China
Pope prays for Chinese Catholics to be in communion with Rome in first comments on thorny issues. Pope Leo XIV called for prayers for Chinese Catholics to remain united with the Vatican, addressing the longstanding division between the state-controlled church and the underground community loyal to Rome. His remarks coincided with a feast day established to support China’s Catholic faithful. As the first American pope, Leo faces key decisions on renewing the Vatican’s 2018 agreement with Beijing on bishop appointments, an accord criticized for undermining papal authority. Speaking from his Vatican window, Leo emphasized Gospel witness and unity amid trials. Nicole Winfield, AP News, May 25
Japan
Trump touts "partnership" between Japan's Nippon Steel, U.S. Steel. President Donald Trump endorsed a proposed partnership between Nippon Steel and U.S. Steel, forecasting 70,000 jobs and a $14 billion economic boost. Despite earlier national security concerns and President Biden’s 2024 order blocking the acquisition, Trump’s support signals a policy reversal following a renewed federal review. Both companies praised the decision, which keeps U.S. Steel's headquarters in Pittsburgh. The deal had stirred debate during the election and raised diplomatic considerations, with Trump discussing it directly with Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba. KYODO NEWS, May 25
Japan, U.S. eye summit in June, hope for "productive" tariff talks. Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba and U.S. President Donald Trump agreed to consider a bilateral summit in June during the G7 in Canada, with both leaders expressing hope for progress in preceding ministerial-level tariff negotiations. The discussion, initiated by the U.S., focuses on mutual benefits and stronger economic cooperation. Japan continues to push for the removal of U.S. tariffs, including a 25% car import duty and additional steel and aluminum levies, citing concerns for its export-dependent economy. Ishiba also acknowledged Trump's recent Middle East diplomatic tour. KYODO NEWS, May 23
South Korea
DP's Lee vows 'pragmatic' diplomacy, to solidify 3-way cooperation with U.S., Japan. South Korean presidential candidate Lee Jae-myung pledged to pursue pragmatic diplomacy centered on national interests, aiming to reinforce the South Korea-U.S. alliance and trilateral cooperation with Japan. He emphasized resolving historical tensions with Japan through a future-oriented approach and managing relations with China more stably. Lee also proposed support for Ukraine’s reconstruction and closer coordination with the U.S. on North Korea’s nuclear threats. He vowed to restore inter-Korean communication, increase human rights efforts, and bolster national defense through extended deterrence and a three-axis military system. Chae Yun-hwan, Yonhap News Agency, May 26
Judges nationwide meet to discuss controversy over Lee's election law violation case. South Korean judges convened at the Judicial Research and Training Institute in Goyang to address the fallout from the Supreme Court’s recent decision to return presidential candidate Lee Jae-myung’s election law violation case to a lower court. The Supreme Court found errors in Lee’s 2021 acquittal for allegedly making false statements, prompting criticism from Lee’s Democratic Party, which denounced the timing as election interference. With 88 of 126 delegates present, the judges debated motions emphasizing judicial independence and public trust, possibly preparing an official response to the controversy. Lee Haye-ah, Yonhap News Agency, May 26
U.S. calls for resolution of non-tariff barrier issues in latest trade consultation with S. Korea. In recent working-level talks, the U.S. urged South Korea to address non-tariff barriers identified in the 2025 National Trade Estimate Report, including restrictions on U.S. beef, automotive emissions rules, defense offsets, and pharmaceutical pricing. South Korea, seeking relief from steep U.S. tariffs imposed during the Trump administration, indicated some issues may require legislative procedures. Discussions also covered Google’s map data request and approval of U.S.-grown GMO potatoes. The resolution of key issues is expected to be deferred until after South Korea’s upcoming presidential election. Kim Na-young, Yonhap News Agency, May 26
North Korea
N. Korean TV drama criticizing farm officials sparks mixed reactions among viewers. The North Korean drama A New Spring in the Field of Manchurian Cranes has drawn widespread attention for portraying corrupt farm officials who exaggerate achievements while neglecting farmers. While the show reinforces state messaging from the 2022 “Exaggeration Prevention Act,” viewers interpret it in divergent ways. Some praise its realism and critique of self-serving bureaucrats, while others argue it unfairly scapegoats officials pressured by the regime's unrealistic demands. The drama, though intended to boost morale and discipline during the planting season, has inadvertently deepened public frustration with systemic failures. Lee Chae Eun, Daily NK, May 25
North Korea detains 4 officials over the failed launch of a naval destroyer. North Korea has detained four officials following the failed launch of a 5,000-ton-class naval destroyer, which capsized during a ceremony attended by Kim Jong Un. The incident, deemed a major embarrassment, occurred in Chongjin and was attributed to negligence involving a transport cradle. Kim labeled the failure a “criminal act” and condemned the involved parties for carelessness. Detained individuals include a vice director of the munitions department and three senior figures at Chongjin Shipyard. Despite official claims of minor damage, external analysts suggest the destruction was likely more extensive. Hyung-Jin Kim, AP News, May 25
Vietnam
France, Vietnam set to sign dozens of deals as Macron visits Hanoi. French President Emmanuel Macron began his Southeast Asia tour in Hanoi, marking the first French presidential visit to Vietnam in nearly ten years. Accompanied by business leaders, Macron is expected to oversee around 30 agreements spanning aviation, nuclear, renewables, and defense. His visit occurs amid rising U.S.–EU trade tensions and pressure on Vietnam to favor American imports. European officials have urged Vietnam to avoid concessions harmful to EU interests, especially as Vietnam mulls major Boeing purchases. Talks with Airbus, including satellite deals and potential A330neo deliveries to VietJet, are advancing. Francesco Guarascio, Phuong Nguyen, The Star, May 26
Myanmar
Has the Revolutionary Spirit Gone? Shan Armed Forces in Crisis as Public Doubts Grow. Once symbols of resistance, Shan armed groups now face deepening public disillusionment amid prolonged silence and internal strife. As Myanmar endures continued military rule, the Shan public questions the relevance and purpose of groups like the SSPP and RCSS, which are increasingly viewed as disconnected from their founding ideals. Infighting, failed ceasefires, and power struggles have eroded faith, especially among youth who now advocate for political activism over armed struggle. Calls are growing for generational unity and leadership renewal to rescue the Shan movement from fading into irrelevance. Nang Seng Nom, The Irrawaddy, May 24
Indonesia
Prabowo welcomes Premier Li at Merdeka Palace, showing close relations. President Prabowo Subianto formally received Chinese Premier Li Qiang at Jakarta’s Merdeka Palace. The visit featured ceremonial honors, including an honor guard, a cavalry escort, and a 19-cannon salute. Students waving both nations’ flags lined the streets from Monas to the palace. After the welcome ceremony, the leaders conducted a bilateral meeting to reinforce cooperation in strategic sectors. Key Indonesian officials, including economic and defense ministers, attended the event. ANTARA News, May 25
Malaysia
46th Asean Summit key platform for boosting regional cooperation, says PMO. The 46th Asean Summit, hosted by Malaysia, is positioned as a central forum for addressing political-security, economic, and socio-cultural developments across the region. Leaders will tackle major challenges including territorial disputes, humanitarian crises, trade tensions, and digital transformation. Malaysia aims to strengthen Asean’s inclusivity and resilience, aligned with its 2045 vision. The summit also includes the 2nd Asean-GCC Summit and the inaugural Asean-GCC-China Summit, focusing on free trade, education, sustainability, and connectivity. The Star, May 26
Singapore
PM Wong to attend Asean Summit in Kuala Lumpur from May 26 to 27. Prime Minister Lawrence Wong will attend the 46th Asean Summit in Kuala Lumpur, his first regional meeting since Singapore's May 2025 general election. The summit, themed “Inclusivity and Sustainability,” will address regional integration, digital and green economies, and geopolitical tensions. ASEAN economic ministers, chaired by Singapore, concluded negotiations to upgrade the ASEAN Trade in Goods Agreement, with signing set for October. Wong will also participate in summits with the Gulf Cooperation Council and China. Hariz Baharudin, The Straits Times, May 25
Northeast Asia
Japan Needs Diversity Amid Demographic Decline. Japan’s demographic crisis is transforming diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) from a corporate aspiration into an economic necessity. Facing population decline and stagnant productivity, Japan must expand leadership diversity to maintain competitiveness. Historically insular management practices and a lack of gender and foreign representation in executive roles have hindered innovation and governance. Foreign shareholder activism has played a pivotal role in advancing DEI, notably pressuring companies to diversify boards and leadership. While foreign influence remains critical, lasting reform requires domestic leadership capable of embracing inclusive governance. Japan ranks poorly in global competitiveness, partly due to outdated management norms. Inclusive leadership is essential for tapping underutilized talent, such as women and immigrants, especially amid labor shortages. Companies like Hitachi are setting representation targets, recognizing that sustainable growth depends on embracing demographic change. For Japan, promoting business-oriented DEI is no longer optional—it is vital to national survival. Kumiko Nemoto, East Asia Forum, May 24
Japan Must Reboot Its Disinformation Defences. Japan’s current disinformation strategy remains overly focused on foreign threats, despite domestic sources posing more immediate societal risks. While the 2022 National Security Strategy introduced state-led measures against foreign influence, incidents like disaster-related misinformation and the Fukushima water release controversy show vulnerabilities to both internal and external manipulation. Japan has yet to develop a whole-of-society response, relying instead on limited government-led initiatives and short-term debunking tactics. Prebunking, preventive education to recognize and resist falsehoods, remains underutilized due to skepticism and implementation challenges. The government’s Digital Positive Action project marks progress but lacks scale. Effective disinformation countermeasures will require broader cooperation among civil society, media, academia, and private firms. As U.S. commitment to disinformation defense wanes, Japan must deepen international partnerships with Europe and Indo-Pacific allies. Expanding collaboration and adopting proactive strategies will better equip Japan to address the evolving threat landscape in its increasingly complex information environment. Kyoko Kuwahara, East Asia Forum, May 24
A Taiwan Slip on Chinese Television. A brief on-air mistake by veteran CCTV anchor Hu Die, who accidentally referred to Taiwan and China as “two countries,” triggered swift censorship and online suppression in China. The slip occurred during a primetime broadcast relaying the government’s rebuttal to Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te’s speech, which had taken a moderate tone. Though corrected immediately, the remark was rapidly scrubbed from state platforms and social media, reflecting the extreme sensitivity surrounding Taiwan’s status. The incident shows Beijing’s rigid control over cross-strait messaging, where even minor deviations can spark internal crackdowns. Hu’s future remains uncertain as authorities consider the implications amid heightened tensions and ongoing military pressure on Taiwan. The episode highlights both the limits of expression in China’s state media and the intensifying ideological rigidity underpinning official narratives on Taiwan. David Bandurski, China Media Project, May 23
Trump’s Terms, Taiwan’s Strategy. Taiwan is proactively adapting to President Trump’s transactional foreign policy by deepening bilateral ties and emphasizing its strategic value to the United States. Contrary to speculation, Trump cannot trade Taiwan as a bargaining chip with China, as doing so would contradict Beijing’s claim that Taiwan is already part of China. President Lai Ching-te has launched a strategy dubbed “Taiwan plus America,” aligning Taiwan’s initiatives with Trump’s goals, including trade balance, domestic manufacturing, and defense investment. Measures include offering to eliminate reciprocal tariffs, committing 3% of GDP to defense, pledging US$15 billion in arms purchases, and requiring origin verification to prevent Chinese transshipments. Taiwan’s semiconductor giant TSMC is also expanding its U.S. investments by US$100 billion, bolstering Taiwan’s contribution to Trump’s economic agenda. By presenting tangible benefits and reinforcing bipartisan support in the U.S., Taiwan seeks to ensure its role as a valued partner, not a disposable pawn. Drew Thompson, ThinkChina, May 23
Southeast Asia
Bridging Security Futures: Why Critical Minerals Matter for Southeast Asia. Critical minerals like nickel, cobalt, tin, and rare earth elements are vital to modern technologies and increasingly entangled in geopolitical competition. Southeast Asia holds substantial reserves, positioning ASEAN as a crucial but under-leveraged player in global supply chains. Despite abundant resources, most regional economies remain in upstream roles, exporting raw materials while processing and high-value manufacturing are dominated by China. Fragmented policies and bilateral deals risk undermining ASEAN’s collective influence. Strengthening regional coordination through initiatives like AMCAP-III, promoting joint investments, and harmonizing regulations could increase strategic autonomy. ESG standards, often seen as burdensome, can serve as a competitive advantage if implemented credibly. Singapore’s role in certification and green finance highlights opportunities for non-producing states. Responsible governance of these resources is essential not only for economic gain but also for regional stability, sustainability, and human security in the face of intensifying global competition. Vlado Vivoda, RSIS, May 23
Asian Values Remain the Go-to Defence of Illiberalism. Despite repeated declarations of its demise, the ‘Asian values’ discourse continues to serve as a cultural shield for illiberal governance in Asia. Since the 1990s, leaders have used arguments supporting communitarianism, economic development, and cultural exceptionalism to justify restrictions on liberal democracy. Countries like Singapore and Malaysia pioneered this rhetoric, while newer examples in Thailand, Cambodia, and the Philippines have revived it amid democratic backsliding. China’s Global Civilization Initiative further institutionalizes this trend, rejecting universal norms in favor of relativistic cultural sovereignty. Though once discredited after the Asian financial crisis, anti-liberal culturalism has resurged in parallel with Western right-wing populism, which similarly portrays liberal values as decadent. This strategic use of cultural relativism masks political authoritarianism, reinforcing state power at the expense of individual rights. Far from a genuine regional consensus, the Asian values narrative has long functioned as a political tool to suppress liberal opposition and resist international democratic pressure. Mark R Thompson, East Asia Forum, May 25
Beyond the Liberal Model in East and Southeast Asia. Public understandings of democracy in East and Southeast Asia differ markedly from liberal Western models, shaped by histories of authoritarian-led development and suppressed civil society. Citizens in countries like Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand often favor egalitarian and performance-based definitions of democracy, valuing order, equity, and public service delivery over procedural norms and individual freedoms. Surveys reveal widespread support for democracy coexisting with openness to authoritarian leadership, especially in states with weak democratic roots. Rather than reflecting ignorance of liberal values, this indicates a pluralistic conception of democracy that includes both liberal and non-liberal elements. The region's diversity and internal social cleavages further complicate generalizations. Sustaining democratic legitimacy in these contexts hinges not on imposing liberal ideals, but on delivering tangible policy outcomes. With global democratic norms under strain, the challenge is not conformity to a singular model, but the resilience of democratic practices under local conditions. Diego Fossati, East Asia Forum, May 25
Tackling Corruption in Asia Requires Challenging Gender Norms. Corruption in the Asia Pacific is deeply intertwined with gender inequality, where societal norms reinforce power imbalances that disproportionately harm women. Descriptive norms (what men and women typically do) and injunctive norms (what they are expected to do) influence how women encounter corruption, including sexual extortion and bribery, according to a 2025 study in Cambodia, Fiji, Indonesia, and Sri Lanka. Women often remain silent due to stigma, fear of discrimination, and societal expectations of passivity. These gender norms disempower women and embolden corrupt officials. Anti-corruption strategies that overlook these dynamics are incomplete. Efforts to address corruption must therefore include initiatives that challenge restrictive gender roles. Targeted reforms, such as expanding women’s political participation and economic access, not only promote equity but also help dismantle the conditions that enable corruption to flourish. Effective anti-corruption policy must be both gender-aware and transformative in addressing underlying social norms. Caryn Peiffer, East Asia Forum, May 23
Pork at the Table, Not at the Altar: A Chinese Singaporean Clan’s Muslim Legacy. The Baiqi Guo clan of Singapore, descendants of Hui people from Baiqi, Fujian, have retained Islamic-influenced customs despite long assimilation into Chinese cultural and religious practices. Celebrations like the birthday of deity Kong Tek Chun Ong and ancestral rites are marked by the absence of pork offerings, reflecting a legacy of Muslim heritage. Many clan members, now elderly, migrated to Singapore in waves from the early 20th century, forming mutual aid societies and settling primarily in Kampong Glam. Although most now consume pork, some traditions endure, such as abstention from pork before death and maintaining separate utensils for ancestral worship. These practices show a unique syncretism of Taoist rituals and Islamic customs. The community continues to reinforce identity through annual gatherings and ancestral pilgrimages, striving to preserve connections among younger generations in an increasingly globalized Singapore. Tang Ai Wei, ThinkChina, May 23
PKR Party Elections Will Shape Malaysia’s Political Future. Malaysia’s Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) is holding its first internal elections while leading the federal government, with the outcome poised to influence national politics ahead of the next general election. The key contest is for the deputy presidency between Economy Minister Rafizi Ramli and Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s daughter, Nurul Izzah Anwar. Rafizi’s reformist credentials and grassroots appeal contrast with Nurul Izzah’s message of unity and her close association with the party’s leadership. Allegations of rigging have emerged but were denied, with the party highlighting its use of blockchain technology for transparency. Despite reformist momentum, Rafizi’s allies suffered surprising defeats in divisional polls, suggesting internal resistance. A Rafizi loss could trigger a party split and Cabinet reshuffle, while a Nurul Izzah win may fuel nepotism criticisms. The election’s implications extend beyond party lines, potentially reshaping succession dynamics and coalition stability in Malaysia’s evolving political arena. Tricia Yeoh, FULCRUM, May 23
Medical Care: Vietnam’s Underleveraged ‘Soft Power’ in Cambodia. Vietnam’s medical services are in high demand among Cambodians due to affordability, quality, and proximity, yet they remain an underutilized diplomatic asset. Despite enduring anti-Vietnamese sentiment rooted in territorial disputes and historical grievances, roughly 76% of Cambodians seeking treatment abroad choose Vietnam, especially cities like Ho Chi Minh City. Vietnamese hospitals are expanding their presence in Cambodia, such as Cho Ray-Phnom Penh Hospital and Medlatec clinics. However, challenges, including weak marketing, lack of multilingual staff, and limited international insurance compatibility, undermine the sector’s soft power potential. Vietnam has taken steps to promote medical tourism, but efforts are fragmented and underfunded. Strengthening healthcare collaboration with Cambodia, increasing investment in facilities and technology, and harnessing Cambodia’s vibrant social media ecosystem can improve public perception and deepen bilateral ties. By integrating medical diplomacy into its regional strategy, Vietnam can enhance its influence, boost economic gains, and reinforce its image as a benevolent and capable middle power. Sovinda Po and Kuch Sonika Bun, FULCRUM, May 23
The Inaugural ASEAN-GCC-China Summit: Economic Aspirations Amid Strategic Ambiguity. Malaysia will host the first ASEAN-GCC-China Economic Summit on May 27, aiming to boost ASEAN’s global role and expand South-South cooperation amid declining U.S. influence. Proposed by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, the summit targets economic collaboration among ASEAN, the Gulf Cooperation Council, and China, which together account for over 22% of global GDP and 2.15 billion people. While formal trade agreements are not planned, existing frameworks like RCEP may inform future cooperation. Trade among the three blocs is already large, and new areas for collaboration include clean energy, digital economy, and infrastructure. However, structural, regulatory, and political differences, such as internal divisions within the GCC and uncertainty over China’s commitments, pose challenges. The initiative’s success will depend on institutional follow-up and strategic alignment. Framed as economic pragmatism, the summit seeks to reinforce ASEAN’s middle-power status while navigating rising global polarization. FULCRUM, May 23