China
China’s ‘two sessions’: Premier Li Qiang delivers 2026 government report. China’s National People’s Congress opened as Premier Li Qiang delivered the annual work report, with U.S. President Donald Trump expected to visit China March 31 to April 2. Draft goals for the 15th five-year plan include high-level tech self-reliance, a GDP growth target of 4.5% to 5%, a 4% deficit ratio, and 7% defence budget growth. Beijing plans a Middle East envoy and cadre appraisal metrics beyond GDP. Jane Cai, Holly Chik, Orange Wang, Cici Cao, Josephine Ma, Phoebe Zhang, Luna Sun, Xinlu Liang, Alcott Wei, Amber Wang, Laura Zhou, South China Morning Post, March 5
‘Two sessions’, two paths: China prioritises AI integration amid US tech rivalry. China is pushing open-source artificial intelligence to speed integration across healthcare, energy and transport, while U.S. firms keep paid, closed models that can slow deployment. The contrast is shaping priorities for Beijing’s annual legislative meetings and the next five-year plan. DeepSeek’s open-source release shifted global perceptions of China’s AI capacity. Anthropic accused DeepSeek, Moonshot and MiniMax of extracting Claude capabilities. Victoria Bela, South China Morning Post, March 4
China to support Hong Kong's integration with country's overall development. China’s government work report said Beijing will strengthen governance of Hong Kong under the rule of law and support Hong Kong and Macau in integrating with national development. The language signaled emphasis on legal oversight and alignment with national priorities. The statement was included in the annual report released for the National People’s Congress. Beijing newsroom and James Pomfret, Reuters, March 5
Japan
Indonesian President Prabowo looks to visit Japan at end of March. Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi is arranging a Tokyo summit with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto at the end of March. Japan wants to reinforce support for a free and open Indo-Pacific as China seeks more influence in ASEAN. The leaders are expected to discuss maritime security, defense equipment aid, patrol boats, critical goods supply chains, and Indonesia’s role in Iran mediation. Kyodo News, March 4.
Japan to boost Pacific defenses at Iwoto island to counter China. Japan’s Defense Ministry will strengthen its air base on Iwoto to address a Pacific surveillance gap as China expands military activity beyond the second island chain. Plans include runway and port upgrades, a pier for large vessels, and fighter deployment. The ministry will launch a Pacific defense initiative office in April. Volcanic damage and wartime remains on the island complicate work. Mizuki Sato and Daisuke Yajima, The Asahi Shimbun, March 4.
South Korea
Appeal hearings begin in ex-South Korea President Yoon's obstruction case. Seoul High Court opened an appeal in the obstruction case against former President Yoon Suk Yeol, who received a five-year prison term for blocking his arrest after his December 2024 martial law bid. Prosecutors said the sentence is too lenient and sought 10 years. Yoon’s lawyers argued the warrants were invalid and asked for acquittal. A lower court sentenced him to life for insurrection. Joyce Lee, Reuters, March 4
Rival parties expected to pass U.S. investment bill on March 12. South Korea’s ruling Democratic Party and the main opposition People Power Party agreed to pass a special U.S. investment bill without delay, with a vote expected by March 12. The measure would carry out Seoul’s investment pledges to Washington under last year’s trade deal. Both sides cited national interest and warned that delay could trigger strong U.S. retaliation. Yi Wonju, Yonhap News Agency, March 4
DP to meet business leaders over Middle East crisis. South Korea’s main opposition Democratic Party will meet business leaders to assess the fallout from the U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran. Lawmakers from foreign affairs, trade, and finance committees will hear from major exporters, energy firms, and trade bodies about conditions in the Middle East and concerns over tariff negotiations with Washington. The Korea Composite Stock Price Index fell 12.06 percent in one day. Shim Sun-ah, Yonhap News Agency, March 4
Ex-President Moon set to visit U.S. for discussions on inter-Korean ties. Former South Korean President Moon Jae-in will visit the United States at the invitation of RAND Corp. and the Pacific Century Institute. He is scheduled to give a keynote speech and join a roundtable on inter-Korean relations and the global order. Moon will also visit the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and tour the Lane Victory, linked to the Hungnam evacuation. Yi Wonju, Yonhap News Agency, March 5
North Korea
N. Korea holds Cabinet party committee meeting to advance congress decisions. North Korea’s Cabinet held an expanded Workers’ Party committee meeting to carry out decisions from the ninth party congress and a follow-up central committee session. Premier Pak Thae-song presided over the meeting. State media said participants approved measures to implement new five-year goals. Party secretary Ri Yong-sik called for stronger political leadership to boost economic development and improve living standards. Park Boram, Yonhap News Agency, March 5
N. Korea’s Kim oversees strategic cruise missile test from new destroyer. Kim Jong-un oversaw a test launch of sea-to-surface strategic cruise missiles from the new destroyer Choe Hyon, according to KCNA. He inspected the warship over two days and called the launch a key measure of its operational capability. North Korea unveiled the 5,000-ton multipurpose destroyer in April last year as part of its push to strengthen naval power. Kim Soo-yeon, Yonhap News Agency, March 4
Thailand
Thai poll body certifies election results, clearing path for new parliament. Thailand’s Election Commission certified 499 of 500 seats from the Feb 8 vote, starting a 15-day clock for the new House to convene and elect a prime minister. Results show Bhumjaithai won 191 seats, People’s Party 120, Pheu Thai 74, and Kla Tham 58. Bhumjaithai plans a coalition with Pheu Thai and smaller parties. Turnout was 71.42%, with 246 complaints under review. Panarat Thepgumpanat and Panu Wongcha-um, Reuters, March 4
Myanmar
Junta forms multilingual propaganda body to counter independent media. Myanmar’s junta created a new body to publish Burmese, English, Chinese, and Russian information sheets and social media content to counter independent media and opposition criticism. Led by Deputy Defense Minister Aung Myo Thant, it will distribute material to embassies and military attachés, promote the regime’s policies, and monitor criticism in real time. Maung Kavi, The Irrawaddy, March 4
Myanmar junta chief’s ‘eyes and ears’ Ye Win Oo promoted to army leader. General Ye Win Oo, a close aide to Min Aung Hlaing and chief of military intelligence, was promoted to army chief before the regime shifts power to a civilian government under military control. The move fueled speculation that he could become commander-in-chief if Min Aung Hlaing becomes president. His rise follows a reshuffle among senior officers and suggests the junta leader prefers personal loyalty over seniority. Maung Kavi, The Irrawaddy, March 4
Myanmar junta to ration fuel for private vehicles, blaming Middle East shipping disruptions. Myanmar’s junta will start fuel rationing for private vehicles on March 7, citing Middle East conflict and blocked oil shipments. An even-odd system will limit driving by license plate number, while electric vehicles and motorcycles are exempt. Authorities warned against hoarding and resale at high prices. Supply disruption has hit imports from Singapore and Malaysia, caused shortages in Yangon and Myawaddy, and pushed residents to buy fuel across the border. Reuters, March 4
Laos
Fifth Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge generates LAK 47.5 billion in first month of operation. The 5th Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge generated more than LAK 47.5 billion in state revenue in its first month after opening on Dec. 27, 2025. Authorities set a 2026 target of LAK 350 billion. More than 6,800 entries and 7,500 departures were recorded. The bridge links Laos and Thailand on a key route to Vietnam, though checkpoint services still face operational gaps. Phoudasack Vongsay, The Laotian Times, March 4
Cambodia
Hun Many calls for peace with Thailand, urges protection of Preah Vihear Temple. Hun Many urged Cambodia and Thailand to settle disputes through diplomacy, citing Hun Sen’s “tongue and teeth” analogy and rejecting clashes. At National Culture Day in Phnom Penh, he said Cambodia will defend its territory despite lacking a military edge. He asked the culture ministry to launch urgent plans to restore and protect Preah Vihear Temple, engage UNESCO, and compile evidence for international legal accountability. Chhuon Kongieng, Cambodianess, March 4
Philippines
Philippines apprehends Filipino nationals suspected of spying for China. Philippine authorities detained Filipino nationals suspected of working for Chinese intelligence, calling the case a national security matter and citing confessions and cooperation. Security sources said at least three people were involved, including a former defence ministry staffer who provided South China Sea and alliance information for pay between 2023 and 2025. Lawmakers are drafting new espionage and foreign interference laws to cover peacetime and cyber threats. Karen Lema, Reuters, March 4
Philippine lawmakers advance impeachment of Vice President Duterte. A House committee ordered Vice President Sara Duterte to answer impeachment complaints after finding substance to claims of misuse of public funds and threats against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. Conviction in a Senate trial would remove her and bar holding office again. Her defence team said it will respond through constitutional processes. Four complaints were filed, with one dismissed under the one-year rule and another withdrawn. Mikhail Flores, Reuters, March 4
Indonesia
President Prabowo expresses condolences to Iran over death of Khamenei. Foreign Minister Sugiono delivered a letter from President Prabowo to President Masoud Pezeshkian expressing Indonesia’s condolences over Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s death in the U.S.-Israeli attack. Sugiono told Iran’s ambassador that Indonesia urges respect for international law and the UN Charter. ANTARA News, March 4
Discussions with Board of Peace 'on hold' due to Iran war, Indonesia says. Indonesia’s foreign minister Sugiono said talks on Trump’s Gaza Board of Peace are paused as focus shifts to the Iran war after the Strait of Hormuz closed. Critics and Muslim groups urged Jakarta to quit. The Ulema Council backed withdrawal, while Nahdlatul Ulama urged using the seat to press Israel and the United States to halt violence. Indonesia is preparing 1,000 troops for a Gaza force. Stanley Widianto, Reuters, March 4
Malaysia
Malaysia anti-graft agency probing government deal with chip firm Arm Holdings. Malaysia’s anti-graft agency is investigating corruption and fraud allegations linked to a 1.1 billion ringgit deal between the government and Arm Holdings. Chief commissioner Azam Baki said 12 people have been called for statements, including a former minister and officials from the economy ministry and the investment agency. Investigators are examining Sunway’s proposed takeover of IJM Corp alongside issues of abuse of power and governance under the same wider probe. Danial Azhar and Rozanna Latiff, Reuters, March 4
Govt confident PM 10-year term limit bill will pass when retabled in June, says Fadillah. Deputy Prime Minister Fadillah Yusof said Malaysia’s government expects the constitutional amendment limiting a prime minister to 10 years to pass when retabled in June. He said most absent lawmakers support the bill and only one lawmaker opposed it. The measure won 146 votes, two short of the required two-thirds majority. Malay Mail, March 5
Taiwan
TPP, KMT to announce joint policy platform on March 13, Huang says. Taiwan’s TPP and KMT will unveil a joint policy platform on March 13 as the first step toward formal cooperation before the November 2026 local elections, Huang Kuo-chang said. The platform will cover social welfare, housing justice, environmental sustainability, and industrial development. The parties plan a written agreement by late March and aim to avoid splitting opposition votes in mayoral and local council races. Chen Chun-hua and Matthew Mazzetta, Focus Taiwan, March 4
Nepal
Nepal to vote in first election since Gen Z-led protests toppled government. Nepal heads to a March 5 general election after September protests against corruption and job shortages that killed 77 people and forced a government resignation. Voters will choose a 275-seat legislature with 165 district seats and 110 proportional seats. One million new voters were added, many youth. Rastriya Swatantra Party candidate Balendra Shah challenges veteran K.P. Sharma Oli and other established parties. Gopal Sharma and Saurabh Sharma, Reuters, March 4
Kazakhstan
Kazakhstan approves national biodiversity conservation strategy for 2026-2035. Kazakhstan approved a national biodiversity strategy for 2026 to 2035 that sets targets for protected land, forest coverage, wildlife monitoring, fish and plant conservation, and biodiversity data systems. Protected areas are set to rise from 31 million to 33.2 million hectares by 2035, while forest cover is targeted to increase from 13.9 million to 14.7 million hectares. Ayana Birbayeva, The Astana Times, March 4
Turkmenistan
Turkmenistan opens additional crossings as Uzbekistan evacuates citizens from Iran. Turkmenistan opened four additional crossings on its border with Iran to help foreign citizens leave as fighting disrupts air travel. Uzbekistan deployed diplomats and official vehicles to the Sarakhs crossing and had repatriated 13 citizens by March 4. Russia directed citizens to the route. The added checkpoints expand a land corridor linking Iran to Central Asia and may ease pressure on routes through Azerbaijan. Stephen M. Bland, The Times of Central Asia, March 4
Kyrgyzstan
UK and Kyrgyzstan expand financial cooperation. Kyrgyz officials met British banks, investors, and business groups in London to expand banking and investment ties. Deputy Economy Minister Mederbek Tumanov presented macroeconomic performance, fiscal policy, and structural reforms while seeking a stronger sovereign credit rating and lower borrowing costs. Talks focused on a predictable regulatory environment and potential projects in critical minerals, financial market development, and banking cooperation. British delegates expressed interest in deeper investment ties. The Times of Central Asia, March 4
East Asia
In taking H200 chips, Beijing balances self-reliance goals with AI growth. Beijing has given limited approval for imports of Nvidia H200 chips while keeping its push for domestic AI chips from firms such as Huawei and Cambricon. The H200 is far more powerful than the H20 and supports Chinese groups building large AI models. Beijing approved Alibaba, ByteDance, and Tencent to order about 400,000 H200 chips in January. Smaller firms are being steered toward local suppliers. Chinese industry figures note that domestic chips do not yet meet demand for top model developers. Export shipments have also faced extra US security reviews, which leaves policy uncertainty in place. Wendy Chang, MERICS, March 4
AstraZeneca’s R&D bet makes China a pharma innovation hub. AstraZeneca said in January that it will invest USD 15 billion in Chinese research and production through 2030, placing China alongside the US and Europe as a core innovation hub. The move contrasts with new US and EU efforts to protect biotech sectors and limit Chinese roles in research. Chinese media view the plan as proof of China’s rise in global pharma innovation. AstraZeneca will have two strategic labs in China, two in the US and two in Europe, and China staff is set to reach 20,000, above US and UK totals, despite China contributing about 12 percent of global sales. The investment also deepens local partnerships, including large licensing deals with CSPC Pharmaceuticals. Jeroen Groenewegen-Lau, MERICS, March 4
UBTech: Humanoid robots for the future of manufacturing. Shenzhen-based UBTech is gaining attention outside China for industrial and service robots, including its Walker S2 humanoid. The company said in January 2026 that the latest model reaches at most half of human worker efficiency, which shows the technology is still in a prototype stage. Partnerships with Airbus and Texas Instruments are focused on testing and early use cases in aircraft assembly and chip plants. UBTech may also build a reciprocal supply chain link as it uses TI components in its robots. Walker S2 features include wide rotation, a dual-loop AI system, binocular stereo vision, and automatic battery swapping. UBTech aims for 80 percent of human productivity by 2027 and an annual output of 10,000 units. Altynay Junusova, MERICS, March 4
Science funding call provides insight into China’s AI priorities. A National Natural Science Foundation of China project call shows priority for applying AI to scientific discovery and for linking AI with real-world research problems. Chinese AI thinkers present science as a testbed for artificial general intelligence, and proposals for the 15th Five-Year Plan call for an AI-led shift in research methods. About half of this year’s project categories match that goal, including generative AI for complex fusion reactor design and a platform for biological components that tolerate extreme environments. Grant sizes of about EUR 240,000 to EUR 600,000 per project sit within a long-term effort that includes large models, compute clusters, and multiple programs in strategic fields. Rebecca Arcesati, MERICS, March 4
China’s Japan Moment: Why Beijing’s Next Few Years Could Decide a “Lost Decade”. China faces a Japan-style risk as an export and investment model meets tariff pressure, weak demand, and a property crisis. The text draws a parallel with Japan after the Plaza Accord, when rate cuts fed asset bubbles, zombie firms, and long stagnation. China shows similar strains in yuan debate, Evergrande’s collapse, and debt tied to local government financing vehicles. Property holds about 70% of household wealth and LGFV debt is estimated near 50% of GDP. Beijing has favored debt support and project completion over restructuring, while consumption growth slowed to 1.3%. Falling long bond yields and trade pressure raise the risk of overcapacity under a policy that leans on industrial expansion rather than consumption and reform. Arnav Singh, Sino-Southeast Initiative, March 4
The enduring logic of US Taiwan policy. US policy on Taiwan moved from wartime plans to return Taiwan to China toward a position that Taiwan’s status remains undetermined and should be resolved through cross-strait negotiations. The framework separates Beijing’s One China principle from the US One China policy, which recognizes the PRC government and acknowledges Beijing’s claim over Taiwan without adopting it. The policy supports dual deterrence, rejects US mediation, warns against concessions during a Trump visit to Beijing, and is presented as a net success that helped preserve peace and protect space for Taiwan’s democracy. Richard C. Bush and Ryan Hass, Brookings, March 4
Threat and Opportunity: Chinese Public Views on the United States. China Pulse survey data from late 2025 and early 2026 shows low Chinese views of the United States and a rise in threat perception. Feeling thermometer scores fell from 37 to 34 out of 100 and the share calling the United States a national security threat rose from 61% to 73%. Respondents who saw a threat ranked Taiwan and trade as the main risks, while fewer cited US culture or political values. At the same time, majorities identified mutual interests in trade, global security, technological innovation, and public health. Education ranked low as a shared interest at 29%. On visas, 40% favored matching US restrictions on Chinese students and workers with limits on Americans in China. Nick Zeller, U.S.-China Perception Monitor, March 4
China needs a more ambitious growth target. China is expected to set a 2026 growth target of 4.5 to 5 percent, but that range is too low and will cap efforts to revive demand. Persistent deflation over three years signals output below potential and higher debt strain, weaker room for monetary easing, and muted price signals. Based on recent prices and capacity use, growth above 5.3 percent would be needed in 2026 to close the gap. A higher target need not rely on wasteful investment because stronger social spending and a fiscal backstop for housing could lift household confidence and consumption. The cost of slow growth includes joblessness among young urban workers. The Economist, March 4
The identity crisis of Japan's 'centrist' opposition. Japan’s new Centrist Reform Alliance suffered a crushing defeat after a rushed merger between the Constitutional Democratic Party and Komeito, while Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi led the LDP to a two-thirds lower house landslide. The alliance won 49 seats against a pre-election total of 167. The merger aimed to capture moderate voters and Komeito’s support base, but it blurred policy differences with the LDP and left many voters unsure what the political center meant. Younger voters in survey research placed greater weight on generational and economic divides than on right-left labels. The alliance faces subsidy cuts, weaker parliamentary tools, and an opposition field split across several rival parties. Linda Sieg, Nikkei Asia, March 4
Southeast Asia
Thailand’s split-ticket election exposes party weakness. Thailand’s 8 February 2026 election split constituency and party-list outcomes, with Bhumjaithai winning the largest bloc through single-member districts while the People’s Party remained strongest at the party level. The result points to candidate-centered politics and weak party institutionalization more than pure strategic voting. In constituencies that changed party control, 39 per cent were incumbents who switched parties, and political families held about 20 per cent. Bangkok showed strong People’s Party brand power, while Buriram showed Bhumjaithai machine strength through local networks that outperformed party-list support. Post-2017 institutions have rewarded local targeting and weakened incentives for national programmatic party voting. Aim Sinpeng, East Asia Forum, March 4
Nickel nationalism holds back Indonesia’s clean tech ambitions. Indonesia’s 2020 ban on unprocessed nickel exports triggered smelting and processing investment with growth and labor gains in Sulawesi and Maluku, but clean technology outcomes remain weak. EV exports reached about US$12 million in 2024, far below Thailand and Vietnam, and battery exports rose from US$9 million in 2021 to almost US$600 million in 2024 but trailed Malaysia and Singapore. A nickel-first strategy and strict localization rules tie policy to one segment and can raise costs, delay scale, and deter investors seeking flexible export hubs. Political support endures because the model preserves rents for extractive interests and coal-linked networks. Broader gains require technology-neutral incentives, predictable rules, and lower coal dependence. Riandy Laksono, East Asia Forum, March 4
Vietnam’s Gaza Board of Peace Gambit: To Lam’s Confident New Foreign Policy. Vietnam’s entry into the Gaza Board of Peace shows a change in statecraft under To Lam from cautious consensus toward top-down risk-taking. Hanoi keeps support for Palestinian statehood and a two-state solution, but the move served political and economic aims at home and in Washington. The decision came before a party congress and helped project foreign policy authority. Hanoi frames participation around peacekeeping, aid, and reconstruction, while avoiding the initiative’s USD1 billion membership cost. The trip created access to Donald Trump during trade talks as Vietnam faced tariff pressure despite record exports and a large surplus with the United States. Hoang Thi Ha, FULCRUM, March 4
South Asia
How India Can Supercharge Its Development. India is moving toward broader economic partnerships after US tariff pressure, with new deals with the European Union and others marking a move away from reliance on Washington. Joining the CPTPP is presented as a way to escape the middle-income trap, deepen regional supply chain integration, expand exports, and drive domestic reform needed to compete with China. The bloc’s rules on market access, labor, investment, services, and intellectual property would force difficult changes. Major obstacles include farm tariff cuts, limits on support for state firms, and doubts from members after India left RCEP talks. A staged path is proposed through gap analysis, observer status, early sector cooperation, and transition periods. James Crabtree and Jayant Sinha, Foreign Affairs, March 4
Hindu Nationalism Takes a New Form in Nepal. Calls to restore Nepal’s monarchy and end secularism gained force before the March 5 election as Hindu nationalist symbols and networks linked to India’s BJP spread in the southern borderlands. The vote follows a Gen Z uprising against corruption, a deadly crackdown, and an interim government with a mandate for fresh elections. Former king Gyanendra has reentered public politics and draws organized crowds, but interviews in Janakpur show stronger support for a Hindu state than for royal restoration. The monarchist RPP remains weak, while the RSP channels anti-incumbent anger through a younger image. The bigger risk is a legitimacy crisis and wider Hindu supremacist pressure on religious minorities. Ben Dunant, Foreign Policy, March 4