China
Trump heads to Beijing seeking stability in high-stakes Xi talks. U.S. President Donald Trump departed for Beijing for two days of talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping aimed at stabilizing relations amid disputes over trade, Taiwan and global security. Trade is expected to dominate, with Washington seeking Chinese purchases of U.S. goods and Beijing seeking relief from technology restrictions. Senior officials and business executives joined the trip. Teresa Elena Frontado, South China Morning Post, May 12
U.S. defence secretary joins Trump on China trip in rare diplomatic move. U.S. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth joined President Donald Trump’s state visit to China, becoming the first American defence chief in decades to accompany a sitting president on such a trip. The visit comes as Washington and Beijing compete over military power, AI and trade, with tensions also involving the South China Sea, Taiwan, Iran and the Strait of Hormuz. Yuanyue Dang, South China Morning Post, May 12
U.S. Treasury's Bessent arrives in South Korea for trade talks with China's He ahead of leaders’ summit. U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent arrived in South Korea for trade talks with Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng before President Donald Trump’s summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing. The discussions are expected to prepare for leader-level talks on trade, investment forums, possible Chinese purchases of U.S. goods and Beijing’s concerns over semiconductor export curbs. Heejin Kim, Brenda Goh and Kyu-seok Shim, Reuters, May 13
Japan
Japan, U.S. confirm close coordination on currency after intervention. Japanese Finance Minister Satsuki Katayama and U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent agreed to maintain close coordination on currency movements after Japan intervened to slow the yen’s depreciation. They also discussed China’s export controls on critical minerals, supply chain resilience and AI-related cybersecurity risks ahead of the Trump-Xi summit in Beijing. Kyodo News, May 12
Takaichi orders price-hike review but rules out fiscal measures. Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi directed her government to consider new responses to price increases driven by Middle East instability, while rejecting immediate calls for a supplementary budget or nationwide conservation measures. She said existing gasoline subsidies remained in place, electricity and gas rates were not expected to rise immediately, and officials would prepare for scenarios involving sharper price pressures. Mika Kuniyoshi, The Asahi Shimbun, May 12
South Korea
Special counsel seeks 4-yr prison term for ex-President Yoon in ‘free opinion poll’ case. A special counsel team sought a four-year prison term for former President Yoon Suk Yeol over allegations that he received 58 opinion poll results worth 270 million won free of charge from political broker Myung Tae-kyun. Prosecutors said the polling services were tied to assistance in candidate nominations and also sought forfeiture and a three-year sentence for Myung. Kim Han-joo, Yonhap News Agency, May 12
Lee to meet Bessent to discuss tariffs, U.S.-China summit. President Lee Jae Myung will meet U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent to discuss U.S. tariffs, global supply chain stability and other pending issues between Seoul and Washington. Lee will also meet Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng, while Bessent and He are scheduled for high-level trade talks before the Trump-Xi summit in Beijing. Kim Han-joo, Yonhap News Agency, May 12
North Korea
North Korea's Kim inspects munitions factories, urges modernisation and efficiency gains. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un inspected several munitions factories and called for modernising production systems, strengthening quality controls and improving efficiency. State media KCNA said the push was intended to reinforce the country’s military capabilities, with Kim’s visit taking place on Monday and reported on Wednesday. Kyu-seok Shim, Reuters, May 12
N. Korea's largest labor group holds 1st congress in 5 years. North Korea’s General Federation of Trade Unions of Korea held its first congress in five years, elected new leadership and discussed rule amendments. State media said the Workers’ Party-affiliated group called for implementing the country’s five-year economic development plan. Ri Won-jong was elected chairman, and the party urged workers to reject “reactionary ideology and culture.” Kim Soo-yeon, Yonhap News Agency, May 13
Vietnam
Vietnam state oil company urges U.S. Navy to allow tanker through blockade, document shows. Vietnam’s state oil trading arm urged the U.S. Navy to let a tanker carrying 2 million barrels of Iraqi crude pass through a Middle East Gulf blockade. PVOIL said the cargo was critical for Nghi Son Refinery, where low feedstock inventories could threaten refinery operations and affect consumers, businesses and public services. U.S. Central Command said forces redirected the vessel under blockade enforcement. Florence Tan, Jonathan Saul, Phil Stewart, Timothy Gardner and Idrees Ali, Reuters, May 12
Thailand
People’s Party leader calls for swifter action on charter, pensions. People’s Party leader Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut urged the government to act this week on constitutional amendment drafts, pension calculation rules and seven pending bills. He said cabinet delays could weaken public trust, restart key legislative processes and leave millions of insured workers waiting for Social Security Fund pension changes under the CARE formula. Aekarach Sattaburuth, Bangkok Post, May 11
EC grilled on approving barcodes for vote. Former election commissioner Somchai Srisutthiyakorn and data expert Thuntee Sukchotrat requested Election Commission documents on barcode and QR code systems used in Feb. 8 ballots. They questioned whether the system was formally approved, whether procurement records authorized it and whether safeguards protected voter privacy amid concerns ballots could be traced to individual voters. Bangkok Post, May 12
Myanmar
India launches UN peacekeeping course for Myanmar troops as civilian toll mounts. India opened its ninth UN peacekeeping officer course for Myanmar servicemen in Naypyitaw, training 30 army, navy and air force officers through May 22. The program, India’s second in Myanmar since the 2021 coup, began as regime forces continued attacks in resistance-held areas. Critics noted the contradiction between training on civilian protection and ongoing military strikes on civilians. Maung Kavi, The Irrawaddy, May 12
Myanmar regime bans six media outlets in first month of ‘civilian’ rule. Myanmar’s military-backed administration revoked the publishing licenses of six media outlets in its first month, continuing restrictions on independent media despite claiming civilian rule. The Information Ministry cited content harmful to national security, the rule of law and public peace. Media figures said the bans showed the regime’s unchanged hostility to press freedom after years of arrests, office raids and license revocations. Myo Pyae, The Irrawaddy, May 12
Cambodia
Hun Sen urges Cambodia to avoid maritime talks with Thailand. Acting Head of State and Senate President Hun Sen urged Cambodia’s government to avoid bilateral negotiations with Thailand over maritime disputes and proceed through mechanisms under the 1982 UNCLOS. He said Thailand’s cancellation of the MOU 2001 dismantled the previous bilateral framework, leaving international legal channels as the legitimate path forward. Meng Seavmey, Cambodianess, May 12
Cambodian parliament passes military conscription law. Cambodia’s National Assembly unanimously approved changes to the military conscription law, paving the way for mandatory service from 2026. The revised law lowers the maximum age for compulsory service from 30 to 25 and extends service for men from 18 to 24 months, while women remain voluntary. It now goes to the Senate for final approval. Sao Phal Niseiy, Cambodianess, May 12
Philippines
Philippines drug war enforcer urges president to not hand him over to ICC. Philippine Senator Ronald dela Rosa urged President Ferdinand Marcos Jr not to transfer him to the International Criminal Court, while saying he was ready to face justice domestically. Dela Rosa remained under Senate protective custody after the ICC unsealed a warrant accusing him of crimes against humanity. Police said no arrest order had been received, while the government said it could act if Interpol requested enforcement. Karen Lema, Nestor Corrales, Noel Celis, Adrian Portugal, Martin Petty and Raju Gopalakrishnan, Reuters, May 12
Palace hopes for ‘fair’ impeachment trial vs Duterte. Malacañang said it hoped senators would act as fair judges in Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment trial amid public concern over recent Senate leadership changes. Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said the case was now in the Senate’s hands and reiterated that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. would not interfere in the proceedings. Catherine S. Valente, The Manila Times, May 12
Marcos not shutting doors on ICC return. Malacañang said President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. was not closing the door to the Philippines rejoining the International Criminal Court, despite previously saying the country would not return as a member-state. The issue resurfaced after the ICC confirmed an arrest warrant for Sen. Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa over his role in Rodrigo Duterte’s drug war. Kristina Maralit, The Manila Times, May 12
Taiwan
Taiwan, Wyoming sign MOUs on nuclear reactors, carbon capture. Institutions from Taiwan and Wyoming signed MOUs on carbon capture and sequestration technologies and small modular nuclear reactors. Wyoming Governor Mark Gordon said the partnership could help power AI demand and support net-zero goals. President Lai Ching-te said the agreements involved the University of Wyoming, National Central University, the National Atomic Research Institute and the Industrial Technology Research Institute. Sean Lin, Focus Taiwan, May 12
Taiwan president thanks U.S. for help in strengthening defences. Taiwan President Lai Ching-te thanked the U.S. for helping strengthen Taiwan’s defence capabilities and said the island would not bow to pressure ahead of a Trump-Xi summit in Beijing. In a video message to the Copenhagen Democracy Summit, Lai called Taiwan a sovereign, independent nation and said no effort to isolate it would change its determination to engage internationally. Stine Jacobsen and Ben Blanchard, Reuters, May 12
China ramps up rhetoric to attack Paraguay president's Taiwan visit. China intensified criticism of Paraguayan President Santiago Pena’s visit to Taiwan, calling him and his colleagues “pawns” of separatist forces. Paraguay is among 12 countries with formal diplomatic ties to Taiwan, and Pena praised the relationship as rooted in freedom and democracy. Beijing urged Paraguay to switch recognition to China, while Taiwan rejected China’s claim that it has no statehood rights. Ben Blanchard, Reuters, May 12
Kyrgyzstan
Kyrgyzstan charges ousted ex-security boss with coup plot, lawyer says. Kyrgyz authorities charged eight people, including former security chief Kamchybek Tashiev, with plotting to seize power from President Sadyr Japarov. Tashiev’s lawyer said the trial would be held behind closed doors with reporting banned. The charges carry up to 20 years in prison and could raise instability risks in a country with a history of protest-driven leadership changes. Aigerim Turgunbaeva and Felix Light, Reuters, May 12
Kyrgyzstan’s industrial output rises as employment falls. Kyrgyzstan’s industrial production rose more than sixfold over 15 years, reaching about $9.1 billion in 2025, while industry’s GDP share fell to 17.7% and employment dropped to 144,000 workers. Manufacturing remains the sector’s backbone, but high-tech industries remain underdeveloped and winter electricity shortages continue to limit energy-intensive projects and investment. Times of Central Asia, The Times of Central Asia, May 12
Trump-Xi Meeting
High ceremony, low expectations as Trump meets Xi in Beijing. Trump’s three-day state visit to China centers on trade, technology, Taiwan, Iran, and symbolic diplomacy with Xi. Beijing and Washington prepared ceremonies, bilateral talks, a Temple of Heaven visit, a banquet, and working sessions, but expectations for major breakthroughs remain limited. US officials seek Chinese purchases of aircraft, beef, soybeans, and energy, while Beijing stresses Taiwan as its core interest. Sim Tze Wei, ThinkChina, May 12
China’s Rare-Earth Card Looms Over Trump-Xi Summit. China’s control of rare earth processing and magnet production gives Beijing leverage before Trump’s summit with Xi. US efforts to diversify through stockpiles, investments, mining deals, and partnerships have not removed exposure to Chinese supply chains. Heavy rare earths remain a defense vulnerability as the Iran war strains munitions. Japan’s long struggle to reduce dependence shows how slow resilience can be. Christina Lu, Foreign Policy, May 12
Trump and Xi need to master a new art of the deal. Trump and Xi face pressure to stabilize an adversarial relationship through a Beijing summit with modest trade gestures, Taiwan language, and Iran talks. China may offer soybean and aircraft purchases while seeking tariff relief and symbolic gains on Taiwan. Durable bargains remain out of reach because distrust runs high, but frequent summits could help restrain competition and prevent crisis between the two powers. Minxin Pei, Nikkei Asia, May 12
China is pushing Donald Trump for concessions on Taiwan. China is pressing Trump to soften US language and actions on Taiwan before his Beijing visit. Beijing wants Washington to oppose Taiwanese independence, avoid support for peaceful reunification language, and slow arms sales. Middle East deployments and weapons shortages are straining America’s ability to arm Taiwan. Taipei fears rhetorical concessions would imply Taiwan is negotiable, weaken morale, and aid China’s pressure strategy. The Economist, May 7
What Happened to Trump the China Hawk? Trump heads to Beijing in dealmaking mode after years of hawkish China policy, with optics, business announcements, and praise for Xi expected to frame the visit. China’s rare earth controls, Trump’s centralized decision-making, Middle East demands, and interest in economic stability have muted hard-line advisers. The summit may extend détente while Washington seeks supply chain resilience and Beijing seeks restraints on new pressure. Rishi Iyengar, Foreign Policy, May 12
East Asia
Chinese Hegemony Might Be Happening. Trump’s policies may ease China’s path toward Asian dominance by weakening US science, green technology, alliance management, diplomacy, and military focus. Tariffs alienated partners and failed after China used rare earth leverage. The Iran war consumed attention, moved forces from Asia, depleted weapons stocks, and damaged trust among allies facing higher energy costs. China still has limits, but US missteps make balancing harder. Stephen M. Walt, Foreign Policy, May 12
China Is Squandering a Golden Opportunity. Trump’s return has weakened US influence and created openings for China, yet Beijing has gained little from the disruption. Its diplomacy has reach but lacks impact, its soft power remains weak, and its military cannot project force far beyond its borders. Economic strength gives China leverage in many regions, but Europe, Africa, the Middle East, India, and Southeast Asia continue hedging against both powers. David Shambaugh and Steven F. Jackson, Foreign Affairs, May 12
Silence for Sale. News extortion in China persists as social media accounts and media actors threaten companies with damaging coverage unless paid to stay silent. A Zhejiang IPO case showed how firms fear scrutiny before listings. State reports blame online bad actors, but the deeper problem lies in a controlled media system where exposure and silence become traded resources, public interest lacks protection, and political power shapes journalism. David Bandurski, China Media Project, May 12
Southeast Asia
Even In a Historic Energy Crisis, ASEAN Fails Again. ASEAN leaders met in Manila during an energy crisis caused by disruptions to Gulf supplies from the Iran war, with fuel shortages, blackouts, rationing, and weaker growth forecasts across Southeast Asia. Member states failed to agree on a petroleum reserve, LNG coordination, renewable energy cooperation, Myanmar measures, or progress on trade, digital governance, climate finance, and South China Sea disputes, exposing paralysis from consensus rules. Joshua Kurlantzick, Council on Foreign Relations, May 12
Greasing the wheels of Indonesia’s Zero ODOL policy. Indonesia plans to enforce its Zero ODOL truck policy from 2027 to reduce road damage, accidents, delays, and high logistics costs. Overloading persists because operators compete on price and users seek cheap transport. Digital weigh-in-motion systems, unified violation data, electronic ticketing, and shared accountability could strengthen enforcement. Short-term costs may raise prices, but phased support, fleet renewal, and logistics integration can produce gains. Lucky Christ Nugroho, East Asia Forum, May 12
The Negeri Sembilan Saga Exposes Political Fault Lines. Negeri Sembilan’s crisis tested Malaysia’s PH BN unity bargain after fourteen UMNO BN assembly members withdrew support from Chief Minister Aminuddin Harun during a dispute over royal and adat authority. Perikatan Nasional offered backing to BN, creating a possible alternative majority. UMNO leaders contained the revolt, but the episode showed how state grievances, coalition leverage, and anti hopping law limits can unsettle federal stability. Sze Fung Ng, FULCRUM, May 12
South Asia
India’s nuclear gamble meets institutional reality. India’s SHANTI Bill opens nuclear energy to private ownership, operation, equipment manufacturing, and decommissioning while granting statutory status to the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board. The reform seeks capital and technology for a 100 gigawatt target by 2047, including small modular reactors. Weak liability rules, limited parliamentary scrutiny, waste governance gaps, and uncertain revenue support threaten safety, accountability, public trust, and investor confidence. Mahesh Ganguly, East Asia Forum, May 12