China
China’s top political advisory body concludes annual session. China’s top political advisory body closed its annual session in Beijing after approving resolutions on the CPPCC standing committee work report, proposal handling, new proposals, and a political resolution. The meeting drew 2,059 members and focused on the 2026 to 2030 five-year plan, economic policy, artificial intelligence, aging, and children’s welfare. Officials said 5,061 proposals were filed for handling over the past year. Feng Fan and Li Xundian, Global Times, March 12
China is expected to approve a law promoting ethnic unity. China is moving to approve a law that would require government bodies and enterprises to promote a common national identity and expand Mandarin instruction through compulsory education. Scholars and rights advocates said the measure would weaken protections for minority languages, neighborhoods, and autonomy. The law also creates a basis for action against people or groups abroad accused of harming ethnic unity. Huizhong Wu, Associated Press, March 12
As Iran war hits trade hubs, China’s logistics firms scramble for alternatives. Chinese logistics firms are scrambling to reroute shipments as war disruption in Middle East hubs strands cargo and drives freight costs higher. One company said about 100,000 tonnes of cargo are stuck in Doha, while industry managers warned disruption could last up to six months. Firms reported road costs to Hong Kong up 15% to 25% and said interest in Central Asian and Caucasus routes has surged. Mia Nurmamat, South China Morning Post, March 11
Japan
Japan and U.S. defense chiefs discuss Iran in first known call since war began. Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi and U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth held their first known call since the war began to discuss Iran. Hegseth outlined recent developments and the outlook, while Koizumi stressed the need to protect Japanese nationals. They agreed to stay in close contact. The call came as Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi prepared for a March 19 summit in Washington. The Japan Times, March 11
Koizumi to push warship, radar exports during S.E. Asia trip. Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi plans visits to the Philippines and Indonesia in early May to discuss stronger security ties and defense equipment exports as Japan revises its arms transfer guidelines. Talks with Manila are expected to cover used Abukuma-class frigates and command systems, while Indonesia has shown interest in used submarines. Koizumi also plans April talks in Australia on Mogami-class frigates. Mizuki Sato and Ryo Kiyomiya, The Asahi Shimbun, March 11.
3-party split: Chudo merger collapses ahead of local elections. The Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan and Komeito dropped plans to merge local assembly members into the Centrist Reform Alliance before the spring local elections. The decision followed Chudo’s heavy Lower House defeat in February and resistance from local party members. The three groups now plan to field separate candidates while seeking endorsements and cooperation where possible, leaving the opposition bloc divided ahead of key races. Haruna Shiromi and Amane Sugawara, The Asahi Shimbun, March 11
South Korea
THAAD redeployment sparks fears of high-altitude defense gap in South Korea. Reports that parts of a U.S. THAAD system were moved from South Korea to the Middle East raised concern about missile defense coverage on the peninsula. Experts said the effect would likely be limited because South Korea still has layered defenses, including Patriot and Cheongung II systems. Still, analysts warned that a long conflict could strain U.S. interceptor stocks and complicate future reinforcement. Bahk Eun-ji, The Korea Times, March 11
South Korea Presidential aide says AI cooperation with UAE could accelerate after conflict. South Korea’s senior presidential secretary for AI, Ha Jung-woo, said cooperation with the United Arab Emirates could speed up after the Middle East conflict because Abu Dhabi is likely to strengthen its defense capacity. He said talks have continued despite the crisis. The two countries are already working on the U.S.-backed Stargate AI data campus and related power, infrastructure, supply chain, and research projects. Joyce Lee, Heekyong Yang, Reuters, March 11
National Assembly set to vote on bill on U.S. investment pledges. South Korea’s National Assembly is set to vote on a special bill tied to Seoul’s $350 billion U.S. investment pledge under last year’s trade deal. The measure would create a state-run corporation with 2 trillion won in paid-in capital, a 50-person workforce, and board seats for experienced finance or strategic industry figures. The government pushed the bill after U.S. tariff threats linked to legislative delays. Yi Wonju, Yonhap News Agency, March 12
S. Korea aims to actively consult with U.S. as Washington opens new trade probe. South Korea said it will consult with Washington after the United States opened Section 301 trade probes into Seoul and 15 other economies over alleged unfair practices tied to excess manufacturing capacity. Cheong Wa Dae said it aims to protect the balance secured in the current tariff deal and avoid less favorable treatment than other major countries after the Supreme Court struck down the earlier reciprocal tariffs. Yi Wonju, Yonhap News Agency, March 12
North Korea
N. Korea orders officer unity training. North Korea’s VIII Corps held three days of training for junior officers in early March, telling them to build closer ties with enlisted troops and use positive reinforcement instead of harsh punishment. Instructors cited desertion, abuse, civilian looting, and frostbite cases as failures of leadership. The sessions followed the party congress and appeared aimed at tightening discipline, easing grievances, and preventing defections within the ranks. Seon Hwa, Daily NK, March 11
N. Korea speeds up preparations for next week’s parliamentary elections. North Korea is accelerating preparations for March 15 elections to the 15th Supreme People’s Assembly by setting up election committees across provincial, city, county, and military levels and reviewing candidate qualifications. State media said officials, workers, farmers, and soldiers are registering as candidates and that voter lists are complete. The vote follows last month’s party congress and will be the first parliamentary election since 2019. Kim Soo-yeon, Yonhap News Agency, March 11
Vietnam
Vietnam eyes Covid-style relief for airlines as fuel prices spike. Vietnam’s civil aviation authority proposed tax cuts, fee relief, and fuel surcharges to help airlines cope with higher fuel costs. Recommendations include a full environmental tax exemption on aviation fuel through May, lower VAT, a possible domestic fare adjustment, and 50% cuts in some service fees. The agency also urged talks with fuel-exporting countries and higher domestic Jet A-1 output to secure supply. VnExpress, March 10
Thailand
Thailand's new parliament to open this weekend. Thailand’s new parliament will open on March 14 after the Feb. 8 election, according to a Royal Gazette notice. The first sitting is expected on March 15 to choose a speaker and deputy speaker, with a prime ministerial vote likely on March 19. Bhumjaithai, which won 191 seats, plans a coalition with Pheu Thai and smaller parties that would command about 290 seats. Panarat Thepgumpanat, Martin Petty, Reuters, March 11
40 election complaints under review. Thailand’s Office of the Ombudsman is reviewing 40 complaints from the Feb. 8 general election and will decide whether any should go to the Constitutional Court. Around 20 cases involve alleged civil rights violations, more than 10 concern voter grievances, and others challenge barcodes on ballots as a threat to voting secrecy. The Election Commission has also given investigators more testimony over the Kannayao re-vote case. Wassayos Ngamkham, Bangkok Post, March 11
Dems will not join the govt coalition. Democrat leader Abhisit Vejjajiva said his party was not invited into the new Bhumjaithai-led government and will serve in opposition. He said the coalition already has enough support to govern and added that Democrats can work alongside Klatham and the People’s Party on separate duties. The party will discuss its stance on House leadership votes before parliament opens on March 14. Post Reporters, Bangkok Post, March 11
Myanmar
Last resistance stronghold in Mandalay falls to Myanmar junta. Junta forces are closing in on Tagaung, the resistance’s last position in northern Mandalay Region, after an offensive that began on Feb. 6 with ground troops, naval support, air strikes, artillery, and suicide drones. Resistance fighters say they are defending the town while mines slow the advance. Tagaung is a gateway to Sagaing and Kachin and sits near a Chinese-backed nickel plant that remains under PDF control. The Irrawaddy, March 11
Rising tension between TNLA and MNDAA sparks fear of conflict in Shan State. Tension between the TNLA and MNDAA has climbed around Kutkai, where both sides have reinforced positions after disputes over control of the town. Efforts to seek mediation from China and the United Wa State Army have failed. The buildup, arrests, and new road restrictions have caused fuel shortages and higher food prices, while residents and civil groups warn that a clash could break out. Thura Maung, The Irrawaddy, March 11
Cambodia
Cambodia wants to close all online scam centers before May. Cambodia said it aims to shut all online scam centers by the end of April after targeting 250 suspected sites since July and closing about 200. Authorities opened 79 cases involving 697 alleged ringleaders and associates and repatriated nearly 10,000 workers from 23 countries. Police also raided a Phnom Penh site and arrested about 60 Cambodian and Chinese suspects. Sopheng Cheang, Associated Press, March 11
Philippines
Marcos: Philippines seeking new sources of fuel imports. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said the Philippines is seeking fuel supplies from countries outside its usual sources as the Middle East conflict threatens oil flows. He also plans to certify as urgent a bill allowing him to cut fuel excise taxes when crude stays above $80 a barrel. Officials are weighing a purchase of at least 1 million barrels of diesel. Jason Sigales, Lisbet K. Esmael, Philippine Daily Inquirer, March 12
ICC prosecutors question role of 6 Filipino lawyers. International Criminal Court prosecutors asked judges to clarify whether six Filipino lawyers linked in public statements to Rodrigo Duterte’s defense are part of his legal team. Prosecutors said the uncertainty affects witness protection and the handling of confidential material because the lawyers have ties to Duterte and his administration. They said private assurances from defense counsel do not match public remarks. Franco Jose C. Baroña, Reina C. Tolentino, Javier Joe Ismael, The Manila Times, March 11
PH, U.S. to boost defense ties for ‘stable, secure’ Indo-Pacific. Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and U.S. Undersecretary of Defense for Policy Eldridge Colby agreed in New York to deepen defense cooperation as security pressures rise in the region. The talks covered stronger deterrence, closer interoperability, and preparations for next month’s Balikatan exercises. Both sides also reaffirmed their commitment to the Mutual Defense Treaty and to a stable Indo-Pacific. Catherine S. Valente, The Manila Times, March 11
Indonesia
Indonesia panel backs interim financial chiefs to deliver reforms. An Indonesian parliamentary panel chose interim OJK head Friderica Widyasari Dewi and acting capital markets supervisor Hasan Fawzi for full five-year terms, pending Thursday certification. Lawmakers backed continuity as the regulator races to restore confidence after MSCI’s warning and a market sell-off. The new team will oversee governance reforms, higher free-float requirements, and stricter transparency rules before MSCI’s next review in May. Gayatri Suroyo, Ananda Teresia, Reuters, March 11
Malaysia
Fahmi: special committee to assess economic impact of U.S.-Iran conflict to start work tomorrow. Malaysia will activate a special committee on March 12 to assess the economic impact of the U.S.-Iran conflict. Finance Minister II Amir Hamzah Azizan will chair the group, which will report to a special Cabinet meeting on Friday. Fahmi Fadzil said the committee will track developments and their impact on Malaysia, while Anwar Ibrahim said domestic petroleum supply remains sufficient through May 2026. Malay Mail, March 11
Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka court orders 84 Iranian sailors' bodies be handed to Iran embassy, local media says. A Sri Lankan court ordered the bodies of 84 Iranian sailors killed in the sinking of the warship IRIS Dena to be handed to Iran’s embassy. The bodies are being held at a hospital morgue in Galle. Sri Lanka also granted 30-day visas to 208 crew members from a second Iranian vessel and is consulting Tehran on next steps for the ship and crew. Uditha Jayasinghe, Sakshi Dayal, Reuters, March 11
Taiwan
U.S. lawmaker proposes bill to strengthen Taiwan energy security. Republican Representative Pat Harrigan introduced a bill to bolster Taiwan’s energy security by supporting U.S. liquefied natural gas exports, protecting critical shipments, and expanding maritime insurance if commercial coverage is withdrawn because of military threats. The measure also backs cooperation on nuclear technology, including small modular reactors, and calls for a review of whether U.S. energy export routes can be redirected toward Taiwan. James Thompson and Chung Yu-chen, Focus Taiwan, March 11
Kazakhstan
Kazakhstan reduces number of overseas polling stations for referendum. Kazakhstan cut 11 overseas polling stations across 10 countries before the March 15 referendum because of security risks tied to the Middle East conflict. The foreign ministry said 71 stations will operate in 54 countries for 14,230 registered voters abroad. Commissions have been formed, materials delivered, and ballots are being sent by diplomatic mail as Kazakhstan continues evacuations from the region. Dmitry Pokidaev, The Times of Central Asia, March 11
Tajikistan
China to fund construction of nine border facilities in Tajikistan near Afghanistan. Tajik lawmakers approved a China-funded project to build nine border facilities in frontier areas with Afghanistan. The plan is worth more than 550 million somoni and will be financed on a grant basis, with Tajikistan exempting it from taxes and duties. China will also provide equipment, engineers, and support for roads, water, drainage, and electricity links to strengthen border forces. Sadokat Jalolova, The Times of Central Asia, March 11
East Asia
US chip export controls have cooled down. US chip export controls on China have eased as the White House puts trade talks and critical mineral risks ahead of new restrictions, leaving the Department of Commerce to show resolve through tougher enforcement of existing rules. Signs of a softer line include the suspension of the 50 percent Affiliates Rule and approval for more powerful Nvidia H200 chips. Congress has pushed back, with bills and letters that seek tighter limits and less agency discretion. The enforcement agenda targets transshipment hubs, weak end-use checks, cloud access to advanced computing power, and firms that aid diversion. Stronger enforcement would give Washington leverage in talks with Beijing without new rulemaking. Di Lu, East Asia Forum, March 11
Policies that enable China’s critical minerals edge. China’s dominance in critical minerals rests on decades of state support across mining, refining, and manufacturing. Cheap credit from policy banks lets Chinese firms accept thin margins, sustain overcapacity, and secure supply. Political backing supports investment in risky foreign projects, including large stakes in Guinea’s Simandou iron ore deposit, while ownership in overseas mines has expanded over time. Tax incentives, export rebates, and party influence in corporate governance steer minerals into China’s processing system, which handles large shares of copper, lithium, and rare earth refining. Matching China’s position requires attention to the political economy behind its minerals chain. David Landry, East Asia Forum, March 11
China's auto industry must steer clear of 'innovation on steroids'. China’s carmakers risk undermining their gains by pushing novelty features beyond what safety, demand, and service networks can support. The ban on hidden door handles from 2027 shows how design fads can impose heavy retooling costs after fatal accidents exposed basic flaws. Similar scrutiny could spread to other features such as yoke steering wheels. China’s strengths in electrification and software-defined vehicles remain significant, but overseas buyers place weight on durability, service, and fit with local habits over flashy cabin tech. With model cycles shrinking to one or two years, the industry faces pricing disorder, buyer distrust, and reputational damage unless innovation serves market need and long-term support. Ni Tao, Nikkei Asia, March 11
South Korea’s ‘pragmatic’ China policy in a vortex of uncertainty. Lee Jae-myung’s government has shown more continuity than expected, keeping close attention on the US alliance and trilateral ties with Japan while trying to steady relations with Beijing. Seoul and Beijing exchanged gestures of goodwill, but recent summits produced no joint statement, no public reset on the Korean Wave ban, and no fresh Chinese support for denuclearization language. South Korea also faces weaker room for choice as US-China rivalry hardens, tariff pressure rises, and critical minerals and export chains move. North Korea adds strain because Seoul wants dialogue, Beijing has limits with Pyongyang, and Kim Jong Un may prefer direct dealings with Trump. Public distrust of China remains a major constraint. Jae Ho Chung, ThinkChina, March 11
Southeast Asia
Beyond Brotherhood: Vietnam’s New Playbook for Laos. Vietnam is recasting its ties with Laos through “strategic cohesion,” a framework that links foreign policy, development, infrastructure, and governance as Hanoi seeks to counter China’s pull on Vientiane. New steps include a Vietnamese university in Laos, the Vientiane to Vung Ang railway, a Lao stake in Vung Ang Port, and a national digital ID system built with Vietnamese support. The change reflects To Lam’s push for strategic autonomy and Hanoi’s view that old revolutionary bonds do not secure Laos in a region shaped by Chinese money and trade links. Vietnam also wants a tighter Indochina framework with Cambodia, though funding limits, railway obstacles, and Laos’s own hedging could test the plan. Nguyen Khac Giang, FULCRUM, March 11