China
Stop ‘stigmatising’ Chinese students and researchers, ambassador to U.S. says. Ambassador Xie Feng urged Americans to reject portrayals of Chinese students and scholars as security threats, calling for stronger people-to-people exchanges and warning that stabilised bilateral ties require consistent effort as both countries navigate shifting visa policies, trade negotiations and political pressures ahead of planned high-level visits. Fan Chen, South China Morning Post, November 17
Softer words, harder policy: EU recalibrates on China as it seeks rare earths breakthrough. EU officials have toned down public criticism of Beijing while pursuing aggressive de-risking as Brussels negotiates longer rare earth export licences and seeks to restore chip supplies tied up in the Nexperia dispute, even as new probes, subsidy rules, telecom restrictions and industrial legislation advance against Chinese dependencies. Finbarr Bermingham, South China Morning Post, November 17
China premier won’t meet Japan PM at G20, says Chinese foreign ministry. China’s foreign ministry said Premier Li Qiang will not hold talks with Japan’s prime minister at the G20 summit, citing remarks on Taiwan that Beijing says damaged bilateral relations and must be withdrawn as tensions deepen over potential conflict scenarios in the region. Ryan Woo and Xiuhao Chen, Reuters, November 17
Japan
Japan seeks to calm escalating dispute with China over Taiwan. Japan dispatched a senior foreign ministry official to Beijing to explain that its security stance remains unchanged after Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said a Chinese attack on Taiwan could trigger a military response, as both governments exchanged protests, issued travel warnings and escalated rhetoric while Taiwan urged China to exercise restraint. Tim Kelly and Liz Lee, Reuters, November 17
Japan sends envoy to China to prevent friction from worsening. Senior foreign ministry official Masaaki Kanai traveled to China to address rising tensions after Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s Taiwan comments prompted Beijing to issue travel and study warnings, cancel tours and protest publicly, as Japan plans to explain its stance and lodge objections to the Osaka consul general’s violent online remark. The Asahi Shimbun, November 17
South Korea
PM says task force to probe officials’ involvement in martial law ‘inevitable’. Prime Minister Kim Min-seok said a government task force investigating civil servants’ roles in former president Yoon Suk Yeol’s martial law attempt is unavoidable for restoring constitutional order, pledging swift, legally bounded inquiries across 49 agencies despite concerns it could target dissenters. Lee Haye-ah, Yonhap News Agency, November 18
South Korea proposes talks with North Korea military to avoid clashes on border. South Korea sought military talks with North Korea to set a clearer baseline for the Military Demarcation Line after repeated northern incursions and new mines, fences and roads raised risks of accidental conflict, with Seoul citing lost 1953 markers and cut communication lines as it moves through the UN Command channel. Joyce Lee and Ju-min Park, Reuters, November 17
Lee set for summit with UAE president, with defense industry ties in focus. President Lee Jae Myung arrived in Abu Dhabi to begin a three-day state visit and will meet President Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan to advance cooperation on defense, artificial intelligence, energy and cultural exchanges, with multiple memoranda of understanding to be signed as South Korea strengthens its strategic partnership with the UAE. Kim Eun-jung, Yonhap News Agency, November 18
North Korea
N. Korea says U.S. approval of S. Korea’s nuclear subs drive sparks ‘nuclear domino’. North Korea warned that U.S. backing for Seoul’s nuclear-powered submarine program will trigger a regional “nuclear domino,” accusing the allies’ joint fact sheet of entrenching hostility, facilitating South Korea’s “quasi-nuclear” ambitions and undermining denuclearization talks, while vowing unspecified countermeasures to protect its sovereignty. Kim Soo-yeon, Yonhap News Agency, November 18
Thailand
Govt confirms January House dissolution date. Prime Minister’s Office Minister Paradorn Prissanananthakul said the coalition’s plan to dissolve the House by Jan. 31, 2026 remains unchanged under its memorandum with the People’s Party, adding the minority government is ready for any no-confidence debate despite holding only about 140 votes and insisting it has faced no corruption or misconduct allegations in its 47 days in office. Mongkol Bangprapa, Bangkok Post, November 18
Thaksin kin vow to fight. Thaksin Shinawatra’s daughter said the family will oppose the Office of the Attorney-General’s appeal of his lese majeste acquittal, describing the reversal as emotionally difficult as he remains in prison, while sources said the new attorney-general judged his 2015 Seoul interview a Section 112 violation and the Supreme Court ordered him to pay 17.6 billion baht in tax. Wassayos Ngamkham, Bangkok Post, November 18
Vietnam
Vietnam, Kuwait agree to upgrade ties, targeting US$12–15 billion in bilateral trade by 2030. Viet Nam and Kuwait elevated their relationship to a Strategic Partnership, setting a trade goal above $12-15 billion by 2030 as their prime ministers agreed to expand cooperation in energy, investment, food security, labor, digital transformation and transport, while reinforcing the Nghi Son refinery project and pursuing new economic agreements. Vietnam News, November 18
Myanmar
Sons of two ex-generals to contest election under USDP banner. The sons of former ministers Soe Thane and Aung Min will run in the junta-organised polls as candidates for the military-backed Union Solidarity and Development Party, with Aye Chan seeking a Lower House seat in Yangon and Dr. Htoo Char Aung contesting a Bago Region constituency amid widespread rejection of the planned phased vote. The Irrawaddy, November 17
Myanmar junta parades poll protesters in handcuffs as vote approaches. The junta intensified its pre-election crackdown, charging 31 people between November 2 and 14 under the Election Protection Law, which allows penalties up to death, and publicly displaying four men accused of destroying campaign posters as arrests since July reached 125 ahead of phased voting in conflict-hit townships. Myo Pyae, The Irrawaddy, November 17
Laos
Japanese princess lands in Laos on first trip overseas. Princess Aiko arrived in Vientiane for her first official overseas visit, marking 70 years of Japan–Laos diplomatic ties, with plans to meet President Thongloun Sisoulith, visit an unexploded-ordnance awareness center, attend a martial arts event, and tour Japanese-supported schools as Japan highlights long-standing development assistance to Laos. Beatrice Siviero, The Laotian Times, November 17
Cambodia
Hun Sen warns against reopening Cambodia–Thailand border. Senate President Hun Sen rejected proposals to reopen the border, saying Cambodia must not request it since Thailand shut the crossing first, and argued Cambodia holds leverage despite a large trade imbalance. He called for stronger domestic production and said closure could last “100 or even 500 years” without harming national resilience. Nhean Chamrong, Khmer Times, November 18
Philippines
Philippines eyes completion of South China Sea code as ASEAN chair next year. The Philippines aims to conclude a legally binding South China Sea code of conduct during its 2026 ASEAN chairmanship, as Foreign Secretary Theresa Lazaro said consensus is emerging with China after years of slow progress, while also pledging renewed efforts to launch dialogue on Myanmar’s conflict as ASEAN’s special envoy. Mikhail Flores, Reuters, November 17
Thousands in Philippine capital hold second day of anti-graft protests. More than 200,000 people marched in Manila for a second day demanding accountability for alleged corruption in flood-control projects, as the scandal weighs on investor confidence and is linked to slower third-quarter growth. Iglesia Ni Cristo mobilised hundreds of thousands since Sunday, calling for a credible probe as President Marcos pledged jailings before Christmas. Jay Ereno, Adrian Portugal and Karen Lema, Reuters, November 17
Marcos faces confidence crisis – Sara. Vice President Sara Duterte said President Ferdinand Marcos is confronting a “profound crisis of confidence” over corruption probes she described as lacking direction, aligning herself with public frustration, while Malacañang countered that she must first address unresolved allegations involving confidential funds, “ghost students” and “ghost food packs” from her tenure as education secretary. Reina C. Tolentino, The Manila Times, November 17
Malaysia
Malaysia’s foreign investment surged 47% in first nine months of 2025, Mida reports. Foreign investment reached RM150.8 billion in the first three quarters of 2025, rising 47.5 % as services inflows jumped 122 %, lifting total approved investments to RM285.2 billion across sectors and strengthening semiconductor, EV and critical minerals projects, with Singapore, China and the United States leading commitments. Malay Mail, November 18
PM: Alleged corruption cases against Sabah politicians remain open. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim told the Dewan Rakyat that investigations into Sabah politicians under scrutiny for alleged graft are ongoing, saying only three individuals were charged because evidence in their cases was compelling, while videos circulating in the media show the remaining inquiries have not been closed. Amalia Azmi and Hakim Mahari, New Straits Times, November 18
Taiwan
China lodges representations with U.S. over Taiwan arms sale. China’s defense ministry protested Washington’s approval of a $330 million package of fighter jet and aircraft parts for Taiwan, warning it will take “all necessary” measures to protect sovereignty and urging the United States to halt weapons supplies that it says undermine bilateral ties and military relations. Reuters, November 17
In a first, Taiwan to distribute security handbook to all households as China threat rises. Taiwan will deliver more than 9.8 million updated civil defence handbooks this week, providing instructions for crises from natural disasters to invasion, including guidance on bomb shelters, emergency kits and handling encounters with enemy troops, as officials cite intensifying Chinese military, cyber and political pressure. Yimou Lee, Reuters, November 17
Bangladesh
Bangladesh’s ousted PM Hasina sentenced to death for student crackdown. A Bangladeshi tribunal sentenced former prime minister Sheikh Hasina to death in absentia for ordering lethal force against a 2024 student uprising that killed up to 1,400 people, as the interim government sought her extradition from India and deployed heavy security after fresh bombings and protests. Ruma Paul and Krishna N. Das, Reuters, November 17
Uzbekistan
Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan sign joint statement and package of agreements. Presidents Shavkat Mirziyoyev and Serdar Berdimuhamedov approved a joint statement and a broad suite of agreements covering a cross-border trade zone, healthcare, agriculture, emergency response, road transport, biosafety, railway wagon supply, forestry cooperation through 2030, and cultural, scientific and regional partnerships to strengthen their strategic relationship. Uzbekistan Daily, November 17
Azerbaijan
Central Asian leaders welcome Azerbaijan’s accession at Tashkent summit. Leaders convened in Tashkent to admit Azerbaijan as a full participant in the Consultative Meeting, endorsing plans for a Community of Central Asia and new frameworks for trade, security, water management and cultural cooperation, alongside initiatives to expand regional corridors, strengthen SPECA alignment and develop joint investment and transport strategies through 2035. Sadokat Jalolova, The Times of Central Asia, November 17
East Asia
Takaichi’s Taiwan Remarks Ignite East Asia, Triggering Fierce China–Japan Confrontation. Japan’s new prime minister Sanae Takaichi describes a Taiwan conflict as a “survival-threatening situation” for Japan, signalling willingness to invoke collective self-defence and possible military involvement. Beijing responds with pointed diplomatic questions, a study-abroad warning, and travel changes, reinforcing public hostility. Former leaders, Okinawan activists, and protesters in Tokyo condemn her stance as reckless, demanding retraction and resignation. Chinese and Okinawan commentators warn that “China threat” narratives and the U.S.–Japan alliance risk turning Okinawa into a frontline in any Taiwan clash, urging renewed diplomacy, historical reflection, and youth exchange to restore trust. Juan Zhang, U.S.-China Perception Monitor, November 17
Europe sees China as a rival. China sees Europe as a has-been. Chinese officials and commentators increasingly portray the EU as a divided, subordinate appendage of the United States, questioning its technological capacity, cohesion, and even long-term viability. This caricature feeds two blind spots: assuming American control over European positions on Ukraine and believing Beijing can solve European problems through trade talks and investment pacts. Mounting unease over China’s economic model, widening trade deficits, rare-earth export controls, and a hardening trade posture has turned attitudes in European capitals toward strategic rivalry, cancelled dialogues, and sharper defensive measures, even as Beijing continues to discount this as genuine European agency. The Economist, November 17
The troubling reality of DeepSeek’s AI model. Chinese-developed DeepSeek, a low-cost open-source rival to Western language models, has surged in app rankings while prompting serious concerns over security and surveillance. Its mobile apps reportedly send device identifiers, keystroke patterns, cookies, and IP addresses without encryption and store data on Chinese servers subject to state access, enabling detailed fingerprinting and information control. Several governments, including Australia, Italy, Taiwan, South Korea, and the United States, now bar the app from official devices, and U.S. legislators seek additional limits. Forecasts link DeepSeek to large-scale job loss, rapid “Super General Intelligence,” and proposals such as Universal High Income and nurturing superintelligence as potential responses to economic and existential risks. Jonathan Ping, Lowy Institute, November 17
Is Beijing’s new hydro-engineering project in Tibet more than a hydropower project – could it be China’s Himalayan power play? China has begun constructing a chain of five cascade dams on the Yarlung Tsangpo near Medog, close to the Indian border, projected to generate around 300 billion kWh a year and surpass the Three Gorges Dam in both output and cost. The complex underpins carbon targets, grid stability, and power for AI and data-centre expansion while anchoring Tibet within national “Eastern Data, Western Computing” and hydropower-export strategies. Social and environmental burdens, including possible displacement and impacts on sacred sites, combine with downstream Indian anxieties over water security and limited Chinese data sharing, turning the mega-dam into a geopolitical instrument in the broader Himalayan contest. Genevieve Donnellon-May, China Observers, November 17
Everyone is tired of the Japan-China standoff — it isn’t ending anytime soon. After Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi framed a Taiwan contingency as “survival-threatening”, Beijing responded with high-intensity diplomacy, propaganda, and military signalling, including formal summons of Japan’s ambassador, harsh People’s Daily and PLA Daily commentaries, and coast guard and PLA moves around the Diaoyu/Senkaku area and Yellow Sea. Ministries in Beijing issued travel and study warnings, sparking calls on Chinese social media for tourism and consumption boycotts alongside sceptical voices dismissing the campaign as routine. Former Japanese leaders criticised Takaichi while polls show a nearly even split over invoking collective self-defence; meanwhile, Japanese pop culture continues to thrive in China, revealing limited spillover into society. Both governments face nationalist pressures and political constraints that make backing down costly, leaving the confrontation entrenched. Yang Danxu, ThinkChina, November 17
How cost-free ‘Sanaenomics’ reforms can turbocharge Japan’s economy. Japan’s prime minister Sanae Takaichi couples a large fiscal package with pressure on cash-rich companies to reinvest in growth, wages and innovation rather than hoard liquidity. She can unlock this growth through “cost-free” governance changes now under review in the Companies Act and Corporate Governance Code. Proposed steps include unifying Japan’s three board structures and duplicative reporting formats, widening the window for annual shareholder meetings and earlier financial disclosure, and requiring listed firms to have majority-independent boards. These measures would sharpen investor oversight, improve capital allocation, and rechannel idle corporate assets into productive investment without new budget outlays, provided the prime minister uses her office to push hesitant bureaucracies and lawmakers. Nicholas Benes, Nikkei Asia, November 17
Southeast Asia
Myanmar’s election theatre of the democratic absurd. Myanmar’s junta plans December 2025 polls while controlling roughly one-fifth of the country, dismantling institutions, imprisoning over 22,000 opponents, and displacing millions, including persecuted Rohingya communities. A redesigned proportional system, bans on major parties, and cancellation of constituencies in resistance-held areas entrench military-aligned dominance. The National Unity Government and allied armed groups present a federal alternative yet include actors implicated in abuses, highlighting risks of replacement authoritarianism. “Political Buddhism,” Chinese and Russian backing, and limited Western leverage leave ASEAN, India, the United States, and the EU choosing between legitimizing staged elections or supporting democratic resistance and accountability. Sahasranshu Dash and Hein Htet Kyaw, East Asia Forum, November 17