting King Norodom Sihamoni and Queen Mother Norodom Monineath Sihanouk in Beijing. Analyst Seng Vanly linked the trip to financial support, scam crackdowns, and tourism recovery. Teng Yalirozy, Cambodianess, June 24
Cambodia protests new Thai border activities. Cambodia lodged a formal protest accusing Thailand of violating its sovereignty through land-surveying activity and boundary-marker installation between Boundary Pillars 46 and 47 in Banteay Meanchey province. The Foreign Ministry said the actions violated bilateral border agreements and a ceasefire arrangement, demanded an immediate halt, and urged de-escalation through peaceful legal and diplomatic channels. Sao Phal Niseiy, Cambodianess, June 25
Philippines
Marcos vows to protect Filipino seafarers’ rights. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. pledged to uphold the welfare of Filipino mariners on the International Day of the Seafarer, citing their role in global trade, passenger transport, and support for Filipino families. He said seafarers continue working despite security risks in key shipping routes and must remain equipped for technological change and evolving maritime standards. Catherine S. Valente, The Manila Times, June 25
Indonesia
Indonesia weighs $2 billion cut to Prabowo's signature free meals programme. Indonesia is preparing to scale back Prabowo Subianto’s free meals programme, with officials weighing a budget reduction of at least 15%, or about 40 trillion rupiah. Internal discussions also include cutting recipients from 62.5 million to 49 million, halting new kitchens, and presenting the rollback as savings, efficiencies, and “budget sharpening.” Ananda Teresia, Reuters, June 25
Malaysia
Malaysia's foreign minister says new Myanmar leadership 'more open' to suggestions. Malaysian Foreign Minister Mohamad Hasan said Myanmar’s new military-backed government appeared more open to suggestions than the previous regime. He said talks in Naypyitaw covered ASEAN’s five-point consensus, political prisoners, and Rohingya refugees in Malaysia, while ASEAN leaders may consider adjustments to the peace plan if all members approve. Rozanna Latiff, Reuters, June 25
Anwar remains Malaysia’s most popular leader, with Khairy close behind as economy tops voter concerns, Merdeka Center survey finds. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim led Malaysia’s political figures with 52% approval in a Merdeka Center survey, followed by Khairy Jamaluddin at 50%. Half of voters said the country was headed in the wrong direction, while 73% identified economic matters as the biggest issue facing Malaysians. R. Loheswar, Malay Mail, June 25
Taiwan
Senior U.S. diplomat says Taiwan arms sale does not hinge on China. Michael DeSombre said a pending Taiwan arms sale notification to Congress does not depend on discussions with Beijing, despite Trump’s earlier comments describing a $14 billion package as a bargaining chip. DeSombre said the Six Assurances still guide U.S. policy and that the package remains under Trump’s review. Michael Martina and David Brunnstrom, Reuters, June 25
Lai reiterates self-defense resolve, says China altering regional status quo. President Lai Ching-te said China is undermining peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait and Indo-Pacific through gray-zone activity, coercion, infiltration, and maritime operations. He said Taiwan’s defense buildup is not provocative, pledged cooperation with like-minded countries, and called whole-of-society resilience essential to maintaining government and social functions during crises. Sean Lin, Focus Taiwan, June 25
Trump backs ‘Six Assurances’ to Taiwan but no arms sale timeline, U.S. diplomat says. Michael DeSombre said U.S. policy on Taiwan has not changed and Washington still supports the “Six Assurances,” despite Trump’s earlier comments after meeting Xi Jinping. He said a stalled $14 billion arms package remains under review, with Trump determining any approval timeline. Dewey Sim, South China Morning Post, June 25
Taiwan simulates countering a Chinese maritime blockade in tabletop drill. Taiwanese officials held a tabletop drill on a scenario in which China requires approval declarations for ships entering and leaving Taiwanese ports, then escalates to inspections, boardings, searches, and seizures. Taiwan’s response included Coast Guard action, military readiness drills, higher readiness levels, and messaging that Beijing’s actions violate international law. Ben Blanchard and Antoni Slodkowski, Reuters, June 25
India
U.S. assures India over AI ‘kill switch’ as ‘Pax Silica’ expands in bid to counter China. U.S. officials assured India that access to future AI technology would not be cut off after Washington restricted Anthropic’s advanced models. India raised the issue during the U.S.-led “Pax Silica” summit, where the initiative expanded with new partners and emphasized China-free AI supply chains, semiconductors, logistics, and critical minerals. Nayan Seth, South China Morning Post, June 25
Kazakhstan
Kazakhstan and China to establish zero-carbon smart agriculture park in Atyrau. Atyrau Oil and Gas University signed an agreement with China’s AIKO to create a zero-carbon smart agriculture demonstration park at its new campus. The project will test solar greenhouses, smart irrigation, fertigation, water reuse, energy storage, AI-powered management, aquaculture, and automated farming for arid conditions and limited water resources. Sergey Kwan, The Times of Central Asia, June 25
Kyrgyzstan
Kyrgyzstan approves Chinese loan for CKU railway. Kyrgyzstan’s parliament approved the first reading of a bill ratifying a $304.5 million preferential loan from China’s Export-Import Bank for the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway. The 523-kilometer project will connect Kashgar, Torugart, Makmal, Jalal-Abad, and Andijan, with Kyrgyzstan’s difficult section requiring 50 bridges and 29 tunnels. Sergey Kwan, The Times of Central Asia, June 25
East Asia
are the humanities still a strategic resource? Beijing is recasting the humanities as a strategic resource for the AI era through state-led programs that link ethics, culture, critical thinking, big data, and AI. Labor demand is rising for AI-related humanities roles, but routine jobs and degree value are shrinking. Funding and majors are shifting toward STEM, raising fears that state utility and metrics could weaken critical inquiry and humanistic judgment. Critics warn that innovation may narrow debate. China Policy, June 25
The myth of a China-Russia axis. Fears of a China-Russia axis overstate a relationship shaped by commerce, limited military cooperation, and divergent interests. Beijing and Moscow avoid a binding alliance because past dependence bred rivalry, China outweighs Russia, and their regional priorities differ. The Ukraine war shows the limits of partnership. Washington’s pressure has pushed them together, so a calmer approach toward both powers would reduce rivalry, arms races, nuclear crises, global security risks, and conflict. Lyle Goldstein, Nikkei Asia, June 25
Why the Pacific is filling with warships: China, RIMPAC and a new military contest. The Western Pacific is moving from carrier standoffs toward a contest between military networks. RIMPAC and Valiant Shield assemble US allies, ships, submarines, aircraft, and undersea operations while China’s Liaoning drills test far-seas reach, joint operations, and reconnaissance. Analysts see limits from replenishment and bases, but rising surveillance, electronic collection, and dense air-sea activity increase encounter risks across the first island chain during regional exercises and patrol cycles near Taiwan. Miao Zong-Han, ThinkChina, June 25
Taiwan’s defence deadlock is weakening deterrence. Taiwan’s legislature approved a NT$780 billion defence budget, below President Lai Ching-te’s request, and tied future procurement to official US Letters of Offer and Acceptance. Public support for stronger defense failed to overcome opposition leverage, KMT factional splits, and stalled institutional checks. The fragmented framework weakens deterrent signaling, slows domestic defense programs, and gives Beijing openings while Taiwan faces pressure in US procurement queues and industrial integration delays deepen risk. Cho-Han Hsiung, East Asia Forum, June 25
South Korea juggles digital sovereignty and alliance politics. South Korea faces digital sovereignty disputes with Japan over Naver’s LINE stake and with the United States over high-resolution mapping data. Tokyo used cybersecurity concerns to push governance changes that favored Japanese stakeholders, while Washington framed data restrictions as trade barriers. Seoul must balance alliance integration, sensitive data controls, domestic platform strength, and reciprocal rules so digital cooperation does not become one-sided dependence within an interconnected landscape of asymmetric power. Donggak Heo, East Asia Forum, June 25
Southeast Asia
Iran War Fallout Gifts Putin Diplomatic Victory at ASEAN Summit. Putin used the Russia ASEAN summit in Kazan to show Moscow’s reach despite sanctions, battlefield strain, and Ukrainian drone attacks. Southeast Asian leaders sought energy, fertilizer, arms, and trade options after the Iran war raised supply risks. Russia gained symbolism and potential contracts, though weak infrastructure, payment problems, sanctions, and China’s scale limit any shift away from dependence on Beijing. Alexander Gabuev, Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, June 25
Thailand’s State Welfare Card Reform: New Phase, Old Challenges. Thailand’s welfare-card overhaul revises registration, income, vehicle, and debt rules to reduce mistaken inclusion and exclusion, but the design lacks a durable way to identify poor households. Debt thresholds may punish vulnerable borrowers, while cancelled tax-deduction rules exposed weak assumptions about elder support. Short surveys and fragmented databases leave the scheme dependent on episodic registration. An integrated social registry would improve assistance across programs and benefit delivery systems for households. Wannaphong Durongkaveroj, FULCRUM, June 25