China
China offers to help Southeast Asia counter impact of Middle East war on energy supplies, Fan Chen, South China Morning Post, March 19
China’s fiscal revenue up 0.7 pct in first 2 months, Xinhua, March 19
China-US reach new consensuses and consultations will continue, MOFCOM spokesperson says on Paris trade consultations, Global Times, March 19
China-ruled Macau approves national security law allowing closed-door trials, Jessie Pang, Reuters, March 19
China makes arrests on fentanyl networks but US wants convictions, Antoni Slodkowski, Shi Bu, Ryan Woo and Michael Martina, Reuters, March 19
Japan
Japan’s Takaichi tries to reaffirm alliance with Trump as he seeks help securing Strait of Hormuz, Michelle L. Price, Didi Tang, Associated Press, March 19
Japan, U.S. agree to advance multiple critical minerals projects, Kyodo News, March 20
Trump hails Japan buying “a lot of” U.S. military equipment, Kyodo News, March 20
South Korea
Lee’s approval rating hits new high since inauguration: poll, Kim Eun-jung, Yonhap News Agency, March 20
Ruling party introduces key prosecution reform bill at plenary session, triggering filibuster from main opposition, Yi Wonju, Yonhap News Agency, March 19
Korea’s KF-21 fighter jet closes in on 1st export deal with Indonesia Park Ji-won, The Korea Times, March 19
North Korea
North Korean children forced into streets for a week to perform election enthusiasm, Eun Seol Daily NK, March 19
Thailand
Thailand Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul to remain in power following Parliament vote, Jintamas Saksornchai, Associated Press, March 19
2-MP United Thai Nation joins coalition, Aekarach Sattaburuth, Bangkok Post, March 19
Pheu Thai submits eight ministerial picks to PM Anutin, Bangkok Post, March 19
Myanmar
Thai Army Chief Meets Myanmar Junta Leaders Amid Intense US Focus on Scam Centers, Muang Kavi, The Irrawaddy, March 19
Philippines
VP lawyers: House panel failed to prove offenses, Red Mendoza, The Manila Times, March 20
Marcos directs army to boost defense amid new threats, Catherine S. Valente, The Manila Times, March 20
Marcos: PH looking for new fuel sources, Catherine S. Valente, The Manila Times, March 20
Indonesia
Prabowo, Megawati holds closed-door discussion on geopolitics, Yvette Tanamal, The Jakarta Post, March 19
Indonesia turns to efficiency to keep budget deficit below 3 percent, ANTARA News, March 19
Malaysia
Fuel prices surge again: RON97 up 70 sen, diesel hits RM4.72 amid US-Iran conflict, Malay Mail, March 19
Housing and Local Govt Ministry targets zero sick projects by 2030 under Madani housing reform, says Nga Kor Ming, Malay Mail, March 19
Taiwan
Taiwan rejects China’s energy security ‘reunification’ offer amid Middle East war, Ben Blanchard, Reuters, March 19
Kazakhstan
Trump Invites Tokayev to Miami G20 Summit, Jonathan Campion, The Times of Central Asia, March 19
Kyrgyzstan
Former national security chief Tashiev leaves Bishkek police headquarters after interrogation, AKIpress, March 19
Trade between Kyrgyzstan and Russia grows by 14% in 2025, AKIpress, March 19
China
Why China’s finances are weaker than they seem Amit Kumar, ThinkChina, March 19
Behind Japan’s US investment pledge, a China problem The Interpreter, March 20
Japan
Lessons from Japan’s the rare earth shock East Asia Forum, March 19
Trump Praises Takaichi for Supporting Iran War Alexandra Sharp, Foreign Policy, March 19
Japanese investment in China keeps rising, despite political tensions The Interpreter, March 20
India
Why AI has not yet upset India’s IT industry, The Economist, March 19
Indonesia
Prabowo’s quest for Indonesian greatness warps his diplomacy Nikkei Asia, March 19
Singapore
Cross-Causeway Consumption: Singaporean Shoppers and the Evolving Economy of Johor’s Ramadan Bazaars Fulcrum, March 19
Myanmar
Beyond humanitarian aid: Rethinking Australia’s Myanmar policy The Interpreter, March 19
Australia
China’s $120bn minerals blitz – and what Australia stands to lose The Interpreter, March 19
Southeast Asia
Russia’s cyber push tilts Southeast Asia’s strategic balance East Asia Forum, March 19