China

China pledges more balanced trade and further opening of the economy after record surplus. Premier Li Qiang said China will import more high-quality goods, treat foreign firms like domestic ones, and pursue more balanced trade after posting a record 2025 surplus. Beijing used the China Development Forum to reassure investors as foreign direct investment keeps falling. Central bank chief Pan Gongsheng also said China has no need to gain an advantage through currency depreciation. Liam Mo, Ryan Woo, Reuters, March 22.

‘iPhone City’ veteran tapped as party boss of China’s Silicon Valley. China named Jin Lei as Shenzhen’s new Communist Party chief, ending a six-month overlap after Meng Fanli’s promotion to Guangdong governor. Jin is an economist who held posts in Henan, Zhengzhou, and Sichuan, including Deyang. He takes charge as Shenzhen anchors Beijing’s new five-year tech drive, prepares to host the APEC summit, and faces pressure from U.S. sanctions, weak retail demand, land limits, and a property slump. Victoria Bela, South China Morning Post, March 22

China reports ‘stunning’ critical minerals finds as hi-tech race with U.S. heats up. China reported major discoveries of rare earths, fluorite, baryte, and antimony that strengthen reserves vital for semiconductors, batteries, drilling, defense, and other high-tech sectors. At Sichuan’s Maoniuping mine, 9.7 million tonnes of rare earth oxides lifted proven reserves to 10.4 million tonnes, alongside super-large fluorite and baryte deposits. A Gansu find added 51,455 tonnes of antimony as Beijing sharpens its mineral edge over Washington. Xinyi Wu, South China Morning Post, March 21

Japan

Japan, Germany defense ministers discuss potential new pact to deepen ties. Defense ministers Shinjiro Koizumi and Boris Pistorius met in Yokosuka and stressed deeper security ties between Japan and Germany. Pistorius proposed a reciprocal access agreement to let troops operate on each other’s soil with fewer barriers. The ministers also discussed the Middle East, defense procurement, and the lessons from Russia’s war in Ukraine, and that Europe and Indo-Pacific security are linked. Kyodo News, March 22.

Trump says it would be ‘nice’ if Japan helped protect Strait of Hormuz. Trump renewed his call for Japan, China, South Korea, and Europe to help protect shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. He said reopening the route needs many ships and outside help, despite his earlier suggestion that U.S. allies were no longer needed. The remarks came a day after his summit with Sanae Takaichi, who said she had explained Japan’s constitutional limits. Kyodo News, March 21.

Takaichi returns home to tough issues after Trump summit. Sanae Takaichi returned from Washington with a warmer personal relationship with Donald Trump but new pressure at home. Trump asked Japan to help secure passage through the Strait of Hormuz, and Tokyo must decide what it can offer within current law. Takaichi also faces uncertainty over U.S. policy on China and Taiwan and a fight to pass the fiscal 2026 budget by March 31. Keishi Nishimura, The Asahi Shimbun, March 21.

South Korea

S. Korea in talks with U.S., partners on multiple fronts over its role in Strait of Hormuz: Cheong Wa Dae. South Korea is consulting with the United States and other partners on possible contributions to protect shipping in the Strait of Hormuz as war disruption threatens energy supplies. A senior presidential official said Seoul is weighing options that fit national interests, domestic law, and military readiness on the peninsula. Officials warned a prolonged conflict could hit Korea’s oil and gas supply. Kim Seung-yeon, Yonhap News Agency, March 20

South Korea parliament passes bill stripping prosecutors of investigative powers. South Korea’s parliament passed a legal overhaul that removes prosecutors’ investigative powers and creates separate agencies for investigation and prosecution. President Lee Jae Myung’s camp said the change will curb political abuse by dispersing power after years of complaints about selective enforcement and the legacy of Yoon Suk Yeol. Opponents said the reform could weaken checks on investigators and increase political influence over law enforcement. Kyu-Seok Shim, Reuters, March 20

Gov’t, ruling party agree upon 25 tln-won supplementary budget amid Middle East crisis. South Korea’s government, the ruling Democratic Party, and the presidential office agreed on a 25 trillion won supplementary budget to cushion the impact of the Middle East conflict. The package will use stronger tax revenue instead of new bonds and focus on energy price support, aid for vulnerable groups and regions, and relief for businesses. The three sides also agreed to use fiscal, tax, and financial tools to address the shock. Oh Seok-min, Yonhap News Agency, March 22

North Korea

North Korea's Kim Jong Un reappointed as president of state affairs, KCNA says. North Korea reappointed Kim Jong Un as president of state affairs during the first session of the new Supreme People’s Assembly, KCNA said. The assembly is set to review amendments to the socialist constitution, elect other state leadership bodies, and examine the economic five-year plan announced at the party congress in February. The session follows the parliamentary election held earlier this month. Heejin Kim and Joyce Lee, Reuters, March 22

N. Korea set to convene 1st session of new Supreme People's Assembly. North Korea will hold the first session of its new Supreme People’s Assembly on Sunday in Pyongyang, with attention on whether it will codify Kim Jong-un’s hostile two-state policy toward South Korea in the constitution. KCNA said the agenda includes electing state leaders, revising the constitution, and reviewing the five-year economic plan and 2026 budget. Lee Haye-ah, Yonhap News Agency, March 22

Vietnam

Vietnam's Communist Party secures nearly 97% of assembly seats. Vietnam’s Communist Party won 482 of 500 National Assembly seats, confirming its grip on power after an election in which almost all candidates were fielded by the ruling party. Authorities said turnout exceeded 99%. The new assembly will open its first session on April 6 and is expected to confirm top state leaders, with party chief To Lam expected to become president as well. Karen Lema and Francesco Guarascio, Reuters, March 22

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh leaves for official visit to Russia. Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh left Hanoi for Russia on March 22 for talks through March 25 at Mikhail Mishustin’s invitation. The visit, Vietnam’s first high-level trip to Russia in 2026, aims to deepen political ties and expand trade, investment, energy, and oil and gas cooperation. The sides are expected to sign agreements, including one covering nuclear power and energy cooperation. VnExpress, March 22

Thailand

Opposition targets govt over energy crisis. People’s Party spokesman Parit Wacharasindhu said Klatham and the Democrats will join a motion for debate on the energy crisis, with a three-party meeting planned for March 25. The motion seeks a special House committee to track the crisis and the U.S.-Israel conflict with Iran. People’s Party also proposed urgent debates on farm prices, disaster relief, and public projects. Aekarach Sattaburuth, Bangkok Post, March 20

Senate panel to vote on axeing Cambodia MoU. A special Senate committee will vote on March 24 on whether to recommend revoking MoU 43 on the land boundary with Cambodia after earlier backing the cancellation of MoU 44 on maritime areas. Chairman Noppadol Inna said briefings showed Thailand had recovered almost all 15 disputed areas. The panel’s recommendation would go to the Senate, then the cabinet, while other border mechanisms would remain in place. Bangkok Post, March 21

Myanmar

Myanmar parliament says to start process to select new president on March 30. Myanmar’s parliament said it will begin the process of selecting a new president on March 30 after a disputed election won by a military-backed party. The military and each chamber will nominate a candidate, with two becoming vice presidents after vetting and a parliamentary vote. Analysts expect junta chief Min Aung Hlaing to seek the post, signaling a shift from direct military rule to a civilian facade. Reuters, March 20

Philippines

Philippines accuses Chinese navy ship of 'alarming' radar lock on its vessel. The Philippine military said a Chinese navy vessel approached the BRP Miguel Malvar near Sabina Shoal and aimed fire-control radar at the frigate during a March 7 patrol. The armed forces called the move provocative and said it created unnecessary risk of miscalculation at sea. Manila noted the shoal lies within its exclusive economic zone, while China maintains that its operations defend claimed territory. Karen Lema, Reuters, March 20

U.S., allies push ammo production in PH. A U.S.-led defense manufacturing partnership agreed to launch a missile motor production program with Japan, expand drone cooperation across Asia, and study a 30mm ammunition facility in the Philippines. The group also added Thailand and the United Kingdom, bringing membership to 16. Philippine leftist lawmakers opposed the plan, saying it would deepen militarization and tie the country more closely to U.S. war strategy. Red Mendoza, The Manila Times, March 21

PH, U.S. troops complete sea exercise. Philippine and U.S. forces, joined by the Philippine Coast Guard, completed a bilateral maritime cooperative activity in Manila Bay and waters off Mariveles, Bataan. Participating assets included the BRP Antonio Luna, the BRP Gabriela Silang, aircraft from the Philippine Air Force, and the USS Blue Ridge. The Armed Forces said the drills improved interoperability and reaffirmed support for maritime security, stability, and international law. Izel Abanilla, The Manila Times, March 22

Indonesia

Indonesia seeks $5 bln budget savings to face Iran war impact. Indonesia is seeking 80 trillion rupiah in budget savings to help absorb the economic effects of the U.S.-Israeli war on Iran. President Prabowo Subianto said the government is pushing budget efficiency as pressure builds from higher oil prices and wider market strain. The plan reflects concern that the conflict could hit growth, state spending, and energy costs across Southeast Asia’s largest economy. Ananda Teresia, Stefanno Sulaiman, Reuters, March 21

Indonesia rules out $1 billion contribution to Board of Peace. President Prabowo Subianto said Indonesia never agreed to pay $1 billion to the U.S.-initiated Board of Peace and will not take on a large financial obligation. He said Jakarta offered peacekeeping troops, especially in support of Palestine, once conditions allow a ceasefire. Indonesia remains a founding member and says its role in humanitarian efforts will match conditions on the ground. Wahyu Sahala Tua, Jakarta Globe, March 22.

Prabowo emphasizes national interests in RI-U.S. trade agreements. President Prabowo Subianto said Indonesia will protect national interests in all policy decisions, including the Agreement on Reciprocal Trade with the United States. He said the deal cuts tariffs from 32% to 19%, includes adjustment clauses, and allows renegotiation if the terms harm Indonesia. He also said 1,819 strategic commodities, including coffee and palm oil, received zero-tariff access to the US market. ANTARA News, March 22

Malaysia

Sharp spike in fuel subsidy bill. Malaysia’s monthly RON95 and diesel subsidy bill jumped from RM700 million to RM3.2 billion in less than a week after oil prices surged from about $70 to nearly $120 a barrel. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said disruption in the Strait of Hormuz tightened supply and raised import costs. Malaysia imports more oil than it exports, leaving transport, food prices, and household budgets under pressure. Rebecca Chong, The Star, March 22

Taiwan

Taiwan says delayed U.S. F-16s to start arriving this year. Taiwan said deliveries of its delayed F-16V fighter jets will begin this year after defense officials visited Lockheed Martin’s assembly line in South Carolina. The defense ministry said production is running at full capacity with no parts or manpower bottlenecks. Taiwan ordered 66 new F-16Vs in a 2019 $8 billion deal and has taken delivery of two of four MQ-9B SkyGuardian drones. Ben Blanchard, Reuters, March 22

Taiwan has no plan to help secure Strait of Hormuz: minister. Defense Minister Wellington Koo said Taiwan has not considered sending troops to help secure the Strait of Hormuz despite calls for Taipei to support U.S.-led efforts. He said the armed forces must focus on defending Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen, and Matsu against China’s gray-zone pressure and potential military threats. Taiwan will keep prioritizing the Taiwan Strait and the wider Indo-Pacific region. Sean Lin, Focus Taiwan, March 20

Review of special defense budget bills to begin Monday. Taiwan’s legislature will begin reviewing three competing special defense budget bills, including a Cabinet plan worth NT$1.25 trillion over eight years. Joint committee sessions will question defense officials and then review the measures line by line. The KMT and TPP favor smaller plans with tighter caps, while the government says procurement must follow program-based budgeting to stay workable. Matt Yu and Elizabeth Hsu, Focus Taiwan, March 22

Kyrgyzstan

Kremlin tells Kyrgyzstan to cool it on language issue. Russia’s embassy urged Kyrgyzstan to curb provocative statements and so-called language patrols targeting Russian speakers after Kazakhstan’s constitutional downgrade of Russian revived debate in Kyrgyzstan over reducing Russian’s role. Moscow said such moves undermine Kyrgyzstan’s constitution and harm bilateral ties. Kyrgyzstan has already expanded Kyrgyz-language requirements in broadcasting and public life. Eurasianet, March 20

East Asia

Trump, Xi, and the Case for Strategic Calm. Washington and Beijing have paused tariff escalation and Chinese restrictions on rare earths, but the truce rests on each leader’s wish to buy time for domestic strengthening rather than settle core disputes. China is using the respite to cut reliance on foreign technology, modernize industry, and push into robotics, 6G, and embodied AI. The United States needs the same focus through supply chain security, domestic mining and processing, stockpiles, defence procurement reform, and industrial workforce investment. Military operations in Iran drain resources and attention that competition with China demands, and any shock over Taiwan, elections, or other flashpoints could break the truce. Ryan Hass, Foreign Affairs, March 20

How the Iran war is stretching America thin against China. A war with Iran moves US missile defence systems, destroyers, munitions demand, and industrial attention from the West Pacific, which narrows the margin of deterrence against China. The strain runs through supply chains for rare earths, magnets, yttrium, scandium, and other critical minerals used in aircraft, chips, radars, and communications. Washington can shield defence programmes by giving them first claim on scarce inputs, but that choice pushes costs onto civilian sectors such as semiconductors, aerospace, AI infrastructure, and clean energy. The deeper test is endurance across theatres, alliance support, and industrial replacement capacity, with Taiwan and any future talks with Beijing shaped by the same pressure. Hao Nan, ThinkChina, March 20

China’s $120bn minerals blitz and what Australia stands to lose. China has committed more than US$120 billion since 2023 across critical minerals and metals, linking mines to refining, processing, logistics, manufacturing, and host-country infrastructure. Investments in lithium, nickel, and iron ore seek feedstock for batteries, electric vehicles, solar panels, wind turbines, and green industry while cutting reliance on Australian and Brazilian supply. Australia faces a threat beyond export exposure. It risks losing jobs, know-how, and leverage across the green economy. Australia needs a national framework that builds domestic capability, sets terms for foreign investment, and treats critical minerals as strategic assets tied to industrial resilience. Marina Yue Zhang, Lowy Institute, March 22

Trump's closest ally: Takaichi clearly presents Japan as indispensable. Sanae Takaichi used a Washington visit during the Iran war to show that Japan can act at the center of major power politics. Personal rapport with Donald Trump helped her present Japan as a trusted ally while talks underscored Tokyo’s role as the largest foreign investor in the United States and a key partner in energy, manufacturing, and supply chains. The meeting exposed strain in a leader-driven alliance when Trump paired praise for Japan with a Pearl Harbor reference. Japan’s value in this setting lies in its capacity to anchor the US position in Asia, balance economic ties with China against security alignment with Washington, and turn access into influence. Joshua W. Walker, Nikkei Asia, March 22

Pyongyang Treads Gingerly on Iran War. North Korea answered the US-Israel war against Iran with two Foreign Ministry statements, harsher anti-US language, and public silence after March 10. Pyongyang condemned Washington and Israel but stopped short of direct support for Tehran while still avoiding naming Donald Trump. The pattern points to political caution and a wait-and-see stance as the war develops. The war also reinforces Kim Jong Un’s case for nuclear strength. Party messaging and Rodong Sinmun frame force as the safeguard of state security, dignity, and survival, not a reason to seek talks with Washington. Rachel Minyoung Lee, 38 North, March 20

South Korea’s Integrated Cyber Defense Framework: Active Cyber Defense and Reactive Responses. Cyberspace rewards attackers at low cost, and South Korea’s pattern of attributing North Korean intrusions without strong follow-up weakens deterrence. The report proposes an integrated defense model that joins active cyber defense with reactive response. Active cyber defense would hunt, disrupt, and constrain threats, including hostile infrastructure abroad, while reactive tools would pair recovery with sanctions, law enforcement, diplomacy, and technical action. Sunha Bae, CSIS, March 20

Southeast Asia

Geo-economics, Southeast Asia style. ASEAN’s new Geoeconomic Task Force shows concern over collective economic security under renewed US tariff pressure. Southeast Asian states treat economics as a strategic core tied to regime security and favor diversification over bloc alignment. Governments are deepening ties with China while seeking tariff cuts, market access, and strategic investment from the United States. The region is strengthening its role as a corridor for critical minerals, batteries, semiconductors, and AI hardware as supply chains move through China+1, friendshoring, and new bilateral deals. This position offers investment and leverage, but it also exposes Southeast Asia to US export controls, Chinese relocation strategies, and higher costs from mismanaged exposure to either power. Evelyn Goh and Jascha Ramba, East Asia Forum, March 21

China’s Retaliation Against Japan and the Implications for Southeast Asia. China’s response to Sanae Takaichi’s remarks on Taiwan goes beyond the pattern used against South Korea over THAAD. Measures against Japan span tourism, study, film, seafood, beef, rare earth controls, coast guard patrols near the Senkaku Islands, air pressure near Okinawa, and media claims over the Ryukyu Islands. China has tried to shape opinion at the UN and through support from countries such as Uruguay. The pressure may extend to Southeast Asia, where Beijing may seek stronger language against Taiwan independence and for reunification. ASEAN states have an interest in urging restraint and peaceful dialogue as room for maneuver shrinks. Lye Liang Fook, FULCRUM, March 20

Manila should take a page from Jakarta’s China playbook. Indonesia manages China through economic pragmatism, selective engagement, and firm protection of sovereignty, even amid tension in Natuna. Its policy draws on the doctrine of bebas dan aktif and keeps links with China, the United States, Japan, and other partners. The Philippines has moved between confrontation and accommodation under different presidents, with foreign policy shaped by ruling families, alliance dependence, and weak defence capacity. As ASEAN chair in 2026, Manila could adopt Jakarta’s mix of clear objectives, legal firmness, economic deliverables, and quiet diplomacy without yielding its maritime rights or long-term interests. Lermie Shayne S Garcia, East Asia Forum, March 20

The hidden costs of Vietnam’s new era. Vietnam’s push for double-digit growth, state reform, and major infrastructure projects carries social costs that threaten resilience, affordability, and public trust. Land rules under Resolution 254 let authorities reclaim plots once 75 per cent of users agree, which weakens farmers facing compensation far below market value. Decree 46 showed the risks of policy made without consultation when new food inspections stranded perishables and forced a suspension after 10 days. Crackdowns on street markets, tax changes for 5.2 million household businesses, and steep traffic fines place heavy burdens on small traders and low-income citizens. Loose money and real estate inflows add inflation pressure and worsen housing access for younger households. Phan Le and Hai Thanh Nguyen, East Asia Forum, March 21

South Asia

India and the European Union finally shake hands. The India-EU free trade agreement marks a strategic bargain shaped by trade risk, tariff conflict, and the search for trust in a multipolar system. Talks began in 2007, stalled in 2013, resumed in 2022, and produced a treaty text in January 2026 that covers goods, services, and many regulatory issues. Agriculture, investment protection, and geographical indications remain outside the core deal, while services and intellectual property language stays limited. India protected farm livelihoods and generic drug production, and both sides used international standards to manage disputes. The agreement gives India trade diversification and gives Europe a stronger role in South Asia and the Indo Pacific. Ashwin Immanuel Dhanabalan, Madhumati Deshpande, East Asia Forum, March 19

Why Bangalore has India’s best billionaires. Bangalore’s tech founders direct philanthropy beyond schools and health toward public systems, science, art, brain research, and urban governance. Donors such as Nandan and Rohini Nilekani, Kris Gopalakrishnan, Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, and V. Ravichandar back Aadhaar, India Stack, research labs, the Science Gallery, and civic reform. Their giving reflects experience with public services, engineering habits of problem-solving, and a city with fewer legacy institutions to inherit. As foreign funding for non-profits grows, Bangalore’s network of institution-building donors offers a domestic model for shaping India’s next phase. The Economist, March 22

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Asia Daily: March 23, 2026