China
U.S. House foreign affairs chair warns AI sales to China could make America a ‘loser’. House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Brian Mast warned that selling advanced AI chips to China could undermine U.S. security and help Chinese firms with military-civil fusion links. His comments followed U.S.-China agreement to discuss AI governance after President Donald Trump’s Beijing visit, and came amid debate over Nvidia H200 export approvals and tighter allied semiconductor controls. Dewey Sim, South China Morning Post, May 19
China's top flash-memory chipmaker YMTC begins pre-IPO coaching with investment bank. Yangtze Memory Technologies has begun formal pre-IPO tutoring with CITIC Securities ahead of a possible stock market listing. YMTC remains central to China’s effort to build a foothold in memory chips despite U.S. trade restrictions. The company has expanded domestic equipment use, runs two factories producing 200,000 wafers monthly, and plans a third Wuhan facility. Pan Che, Eduardo Baptista, Shi Bu, and Ryan Woo, Reuters, May 19
Chinese aircraft carrier kicks off drills in western Pacific amid tense Japan ties. China’s Liaoning-led carrier task group began western Pacific drills involving far-sea tactical flight, live-fire exercises, and support and cover operations. Beijing called the training routine, while Japan complained about limited notice and accused Chinese J-15 fighters of locking fire-control radar on Japanese F-15s near Okinawa. The drills come amid worsening China-Japan tensions over Taiwan and expanding Chinese military activity near Japan. Albee Zhang, South China Morning Post, May 19
China and U.S. to hold dialogue on AI governance, Beijing confirms. China confirmed that Beijing and Washington will hold formal dialogue on AI governance after President Donald Trump and President Xi Jinping had constructive exchanges during Trump’s state visit. Both sides discussed guardrails, best practices, and preventing non-state actors from accessing powerful AI models, though earlier talks produced no major agreements or detailed cooperation plans. Meredith Chen, South China Morning Post, May 19
Russian leader Vladimir Putin arrives in China just days after Donald Trump’s visit. Russian President Vladimir Putin arrived in Beijing for his 25th visit to China, four days after President Donald Trump’s trip, with talks aimed at deepening the China-Russia comprehensive partnership. Putin received a formal welcome from Foreign Minister Wang Yi and is scheduled to meet President Xi Jinping as the countries mark the 25th anniversary of their friendship treaty. Alyssa Chen, South China Morning Post, May 19
Japan
Japan economy grows for 2nd straight qtr in Jan.-March, before Iran impact. Japan’s economy grew an annualized real 2.1% in January-March, marking a second straight quarterly expansion before the Middle East conflict’s full impact was felt. Growth was supported by exports, private consumption, and business investment, while economists warned that higher crude oil prices could weigh on corporate profits, consumer spending, and future growth. Kyodo News, May 19
Takaichi, Lee forge energy pact amid uncertainty in Middle East. Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and President Lee Jae-myung agreed in Andong to strengthen energy cooperation as Middle East instability threatens supply chains. The pact covers Indo-Pacific energy resilience, enhanced stockpiles, and a system for sharing crude oil and petroleum-related products. The leaders also affirmed cooperation on artificial intelligence, economic security, and mutually beneficial bilateral ties. Ryo Aibara, The Asahi Shimbun, May 19
South Korea
Unification ministry defends white paper against criticism over 'two-state' language. South Korea’s unification ministry defended its white paper’s “two-state” language as an implementation strategy for peaceful coexistence with North Korea, not legal recognition of Pyongyang as a state. The ministry said the approach respects North Korea’s system and de facto statehood while preserving the goal of eventual unification under existing policy. Chae Yun-hwan, Yonhap News Agency, May 19
PPP slams unification ministry’s reference to Koreas as ‘two-state relationship’. South Korea’s opposition People Power Party criticized the unification ministry’s white paper for describing inter-Korean ties as a “two-state relationship.” PPP lawmakers said the language could be interpreted as recognizing North Korea as a separate state and violating constitutional provisions on national territory and peaceful unification. They also objected to the term “North Korean-born citizens” for defectors. Yi Wonju, Yonhap News Agency, May 19
Lee, Takaichi agree to boost cooperation in supply chains, procurement of crude oil, LNG. President Lee Jae Myung and Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi agreed in Andong to expand cooperation on supply chains, crude oil, and LNG amid Middle East instability. The leaders discussed LNG cooperation, crude oil information sharing, stockpiling, possible energy swaps, artificial intelligence, economic security, bilateral security cooperation, and trilateral coordination with Washington. Park Boram, Yonhap News Agency, May
Thailand
Thai cabinet approves more than $6 billion in new borrowing to finance subsidy scheme, officials say. Thailand’s cabinet approved 200 billion baht in new borrowing to fund a consumer subsidy scheme aimed at easing cost-of-living pressures from the Middle East war. The program will cover about 43 million people from June to September, offering 1,000 baht per person monthly and subsidizing 60% of selected goods, capped at 200 baht per day. Kitiphong Thaichareon, Orathai Sriring, and Chayut Setboonsarng, Reuters, May 19
Court delays election case. The Central Criminal Court for Corruption and Misconduct Cases postponed a hearing on alleged election misconduct involving barcodes and QR codes on ballot papers from the Feb. 8 general election. The case accuses Election Commission officials of enabling ballots to be traced and verified. The plaintiff must review the EC’s clarification and submit objections within 15 days before the Aug. 11 hearing. Bangkok Post, May 19
Thaksin faces tax pressure. The People’s Network for the Reform of Thailand and allied groups petitioned Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and the finance minister to urgently enforce a tax collection case against former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra tied to the 17.6 billion baht Shin Corp share sale. Protesters warned the state could lose revenue if enforcement drags on until the mid-2027 deadline. Mongkol Bangprapa, Bangkok Post, May 19
Bhumjaithai to submit charter draft on Wednesday. Bhumjaithai will submit a constitutional draft to parliament as a new attempt to produce a charter by 2030. The party says Chapters 1 and 2, covering Thailand’s state structure and royal prerogatives, are nonnegotiable. Its plan would create a drafting committee, give senators a key role in selecting 100 drafters, and require upper-house support for any charter to advance. Apinya Wipatayotin, Bangkok Post, May 19
Myanmar
Myanmar military builds new pipeline to recruit high school students. Myanmar’s military plans to open Youth Education Training Schools in Naypyitaw and Yemon for Grade 10-12 civilian students aged 16 to 19. Defectors and education experts said the program is designed to indoctrinate teenagers and create a new recruitment pipeline as the regime struggles to replenish its ranks. The schools offer food, lodging, allowances, and routes to officer or senior NCO training. The Irrawaddy, May 19
Philippines
Marcos to tackle security in meeting with Japanese prime minister. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. plans to discuss stronger security cooperation with Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi during his state visit to Japan, focusing on maritime order, gray-zone tactics in the South China Sea, and broader support for Asean. Marcos cited the new cross-servicing agreement, Japan’s Balikatan 2026 participation, and further exercises, exchanges, and interoperability. Kristina Maralit, The Manila Times, May 19
House impeachment prosecutors unafraid of next elections. House prosecutors in Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment trial said they are not worried about political consequences in the next elections. San Juan City Rep. Ysabel Zamora said the panel is fulfilling its constitutional duty as prosecutors, congressmen, and constituency representatives, and expressed confidence that the public and senators will assess the evidence. Reina C. Tolentino, The Manila Times, May 19
Indonesia
Indonesian authorities using online disinformation campaigns to target critics, Amnesty says. Amnesty International said Indonesian authorities, including the military, used coordinated online disinformation to label activists and journalists as “foreign agents” and suppress dissent. The campaigns, allegedly amplified by accounts linked to military units and Prabowo Subianto’s Gerindra party, contributed to threats, violence, and intimidation against critics. Amnesty also faulted social media platforms for weak moderation. Ananda Teresia, Reuters, May 19
Indonesia signed letter but made no commitment to U.S. on airspace access, defence minister says. Indonesia’s Defence Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin said he signed a letter of intent with U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on possible U.S. military aircraft access to Indonesian airspace but made no commitment. Sjafrie said the document emphasized territorial integrity, local law, and any future mechanism if Jakarta agreed, while broader defence cooperation includes military modernization and training. Stanley Widianto, Reuters, May 19
Indonesia secures US$60.3 million trade deals at China food expo. Indonesia secured seven trade agreements worth a potential US$60.3 million at the SIAL food and beverage trade fair in Shanghai, exceeding its US$30 million target. Products on display included CPO derivatives, bird’s nests, frozen durian, seaweed, chips, dried tempeh, and coffee. Officials said China remains a strong market for Indonesian agricultural, food, and value-added exports. ANTARA News, May 19
Ex-deputy minister regrets ‘only taking a small amount’ after 5-year sentence demand. Former Deputy Manpower Minister Immanuel Ebenezer Gerungan criticized prosecutors’ five-year prison demand in his corruption and extortion trial over occupational health and safety certifications. He questioned sentencing disparities with other defendants, noted that he had returned Rp 3 billion, and said he would prepare a personal defense. Prosecutors are also seeking Rp 1.4 billion in restitution. Jakarta Globe, May 19
Malaysia
Malaysia seeks more than $250 million from Norway over axed defence deal. Malaysia is seeking more than 1 billion ringgit from Norway after Oslo revoked export approvals for a naval strike missile system intended for Malaysian combat ships. Defence Minister Mohamed Khaled Nordin said Malaysia had already paid 95% of the contract value and would seek compensation for direct costs, replacement work, dismantling, and retraining. Rozanna Latiff and Gwladys Fouche, Reuters, May 19
Taiwan
Taiwan's delegation felt pressure from China during WHA events: Minister. Health Minister Shih Chung-liang said Taiwan’s delegation in Geneva appeared to face monitoring and pressure from China during World Health Assembly side events. Shih said like-minded countries still supported Taiwan’s participation, but attendance at a Taiwan Night event was lower. Taiwan held forums on healthcare resilience, smart healthcare, cancer prevention, and hepatitis C treatment. Chen Chieh-ling, Shen Pei-yao, and Lee Hsin-Yin, Focus Taiwan, May 19
Taiwan 'cautiously optimistic' about U.S. arms sales, defence minister says. Taiwan Defence Minister Wellington Koo said Taipei remains cautiously optimistic about U.S. arms sales after President Donald Trump said he had not decided on new weapons packages. Koo said U.S. policy toward Taiwan remains unchanged, arms sales are vital to stability in the Taiwan Strait, and China is the side undermining the status quo through military pressure. Ben Blanchard, Reuters, May 19
Taiwan says China's military actions are greatest source of regional instability. Taiwan Premier Cho Jung-tai said China’s military activity in the Taiwan Strait, the Indo-Pacific, the South China Sea, and around Japan is the region’s main source of instability. Taiwan reported another Chinese combat readiness patrol near the island, while China said its Liaoning carrier group entered the Western Pacific for live-fire and other drills. Yimou Lee, Ben Blanchard and Faith Hung, Reuters, May 19
India
Italy and India set to upgrade ties during Modi’s visit to Rome. Italy and India plan to elevate ties to a special strategic partnership during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Rome. Modi and Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni are expected to adopt a joint declaration, pursue annual summits, target €20 billion in bilateral trade by 2029, and sign agreements on maritime transport, agriculture, higher education, critical minerals, museums, and financial crime. Angelo Amante, Reuters, May 19
India, Nordic nations upgrade ties with green tech, def focus. India and the Nordic countries upgraded relations to a green technology and innovation strategic partnership at the third India-Nordic summit in Oslo. The sides agreed to leverage India-EU and India-EFTA trade frameworks, expand climate action, Arctic cooperation, talent mobility, and defence industrial collaboration, and deepen university, laboratory, and start-up links. Nordic leaders also backed India’s permanent membership in a reformed U.N. Security Council. The Times of India, May 19
Kazakhstan
Kazakhstan signals nuclear diplomacy role as Iran uranium dispute intensifies. Kazakhstan is positioning itself as a possible technical partner if Iran nuclear talks shift to handling enriched uranium. President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev said Astana is ready to assist if international agreements are reached, drawing on Kazakhstan’s disarmament record, past role in Iran nuclear diplomacy, IAEA uranium bank, and experience managing sensitive nuclear material. Aliya Haidar, The Times of Central Asia, May 19
Kazakhstan reshapes education system to meet industrial and labor market needs. Kazakhstan is restructuring education to address labor shortages, crowded schools, and mismatches between graduates’ skills and economic needs. Reforms include tighter enrollment management, expanded technical and vocational training, AI pilots in schools, more state grants for engineering fields, university funding tied to rankings and employment, and a planned entrance exam focused on analytical skills. The Times of Central Asia, May 19
Uzbekistan
Uzbek-Afghan-Pakistan transit corridor making progress. Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Uzbekistan have reached a conceptual agreement on a transit corridor linking Uzbekistan to Arabian Sea ports, with a feasibility study and survey work underway. Uzbek officials said the route through Afghanistan to Karachi and Gwadar is preferable to an Iran route amid regional uncertainty. Financing, mountainous terrain, Taliban reliability, and Afghan-Pakistani tensions remain major obstacles. Eurasianet, May 19
Kyrgyzstan
Japarov calls for support of Kyrgyzstan’s bid for UN Security Council seat. President Sadyr Japarov urged support for Kyrgyzstan’s candidacy for a 2027-2028 non-permanent U.N. Security Council seat, arguing that small, developing, and landlocked states remain underrepresented. He said Kyrgyzstan would promote preventive diplomacy, mediation, nuclear disarmament, climate-security work, and attention to Afghanistan while maintaining a balanced, non-bloc foreign policy. The Times of Central Asia, May 19
In Asia, geopolitics has moved onto the deal sheet. Asian investment deals now face national security scrutiny once centered in Washington. China blocked US-linked capital from Manus, while Japan opposed MBK Partners’ Makino Milling acquisition over defense technology concerns. These cases show that governments can restrict transactions even when no law is broken. Private equity and venture capital firms must assess geopolitical risk, exit limits, supply chain exposure, and state priorities before closing deals. Steven Okun and Derek Grossman, Nikkei Asia, May 19
East Asia
Signals to China from U.S. and Russia. Trump’s visit to China and Putin’s overlapping trip show major powers seeking a limited buffer against miscalculation without changing competitive structures. Washington aims to stabilize economic ties, manage technology disputes, and buy time for adjustment, while Moscow seeks deeper ties with Beijing against external pressure. China serves as a stabilizing anchor, but Taiwan, alliances, Ukraine, Iran, arms control, and zero-sum thinking constrain any lasting accommodation. Xiao Bin, CHINA US Focus, May 19
Trump-Xi summit: Why China scored the bigger strategic win. Xi’s “constructive strategic stability” framework shaped the summit and gained White House acceptance, giving Beijing a strategic edge despite modest results. Trump secured Boeing, agriculture, beef, and poultry commitments suited to his domestic agenda, while Xi used pageantry and leader-level diplomacy to frame China as a steady peer power. The summit set a floor for ties, guided bureaucracies, and let Beijing hedge through ties with Russia and the Global South. Dylan Loh, ThinkChina, May 19
Washington Might Be Ready to Bargain With Beijing. The Trump-Xi summit may mark a change from anger toward bargaining in US-China relations. Trump gained limited trade and investment processes, while Xi pushed “constructive strategic stability” to buy time and shape managed competition. Both powers are reducing dependence, rewiring supply chains, and testing rules for trade, AI, technology, Taiwan, and security. The outcome may become a fragile “cold peace” rather than renewed integration. Robert A. Manning, Foreign Policy, May 19
China and America: Advancing Through Stability. Trump’s state visit to China marks a reset toward “constructive strategic stability” after years of rivalry over tariffs, Taiwan, export controls, and security. Both governments seek to avoid military conflict, expand trade, and manage economic frictions through councils, procurement, and reciprocal tariff reductions. Taiwan remains the central risk, while military dialogue and business engagement are framed as conditions for durable stability and future cooperation. Zhao Minghao, CHINA US Focus, May 19
Will Taiwanese accept Xi Jinping’s version of ‘One China’? Polling after Cheng Li-wun’s meeting with Xi Jinping shows Taiwanese voters separate the 1992 Consensus from Beijing’s “one country, two systems” framework. Forty-seven percent are unclear about the consensus, while support for Cheng’s “oppose Taiwanese independence” framing clusters among KMT and TPP voters. Most respondents, including many who support engagement with China, reject Beijing’s preferred formula and see dialogue as a status quo tool. Lev Nachman and Wei-Ting Yen, Brookings, May 19
Trump-Xi summit leaves Taiwan independence camp on edge. Trump’s post-summit warning against Taiwan independence unsettled the DPP and raised doubts about US support in a cross-strait crisis. His silence on Taiwan in Beijing, praise for Xi, and suggestion that arms sales could serve as bargaining chips exposed Taipei’s dependence on US-China dynamics. Lai Ching-te sought to define his position as defending the Republic of China and preserving the status quo. Chuang Hui Liang, ThinkChina, May 19
The northbound drift: Hong Kong’s quiet exodus to the Greater Bay Area. High living costs and better transport links are driving more Hong Kong residents to Shenzhen, Zhongshan, Guangzhou, and other Greater Bay Area cities for retirement, work, and long-term living. Retirees gain larger homes, lower expenses, familiar services, and expanded healthcare access, while younger workers use mainland cities for lifestyle and business opportunities. The change pressures Hong Kong retail, housing demand, and policy planning. Tai Hing Shing, ThinkChina, May 19
South Korea needs partnerships to secure its economic lifelines. Ongoing Middle East instability exposes South Korea’s dependence on Gulf hydrocarbons and secure transit through the Strait of Hormuz. With US guarantees narrowing and the Namu-ho attack showing direct risk to Korean assets, Seoul must expand maritime security cooperation with Japan and the European Union. Escort operations, deterrence, information sharing, demining, and joint response protocols would protect energy flows while meeting alliance burden-sharing expectations. Donggak Heo, East Asia Forum, May 19
Southeast Asia
The Trump-Xi Summit: What It Means for Southeast Asia and South Asia. The Beijing meeting delivered limited stability without major agreements. Southeast Asian and South Asian governments avoided a trade deal that excluded them, but remained alarmed over Iran, energy shortages, rare earth controls, artificial intelligence rivalry, and China’s regional power. Leaders feared Trump’s warmer posture toward Xi could weaken U.S. pressure in the South China Sea, sideline regional views, and leave economies exposed to recession, inflation, supply shocks, and tariff risks. Joshua Kurlantzick, Council on Foreign Relations, May 19
Southeast Asia’s Grok bans were too little, too late. Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines blocked Grok after regulators linked the chatbot to sexualized deepfakes, including child images, but the bans targeted access after harm had spread. The episode shows that AI regulation must reach production and amplification, not just networks. Vietnam’s binding AI law and Singapore’s agentic AI framework point toward stronger controls, including labeling, local accountability, risk taxonomies, evaluations, and cross-border incident reporting. Nuurrianti Jalli, East Asia Forum, May 19
Indonesia’s downstreaming risks a green dependency trap. Indonesia’s nickel downstreaming strategy seeks to capture more value from mineral processing, but current projects risk locking the country into dependence on Chinese technology, imported inputs, coal-powered smelters, and weakening nickel demand. Lithium iron phosphate batteries are gaining ground without nickel, while pollution, tax incentives, profit repatriation, and ratings concerns limit gains. Stronger technology transfer, partner diversification, research investment, and environmental standards are needed to build lasting capability. Althof Endawansa, East Asia Forum, May 18
France-Philippines New Defence Agreement: A Pivotal Step? France and the Philippines signed a Status of Visiting Forces Agreement that deepens defense cooperation, expands French troop access, and supports Manila’s maritime deterrence. The pact reflects shared Indo-Pacific interests, backing for UNCLOS, and Philippine plans to modernize external defense. Despite Manila’s energy-driven outreach to Beijing, the agreement strengthens interoperability, naval engagement, and negotiating leverage against maritime coercion in the West Philippine Sea. Matteo Piasentini, FULCRUM, May 19