China
China’s factory output, retail sales growth worst in over a year. October data showed industrial production rising 4.9 % year-on-year and retail sales expanding 2.9 %, both the weakest in over twelve months, as supply-demand strains, a tariff dispute and a deep property slump weighed on momentum. Fixed-asset investment fell 1.7 % in the January–October period, underscoring persistent structural pressures. Joe Cash, Reuters, November 14
China urges Japan PM to retract ‘egregious’ remarks on Taiwan. China’s foreign ministry demanded Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi withdraw “egregious” Taiwan remarks, warning Japan must bear all consequences and that any military intervention in the Taiwan Strait would face decisive retaliation. A CCTV-linked post and Osaka consul’s violent comment deepened the spat as Tokyo politicians pressed for his expulsion and Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi labelled the envoy’s language regrettable. Mei Mei Chu, Reuters, November 13
Beijing vows to strike back if Japan uses military force in Taiwan Strait. China’s foreign ministry warned that any Japanese action in the Taiwan Strait would be treated as aggression and met with force under self-defence rights, responding to Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s remark that a conflict there could trigger Tokyo’s intervention. Vanessa Cai, South China Morning Post, November 13
Japan
Ruling parties start talks to draft changes to Japan’s postwar Constitution. Japan’s Liberal Democratic Party and Japan Innovation Party launched coalition talks on revising the postwar charter, focusing on war-renouncing Article 9 and a new emergency clause expanding government powers during disasters or attacks. The partners target Diet submission of proposals by March 2027 but lack a two-thirds lower house majority, leaving outcomes uncertain. Kyodo News, November 13
Japan trying to revive wartime militarism with its Taiwan comments, China’s top paper says. Japan’s People’s Daily accused Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi of trying to revive wartime militarism after she said a Chinese attack on Taiwan could be a “survival-threatening situation” that might trigger a military response, citing Japan’s military buildup, visits to Yasukuni Shrine and denial of the Nanjing Massacre while warning of repeating prewar “survival crisis” pretexts. Ben Blanchard, Reuters, November 14
Mother of ex-PM Abe’s shooter professes devotion to Unification Church. At trial in Nara, the mother of accused assassin Tetsuya Yamagami apologizes for Shinzo Abe’s 2022 killing while defending huge donations to the Unification Church that she says helped her family, recounting bankruptcy, her son’s suicide attempt and brother’s death as defense lawyers argue religious abuse shaped Yamagami’s motives. Kyodo News, November 13
South Korea
South Korea, U.S. agree on trade, security deal, nuclear subs, Lee says. President Lee Jae Myung said Seoul and Washington finalized a joint fact sheet after his summit with Donald Trump, covering trade and security cooperation. South Korea will build nuclear-powered submarines and deepen partnerships on shipbuilding, artificial intelligence and nuclear industry, while U.S. import duties on South Korean products fall to 15 % from 25 %. Jack Kim and Ed Davies, Reuters, November 14
Lee’s approval rating falls to 59%: poll. President Lee Jae Myung’s approval rating declined to 59 % in a Gallup Korea survey, dropping 4 points after prosecutors opted not to appeal a corruption ruling involving him, while negative views rose to 32 %. Support for the Democratic Party increased to 42 % as the People Power Party slipped to 24 %. Yi Wonju, Yonhap News Agency, November 14
North Korea
Nearly 30% of N.K. defectors in China had biological data registered with authorities. A survey of 102 North Korean defectors who lived in China found 29.4 % had biological data — including fingerprints, blood, hair, iris scans and voice samples — recorded by China’s Public Security Bureau, along with extensive personal details, raising concerns about potential surveillance uses. Park Boram, Yonhap News Agency, November 13
Thailand
China’s Xi holds milestone meeting with Thai king in Beijing. President Xi Jinping received King Maha Vajiralongkorn in Beijing for the first state visit by a reigning Thai monarch since diplomatic relations began in 1975, underlining longstanding political ties and growing regional engagement between China and Thailand. Ryan Woo, Reuters, November 14
Vietnam
PM’s visit to Kuwait to open new development phase for bilateral ties: Ambassador. Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chinh’s November 16–18 trip to Kuwait is expected to strengthen political trust, broaden cooperation in energy, investment and food security, and build on nearly five decades of diplomatic relations, with bilateral trade reaching $7.3 billion in 2024 and opportunities expanding in finance, tourism, renewables and ASEAN-GCC connectivity. Vietnam News, November 14
Myanmar
U.S. Sanctions Another Pro-Junta Karen Militia Over Scam Centers. The U.S. Treasury blacklisted the Democratic Karen Benevolent Army, a pro-junta militia in Myanmar’s Myawaddy area, and four senior commanders for hosting large online fraud operations targeting Americans. Treasury also targeted Trans Asia Group, Troth Star and Thai director Chamu Sawang for funding the Tai Chang business park, tying the militia to Chinese crime syndicates, trafficking and regional scam hubs. The Irrawaddy, November 13
War-torn Myanmar embraces solar to tackle power crisis. Myanmar households, hospitals and businesses are rapidly installing Chinese-made solar panels as chronic blackouts, gas shortages and sanctions erode grid reliability, with operating power capacity falling back to 2015 levels and diesel use dropping while rooftop systems spread nationwide, driven by basic energy security needs rather than climate goals. Shoon Naing and Sudarshan Varadhan, Reuters, November 13
Cambodia
Cambodia calls for UN probe into fatal Thai shooting. Phnom Penh requested a United Nations fact-finding mission after Thai forces allegedly opened fire on villagers and unarmed soldiers in Prey Chan, killing one and injuring three, as civilians are evacuated and Cambodia accuses Thailand of breaching a ceasefire and recent peace accords. Ben Sokhean, Khmer Times, November 13
Philippines
ICC submits new shortlist of neuropsychology experts for Duterte fitness assessment. The International Criminal Court Registry submitted a new shortlist of six neuropsychologists to assess whether former Philippine president Rodrigo Duterte is mentally fit for pre-trial proceedings, after his lawyers challenged an earlier appointee and sought indefinite adjournment citing cognitive decline, following outreach to European hospitals and universities in its probe into drug war crimes. Franco Jose C. Baroña, The Manila Times, November 14
Senate blue ribbon resumes probe into anomalies on flood control projects. The Senate Blue Ribbon Committee reopened its inquiry into suspected irregularities in flood control projects, summoning 20 incumbent and former House members, including ex-speaker Martin Romualdez and several district representatives. Current lawmakers declined to appear, saying they would instead cooperate with the Independent Commission for Infrastructure investigation. Bernadette E. Tamayo, The Manila Times, November 14
Escudero, Sorsogon execs face graft raps over P352-M anomalies. Lawyer Eldrige Marvin Aceron filed graft, malversation, fraud and falsification complaints against Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero and Sorsogon officials, citing COA findings of P352.7 million in alleged irregularities, including overlapping infrastructure contracts, unimplemented national funds, falsified documents and unreliable property accounts during Escudero’s governorship. Faith Argosino, Philippine Daily Inquirer, November 14
Malaysia
Malaysia–EU FTA talks set to resume after 13-year pause, Tengku Zafrul confirms. Talks on the Malaysia-European Union Free Trade Agreement will restart in Kuala Lumpur once the EU negotiation team arrives, after being stalled since 2012, Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Zafrul Abdul Aziz said, adding that the pact aims to deepen industrial links, strengthen supply chains and support advanced manufacturing, energy transition and digital industries. Malay Mail, November 14
Taiwan
U.S. State Dept approves possible sale to Taiwan of fighter jet spare and repair parts. The U.S. State Department cleared a possible $330 million sale to Taiwan covering non-standard components, spare and repair parts, consumables and accessories, plus technical and logistics support for F-16, C-130 and Indigenous Defense Fighter aircraft, with Washington stating the proposed transfer aligns with existing law and policy. Kanishka Singh and Ismail Shakil, Reuters, November 14
U.S. invites KMT chief Cheng Li-wun to Washington, stresses priority to ‘avoid war’. Raymond Greene, head of the American Institute in Taiwan, invited new Kuomintang chairwoman Cheng Li-wun to Washington, stressing that avoiding war across the Taiwan Strait is paramount, as the two discussed peaceful, non-coercive management of cross-strait differences and Taiwan-US ties amid William Lai’s lack of a US transit stop. Alcott Wei, South China Morning Post, November 13
India
India inaugurates new military airbase close to China border, source says. India’s air force chief conducted the first landing at the new Mudh-Nyoma air force station in Ladakh, a high-altitude base near the Line of Actual Control that can host fighter jets, as ties with China slightly improve after a 2024 border pact but both sides retain heavy deployments and expanded frontier infrastructure. Shivam Patel, Reuters, November 13
India installs its first envoy in N. Korea since pandemic. India’s new ambassador to North Korea, Aliawati Longkumer, presented a letter of credence to senior official Choe Ryong-hae in Pyongyang, restoring a full diplomatic presence after the Indian embassy’s 2021 closure and subsequent reopening last year as COVID-19 eased, continuing ties first established between New Delhi and Pyongyang in 1973. Park Boram, Yonhap News Agency, November 14
Bangladesh
Bangladesh to hold referendum on reform charter proposals, Yunus says. Muhammad Yunus said Bangladesh will hold a referendum alongside elections on the July Charter, which would curb prime ministerial tenure, expand presidential powers, strengthen rights and judicial independence, and increase women’s representation after the 2024 uprising, while parties warn of symbolic impact. Ruma Paul and Krishna Das, Reuters, November 13
Uzbekistan
Uzbekistan partners with NVIDIA to build national AI infrastructure and training centers. Uzbekistan partners with NVIDIA to build national AI infrastructure and training centers. Minister Sherzod Shermatov agreed on education programs, governance know-how, and data center projects, including two AI clusters by 2026, supercomputing systems for universities, and a $3 million Industrial AI Excellence Center for digital twins, robotics and automation, as Tashkent pursues regional tech leadership. Sadokat Jalolova, The Times of Central Asia, November 13
East Asia
A tale of two responses to China’s economic transformation. China’s transition from export factory to innovation hub has reshaped production and prices, powered by industrial strategies like Made in China 2025, overseas acquisitions and domestic entrepreneurship. For developing economies, Chinese demand for materials and Belt and Road finance has supported global growth and connectivity, while in advanced economies the “China price” lowered costs for tradable goods and helped contain inflation, lifting purchasing power. Yet uneven responses mean benefits differ. Germany and Southeast Asia invested in training, labor adjustment and supply chain integration with China, sustaining competitiveness. In contrast, limited support for workers in the United States turned import competition into dislocation and backlash. Hoe Ee Khor and Tan Kim Song, East Asia Forum, November 14
Why the RMB is not trying to topple the dollar. Recent moves toward greater use of the renminbi, including debt conversions in African borrowers, Indonesia’s dim sum bond and expanded currency swaps, are framed as efforts to build alternative financial plumbing rather than overthrow dollar primacy. The dollar still appears in nearly 90 percent of global foreign exchange trades and dominates SWIFT payments, while the RMB remains a modest fifth. Beijing focuses on swap lines, CIPS, mBridge and offshore bond markets to create routes that reduce exposure to US sanctions and funding shocks, supported by gradual reserve diversification into shorter duration assets and gold. Tight control over the exchange rate and capital flows limits the RMB’s role as a global store of value, pointing toward a more multi currency system with the dollar still at the core. Hao Nan, ThinkChina, November 13
China’s Foreign Police Training: A Global Footprint. China’s security organs act as major providers of foreign police training, delivering 900 courses to officers from at least 138 countries since 2000 within Xi Jinping’s Global Security Initiative and related outreach. A wide network of police universities, paramilitary colleges, peacekeeping centers and regional academies trains partners on narcotics, cyber crime, border control, counterterrorism, riot response, leader protection and event security, mixing criminal enforcement with tactics for surveillance and stability maintenance. Programs concentrate on China’s Asian periphery and the Global South, use multilateral bodies such as the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, INTERPOL and Lancang Mekong mechanisms, and embed Chinese security concepts and technologies that can aid both crime control and authoritarian repression. Sheena Chestnut Greitens, Isaac Kardon, and Cameron Waltz, Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, November 13
Views of China across the Global South: the Rule and the Exceptions. Survey data from over 1,300 polls since 2000 show that in developing economies positive views of China exceed negative opinions roughly two to one, yet favorability has eroded in the 2020s, particularly in South Asia and Latin America after COVID. Africa and much of Southeast Asia remain strongly positive, helped by trade, infrastructure and development narratives, while sentiment in the Middle East has generally improved despite Xinjiang, except in Iran, Turkey and Palestine. India and Brazil now resemble Western patterns of skepticism, highlighting how nationalism, border disputes, pandemic blame and elite rhetoric can reshape public attitudes. The findings challenge any neat North South divide, instead depicting a fragmented landscape where expectations of Chinese partnership compete with concerns over debt, security and repression. Andrew Chubb, Asia Society, November 13
AI Cop Signals VPN Crackdown. China’s Ministry of State Security revives its AI generated spokesperson, Agent 012339, to warn citizens that using VPNs to “scale the wall” endangers personal finances, exposes state secrets and corrupts political attitudes. The campaign portrays foreign operated circumvention tools as Trojan horses that steal credit card data, hijack devices and facilitate espionage against classified work units. Ideological risk receives equal emphasis, with browsing foreign websites depicted as a gateway to extremist narratives and anti-China rumours that can turn curiosity into criminal dissent. Citizens are instructed to shun VPNs, rely on approved channels for any cross border connectivity, consume official media and cultivate disciplined online habits, while reporting others through the 12339 hotline. David Bandurski, China Media Project, November 13
Southeast Asia
Protests pull the brakes on Timor Leste’s political pampering. Student led demonstrations in Dili forced the government to cancel a US$4.2 million plan for new Toyota Prados for 65 members of parliament and to reverse generous pensions for politicians, crystallizing anger over inequality and privilege in a poor state. Context includes income gaps, with legislators earning US$5861 a month while the minimum wage is US$115 and one third of workers experience unemployment or underemployment. Protesters link car perks to long-running corruption, weak service delivery and leaders who are elderly, frequently absent from parliament and insulated from a young, underemployed population. Growing acceptance of disruptive mobilization and the government’s climbdown suggest a maturing political culture responsive to pressure. Damien Kingsbury, East Asia Forum, November 13
South Asia
Pakistan has shown Indonesia value of buying arms from China. Indonesia’s interest in Chinese J-10 fighters reflects lessons drawn from Pakistan’s recent clashes with India, where Chinese supplied J-10s armed with PL-15 missiles challenged the aura of invincibility surrounding Rafale jets while showcasing Beijing’s maturing defense technology and competitive pricing. Pakistan’s experience of US sanctions and the 1990 F-16 embargo pushed its military to deepen reliance on China for co-produced JF-17 aircraft and other systems, now being exported to states such as Azerbaijan, reinforcing perceptions of China as a dependable supplier. Growing discomfort with US political conditionality and the impact of the Gaza war on Washington’s image make Chinese credit terms and non-intrusive diplomacy particularly appealing in Jakarta’s quest to diversify procurement. Farhan Bokhari, Nikkei Asia, November 13