China
China trip will go ahead as planned – and it will be amazing, Trump insists. Donald Trump said his mid-May trip to Beijing remains on track despite war-related disruption and described the visit with Xi Jinping as likely to be a major event. Chinese analysts said the talks will focus less on breakthroughs than on managing risks tied to Taiwan, supply chains, Iran, and wider instability. Fresh U.S. sanctions and China’s response underscored how tense the backdrop remains. Holly Chik, South China Morning Post, May 2
China’s UN envoy blasts U.S. ‘bullying’ as sanctions widen before Trump-Xi talks. China’s UN ambassador condemned new U.S. sanctions on Chinese firms and vessels linked to Iranian oil, calling them unfair and part of a broader pattern of unilateral pressure. He also urged a durable ceasefire and good-faith negotiations over the Middle East war. The clash came as Beijing took the UN Security Council presidency and prepared for a possible Trump-Xi meeting in Beijing. Mark Magnier, South China Morning Post, May 1
China, Philippines trade accusations over South China Sea. China accused the Philippines of illegally landing personnel on Sandy Cay, while Manila said it would send ships and possibly aircraft to drive away Chinese vessels it said were conducting unlawful research. The exchange extended a recent run of tensions around the disputed sandbar and underscored how quickly frictions between the two sides continue to escalate. Kevin Krolicki, Reuters, May 3
Japan
Japan tells Iran of strong hope for peace deal with U.S. Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi told Iran’s Abbas Araghchi that Japan hopes Tehran and Washington will quickly resume talks and reach a final agreement to end their conflict. He also urged maximum flexibility, stressed the importance of safe navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, and asked that remaining Japan-related vessels be allowed to pass as soon as possible. The Japan Times, May 3
Japan PM Takaichi kicks off trip to Vietnam, Australia for summit talks. Sanae Takaichi began a five-day trip to Vietnam and Australia aimed at strengthening economic security, stable energy supplies, and supply chains for critical minerals and other resources amid Middle East disruption. Japan also plans to deepen security ties, discuss defense cooperation with Vietnam, and pursue a joint economic security declaration with Australia focused on rare earths, energy, and food. Kyodo News, May 1
Japan PM Takaichi reaffirms push to revise Constitution for modern times. Sanae Takaichi renewed her call to revise Japan’s Constitution, saying the postwar charter should be updated to meet current needs and that debate in the Diet must lead to decisions. She said the ruling Liberal Democratic Party would work with other parties, while polls showed strong public preference for broad political consensus before any amendment proceeds. Kyodo News, May 3
Japan, Vietnam seek deeper energy, minerals ties amid geopolitical risks. Japan and Vietnam agreed to deepen cooperation in energy, critical minerals, AI, semiconductors, and space as geopolitical tensions disrupt supply chains. Sanae Takaichi said economic security is now a priority in bilateral ties, while Hanoi said Japan will help arrange crude oil supplies for Vietnam’s Nghi Son refinery under Tokyo’s regional energy initiative. Phuong Nguyen and Thinh Nguyen, Reuters, May 2
South Korea
FM urges safe navigation in Strait of Hormuz in call with Iranian counterpart. Foreign Minister Cho Hyun urged Iran to help restore safe navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, saying South Korean and other international vessels remain stranded there. He also called for a swift return to peace and stability, while Abbas Araghchi explained Iran’s position on negotiations with the U.S. The call was their third since the conflict began. Oh Seok-min, Yonhap News Agency, May 2
Lee’s approval rating dips to 64% over ‘excessive’ welfare spending concerns. Gallup Korea found President Lee Jae Myung’s approval rating fell 3 points to 64%, while negative assessments rose to 26%. Diplomacy and economic policy were the main reasons for support, but critics most often cited excessive welfare and subsidies. The ruling Democratic Party’s rating slipped to 46%, while the opposition People Power Party edged up to 21%. Woo Jae-yeon, Yonhap News Agency, May 1
North Korea
North Korea’s Kim casts youth as vanguard of state goals amid Russia war. Kim Jong Un told delegates at the ruling youth league congress that young people are the vanguard for carrying out party goals, pairing the message with calls for tighter ideological discipline. The party also explicitly linked youth loyalty to North Korea’s role in Russia’s war, while continuing a broader crackdown on foreign cultural influence at home. Kyu-seok Shim, Reuters, May 2
N. Korea slams Japan’s move to revise key security documents. North Korea condemned Japan’s effort to revise its National Security Strategy, National Defense Strategy, and Defense Buildup Program, calling it a challenge to peace and a step toward military expansion. Rodong Sinmun said the changes point to higher defense spending, looser arms export rules, and broader military capabilities aimed at reviving Japan’s war potential. Woo Jae-yeon, Yonhap News Agency, May 3
Vietnam
NA chairman meets Japanese PM Takaichi in Hanoi. Vietnam’s National Assembly chairman and Japan’s prime minister reaffirmed support for the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and called for closer parliamentary coordination, stronger political trust, and more high-level exchanges. The talks also emphasized Japanese ODA and investment, cooperation in semiconductors, AI, renewable and clean energy, digital transformation, and space technology, alongside support for Vietnamese citizens living and studying in Japan. Vietnam News, May 2
Thailand
No advisory role for Thaksin: Julapun. Pheu Thai said Thaksin Shinawatra will not take any formal advisory post after his expected parole on May 11, though he remains an important ideological influence on the party. Party leader Julapun Amornvivat said no arrangements have been made for his return to the structure, and that daily operations remain under the executive committee, even if informal advice is still possible. Wassayos Ngamkham, Bangkok Post, May 2
Dusit Poll: Abhisit leads opposition figures while public confidence in politics declines. Thailand’s political confidence index fell to 3.79 out of 10 in April from 3.89 in March, with all 25 indicators declining. Opposition performance received the highest score, while tackling drugs and influential figures ranked lowest. Abhisit Vejjajiva led opposition-side politicians, and respondents chiefly urged the government to ease living costs and lower electricity and fuel prices. The Nation, May 3
PM to attend ASEAN Summit in Cebu. Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul plans to attend the 48th ASEAN Summit in Cebu from May 7 to 9, marking his first official overseas trip since starting his second term. Thailand said the visit will reinforce its commitment to regional cooperation as leaders discuss global developments, economic stability, energy markets, and supply chains. Anutin is also expected to hold bilateral meetings with fellow ASEAN leaders. Bangkok Post, May 3
Myanmar
Legal team plans to meet with detained Myanmar ex-leader Suu Kyi this weekend. Aung San Suu Kyi’s legal team said it expects to meet her on Sunday after authorities transferred her to house arrest in Naypyidaw. The team plans to discuss next steps and deliver food and medicine, while the U.S. and U.N. renewed calls for her release and access to proper medical care. Reuters, May 1
Cambodia
Cambodia will stick to legal path despite possible Thai exit from 2001 MoU, Sokhonn says. Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn said Cambodia will keep pursuing a peaceful, international-law-based approach to maritime border disputes with Thailand even if Bangkok withdraws from the 2001 memorandum on overlapping maritime claims. He said ending the framework would be regrettable, would hurt bilateral ties, and would discard the only mechanism both sides have relied on for 25 years. Sao Phal Niseiy, Cambodianess, May 2
U.S. 'troubled' by Cambodian court decision to uphold defunct opposition leader's conviction. The U.S. State Department said it was troubled by Cambodia’s decision to uphold Kem Sokha’s 27-year treason sentence, rejecting claims of U.S. involvement as false and irresponsible. Washington said restrictions on freedom of expression and association hurt Cambodia’s international standing, as the case deepened concern over the long-running crackdown on opposition figures. Kanishka Singh, Reuters, May 2
Philippines
Philippines urged to boost Japan-led energy ties. Stratbase Institute urged the Philippines to speed up participation in Japan’s Asia Zero Emission Community, saying it offers a credible path to energy security, decarbonization, and resilience during the global energy crunch. The group also warned against energy arrangements with coercive powers, arguing that deals tied to concessions in the West Philippine Sea would undermine national interests. Bernadette E. Tamayo, The Manila Times, May 3
Impeach report sent to plenary today. The House Committee on Justice is set to transmit to the plenary its report finding probable cause to impeach VP Sara Duterte, with backers saying the one-third threshold needed to send the case to the Senate should be reachable. The report centers on confidential funds, alleged unexplained wealth, and an alleged assassination remark, which Duterte denies. Reina C. Tolentino, The Manila Times, May 3
U.S., Philippines deploy anti-ship missile system in Batanes near Taiwan for war games. U.S. and Philippine forces showcased the NMESIS anti-ship missile system in Batanes, underscoring the strategic importance of the Luzon Strait near Taiwan. Officials said the deployment was for rehearsal and simulation, not live-fire use, and the system will be withdrawn after the drills. Adrian Portugal, Reuters, May 2
Indonesia
Indonesia to receive Russian crude soon, minister says. Indonesia will soon begin receiving Russian crude as part of a plan to import 150 million barrels by the end of 2026 to bolster energy security amid global uncertainty. Energy Minister Bahlil Lahadalia said the government’s priority is ensuring fuel availability for households and industry, while import volumes, refinery allocation, and pricing will be handled later through business-to-business arrangements. Shofi Ayudiana and Kuntum Khaira, ANTARA News, May 2
Indonesia stays on U.S. priority watch list for IP rights. The U.S. kept Indonesia on its priority watch list for intellectual property in 2026, citing weak enforcement against music piracy, counterfeit footwear, and government use of unlicensed software. Washington said counterfeit production has risen with factory relocations from China and signaled closer engagement after a February tariff deal in which Jakarta pledged stronger enforcement. Jayanty Nada Shofa, Jakarta Globe, May 1
Singapore
SM Lee to visit Pahang and Terengganu from May 4 to 8. Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong will visit Malaysia’s Pahang and Terengganu states to deepen Singapore’s ties with state leaders and build on recent bilateral momentum. He is set to meet the Sultan of Pahang, Menteri Besar Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail, and Terengganu Menteri Besar Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar, accompanied by ministers, an MP, and foreign ministry officials. Samuel Devaraj, The Straits Times, May 3
NZ PM Luxon in Singapore for trade pact. New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon is visiting Singapore to witness the signing of a legally binding agreement on trade in essential supplies aimed at keeping food, fuel, medicine, and other critical goods flowing during crises. The trip also includes the inaugural annual leaders’ meeting with Prime Minister Lawrence Wong and events focused on trade, investment, and supply-chain resilience under their 2025 strategic partnership. Anjali Raguraman, The Straits Times, May 3
Taiwan
Counting gains from Beijing, Taiwanese opposition leader Cheng Li-wun eyes U.S. trip in June. Kuomintang leader Cheng Li-wun is preparing a June U.S. trip to build on the momentum from her April meeting with Xi Jinping and promote a cross-strait strategy centered on engagement with both Beijing and Washington. Analysts said the visit will test whether her message of lowering tensions can resonate in Washington, where defense commitments and Taiwan’s strategic direction remain central concerns. Lawrence Chung, South China Morning Post, May 2
Taiwan president defiant as he begins Eswatini trip; China calls him a ‘rat’. Lai Ching-te used a surprise visit to Eswatini to say Taiwan has the right to engage with the world and needs no one’s permission to do so. Taipei said secrecy was needed to reduce interference after an earlier trip was derailed by overflight problems. Beijing denounced Lai in unusually harsh terms and renewed its opposition to Taiwan’s foreign engagements. Ben Blanchard and Yimou Lee, Reuters, May 3
Lai, Eswatini king reaffirm diplomatic ties; customs deal signed. Lai Ching-te and King Mswati III reaffirmed Taiwan-Eswatini ties during Lai’s surprise visit, with both sides pledging stronger cooperation and trade. Their foreign ministers also signed a customs mutual assistance agreement. Mswati backed Taiwan’s international participation, while Lai said no country should obstruct Taiwan’s contributions to the world. Joseph Yeh, Focus Taiwan, May 3
Gov't blasts China after digital rights forum canceled over Taiwanese participation. Taiwan condemned China after RightsCon 2026 in Zambia was canceled following pressure over planned Taiwanese attendance. Taipei said the move was another attempt to isolate Taiwan and silence discussion of authoritarian surveillance and oppression. Organizer Access Now also denounced the cancellation as a violation of freedoms of assembly, association, expression, and civic space. Lai Yu-chen and Joseph Yeh, Focus Taiwan, May 3
Kazakhstan
American tungsten mining operation in Kazakhstan looks to get started this summer. Cove Kaz Capital’s $1.1 billion tungsten project in Kazakhstan is moving ahead after the company closed its deal with state miner Tau-Ken Samruk, with feasibility work set to begin this summer. The venture is part of a broader U.S. push for critical minerals access, while a planned merger involving a company linked to Trump family investments has drawn ethics scrutiny. Alexander Thompson, Eurasianet, May 1
Uzbekistan
Uzbekistan, ADB sign $12.5 billion partnership deal. Uzbekistan and the Asian Development Bank signed a new partnership program through 2030 covering $12.5 billion in projects, deepening one of Tashkent’s most important development relationships. The agenda includes mortgage finance, support for SMEs, youth and women’s entrepreneurship, poverty reduction, inclusive education, digital technologies, and infrastructure upgrades, while also highlighting regional transport and connectivity projects in Central Asia. Uzbekistan Daily, May 3
Tajikistan
Meat prices in Tajikistan among highest in Central Asia. Beef in Tajikistan sells for about $10-$11 per kilogram, above prices in Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, and Turkmenistan and close to Uzbekistan’s level. Prices remain high despite rising domestic output because local supply covers only about 58% of demand, imports are limited, and structural problems such as weak livestock development and feed shortages continue to constrain the market. Vagit Ismailov, The Times of Central Asia, May 1
Turkmenistan
Reclusive Turkmenistan shows signs of cautiously opening up. Reuters reported signs of gradual social and economic change in Turkmenistan, where e-commerce, social media, and private business activity are expanding even as political control remains tight. Diplomats and entrepreneurs described a modest thaw under President Serdar Berdymukhamedov, but the country’s strict visa regime, censorship, and opaque system still deter wider foreign engagement. Felix Light, Reuters, May 2
East Asia
China and America Are Courting Nuclear Catastrophe. China’s expanding nuclear arsenal is reshaping strategic competition with the United States and weakening prospects for arms control. Beijing views a stronger deterrent as a shield against American pressure, while Washington sees opacity, dual-use missiles, and China-Russia cooperation as signs of growing risk. Stability requires transparency on regional nuclear forces, restraint in deployments, and talks focused on preventing first use rather than managing escalation after nuclear conflict begins. Tong Zhao, Foreign Affairs, May 1
Hormuz closure opens doors for China’s energy leadership. The 2026 Middle East conflict has disrupted energy flows through Hormuz, exposing Asia’s dependence on oil and LNG imports. China has buffers from stockpiles, pipelines, diversified supply, electrification, renewables, EVs, rail, and LNG trucks. Beijing sees an opening to export clean energy technologies, as Pakistan’s solar growth shows. Yet fuel export limits, security concerns, and industrial competition may restrain acceptance of Chinese energy leadership. Erica Downs, East Asia Forum, May 3
The Deeper Pattern Behind China’s Military Purges. Xi Jinping’s latest military purge has removed rival networks tied to Fujian officers and the ground force establishment, leaving senior posts filled by discipline inspectors and air force commanders once sidelined. These promotions suggest political safety through exclusion from former power centers. The new command may satisfy Xi’s control needs before the PLA centenary, but weaker prestige and trust could hinder joint wartime coordination. Christopher Nye, Charles Sun, Foreign Policy, May 1
Global carmakers desperately want to be more Chinese. China’s carmakers now lead in electric vehicles, software, speed, and exports, pushing foreign rivals to copy Chinese methods and seek partnerships with XPeng, Huawei, Tencent, Geely, and other firms. Volkswagen, Mercedes, Toyota, Renault, BMW, Nissan, and Ford are adapting research, design, and supply chains. These alliances may narrow the technology gap, but they risk dependency and loss of expertise to the competitors reshaping the industry. The Economist, May 3
Southeast Asia
Indonesia’s data drive risks trading privacy for power. Indonesia’s One Data Draft Bill seeks a unified data system to improve public service targeting, healthcare, and fiscal planning, but centralization could concentrate state power over personal information. The PDP Law grants access and correction rights, yet enforcement, independence, and clarity remain limited. Stronger oversight, impact assessments, purpose limits, public education, and a data protection authority are needed to prevent security failures, surveillance, and weakened consent. Jonathan Manullang, East Asia Forum, May 2
Indonesia’s foreign policy has a consultation problem. Indonesia’s foreign policy decisions are being announced before consultation, turning dialogue into explanation after controversy. Gaza governance, Iran diplomacy, China cooperation, security arrangements, and trade talks show a pattern of executive concentration and compressed deliberation. Late engagement burdens scholars, civil society, and former officials with explaining choices they did not make. Stronger coordination through existing ministries would protect accountability, expertise, and Indonesia’s diplomatic credibility. Radityo Dharmaputra, East Asia Forum, May 1
Under Trump, the US-Philippines alliance enjoys a renaissance, for now. The US-Philippines alliance has expanded under Trump through large Balikatan drills, EDCA base upgrades, missile deployments, joint patrols, semiconductor cooperation, and praise for Manila’s role against China. Washington views the Philippines as central to South China Sea and Taiwan deterrence. Yet the alliance remains untested, since a Chinese seizure of a disputed feature would force Trump to decide whether confrontation serves American interests. Derek Grossman, Nikkei Asia, May 3
Duterte’s ICC case questions whether justice can be done. Rodrigo Duterte’s ICC case tests whether international criminal law can confront former leaders who retain domestic support. Judges confirmed charges linked to alleged crimes against humanity from the anti-drug campaign, while the defense contests jurisdiction and intent. The trial will weigh political rhetoric, state practice, victim evidence, and fair trial guarantees. Its outcome will affect Duterte’s legacy, ICC legitimacy, and Southeast Asia’s view of sovereignty and accountability. Lowell Bautista, East Asia Forum, May 1
Laos needs a fiscal reset that protects social spending. Laos reduced inflation from above 30 per cent in 2023 to 7.7 per cent in 2025, but debt, weak revenues, and energy shocks still constrain development. Inflation rose again in early 2026, while health, education, and social protection remain exposed to cuts. Broader taxation, fewer exemptions, transparent debt plans, and multi-year budgeting are needed to protect human capital during fiscal consolidation. Chanhsy Samavong, Latdavanh Songvilay, East Asia Forum, May 2
South Asia
Winning Over the Consumer: Making India's Smart Meters Work for People. India’s smart meter rollout depends on consumer trust, not installation targets alone. Billing doubts, low digital literacy, and limited engagement have slowed adoption across states. A national consumer engagement mission under REC Limited could fund outreach, measure usage, and build confidence. Campaigns should use local languages, surveys, demonstrations, mobile app guidance, and segmented strategies for urban, rural, low-connectivity, and vulnerable consumers, turning smart meters into tools people use. Anna Trissa, CSIS, May 3