China
China says it hopes Iran war parties can meet each other halfway. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi urged parties in the Iran conflict to remain committed to a ceasefire and continue negotiations, saying each step forward brings more hope for peace. His remarks followed Iranian accusations that the U.S. violated the ceasefire through defensive strikes in southern Iran, while U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said a deal could take several days. David Brunnstrom and Simon Lewis, Reuters, May 26
China says Quad cooperation should not target third party. China said cooperation among Australia, India, Japan, and the U.S. should support regional peace, stability, and prosperity rather than target any third party. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning rejected exclusive cliques and bloc confrontation after Quad ministers met in India, agreed to jointly build a port in Fiji, and signed pacts on critical minerals and energy security. Liz Lee and Xiuhao Chen, Reuters, May 26
China defence chief Dong Jun tipped to skip this year’s Shangri-La Dialogue. Chinese Defence Minister Dong Jun is expected to skip the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore for a second straight year, with China likely to send a lower-level PLA delegation. The forum is expected to focus on Taiwan, the South China Sea, U.S. Indo-Pacific strategy, and the Iran conflict. Dong’s absence could prevent a meeting with U.S. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth. Amber Wang, South China Morning Post, May 26
China, Singapore top diplomats reaffirm commitment to Malacca Strait transit rights. Singaporean Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi reaffirmed support for keeping the Strait of Malacca and other international waterways open. Balakrishnan cited transit passage rights under UNCLOS, while Wang said secure supply chains and smooth maritime traffic serve the international community. The talks also covered restoring Strait of Hormuz traffic and seeking an immediate Middle East ceasefire. Orange Wang, South China Morning Post, May 26
Japan
Japan eyes Mogami frigate export to NZ, 3-way defense talks with Australia. Japan is preparing talks on exporting its advanced Mogami-class frigate to New Zealand, with the issue expected at trilateral defense talks with Australia during the Shangri-La Dialogue. The potential export would support interoperability as Japan and Australia jointly develop a next-generation Australian frigate based on the Mogami design. Tokyo is also considering a defense equipment transfer agreement with Wellington. Kyodo News, May 26
Japan gov’t OKs 500 bil. yen use from reserve fund for energy bill subsidy. Japan approved 513.5 billion yen from fiscal 2026 reserve funds to resume electricity and gas subsidies from July to September as Middle East tensions raise energy costs. The program is expected to reduce an average household’s bills by about 5,000 yen and help small and medium-sized companies. A supplementary budget will replenish reserves and support gasoline price measures. Kyodo News, May 26
South Korea
South Korea aims to launch first nuclear-powered submarine by the mid-2030s. South Korea plans to launch its first nuclear-powered submarine by the mid-2030s to counter North Korean underwater nuclear and missile threats. The submarine will be developed and built domestically, use low-enriched uranium fuel, and rely on cooperation with the U.S. and International Atomic Energy Agency to ensure non-proliferation compliance. Seoul said the program does not involve acquiring nuclear weapons. Joyce Lee, Reuters, May 26
Lee calls for stepped-up efforts to acquire nuclear-powered submarines. President Lee Jae Myung instructed officials to accelerate South Korea’s acquisition of nuclear-powered submarines, calling them core assets for future defense amid North Korea’s growing nuclear and missile threats. Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back said Seoul aims to launch the first batch in the mid-2030s and deploy them in the late 2030s or later. Lee also urged a swift transfer of wartime operational control from Washington to Seoul. Park Bo-ram, Yonhap News Agency, May 26
USFK commander says S. Korea is ‘dagger’ in heart of Asia from China’s perspective. U.S. Forces Korea Commander Gen. Xavier Brunson described South Korea as a “dagger in the heart of Asia” from China’s perspective, underscoring its strategic location amid U.S.-China rivalry. His remarks came as Seoul and Washington work to modernize the alliance and consider a broader regional role for USFK. Brunson also said USFK is working with Samsung Electronics on cloud infrastructure to support communications with allies. Song Sang-ho, Yonhap News Agency, May 26
North Korea
North Korea fired projectiles, including short-range ballistic missile, Seoul says. North Korea fired several projectiles toward waters off its west coast, including at least one short-range ballistic missile that flew about 80 kilometers. South Korea said it was Pyongyang’s first known missile launch since April and urged the North to respond to peace overtures. Seoul said it will pursue denuclearization through a phased, pragmatic approach with international coordination. Joyce Lee and Heejin Kim, Reuters, May 26
Thailand
People’s Party faces another dissolution bid. Thailand’s Election Commission is reviewing a petition seeking the dissolution of the People’s Party over leader Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut’s comments about Privy Council members attending a drought management meeting with a state agency. Petitioner Srisuwan Janya argued the remarks could undermine the constitutional monarchy. The commission is already handling more than 10 party dissolution cases. Bangkok Post, May 26
Philippines
ICC sets wide-ranging agenda for Duterte status conference; to discuss trial date. The International Criminal Court’s Trial Chamber III set a broad agenda for the first status conference in the case against former President Rodrigo Duterte. Judges will discuss the trial start date, evidence disclosure, witness protection, victims’ participation, expert witnesses, recorded testimony, agreed facts, language needs, and courtroom protocols. Private sessions may be held for sensitive witness protection issues. Franco Jose C. Baroña, The Manila Times, May 26
Marcos’ Japan visit to boost ties in defense, energy, trade. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. began a four-day state visit to Japan focused on defense, maritime security, energy resilience, trade, investment, infrastructure, agriculture, space technology, and Mindanao development. Marcos said he would raise the West Philippine Sea, Middle East conflict, Asean, U.S. cooperation, and the Philippines’ U.N. Security Council candidacy during talks with Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi. Kristina Maralit, The Manila Times, May 26
Indonesia
Indonesia's Prabowo arrives in France for state visit. Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto arrived in Paris for a state visit aimed at strengthening strategic ties with France. He was welcomed by French Minister of Labor and Solidarity Jean-Pierre Farandou and a guard of honor, while Indonesians greeted him at his hotel. Officials said the visit is expected to reinforce Indonesia’s position in Europe and deepen bilateral cooperation. ANTARA News, May 26
Taiwan
Taiwan tracks second Chinese 'combat' patrol in a week, sends ships and jets to monitor. Taiwan sent ships and fighter jets to monitor China’s second “joint combat readiness patrol” near the island in a week. Taiwan detected 21 Chinese aircraft, including J-16 fighters and drones, operating with warships around the island, while officials also tracked the Liaoning carrier group and more than 100 Chinese ships in the first island chain. Ben Blanchard, Yimou Lee, Yi-Chin Lee, Fabian Hamacher, and Roger Tung, Reuters, May 25
Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka stuns with 100-bp rate hike as Iran war rattles currency, fuels inflation. Sri Lanka’s central bank raised its policy rate by 100 basis points to 8.75%, its largest hike in three years, as the Iran war drives up energy costs, weakens the rupee, and lifts inflation. Governor P. Nandalal Weerasinghe said the move should stabilize exchange rates and inflation, while analysts warned the crisis could further damage growth. Uditha Jayasinghe, Reuters, May 26
Quad
Australia-India-Japan-U.S. Quad to build a port, unveil pact on critical minerals. Quad foreign ministers agreed in New Delhi to jointly build a port in Fiji and launch initiatives on critical minerals and Indo-Pacific energy security. The group said the minerals framework will coordinate investment and supply-chain work, including mining, processing, and recycling. A joint statement also raised concerns over the East and South China seas, Middle East shipping attacks, and uninterrupted commerce through Hormuz and the Red Sea. Michael Martina, Aftab Ahmed, Saurabh Sharma, Sakshi Dayal, Hritam Mukherjee, Tim Kelly, John Geddie, Liz Lee, and Xiuhao Chen, Reuters, May 26
East Asia
The returnees: Inside China’s AI talent reversal. Chinese AI researchers are returning from US firms and universities to China, drawn by career opportunities, state investment, strong industrial demand, and a national purpose. Their return strengthens Chinese companies and universities, while tighter US restrictions and Chinese scrutiny are reshaping cross-border mobility. China still faces talent shortages, institutional pressures, and gaps in commercialization that may limit long-term retention. Liu Sha, ThinkChina, May 26
China’s growth transition has global consequences. China’s lower 2026 growth target reflects a change from construction-led expansion to productivity, technology, and high-quality development. Weak property investment and soft demand will reduce imports tied to construction, while advanced manufacturing, clean energy, and digital sectors expand abroad. Commodity exporters face lower structural demand, manufacturers face stronger competition from China, and service economies may gain from China’s aging population and expanding middle class. Yixiao Zhou, East Asia Forum, May 26
China’s world-beating solar industry is in turmoil. China’s solar manufacturers face falling domestic demand, excess capacity, price wars, and rising trade barriers despite their global lead in panel production. Grid congestion has forced the waste of solar output, while factories can produce far more panels than global markets can absorb. State support is retreating, bankruptcies and layoffs are increasing, and recovery may depend on consolidation, better grids, storage, and higher-efficiency technology. The Economist, May 26
Xi Ascendant. Trump’s Beijing visit produced dialogue and stability but limited gains for Washington. Xi secured a frame that favored China after rare earth leverage blunted US tariffs and export controls. The proposed trade and investment boards cover narrow ground, while aircraft, farm, and chip outcomes fell short. China avoided renewed pressure, showed stronger bargaining skill, and retained momentum despite debt, deflation, and unemployment concerns. Scott Kennedy, Foreign Policy, May 26
America and China Cannot Dominate or Exclude Each Other. The United States and China have entered a G-2 reality built on competitive coexistence rather than dominance. Each can disrupt the other through military pressure, tariffs, export controls, rare earth restrictions, and technology barriers, but neither can force submission or exclusion. Taiwan remains the main danger point, requiring restraint, reassurance, and conflict management to prevent rivalry from becoming a war. Zheng Wang, Foreign Affairs, May 26
Trump and Putin’s visits confirm Beijing as the new global pivot. Trump and Putin’s visits to Beijing showed China shaping great-power diplomacy on its own terms. Washington received little accommodation, while Moscow secured a warmer reception but no major pipeline deal. China’s role as host, dealmaker, and strategic center reflects a shift from the US-led triangle of the 1970s toward a system where Beijing is a central diplomatic venue. Alexander Korolev, ThinkChina, May 26
The absence of disaster was a form of progress in Trump's Beijing visit. Trump’s Beijing visit produced no major deals, but avoided crisis and set a floor under US-China ties. Beijing framed the outcome as managed stability, with new trade and investment committees and leader contacts. Chips, Taiwan, and market access remain points of tension. China signaled commitment to domestic substitution, while Trump treated Taiwan with a personal and transactional stance that unsettles allies and gives Beijing room. Vivian Toh, Nikkei Asia, May 26
Japan’s Point of No Return. Japan has moved beyond its postwar pacifist posture by expanding defense spending, loosening arms export rules, and preparing for a Taiwan or East China Sea crisis. Chinese coercion and doubts about US reliability have pushed Tokyo to build munitions, logistics, air defenses, and partner networks. Washington can gain from this transformation by treating Japan as a capable ally rather than a client. Daisuke Kawai, Foreign Affairs, May 25
Southeast Asia
Southeast Asia's middle-class energy conundrum. Southeast Asia’s expanding middle class is driving electricity demand through air conditioning, appliances, electric vehicles, data centers, aviation, and consumer services. Governments face pressure to deliver affordable and reliable power while meeting climate goals. Coal remains central, liquefied natural gas is costly and carbon-intensive, and renewable growth is uneven. The region’s energy transition depends on confronting consumption growth, grid strain, and public expectations for comfort and mobility. Tim Daiss, Nikkei Asia, May 26
Thai-Cambodian Spat: Private Pathways to State Conflict. Thailand and Cambodia’s 2025 border clash may have stemmed from private business channels linking Thaksin Shinawatra and Hun Sen. Their rupture followed leaked mediation efforts, claims of betrayal, and nationalist anger before the Thai military assumed control. The analysis connects patronage, cross border crime, scam profits, energy interests, and failed maritime resource plans to a wider pattern in which private networks can push patronal states toward conflict. Gregory Raymond, Fulcrum, May 22
South Asia
How the West Misreads Modi’s Success. India remains democratic but less liberal under Modi, making Western views of collapse or democratic leadership inaccurate. Recent state elections showed high turnout, BJP gains, opposition weakness, and voter support despite economic stress. Hindutva politics and minority marginalization raise concerns, yet institutions and electoral competition persist. Western policy needs realism about India’s democracy, built on democratic solidarity, China strategy, and economic partnership. Chietigj Bajpaee, Foreign Policy, May 22