China
Chinese vessels shadow U.S.-Philippine naval drills in South China Sea near disputed shoal. Chinese naval and coast guard vessels monitored U.S.-Philippine maritime drills near Scarborough Shoal after the PLA said it dispatched ships and aircraft to the South China Sea. Philippine media reported that a Chinese frigate and three coast guard ships followed exercises involving U.S. Coast Guard, the Philippine Navy, and coast guard vessels. Beijing said outside patrols undermined regional stability, while a Philippine commander said the Chinese ships did not disrupt the activity. Albee Zhang, South China Morning Post, June 29
China conducts ground test of hypersonic ramjet that can change shape in flight. Chinese researchers tested a variable-geometry hypersonic ramjet that operated from Mach 1.8 to Mach 6 without leaking superheated gas. The engine’s moving throat adjusted within one third of a second at 1,650 degrees Celsius, using a two-layer seal with ceramic fiber and graphite packing. The breakthrough could reduce reliance on rocket boosters and support reusable hypersonic vehicles, while highlighting U.S. vulnerability in high-purity graphite supply chains. Stephen Chen, South China Morning Post, June 29
EU sets October deadline for ‘tangible results’ on China imbalances after key trade talks. The EU and China launched a ministerial-level platform to address trade imbalances, export controls, intellectual property, and WTO reform. Beijing agreed to a joint monitoring mechanism for trade flows, while EU trade chief Maros Sefcovic said Brussels expects clear progress by October. The talks followed EU concern over rising Chinese imports, market-access limits, and industrial overcapacity, with Brussels warning that the status quo is unsustainable. Finbarr Bermingham, South China Morning Post, June 29
Japan
China adds 20 Japan entities to dual-use item export control list. China added 20 Japanese entities, including the National Institute for Defense Studies and Mitsubishi Electric subsidiaries, to its dual-use export control list. The Commerce Ministry also placed 20 more Japanese entities on an export watch list for added scrutiny. Tokyo protested the move as unacceptable, while Beijing said the measures protect national security and respond to Japan’s alleged remilitarization. Kyodo News, June 29
Japan calls China Coast Guard moves in its EEZ near Yonaguni ‘unacceptable’. Japan said China Coast Guard vessels have asserted Beijing’s claims inside Japan’s exclusive economic zone south of Yonaguni Island and east of Taiwan. Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara called the activity unacceptable and said Tokyo has repeatedly protested. The moves followed Japan-Philippines plans to begin maritime boundary talks, which China denounced as illegal and void. Jesse Johnson, The Japan Times, June 29
South Korea
South Korea exports set to grow at strongest pace in nearly 5 decades: Reuters poll. South Korean exports were forecast to rise 61% year on year in June, the strongest growth since October 1978, driven by record semiconductor shipments linked to global AI investment. Early customs data showed chip exports rising 188.4% in the first 20 days of June, with semiconductors accounting for 41.2% of total exports. Imports were also expected to rise sharply, while inflation was forecast to reach 3.2%. Hyeyoon Cho and Jihoon Lee, Reuters, June 29
Lee vows to secure chip, AI supremacy through large-scale investment. President Lee Jae Myung unveiled tripolar mega projects centered on semiconductors, physical AI, and AI data centers, including an 800 trillion-won investment plan by Samsung Electronics and SK Group. Lee said South Korea must build new semiconductor capacity in the southwest, strengthen national AI infrastructure, and mobilize public and private resources to secure long-term industrial supremacy. Park Boram, Yonhap News Agency, June 29
Lee’s southwestern semiconductor cluster draws corporate arm-twisting accusations. Opposition lawmakers accused President Lee Jae Myung’s government of steering Samsung Electronics and SK hynix toward a semiconductor cluster in Gwangju and South Jeolla Province. A civic group filed criminal complaints alleging abuse of authority and coercion, while the presidential office and ruling Democratic Party rejected the claims, saying the project supports national industrial strategy and future competitiveness. Bahk Eun-ji, The Korea Times, June 29
3 PPP lawmakers booked for obstructing Yoon’s arrest over martial law bid. Special counsel investigators booked People Power Party lawmakers Kim Ki-hyeon, Kwon Young-jin, and Yoon Sang-hyun for allegedly obstructing the 2025 detention of former President Yoon Suk Yeol over his failed martial law bid. Prosecutors said video showed lawmakers blocking warrant execution at the presidential residence and that the three actively challenged the arrest’s legality through public statements. Yonhap News Agency, June 29
Vientam
Vietnam, UAE seek to deepen defence cooperation. Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Phan Văn Giang said Vietnam values stronger defence cooperation with the UAE as part of broader bilateral ties. He noted the UAE’s role as Vietnam’s largest Middle East trading partner, the elevation of relations to a Comprehensive Partnership, and a 2025 Letter of Intent on defence cooperation. Giang proposed defence dialogue mechanisms and expanded collaboration in training, UN peacekeeping, military medicine, logistics, non-traditional security, and multilateral coordination. Vietnam News, June 29
Vietnam wishes to elevate ties with Canada to new level: PM. Prime Minister Lê Minh Hưng told Canadian Ambassador Jim Nickel that Vietnam wants to deepen its Comprehensive Partnership with Canada and raise ties to a new level. Hưng cited regular high-level exchanges, two-way trade of $8.6 billion in 2025, defence cooperation, education links, and multilateral coordination, while calling for more Canadian investment in energy, the green economy, and the circular economy, along with stronger cooperation in AI, quantum technology, semiconductors, and higher education. Vietnam News, June 29
Thailand
Pheu Thai delays its charter bill. Pheu Thai will delay submitting its constitutional amendment bill until the next parliamentary session, although the draft is complete and MP signatures are being collected. Party leader Julapun Amornvivat said the postponement followed an opposition request to push back charter deliberations. Sutin Klungsang said the party aims to ensure the amendment process succeeds and noted that recent Constitutional Court explanations suggested an elected Constitution Drafting Assembly would not conflict with the court’s ruling. Aekarach Sattaburuth, Bangkok Post, June 29
Finance minister presents B3.79 trillion deficit budget to parliament. Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas presented Thailand’s 3.79-trillion-baht fiscal 2027 budget, saying a deficit remains necessary to support the economy. He warned that fixed spending is rising, investment budgets are shrinking, and public debt reached 66.4% of GDP as of March 31. Opposition lawmakers said revenue is insufficient, investment is increasingly loan-dependent, and public debt could breach the 70% ceiling without tax reform and stronger national revenue. Aekarach Sattaburuth, Bangkok Post, June 29
Cambodia
Over 6 million of Myanmar’s children not going to school: report. More than 6.3 million school-aged children in Myanmar are not attending school in the 2026-27 academic year, according to ISP-Myanmar data. Enrollment has fallen to 6.7 million from 9.7 million before the coup, with poverty, conflict, displacement, missing records, and security threats limiting access. The NUG operates schools in resistance-held areas, but airstrikes, artillery attacks, weak higher-education pathways, and low education spending continue to deepen the crisis. Phoe Tar, The Irrawaddy, June 29
Philippines
Philippines leads the world in rush to solar as power prices soar. Philippine households are rapidly adopting rooftop solar as electricity prices rise and outages persist. Solar panel imports reached $407 million in the three months through May, up 145% from a year earlier, while installer inquiries surged. High power tariffs have shortened payback periods, but high upfront costs, component shortages, quality issues, and loan restrictions continue to limit access for many households. Sudarshan Varadhan, Ruth Chai, and Adrian Portugal, Reuters, June 28
PH to still use diplomacy in dealing with China. Malacañang said the Philippines will continue handling disputes with China through diplomacy despite Beijing’s provocations in contested waters and criticism of Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary Claire Castro said relations with China remain good and defended Teodoro’s statements as part of his official duties. She said President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive is to protect Philippine rights and interests through diplomatic means. Kristina Maralit, The Manila Times, June 29
Indonesia
Indonesia no longer co-producer for Korea's KF-21 fighter jet. Indonesia will shift from co-producing South Korea’s KF-21 fighter jet to directly procuring the aircraft from Seoul. Defense Ministry spokesman Rico Ricardo Sirait said Jakarta reviewed program effectiveness, technology transfer, economic value, and domestic defense needs before changing the scheme. The number of jets to be purchased remains under assessment and will depend on Air Force requirements and Indonesia’s spending capacity. Jayanty Nada Shofa, Jakarta Globe, June 29
Bangladesh
Ousted Bangladesh PM Hasina vows to return home this year. Sheikh Hasina vowed to return to Bangladesh this year despite a death sentence handed down in absentia over the 2024 unrest. She denounced the ruling as illegal, unconstitutional, and politically motivated, accused the judiciary of political revenge, and urged Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s government to lift the ban on the Awami League, withdraw cases against its leaders, release political prisoners, and allow peaceful political activity. Ruma Paul, Reuters, June 29
Kazakhstan
Kazakhstan’s Senate holds final session as country prepares for transition to unicameral parliament. Kazakhstan’s Senate held its final session on June 29, ending the upper house’s 30-year history before parliament’s powers terminate on July 1 under the new Constitution. Elections for the new unicameral Kurultai are scheduled for August. Senate Chair Maulen Ashimbayev said the chamber held more than 890 plenary sessions, adopted over 3,500 laws, organized more than 60 hearings and over 3,000 events, and sent about 3,000 inquiries to the government. He said the Kurultai should bring in more new faces, young people, women, and regional representatives. Dana Omirgazy, The Astana Times, June 29
Kazakhstan, Georgia sign joint statement establishing strategic partnership. Kazakhstan and Georgia established a strategic partnership after talks between President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze on political, economic, transport, and humanitarian cooperation. Tokayev cited Kazakhstan’s more than $500 million in investment in Georgia, planned higher oil shipments through the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan pipeline, and deeper work on the Middle Corridor. The sides also exchanged memorandums on culture, AI and digital development, and tourism. Dana Omirgazy, The Astana Times, June 29
Kazakhstan joins U.S.-led Pax Silica initiative to advance AI economy. Kazakhstan joined the Pax Silica initiative and AI Opportunity Partnership to expand cooperation in artificial intelligence, investment, technology transfer, semiconductors, battery production, and critical minerals processing. Deputy Prime Minister Zhaslan Madiyev said participation will support an AI-driven economy, while U.S. officials highlighted Kazakhstan’s mineral reserves, Middle Corridor position, and modernization agenda. The initiative focuses on secure supply chains for AI, energy, data centers, advanced manufacturing, and workforce development. The Astana Times, June 29
Uzbekistan
Chinese conglomerate secures multi-billion green-energy deal in Uzbekistan. Sinopec Engineering Group reached an agreement with Allied Biofuels to conduct engineering, design, and construction work on a $6.1 billion biorefinery in Uzbekistan. The facility is expected to produce more than 400,000 tons annually of sustainable aviation fuel, electro-SAF, and renewable diesel at full capacity. Sinopec will oversee the project from planning and technical design through construction and handover. Sean Kearin, Eurasianet, June 29
Kyrgyzstan
New Kyrgyzstan ship registry raises oversight questions. Kyrgyzstan is preparing to register merchant vessels under its national flag after lawmakers adopted a Merchant Shipping Code and related legislation. The government says the registry could generate revenue and give Kyrgyz ships international recognition, but lawmakers raised concerns over oversight, fraudulent listings, and the risk that Kyrgyz-flagged vessels could be linked to sanctioned goods. The registry’s credibility will depend on strict checks of ownership, insurance, safety records, and trade links. Sergey Kwan, The Times of Central Asia, June 29
East Asia
When the Evidence Base on China Becomes a Policy Risk. Europe’s China policy depends on reliable evidence as Beijing narrows access to data through security laws, database restrictions, geoblocking, changing statistics, and research constraints. De-risking, investment screening, export controls, supply-chain mapping, and research security all require granular China knowledge. Unequal access could widen gaps among EU states. Evidence resilience needs source preservation, triangulation, legal safeguards, shared repositories, digital training, and clear confidence levels in policy briefings. Stefan Messingschlager, China Observers, June 29
Latin America: Can US Hard Power Stop China’s Long Game? US pressure has produced setbacks for China in Latin America and the Caribbean, including Venezuela, Panama’s port seizures, and new regional security initiatives. Beijing’s strategy rests on multipolar influence, Xi Jinping’s forum diplomacy, expanding trade, infrastructure finance, and policy coordination. Brazil, Argentina, and Chile still seek Chinese markets, credit, and technology. Washington’s hard-power focus may push governments to hedge through discreet engagement with China. Lye Liang Fook, ThinkChina, June 29
How Turkey Arms China’s Rivals Without Angering Beijing. Turkey expands defense cooperation with Indo-Pacific states that contest China while protecting trade with Beijing. Ankara uses joint production, components, technology transfer, and dual-use frameworks instead of high-profile platform transfers. Japan, Australia, the Philippines, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Taiwan show its growing reach. China tolerates this balance because Turkey supports Eurasian trade routes, BRICS ambitions, and logistics links, while rare earth dependence gives Beijing leverage. Emanuele Scimia, ThinkChina, June 29
Southeast Asia
Vietnam’s Potential Economic Lessons for North Korea. Renewed Vietnam North Korea contacts highlight how Vietnam’s Doi Moi reforms may inform Pyongyang’s economic choices. Vietnam reduced dependence on Soviet support through market reforms, foreign investment, and trade with former adversaries, while North Korea retained central planning and suffered after Soviet fuel and aid ended. Limited special economic zones, market crackdowns, sanctions, and reluctance toward Western engagement still constrain North Korea’s growth potential. Clark Pascoe, 38 North, June 29
Johor and Negeri Sembilan State Elections Are Double Trouble for Anwar. Johor and Negeri Sembilan elections will test Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s Madani government, Pakatan Harapan, Barisan Nasional, and opposition Perikatan Nasional. Coalition partners are competing against one another, intensifying ethnic appeals and exposing divisions after PKR defections. Johor measures BN strength under Onn Hafiz Ghazi, while Negeri Sembilan poses a greater risk for PH. Losses could pressure Anwar toward an early general election. Bridget Welsh, East Asia Forum, June 29