China

Hong Kong police given new powers to obtain phone, computer passwords. Hong Kong amended its rules under its national security law to let police demand passwords or decryption methods from people under investigation and require other information or assistance. Refusal can bring one year in jail and false information can bring three years. The changes let customs seize items with seditious intention. Officials say the rules fit the Basic Law, while critics say they threaten privacy and fair trial rights for suspects. Jessie Pang, Reuters, March 23

U.S. faces critical shortage of China expertise within a decade, report warns. The report warns that retirements and a steep drop in Americans studying in China will leave the United States short of China expertise within a decade. It calls the gap a national security and economic competitiveness problem and urges Washington to treat China knowledge as a strategic asset. Fewer than 2,000 Americans study in China each year, down from 11,000 in 2019 after visa limits and research restrictions deepened mistrust. Khushboo Razdan, South China Morning Post, March 23

Former Biden official says Trump-Xi summit will go well amid ‘unusual’ circumstances. Kurt Campbell said Donald Trump’s focus on short-term deliverables and Xi Jinping’s push for stability point to an amicable summit in Beijing despite the Iran conflict. He expects both leaders to be polite and engaged when they meet after a delay of at least five weeks from the March 31 schedule. Campbell said China’s measured response to the war reflects Beijing’s interest in stable ties with Washington during this period. Xinmei Shen, South China Morning Post, March 23

‘No dispute about it’: Beijing defends construction on Paracel Islands in South China Sea. Beijing defended land reclamation in the contested Paracel Islands, saying the work serves residents and local economic development. Foreign ministry spokesman Lin Jian said the Xisha Islands are Chinese territory and rejected any dispute over them. His remarks followed Vietnam’s protest over dredging and landfill work at Antelope Reef. William Zheng, South China Morning Post, March 23

Japan

Germany steps up Indo-Pacific push, eyeing visiting-forces pact with Japan. Japan and Germany agreed to expand military cooperation, increase defense consultations, and explore a visiting forces pact to ease troop deployments and joint exercises. The partners also plan wider defense industrial cooperation in missiles, drones, air defense, and quantum technologies. Berlin’s tour and business delegation signaled a stronger Indo-Pacific focus as both governments linked European and Asian security and sought stronger deterrence amid concern over China and North Korea's military moves. Gabriel Dominguez, The Japan Times, March 22.

Takaichi tells Trump Article 9 limits Japan’s role in Iran war. Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi told Donald Trump that Article 9 and Japan’s security laws limit any Self-Defense Forces role in the Strait of Hormuz during the U.S.-Israeli war against Iran. Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi said Japan explained those legal boundaries and Trump showed understanding. Tokyo discussed doubling imports of Alaskan crude oil and raised mine clearing as one option after a ceasefire if naval mines block passage through the waterway. Takashi Ogawa, Sotaro Hata, The Asahi Shimbun, March 23.

Kihara: Japan plans provisional budget in case of Diet impasse. Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara said the government will prepare a provisional budget as a bridge if the Diet fails to pass the fiscal 2026 budget by March 31. The move reflects pressure from opposition parties in the Upper House, where the ruling coalition lacks a majority, and concern over limited debate time. The fiscal 2026 budget cleared the Lower House after the shortest deliberation period since 2000 in parliament. The Asahi Shimbun, March 23.

South Korea

Budget minister nominee says extra budget should include measures to stabilize energy supplies. Budget minister nominee Park Hong-keun said a supplementary budget should include steps to stabilize energy supplies during the Middle East crisis, including oil stockpiles and supply chain support. He said the current fuel price cap cannot address uncertainty over the conflict’s duration. The finance ministry is assessing support needs from affected companies, while the ruling Democratic Party plans to pass the bill next month after President Lee Jae Myung’s order. Kim Han-joo, Yonhap News Agency, March 23

PM Kim cancels trip to China amid Middle East conflict. Prime Minister Kim Min-seok canceled his trip to the Boao Forum for Asia in China to manage the domestic impact of the conflict in the Middle East. His office said external risks were spreading through the economy and affecting livelihoods, which made a government response urgent. Kim is expected to lead a task force on the crisis, and Seoul informed Beijing through diplomatic channels that he would not travel this week. Yoo Jee-ho, Yonhap News Agency, March 23

7 of 37 generals punished over martial law file suits against defense ministry. Seven of 37 general-level officers disciplined over their alleged roles in the 2024 martial law bid have sued the defense ministry to cancel punishments ranging from expulsion to suspension. Another 29 generals have appealed the disciplinary decisions without filing suits. Only former Army Special Warfare commander Kwak Jong-keun accepted his punishment. The ministry identified about 180 military personnel as involved after an internal probe last month. Lee Minji, Yonhap News Agency, March 24

North Korea

Kim Jong Un says North Korea’s nuclear status is irreversible, threatens South. Kim Jong Un told North Korea's parliament that the country will keep and expand its nuclear forces and reject any trade of disarmament for aid or guarantees. He called South Korea the most hostile state and warned of a merciless response to any violation of sovereignty. Lawmakers approved a 2026 budget that raises defense spending to 15.8% and backs a new five-year economic plan focused on industry and housing. Kyu-Seok Shim, Reuters, March 23

North Korea’s electricity shortage threatens five-year plan. North Korean factories are struggling to sustain output because severe power shortages have cut operating hours, raised costs, increased defective goods, and forced shutdowns. Officials raised electricity supply as a core obstacle to the new five-year economic plan and the 20x10 regional development policy, which is driving demand higher. In Songchon county, factories average three hours of operation a day, exposing deep grid weakness and uncertain industrial expansion plans. Jo Hyon, Daily NK, March 23

N. Korea’s Kim formally calls S. Korea ‘most hostile’ nation. Kim Jong-un called South Korea the most hostile nation at the Supreme People’s Assembly and warned of merciless consequences for any provocation. State media said North Korea discussed a constitutional revision, though it remains unclear whether that step codified the hostile state label. Kim also said the country’s status as a nuclear weapons state will never change and pledged a stronger deterrent with prompt and precise response forces against threats. Park Boram, Yonhap News Agency, March 23

Vietnam

Vietnam Communist Party meets, with new state leaders set to be nominated. Vietnam's ruling Communist Party opened a week-long plenum that is expected to make personnel decisions for the 2026 to 2031 term, including nominations for prime minister, state president, and National Assembly chair. Party chief To Lam is expected to be nominated as state president while keeping his party post. The meeting will review anti-corruption efforts and development plans as leaders target growth above 10% amid energy price pressure. Khanh Vu, Reuters, March 23

Thailand

Thailand must submit comments to U.S. on Section 301 probe by April 15. Thailand must file written comments with the United States by April 15 in response to a Section 301 trade investigation or risk tariffs, the commerce ministry said. The probe covers excess production capacity in autos, machinery parts, fish, fish oil, animal feed, and garments, plus goods made with forced labour. Thailand remains in discussions on tariff and non-tariff issues with Washington while pushing to finish EU talks this year. Kitiphong Thaichareon, Reuters, March 23

Thaksin on inmate parole list for May. Former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra is expected to be among 500 prisoners eligible for parole when the final list is released by the end of March, according to a prison source. His inclusion would clear the way for release on May 11 after review by department and ministry committees. Officials are assessing parole conditions, including residence, guardians, repeat offense risk, and other safety issues tied to supervision during the parole period. Bangkok Post, March 23

Anutin II Cabinet list finalised, set for royal submission on March 27. Thailand has completed the proposed Anutin II Cabinet lineup and started background and eligibility checks before submitting the names for royal command on March 27. Nominees and their teams are filing personal records and supporting documents for scrutiny by 18 state agencies. Sources said reserve names will be used if any candidate fails screening. The incoming cabinet is expected to move first on policy, budget and debt measures after appointment. The Nation, March 23

Myanmar

Myanmar acting president Senior General Min Aung Hlaing Undergoes emergency spine surgery. Min Aung Hlaing underwent a two-hour emergency spine operation on March 20 in Nay Pyi Taw after nerve compression caused by lumbar spondylosis and spinal stenosis. The procedure lasted two hours and was performed at the Defence Services General Hospital by specialist doctors from India with Myanmar military medical staff. Eleven Myanmar, March 23.

Fuel shortages fail to stop deadly junta airstrikes on civilians. Despite aviation fuel shortages linked to the Middle East war, Myanmar’s regime kept bombing civilian sites across Sagaing Region. Airstrikes hit a monastery sheltering displaced people in Katha, then a monastery and school in Sule Kone Village, causing mass civilian deaths. Further strikes near Min Ywar Gyi and Thaung Gyi villages killed ten more civilians without ground clashes. The Irrawaddy, March 23.

Laos

New vice president elected as Laos confirms top leadership for new term. Laos re-elected President Thongloun Sisoulith, Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone and National Assembly President Xaysomphone Phomvihane for new five year terms as the 10th National Assembly opened in Vientiane. Lawmakers elected Vienthong Siphandone, Sonexay’s older sister and former People’s Supreme Court president, as vice president. Thongsavanh Souvannasane, The Laotian Times, March 23

Philippines

PH deploys vessels to protect fishermen amid reported Chinese harassment in Bajo de Masinloc. The Philippine Coast Guard and Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources sent seven vessels to Bajo de Masinloc after more than 20 Filipino fishing boats reported harassment by Chinese vessels. The patrol secured fishing grounds, distributed fuel, food packs and ice, and launched an aerial surveillance flight. Authorities documented six China Coast Guard ships, 20 maritime militia vessels and one PLA Navy warship near the shoal during the joint mission. Franco Jose C. Baroña, The Manila Times, March 24

Marcos to create crisis committee on food, fuel. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. ordered a crisis committee to keep food and fuel supplies stable as war in the Middle East pushed oil prices higher. Malacañang said the Philippines has enough oil and faces a price disruption, not a supply crisis. The Department of Energy is seeking fuel imports, while labor groups want worker representation and senators are pushing contingency plans, tax relief measures and Senate hearings within two weeks. Kristina Maralit, Bernadette E. Tamayo, and William B. Depasupil, The Manila Times, March 24

Japan set to send combat troops to Philippine exercises, Brawner says. Japan is expected to send combat troops to military exercises in the Philippines this year, replacing its usual role of humanitarian and disaster response trainers, Armed Forces chief Romeo Brawner Jr. said. He linked the plan to rising tensions in the West Philippine Sea and deeper defense ties with Tokyo. Brawner said both countries share goals in security, regional stability and a rules-based order across the region at sea. James Daniel Danio, The Manila Times, March 24.

Indonesia

Indonesia welcomes most advanced warship KRI Prabu Siliwangi-321. Indonesia’s navy received KRI Prabu Siliwangi-321 after the warship arrived from Italy and docked in Lampung for re-equipment. The vessel is due in Jakarta on March 26 for an official welcome. Built by Fincantieri and handed over in Italy in December 2025, it matches KRI Brawijaya-320 in design and stands as the navy’s largest and most advanced warship, with modern technology, advanced weapons systems and strong maneuverability for combat roles. ANTARA News, March 23

Indonesia’s Defense Ministry, military move to cut fuel consumption. Indonesia’s Defense Ministry and military prepared fuel-saving measures to face risks from global oil supply disruptions. Plans include a four-day workweek for some units, tighter use of official vehicles, and priority use of critical defense equipment and transport. Officials said the steps showed preparedness, not emergency conditions, and stressed that national energy reserves remain sufficient as the government weighs a weekly work-from-home scheme after Eid al-Fitr. ANTARA News, March 23

Taiwan

‘Deny, delay, degrade’: Taiwan unveils long-range strategy to hold off PLA in strait. Taiwan’s defence ministry set out a wartime plan to use long-range firepower against People’s Liberation Army forces as they mobilise and cross the Taiwan Strait. The doctrine aims to deny, delay and degrade an assault before troops reach shore by striking amphibious fleets and logistics units. The report surfaced as lawmakers began debate on a NT$1.25 trillion special defence budget. Beijing could also impose a blockade and cut external support. Lawrence Chung, South China Morning Post, March 23

Improving China ties does not mean being anti-US, Taiwan opposition leader says. Kuomintang chair Cheng Li-wun said stronger ties with Beijing do not conflict with support for the United States and argued Taiwan's survival depends on stable relations with China. She defended arms purchases from the United States, rejected claims that her party takes orders from Beijing, and said the time is not ripe to discuss future union. China still refuses contact with President Lai Ching-te and keeps military pressure on Taiwan. Ben Blanchard, Reuters, March 23

Defense minister says cabinet bill more comprehensive than opposition. Defense Minister Wellington Koo said the Cabinet’s NT$1.25 trillion special defense budget is broader than opposition plans because it funds both approved U.S. weapons systems and local production of 200,000 drones and more than 1,000 unmanned surface vessels. He said a multi-year budget would help Taiwan build production lines and strengthen a non-red supply chain, while Kuomintang and Taiwan People’s Party lawmakers backed smaller versions of their own bills. Matt Yu and Joseph Yeh, Focus Taiwan, March 23

Kazakhstan

Tokayev proposes Turkestan as venue for Middle East peace talks. Kassym-Jomart Tokayev called for talks to end the Middle East conflict and offered Turkestan as a neutral venue. He urged a halt to attacks on civilian and economic targets and said further escalation by Iran, the United States, or Israel would help no side. Tokayev cast the city’s religious and historical weight as support for dialogue. The proposal also fits Kazakhstan’s effort to host negotiations between rival powers in crises. Dmitry Pokidaev, The Times of Central Asia, March 23.

Uzbekistan

Mirziyoyev approves Uzbekistan’s green plans to 2030. President Shavkat Mirziyoyev approved ecology and environmental projects for 2026 to 2030 aimed at cleaner air, wider green coverage, stronger environmental education, and anti-desertification research. Plans include automated monitoring, industrial filters, tighter fuel and vehicle standards, restrictions on new greenhouses near Tashkent, and botanical gardens in every region by 2028. Officials target national green coverage of 30% by 2030 and lower PM2.5 and PM10 levels for public health and cities. Uzbekistan Daily, March 23

Uzbekistan explores Gulf cooperation in diplomatic talks. Bahromjon Aloev met diplomats from Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Kuwait to discuss broader cooperation between Uzbekistan and the Arab states of the Persian Gulf. Talks focused on expanding work through the Central Asia-Gulf Cooperation Council Dialogue and covered regional issues, including the conflict in the Middle East. The meeting signaled Uzbekistan’s push to deepen diplomatic engagement with Gulf partners through established multilateral and bilateral channels and forums. Uzbekistan Daily, March 23

Kyrgyzstan

Kyrgyzstan braces for showdown between President Japarov and former security chief Tashiyev. Kyrgyzstan faces rising tension between President Sadyr Japarov and former security chief Kamchybek Tashiyev after Japarov dismissed him, purged allies from state posts, and shifted control of key security bodies to the presidency. Investigators are pursuing corruption claims tied to Kyrgyzneftegaz and Tashiyev’s relatives. Tashiyev returned to Bishkek for questioning and stayed silent in public. The power struggle risks splitting elites, destabilizing the government, and triggering confrontation between men’s supporters. Bruce Pannier, The Times of Central Asia, March 23

East Asia

How China Forgot Karl Marx. China’s growth lifted living standards, but workers’ share of income in the real economy fell as the state held down wage growth and kept the minimum wage low. Low pay helped create huge manufacturing capacity, strong exports, and capital surpluses for firms, investors, and local governments. It also weakened household consumption, led to overproduction, deflation, and trade tensions, and left Chinese labor with a smaller share of gains than owners of capital and the state. The main source of labor extraction is not market freedom but state wage controls that set ceilings without a real floor. A stronger pro-worker model with collective bargaining, social security, and higher wages would support domestic demand and reduce external strain. Yasheng Huang, Foreign Affairs, March 23

ByteDance Is Swallowing the Internet in China and Beyond. ByteDance has grown from a news aggregator into a vast app company with close to 3 billion monthly users across TikTok and Douyin, a strong e-commerce business, a rising advertising position, and China’s most used chatbot. Its content-to-cart model has made Douyin a major retail platform, while Doubao supports cloud and AI expansion. Growth rests on a favorable TikTok deal in the United States and investor faith in its scale. Major limits remain. Rivals control key payments and logistics systems, Beijing distrusts a social media giant with broad influence, and foreign rules on ownership, technology transfer, and copyright complicate global expansion. The Economist, March 23

U.S.-Iran Conflict Disrupts U.S.-China Agenda. Experts at a Macau seminar said the U.S.-Iran war has pushed back Donald Trump’s planned China visit and turned the focus of China-U.S. ties. The delay came from a mix of factors, including China’s wish to avoid a diplomatic bind during U.S. strikes, White House concern over war management, casualties, oil prices, anti-war pressure, and midterm politics. Speakers said the U.S. strategy in the Middle East and Indo-Pacific is linked, so choices on Iran also reflect views on China. A future visit may center on postwar economic issues, energy security, the dollar system, and regional order, rather than trade and Taiwan alone. Continued delay could weaken guardrails and raise risk in Taiwan and technology disputes. Erik Rostad, U.S.-China Perception Monitor, March 23

War in Iran could rewire China’s global role. A drawn-out war with Iran could turn a regional fight into a wider shock for energy prices, trade costs, and finance, with major effects on China. China has buffers in the near term through diverse import routes, large reserves, and an energy transition toward electric vehicles, solar, wind, and storage. Higher oil prices would raise factory and shipping costs, yet imported inflation could also ease deflationary pressure, lift industrial prices, and support profits if price gains stay in check. China may gain supply chain share and attract capital, while renminbi's use in energy trade could widen. Belt and Road projects through Iran face more risk, which raises the case for other routes. Gu Qingyang, ThinkChina, March 23

Redesigning Japan’s Space Security Ecosystem for a Stronger U.S.-Japan Alliance. Space now supports communications, navigation, intelligence, missile warning, and domain awareness across the U.S.-Japan alliance, which makes durable commercial integration a core security task. Japan has built legal and institutional foundations since 2008, yet its market still depends on clear state demand. Comparison with the United States points to reforms in policy, organization, and procurement. Japan should give multiyear demand signals, buy commercial services as repeat services rather than one-off items, and match users with firms through structured dialogue. It should also use its coming consolidation of space functions to sharpen requirements and connect funds, contracts, operations, and renewal. Acting as both anchor tenant and orchestrator would strengthen Japan’s space base and alliance readiness. Manatsu Takada, CSIS, March 23

South Asia

Electrifying Delhi’s Trade Agreements Strategy. India’s electric vehicle transition is tied to a trade strategy that seeks 2030 adoption goals while managing reliance on imported battery cells, critical minerals, and advanced components. Review of agreements with Australia, the European Free Trade Association, the United Arab Emirates, and the United Kingdom shows a model of structured openness that protects finished vehicles while opening parts of the supply chain and expanding rules on investment, standards, and technology cooperation. These agreements support investment and industrial capacity but leave gaps in access to key inputs. Stronger deals with major extraction, refining, and manufacturing partners, plus a two-track approach that separates trusted partners from China-linked supply chains, would help India reduce dependence and build a stronger EV position. Thibault Denamiel, Abhinav Subramaniam, Aryan D’Rozario, and Akanksha Golchha, CSIS, March 23

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Asia Daily: March 24, 2026