China
China ready to resume exchanges and cooperate with Canada, foreign minister says. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi told Canada’s Anita Anand that China is open to renewed engagement and cooperation following a Xi-Carney meeting at APEC. Both countries will pursue coordination across departments to address mutual concerns as diplomatic relations return to more stable footing. Liz Lee and Qiaoyi Li, Reuters, November 11
U.S.-China port fee suspension draws major backlash as well as huge relief. The U.S. suspended new $50-per-ton port fees on Chinese-built, owned, or operated ships after a one-day comment window, prompting Democratic and union backlash while shippers cheered. Lawmakers Raja Krishnamoorthi and John Garamendi warned of weakened maritime leverage; China dropped its retaliatory fees under an Oct. 30 Trump–Xi pact. Khushboo Razdan, South China Morning Post, November 10
Japan
Japan protests Chinese envoy’s beheading post tied to Takaichi. Tokyo lodged a strong protest after Osaka consul general Xue Jian posted on X that “the filthy head … must be cut off,” referencing Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s Taiwan remarks. The Foreign Ministry demanded removal; the post vanished by Nov. 9. Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara condemned the threat. U.S. Ambassador George Glass criticized Xue, while expulsion was left open. The Asahi Shimbun, The Asahi Shimbun, November 10
PM Takaichi defends remarks on Japan’s involvement in Taiwan contingency. Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi defended remarks that a Chinese use of force against Taiwan could meet Japan’s “survival-threatening situation” threshold under 2015 security laws, saying she spoke from a worst-case scenario and won’t retract them, while not making them a collective government view. China protested; opposition lawmakers urged withdrawal or clarification amid concerns about regional reactions and U.S. alliance implications. Kyodo News, November 10
DPP finds itself on the outside after failing to join ruling coalition. After the Liberal Democratic Party formed a coalition with the Japan Innovation Party, Yuichiro Tamaki’s Democratic Party for the People was left out. Tamaki’s indecision over whether to join governing partners is blamed for sliding media polls, and doubts now swirl over the party’s ability to rebound as attention shifts to the new ruling alignment’s agenda. Eric Johnston, The Japan Times, November 10
South Korea
FM Cho, Cambodian PM discuss cooperation to combat scam crimes. Foreign Minister Cho Hyun met Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet to enhance cooperation against scam crimes after a Korean student’s death. A Cambodia-based joint task force, agreed at the ASEAN summit in Kuala Lumpur, launched Monday. Cho also met Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn, urging protections and swift repatriation. Both sides pledged deeper ties and cooperation in trade, investment, and labor. Choi Kyong-ae, Yonhap News Agency, November 10
Rival parties agree to vote on arrest motion for ex-PPP floor leader over martial law attempt. South Korea’s rival parties agreed to put an arrest motion for Rep. Choo Kyung-ho to a Nov. 27 vote, after receiving it at Thursday’s plenary. Choo is accused of relocating PPP meetings on Dec. 3 to block a vote lifting former President Yoon Suk Yeol’s martial law decree. Lawmakers’ arrest requires Assembly consent; the session will also handle dozens of bills, with several contentious items deferred. Kim Seung-yeon, Yonhap News Agency, November 10
PM suggests forming task force to probe officials’ involvement in martial law bid. Prime Minister Kim Min-seok proposed a task force to investigate public officials’ roles in former President Yoon Suk Yeol’s failed December martial law attempt, with President Lee Jae Myung’s support. The probe aims to finish by January, prevent implicated officials’ promotion, and impose disciplinary measures, while the special counsel handles criminal liability. Yi Wonju, Yonhap News Agency, November 11
North Korea
North Korea bans foreign currency wages, mandates cash payments in revised labor law. Revised on May 27 under Decree No. 1927, the Labor Wages Act bans paying wages in foreign currency and introduces penalties, including three months of unpaid or disciplinary labor. Provisions allowing in-kind pay were deleted; farms must pay cash by days worked. The law reorganizes sanctions to expand disciplinary labor, advancing a push to suppress foreign currency use amid inflation. Mun Dong Hui, Daily NK, November 11
Thailand
Thai military ‘halting’ agreements with Cambodia after Trump-brokered truce, commander says. Thailand’s armed forces chief said he is halting all agreements with Cambodia after a landmine blast maimed a soldier, prompting Bangkok to allege new mines were planted on Thai soil; Phnom Penh denied it. The pause threatens a Trump-brokered expanded truce covering heavy weapons withdrawal and freeing 18 detainees. Prime Minister Anutin said everything must stop pending clarity. Panu Wongcha-Um and Devjyot Ghoshal, Reuters, November 10
Thailand approves $3.1 billion of data centre investments. Approved four projects totaling $3.1 billion, including DAMAC Digital’s 84-MW facility (26.7 billion baht) and a 200-MW hyperscale site by a local investor (54.9 billion baht). The BOI also moved to accelerate $9.2 billion in stalled investments, issuing six licenses to ease power access, industrial land, visas, and work permits, aiming to bolster investor confidence. Chayut Setboonsarng, Reuters, November 10
Vietnam
Vietnam PM says economy strong enough to cope with external shocks. At a business conference, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh said Vietnam can withstand external shocks and that 8% growth in 2025 is achievable. He reiterated a 2026 target of 10% despite a new 20% U.S. tariff. Exports to the U.S. have fallen since August, yet Vietnam still recorded a $111 billion surplus. Khanh Vu and Francesco Guarascio, Reuters, November 10
NA unveils digital election portal for 2026 vote. The National Assembly launched an official portal (hoidongbaucu.quochoi.vn) to centralize laws, procedures, schedules, candidate lists, results, FAQs, and local updates for the 2026–2031 elections, developed with Viettel and the Committee for Deputy Affairs. Aimed at transparency and participation, it supports voters at home and abroad and underscores ongoing digital transformation by the National Election Council. Vietnam News, November 10.
Myanmar
Yangon USDP boss who organized 2021 political violence to stand in election. Khin Maung Soe, chairman of the Union Solidarity and Development Party in Yangon, will run in the December 28 election in Hlegu Township despite previously organizing violent pro-military rallies around the 2021 coup. He joins Khin Yi, another former official tied to these events, in a campaign widely criticized as lacking credibility. Maung Kavi, The Irrawaddy, November 10
Laos
Lao foreign minister Thongsavanh to visit North Korea in mid-November. Thongsavanh Phomvihane will visit North Korea from November 11 to 15 at the invitation of Choe Son Hui to mark 60 years since the first Kaysone–Kim Il Sung meeting and 50 years of diplomatic ties. The trip follows his October visit accompanying President Thongloun Sisoulith for bilateral talks with Kim Jong Un. Thongsavanh Souvannasane, The Laotian Times, November 10
Cambodia
Ministry of National Defence expresses regret regarding recent mine explosion incident that resulted in injuries to Thai soldiers. Cambodia’s Ministry of National Defence has rejected accusations of planting new landmines following an incident on November 10 that injured Thai soldiers in Preah Vihear. The ministry attributed the explosion to old mines from past conflicts and urged avoidance of known contaminated zones. Khmer Times, November 11
Cambodia reaffirms sincere commitment to peace accord amid Thailand’s unilateral suspension. Cambodia has reiterated its commitment to a bilateral peace agreement despite reports that Thailand suspended it following a landmine incident on November 10. Citing legacy minefields from past wars, Cambodia rejected claims of new mine use and urged continued cooperation under the October 26 Joint Declaration. Khmer Times, November 11
Philippines
Duterte’s ICC defense team challenges appointment of expert over ‘credibility’ concerns. Rodrigo Duterte’s legal team has asked the International Criminal Court to revoke the appointment of a neuropsychologist due to her undisclosed suspension by a foreign regulator. The defense cited procedural delays and questioned the expert’s integrity, requesting Duterte’s interim release as competency evaluations proceed. Franco Jose C. Baroña, The Manila Times, November 11
Marcos administration support plummets to 18% amid growing voter disenchantment. Support for President Marcos dropped from 51 percent in 2022 to 18 percent in Q3 2025, driven by governance issues, corruption, and political infighting. Neutrality and moderate views are rising, especially among women, youth, and overseas families, reflecting broader disillusionment across regions, income levels, and generations. Franco Jose C. Baroña, The Manila Times, November 10
Indonesia
Australia’s Albanese, Prabowo to resume food security talks. President Prabowo Subianto will meet Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to advance agricultural cooperation, including Australia’s support for Indonesia’s school meal program and cattle imports. The talks follow a May communiqué and reflect rising trade valued at $9.7 billion this year, driven by eased tariffs under a 2020 agreement. Jayanty Nada Shofa, Jakarta Globe, November 11
Malaysia
Foreign minister to meet Singapore’s Balakrisnan ahead of Malaysia-Singapore leaders’ retreat. Malaysia’s Foreign Minister Mohamad Hasan will meet Singapore’s Vivian Balakrishnan to review bilateral ties and coordinate ahead of the December leaders’ retreat. The meeting reflects deepening cooperation as both nations celebrate 60 years of diplomatic relations, with trade reaching $61.4 billion between January and August 2025. Malay Mail, November 11
India
Trump says U.S. getting close to reaching a trade deal with India. President Donald Trump announced progress toward a new trade agreement with India that aims to expand bilateral economic and security ties, increase U.S. energy exports, and stimulate investment in American sectors. The statement followed the swearing-in of Sergio Gor as the U.S. envoy to India. Steve Holland and Andrea Shalal, Reuters, November 10
Kazakhstan
After U.S. trip, Tokayev heads to Moscow this week at Putin’s invitation. Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev will travel to Moscow on November 11–12 for talks with President Vladimir Putin on bilateral trade and strategic partnership. The visit follows Tokayev’s participation in a summit with U.S. President Donald Trump, where new investment agreements were announced. The Times of Central Asia, November 10
Uzbekistan
U.S. and Uzbekistan sign landmark economic and strategic agreements. The United States and Uzbekistan finalized major deals following President Mirziyoyev’s visit to Washington, covering critical minerals, infrastructure, energy, digital technology, and defense cooperation. Agreements include $400 million for rare earth supply chains, $8.5 billion in Boeing aircraft, visa-free travel for U.S. citizens, and plans for American small modular reactor deployment. Vagit Ismailov, The Times of Central Asia, November 10
East Asia
America’s Self-Defeating China Strategy: A Policy That Confuses Strength and Weakness. The October Trump Xi meeting eased trade tensions yet confirmed a pivot from the prior selective protection strategy. Current policy centers on revenue raising tariffs across partners, which burdens manufacturers and strains allies. Cuts to research, curbs on talent, and suspended clean energy and EV incentives weaken the innovation base. The administration has bargained over chip export controls after Chinese rare earth pressure and agreed to delays that place national security tools in negotiations. Fiscal expansion and political interference with the Federal Reserve threaten dollar primacy and raise borrowing costs. A durable approach would pair targeted tariffs with allied coordination, domestic investment, and firm technology controls at home. Lael Brainard, Foreign Affairs, November 10
How China saw through America’s bottom line in the trade war. Deng Yuwen argues that Beijing went from strategic defense to stalemate by pairing rare earth controls with soybean timing, compelling a reset of the confrontation to April levels after the Kuala Lumpur talks. Tactical results included renewed soybean purchases, a 10 percent cut to fentanyl related tariffs, and suspended port fees, which cumulatively favored China. The US misjudged mineral processing vulnerabilities that cannot be closed quickly, and the political sensitivity of farm exports. With fiscal and electoral constraints, Washington cannot dictate terms and must trade concessions to stabilize the relationship, which allows Beijing to map the limits of US pressure. Deng Yuwen, ThinkChina, November 10
Beyond Blue and White. Former Global Times editor Hu Xijin marks Journalists Day with a blunt warning that “blue background” tongbao notices are crowding out reporting and weakening crisis communication. He urges local authorities to let reporters cover breaking events rather than relying on terse police statements that dominate social media and often lack verification. The notices feed copy-and-paste coverage at outlets like The Paper and The Beijing News, while even the Global Times recycles a police notice in the Puma Shen case without added context. Hu still stresses journalism must operate under Party leadership and argues excessive controls erode societal resilience. He calls for greater confidence from authorities and reduced restrictions to restore credible information flows nationwide. David Bandurski, China Media Project, November 10
China Pulls Ahead on Hydrogen Supply Chain. Low emission hydrogen is emerging as a key arena of geoeconomic competition, and China is moving to dominate production equipment while the United States risks trailing. China is the largest producer and consumer of hydrogen, has the largest electrolyzer base, manufactures about 60 percent of alkaline units, and is racing to master PEM technology. Europe is reacting with auction rules that cap projects to no more than a quarter of stack capacity from China. In the United States, incentives and IIJA electrolyzer funding are in limbo after cancellations, weakening domestic prospects. The authors recommend anchor demand in steel and petrochemicals plus export oriented manufacturing backed by finance for allies. Jane Nakano and Mathias Zacarias, Foreign Policy, November 10
Japan without America: Navigating a new Asian order. A second Trump term is described as closing the chapter on the US-led architecture while American military and technological weight persists, with free trade and liberal rules already frayed since Obama and further damaged by wars in Ukraine and Gaza. Regional partners still look to Washington because of Chinese activity near the Nansei Islands and across the South China Sea, yet confidence in the alliance inside Tokyo remains muted. A working consensus urges Japan to raise its value to the United States, grow autonomous capability, and promote an open regional system, with debate over whether it should include China. Immediate priorities are to steady the alliance, curb economic fallout, stabilize ties with China, and deepen links with Seoul and Southeast Asia. Nobuhiko Tamaki, ThinkChina, November 10
A Historic Victory, a Complicated Legacy, and the Challenges Ahead for New Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi. Sanae Takaichi became Japan’s first female prime minister after the LDP lost majorities and split with Komeito, then secured power by partnering with Ishin no Kai. She moved quickly, hosting President Trump, declaring a Golden Age, and unveiling critical minerals cooperation, large scale Japanese investment in the United States worth 550 billion dollars, and a tariff cut to 15 percent, while structural strains remained. Domestic headwinds include inflation, coalition friction, and limited legislative leverage, even as she pursues higher defense spending, arms exports, long range strike, nuclear powered submarine development, force reorganization, and new intelligence and anti spy frameworks. Outreach prioritizes South Korea and trusted ties across Southeast Asia. Emma Chanlett-Avery and Kristina Lozinskaya, Asia Society, November 10
South Asia
Renewed US–Pakistan relations stand on shaky ground. Following the 2021 US exit from Afghanistan, ties narrowed to cooperation. Islamabad’s opening came when Donald Trump claimed to mediate the May 2025 India-Pakistan ceasefire, which Pakistan amplified while endorsing him for the Nobel Peace Prize. Army chief Asim Munir received a White House invitation and in September 2025 joined Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif for talks that revived the Counterterrorism Dialogue, advanced minerals and hydrocarbons accords, and floated cooperation with crypto groups. Pakistan secured a 19 percent tariff rate and a terrorist designation for the Balochistan Liberation Army. Access for US exploration and a Pasni port proposal imperil CPEC and roil neighbors. Structural fragilities and India’s strategic autonomy limit gains. Dalbir Ahlawat, East Asia Forum, November 10