China
Trump says he will discuss Taiwan arms sales, case of jailed tycoon Jimmy Lai with Xi. U.S. President Donald Trump said he would discuss Taiwan arms sales and jailed Hong Kong media tycoon Jimmy Lai with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing. Trump said Xi opposed U.S. support for Taiwan’s defense, while aides said the summit signaled no policy change. Trump also said he wanted Lai released and would raise Pastor Jin Mingri’s arrest. Nandita Bose and Kanishka Singh, Reuters, May 11
U.S. issues new sanctions over Iran's oil shipments to China. The U.S. imposed sanctions on three people and nine companies for helping Iran ship oil to China, including firms based in Hong Kong, the United Arab Emirates and Oman. Treasury said the targets helped the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps sell and move oil through front companies, while Scott Bessent said Washington would keep cutting Tehran off from financial networks. Andrea Shalal and Daphne Psaledakis, Reuters, May 11
China's marriages drop to decade low, deepening demographic concerns. China recorded 1.697 million marriage registrations in the first quarter, down 6.2% from a year earlier and roughly half the 2017 level. The decline adds pressure to demographic concerns, with the population falling for a fourth consecutive year in 2025 and the birth rate reaching a record low. Authorities have introduced subsidies, childcare support and measures to reduce childbirth-related medical costs. Farah Master and the Beijing newsroom, Reuters, May 11
U.S. senators urge Trump to 'stand strong' on shipbuilding in talks with Xi. A bipartisan group of U.S. senators urged President Donald Trump not to offer concessions on shipbuilding trade remedies during talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping. The senators said China’s dominance of maritime, logistics and shipbuilding sectors required firm U.S. measures, including port fees and the SHIPS for America Act, to rebuild domestic capacity and protect national security. Andrea Shalal, Reuters, May 11
China's He to hold trade talks with U.S. delegation in South Korea. Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng will lead a delegation to South Korea for trade negotiations with U.S. counterparts on May 12-13. China’s Ministry of Commerce said the talks would follow consensus from prior calls and meetings between the two countries’ top leaders, including their October meeting in Busan, and focus on economic and trade issues of mutual concern. Reuters, May 10
Trump heads to China with Musk, Cook and top CEOs for Xi talks. U.S. President Donald Trump is expected to travel to Beijing with more than a dozen business leaders, including Elon Musk and Tim Cook, for meetings with Chinese President Xi Jinping on May 14 and 15. The delegation spans aviation, technology, banking and social media as Washington seeks trade agreements and management of sensitive goods flows between the two economies. Lucy Quaggin, South China Morning Post, May 11.
South Korea
Main opposition slams gov't for not identifying Iran behind attack on S. Korean vessel. The People Power Party criticized the government for downplaying a strike on the Panama-flagged cargo vessel Namu in the Strait of Hormuz and refusing to identify Iran as responsible. South Korean investigators found two unidentified airborne objects caused an explosion and fire, while Tehran denied military involvement. The vessel had 24 crew members, including six South Koreans, with no casualties reported. Yi Wonju, Yonhap News Agency, May 11
Rival parties spar over gov't response to attack on S. Korean vessel in Hormuz. South Korea’s ruling and opposition parties clashed over the government’s response to the strike on the HMM Namu in the Strait of Hormuz. The People Power Party accused the government of downplaying an Iranian attack and delaying confirmation, while Democratic Party lawmakers warned against hasty conclusions without clear evidence. Investigators found unidentified airborne objects caused the blast, and no injuries were reported among 24 crew members. Yi Wonju, Yonhap News Agency, May 11
North Korea
North Korea turns to China for cement as domestic output falls short. North Korea has increased Chinese cement imports as regional construction projects strain domestic supply. Shipments through Yalu River border crossings have risen, especially for areas where transport costs make domestic cement harder to secure. Chinese cement costs more but is preferred for stronger quality and packaging, while steel and excavation equipment imports have also grown. Seon Hwa, Daily NK, May 11
N. Korea marches in Russia's Victory Day parade in show of military bond: Seoul. South Korea’s unification ministry said North Korea’s first participation in Russia’s Victory Day parade displayed deepening military ties between Pyongyang and Moscow. North Korean troops marched at Red Square carrying their national flag and a Victory Day banner. KCNA said a Korean People's Army combined ground, naval and air forces contingent joined the parade at Moscow’s invitation. Woo Jae-yeon, Yonhap News Agency, May 11
Thailand
Thailand's former PM Thaksin freed from prison. Former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra was released from prison on parole after serving eight months of a one-year sentence. Supporters greeted him outside Bangkok’s Klong Prem prison, and he said he was relieved to be free. His release follows the waning influence of the Shinawatra family after Pheu Thai’s poor election showing and his daughter’s removal as prime minister. Napat Wesshasartar, Reuters, May 11
EM 'mandatory' for Thaksin throughout parole period. Former Thai prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra must wear an electronic monitoring bracelet until Sept. 9 after a Justice Ministry subcommittee upheld the requirement. His parole terms include reporting to Bangkok Probation Office 1 within three days of release, expected monthly reporting, restrictions on leaving the province without permission and a ban on overseas travel while he remains a prisoner on parole. Bangkok Post, May 10
Myanmar
Myanmar regime decries ASEAN ‘discrimination’ after summit snub. Myanmar’s military-backed regime accused some ASEAN members of imposing restrictions and denying equal representation after Min Aung Hlaing was excluded from the May 8 ASEAN Summit in Cebu. The regime defended its December-January elections as free and fair, while ASEAN continued withholding recognition over the junta’s failure to implement the Five-Point Consensus on violence, dialogue and humanitarian access. Maung Kavi, The Irrawaddy, May 11
Laos
Laos eyes China’s Hainan port as new trade gateway. Laos is exploring China’s Hainan province as a maritime trade gateway to expand exports and import raw materials more efficiently. A Lao official said Hainan’s port could support agriculture and logistics under the RCEP framework. The Laos-China Railway is central to the strategy, linking Vientiane to China’s rail network and potentially connecting Lao goods to international shipping routes. Thongsavanh Souvannasane, The Laotian Times, May 11
Cambodia
Cambodia says it closely monitors Thailand’s border fence construction. Cambodia said it was monitoring Thailand’s unilateral border fence construction between markers 52 and 54 to ensure its sovereignty and territorial integrity are respected. A Cambodian official said the relevant border segment had been finalized in 2008, with temporary markers installed by joint teams in 2025. Cambodia previously protested the fence, saying it contradicted the Joint Border Commission mandate. Lay Sopheavotey, Cambodianess, May 11
Philippines
Philippines presidential hopeful Sara Duterte impeached, awaits Senate trial. Philippine lawmakers voted 257-25 to impeach Vice President Sara Duterte, sending her to a Senate trial that could remove her from office and bar her from politics. The complaint accused her of misusing public funds, accumulating unexplained wealth and threatening President Ferdinand Marcos Jr, his wife and a former House speaker, allegations she denies. Karen Lema and Mikhail Flores, Reuters, May 11
Philippines' Duterte ally in standoff with law enforcers after ICC arrest warrant. Philippine Senator Ronald dela Rosa locked himself in his Senate offices after the International Criminal Court unsealed a warrant accusing him of crimes against humanity. Senate allies placed him under protective custody following a brief standoff with law enforcement agents. Dela Rosa, former police chief under Rodrigo Duterte, denied involvement in illegal killings and said any arrest should follow the proper process. Nestor Corrales and Stephanie Van Den Berg, Reuters, May 11
Indonesia
Indonesia expects Russian crude shipment within weeks. Indonesia expects its first Russian crude oil shipment to arrive within one or two weeks after contracts were signed and delivery arrangements neared completion. Energy Minister Bahlil Lahadalia said only shipping technicalities remained. The imports are part of a plan to buy 150 million barrels of Russian crude gradually through the end of 2026 as Jakarta diversifies energy supplies and manages domestic fuel demand. ANTARA News, May 11
Indonesian Navy welcomes nation's first submarine rescue vessel. The Indonesian Navy welcomed KRI Canopus-936, the country’s first submarine rescue vessel, at the Military Seaborne Command pier in Jakarta. Navy Chief of Staff Muhammad Ali said the ship, built through collaboration between Abeking & Rasmussen and PT Palindo Marine, has 60% domestic components and can support underwater search and rescue, seabed mapping, mine detection, patrols and maritime intelligence missions. ANTARA News, May 11
Singapore
PAP, WP take up positions with AI disruption emerging as next possible political battleground. AI-driven labour disruption is becoming a major political issue in Singapore as the PAP government and Workers’ Party offer different responses. The government is building a tripartite approach through NTUC company training committees, a jobs council and skills agency changes, while the WP proposes direct worker entitlements, including graduate apprenticeship subsidies, redundancy insurance and a national AI equity fund. Ng Wei Kai, The Straits Times, May 11
Taiwan
Prosperous Taiwan means moving beyond 'first island chain': KMT chair. KMT Chairwoman Cheng Li-wun said Taiwan should move beyond its Cold War-era role as part of the “first island chain” and pursue regional prosperity. She said peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait appeared more possible after meeting Chinese President Xi Jinping, while U.S. support would remain crucial. Cheng plans to visit the U.S. in early June. Liu Kuan-ting and Chao Yen-hsiang, Focus Taiwan, May 11
Taiwan says it drove away Chinese research ship. Taiwan’s coast guard said it disrupted suspected illegal survey operations by the Chinese research ship Tongji, detected 29 nautical miles southeast of Taiwan’s southern tip. A Taiwanese vessel created wake interference and broadcast orders to expel the ship, which retrieved its instruments and changed course. Taiwan called on China to stop such activities in its waters. Ben Blanchard, Reuters, May 11
China says it won't allow Taiwan to attend WHO's annual assembly. China said it would not allow Taiwan to participate in the World Health Organization’s annual assembly, citing the “One China” principle and U.N. and WHA resolutions. Taiwan said it would still send a delegation to Geneva for side events and meetings with health experts. Taiwan’s government rejected Beijing’s claim to represent the island’s 23 million people. Beijing newsroom and Ben Blanchard, Reuters, May 11
Vatican official making rare trip to Taiwan for Buddhist charity celebrations. Cardinal Peter Turkson, chancellor of the Pontifical Academy of Social Sciences, visited Taiwan for the 60th anniversary of the Buddhist Tzu Chi Foundation. The trip came as the Holy See works to improve ties with China while maintaining formal diplomatic relations with Taiwan. Taiwan’s foreign ministry welcomed the visit as support for religious exchange, human rights, peace and fraternity. Ben Blanchard, Reuters, May 11
Taiwan confident in U.S. ties but hopes for no 'surprises' from Trump's China summit. Taiwan’s foreign minister said the government was confident in stable U.S. ties but hoped President Donald Trump’s summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping would produce no Taiwan-related surprises. Taiwan said it had maintained public and private communication with Washington and noted repeated U.S. statements that its Taiwan policy would not change, while China continued military pressure around the island. Ben Blanchard, Reuters, May 11
Cross-strait ties are ‘not state-to-state’, KMT vice-chair tells senior Beijing official. KMT vice-chairman Chang Rong-kung told Beijing’s top Taiwan affairs official that mainland China and Taiwan do not have state-to-state relations. Chang said people on both sides are culturally Chinese and belong to one family, adding that the existing legal framework recognizes only one China. The Beijing summit focused on shared culture, cross-strait exchanges and possible consultation mechanisms. Phoebe Zhang, South China Morning Post, May 11
India
Modi urges limits on fuel use, travel and imports to save forex. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged fuel conservation, work-from-home practices, public transport use, carpooling and limits on non-essential overseas travel as global energy prices pressured foreign exchange reserves. He also asked people to avoid buying gold, reduce cooking oil consumption and cut fertilizer use, framing the measures as ways to save foreign exchange and conserve fuel. Praveen Paramasivam and Saurabh Sharma, Reuters, May 10
Kazakhstan
Kazakhstan sees no major risks from UAE exit from OPEC+. Kazakhstan does not expect major economic disruption after the United Arab Emirates withdrew from OPEC and OPEC+, Deputy Prime Minister Serik Zhumangarin said. He said analysts remain cautious about predicting a price war, and Kazakhstan’s government has prepared scenarios including oil at $50 per barrel. Astana can adjust budget spending if market conditions deteriorate. Dmitry Pokidaev, The Times of Central Asia, May 11
Tajikistan
Tajikistan’s Rahmon seeks deeper economic ties during China visit. Tajikistan’s President Emomali Rahmon traveled to Beijing to deepen economic ties with China, now Tajikistan’s largest trading partner. More than 700 Chinese-capital companies operate in Tajikistan, and Chinese investment accounted for about 12.5% of nearly $7 billion in foreign investment last year. More than 50 Tajik-Chinese company agreements were signed, with projected investment exceeding $8 billion. The Times of Central Asia, May 11
Turkmenistan
Washington meets Ashgabat as Turkmen-American Business Cooperation Association debuts. The Turkmen-American Business Cooperation Association launched in Washington with support from Turkmenistan’s embassy and participation from U.S. officials, diplomats and more than 50 Turkmen and American companies. The group aims to expand bilateral trade, improve market access and build partnerships across sectors including energy, transport, agriculture, renewables and manufacturing, while promoting private-sector ties independent of government efforts. Javier M. Piedra, The Times of Central Asia, May 11
East Asia
China’s Next-Generation Industrial Policy. China’s industrial policy is expanding from targeted sectors into inputs, services, mature industries, and frontier technologies. Beijing is directing capital, procurement, subsidies, and state firms toward self-reliance and global supply chain control. The strategy strengthens Chinese trade dominance, deepens foreign dependence on Chinese inputs, and pressures advanced and emerging economies. Fiscal strain, weak demand, and poor capital allocation may limit growth gains. Camille Boullenois, Malcolm Black, Alessia Caruso, Rhodium Group, May 11
A Confident Beijing Welcomes President Trump. Beijing enters Trump’s visit with confidence rooted in technological gains, improved leverage against U.S. pressure, and stronger ties with other governments. Chinese officials believe rare earth controls, tariff disputes, and Washington’s narrow focus on commercial deals have strengthened Beijing’s position. Yet China faces weak demand, unemployment, fiscal strain, political unease, and limited foreign goodwill, leaving both Xi and Trump convinced they hold stronger cards. Scott Kennedy, CSIS, May 11
The Stakes of Trump vs. Xi. Trump and Xi enter their Beijing summit with broad personal authority and competing ambitions for U.S.-China relations. The meeting could shape technology competition, Taiwan, regional security, and global alignment. Trump’s improvisational style and mixed signals create uncertainty over whether Washington will confront Beijing or accept accommodation. Xi brings planning, discipline, and confidence. Allies will study tone, omissions, and outcomes for signs of leverage or concession. Kurt M. Campbell, Foreign Affairs, May 11
China’s new ethnic unity law codifies its assimilationist shift. China’s Law on Promoting Ethnic Unity and Progress gives legal form to a shift from regional autonomy toward assimilation under a Party-defined Chinese nationality. The law preserves ethnic categories and autonomous regions while expanding Mandarin instruction, Party control, infrastructure, labor migration, and market integration. Its language of modernization frames non-Han cultural and linguistic distinctiveness as barriers to development, raising questions about resistance, estrangement, or identification. Brian Spivey, East Asia Forum, May 11
China wants more robots but not fewer workers. China is expanding autonomous delivery vans, robotaxis, and drones while trying to avoid job losses among drivers. Qingdao shows rapid deployment, but traffic jams, technical failures, and licence suspensions limit growth. Officials see business delivery roles as easier to automate because many workers are older and poorly paid. Ride-hailing and consumer delivery jobs pose greater risks, prompting firms such as Meituan to retrain workers for drone operations. The Economist, May 11
What Shapes Germany’s Perceptions of China. German perceptions of China have moved from hopes for political reform to admiration for economic growth, then to concern over geopolitics and competition. COVID-19, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, China-Russia ties, and economic rivalry reshaped public opinion. U.S. tariff pressure and weaker transatlantic confidence have softened views of Beijing, but limited Chinese soft power and low public knowledge continue to constrain any broader improvement. Jonathan Lehrer, China Observers, May 11
China’s Malacca Dilemma, After Hormuz. China’s oil vulnerability lies less in warships than in insurance, sanctions, and dollar finance. The Hormuz blockade showed that war-risk premiums can halt shipping without a naval interdiction. Malacca remains vital because most Chinese oil imports pass through it, yet Taiwan conflict could threaten every route if insurers reprice China-bound cargo. Stockpiles, pipelines, rerouting, and shadow fleets cannot remove exposure to Western financial systems. Chee Meng Tan, Foreign Policy, May 11
Southeast Asia
Why the Strait of Malacca is not another Hormuz. The Strait of Malacca differs from Hormuz in geography, strategy, and local incentives. Hormuz is the sole maritime route to the Persian Gulf, while ships can bypass Malacca through Sunda, Lombok, or routes around Indonesia. Malaysia, Singapore, and Indonesia have no reason to close the strait because trade benefits them. U.S.-China conflict would more likely involve tariffs, sanctions, offshore blockades, and naval contests elsewhere. John F. Bradford, ThinkChina, May 11
A Very Stable Summit: Southeast Asia’s Best Hope for the Trump-Xi Meeting. Southeast Asia’s best outcome from the Trump-Xi meeting is a calm extension of the trade truce rather than a dramatic breakthrough. Tariffs, technology, critical minerals, Iran, and Taiwan will shape talks, but structural disputes will remain. A stable result would reduce pressure on ASEAN states and give them space to diversify trade, investment, technology, and market access beyond both powers. Stephen Olson, FULCRUM, May 11
South Asia
The Gulf crisis reveals Nepal’s dependency trap. Nepal’s dependence on remittances and Gulf routes has become a source of economic exposure during the Iran war. Remittances support households and account for a large share of GDP, but conflict threatens worker earnings, fuel costs, flights, and tourism. Nepal needs domestic job creation, safer labor corridors, stronger worker protections, better tourism strategy, prudent reserves, and investment channels that turn remittance inflows into productive capital. Brabim Karki, Nikkei Asia, May 11