China
U.S. lawmakers press for new tactics to challenge China’s grip on rare earths. U.S. lawmakers urged a shift in strategy to counter China’s dominance of rare earths, calling for alternative technologies and components that bypass the minerals amid slow domestic progress. Executives from major U.S. mining firms offered no timeline for reducing reliance on Chinese supplies, while some lawmakers pushed for a Manhattan Project-style effort to accelerate alternatives. Frank Tang, South China Morning Post, November 19
Railway deal and a toxic spill likely to top agenda as Chinese premier visits Zambia. Chinese Premier Li Qiang’s first visit to Zambia will center on a $1.4 billion plan to modernize the Tazara railway while confronting backlash over a toxic copper-mine spill that contaminated the Kafue River and prompted a massive lawsuit from nearly 200 farmers. Li will also travel to South Africa for the G20 summit. Jevans Nyabiage, South China Morning Post, November 19
China imports no U.S. soybeans for second month, Brazil arrivals up 29%. China imported no U.S. soybeans in October amid tariff-driven tensions, while total arrivals hit a record on surging Brazilian shipments, which rose 28.8% to 7.12 million tons. Overall imports reached 9.48 million tons, with year-to-date U.S. purchases still up 11.5% after renewed buying led by COFCO following late-October talks. Markets await further deals toward a 12-million-ton target. Ella Cao and Lewis Jackson, Reuters, November 20
Chinese diplomatic tour strives to blunt U.S. trade momentum in Central Asia. Beijing dispatches Foreign Minister Wang Yi to Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan Nov. 19–22, following a U.S. C5+1 summit securing critical minerals deals worth tens of billions, to shore up trade and mining dominance. Talks in Bishkek launched strategic dialogue and advanced June summit pledges. Eurasianet, November 19
Japan
Japan counts cost of China’s travel boycott as tensions flare. China’s travel warning after Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s Taiwan comments has wiped out 80% of bookings at a Tokyo tour operator and threatens major losses in a sector that makes up 7% of Japan’s GDP. Nomura estimates the boycott could cost $14.23 billion yearly as airlines cancel flights and diplomatic tensions deepen. Joseph Campbell, John Geddie, Ethan Wang and Shi Bu, Reuters, November 19
Japan exports Patriot missiles to U.S., 1st under eased restrictions. Japan has shipped domestically made Patriot PAC-3 interceptors to the U.S. for the first time after loosening export rules that once limited transfers to components. Washington requested the missiles to refill its stockpile as it supplies arms to Ukraine. Tokyo said the interceptors will be used only by the U.S. military, though the number exported was not disclosed. Kyodo News, November 20
Stimulus package tops 20 trillion yen, post-COVID high. Japan is preparing an economic package exceeding 20 trillion yen, its largest since the pandemic, featuring major tax cuts, a higher income tax threshold and the end of an additional gasoline levy. About 17 trillion yen in spending will support inflation relief, growth sectors including AI and semiconductors, and defense measures tied to U.S. tariffs. A supplementary budget will be submitted this month. Haruka Suzuki and Anri Takahashi, The Asahi Shimbun, November 19
South Korea
Lee set to hold summit talks with Egypt’s El-Sisi, unveil Middle East initiatives. South Korean President Lee Jae Myung will meet Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi in Cairo to expand cooperation in trade, investment, culture and defense, marking 30 years of diplomatic ties. The visit includes discussions tied to Egypt’s $1.7 billion K9 howitzer deal, new MOUs and a speech outlining Lee’s Middle East strategy before he departs for the G20 summit. Kim Eun-jung, Yonhap News Agency, November 19
South Korea antitrust regulator probes Arm Holdings in Seoul, source says. South Korea’s antitrust regulator is investigating Arm’s Seoul offices after a Qualcomm complaint accused the company of restricting technology access and hurting competition. The inquiry follows years of licensing tensions between the firms, which are also locked in a U.S. legal dispute over Qualcomm’s acquisition of Nuvia. Arm and Qualcomm did not comment, and the FTC declined. Hyunjoo Jin, Joyce Lee and Dheeraj Kumar, Reuters, November 19
Ruling party urges N. Korea to accept S. Korea’s offer for military talks. South Korea’s Democratic Party called on Pyongyang to agree to military talks aimed at clarifying the Military Demarcation Line after repeated North Korean troop incursions during border work. Floor leader Kim Byung-kee said the meeting would help prevent accidental clashes and reopen dialogue, marking the first proposed military talks since 2018. Yi Wonju, Yonhap News Agency, November 20
North Korea
Pro-Pyongyang paper says N. Korea aims to build socialist powerhouse by 2035. A Japan-based pro-North Korean newspaper said Pyongyang is pursuing a 15-year plan to become a “socialist powerhouse” by 2035, built around three five-year phases expected to be detailed at an upcoming party congress. The report aligns with Kim Jong-un’s earlier pledge for a long-term national development push following the 2021 economic plan. Park Boram, Yonhap News Agency, November 19
U.N. committee adopts resolution on N. Korean human rights backed by S. Korea, U.S. The U.N. General Assembly’s Third Committee adopted a resolution condemning North Korea’s systematic human rights abuses, with support from more than 60 nations including South Korea and the U.S. The measure denounces Pyongyang’s diversion of resources to weapons programs and urges dialogue to improve humanitarian conditions ahead of a plenary vote next month. Kim Seung-yeon, Yonhap News Agency, November 20
Suspension of RFA and VOA transforms North Korean public opinion as rumors replace outside news. The halt of RFA, VOA and South Korean radio broadcasts has sharply reduced North Koreans’ access to outside information, weakening informal opinion networks and allowing state-planted rumors to fill the vacuum. Residents report quieter neighborhoods, growing misinformation and increased reliance on state propaganda as long-standing “secret listening” practices become impossible. Lee Sang-yong, Daily NK, November 19
Thailand
Court tosses complaint against deal that made Anutin PM. Thailand’s Constitutional Court unanimously rejected a petition challenging the Bhumjaithai–People’s Party memorandum, ruling there was no clear evidence it sought to overthrow the constitutional monarchy. Filed by Niyom Nopparat, the case alleged the pact bound opposition MPs to back Anutin Charnvirakul as prime minister while Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut pursued amendments; judges deemed it political negotiation. Bangkok Post, November 20
Bhumjaithai unveils 3 PM picks. Prime Minister and party leader Anutin Charnvirakul named three nominees — himself, Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas, and Commerce Minister Suphajee Suthumpun — and said a party meeting Sunday would submit them immediately. He said the larger party needs shared leadership, praised both ministers’ performance, and left open placing them on the party list. Mongkol Bangprapa, Bangkok Post, November 20
Vietnam
Vietnam, Algeria upgrade ties to Strategic Partnership following talks between Government leaders. Vietnam and Algeria elevated relations to a Strategic Partnership in Algiers, committing to broaden cooperation and high-level exchanges across trade, agriculture, energy, defense and cybersecurity. They adopted a joint statement and signed documents on education, housing, debt settlement, a VCCI–Algerian chamber MoU, and a letter of intent to start talks on a pilot preferential trade pact. Vietnam News, November 19
Myanmar
Myanmar junta accuses U.S. of ‘hidden agenda’ in anti-scam crackdown. Myanmar military spokesman Maj. Gen. Zaw Min Tun alleged Washington has a “hidden agenda” in the Justice Department’s Scam Center Strike Force, which deployed FBI agents to Bangkok. He cited a Shwe Kokko raid—346 foreigners arrested, 10,000 phones seized—and claimed KK Park was demolished. Regime favors China-led anti-fraud efforts and blames border groups. Maung Kavi, The Irrawaddy, November 19
As election looms, Myanmar junta boss showers friends with honors. Min Aung Hlaing awarded 1,249 titles to military, business and media allies ahead of a planned vote, including cronies Maung Maung Naing, Kyaw Min Oo, steel tycoon Yang Ho and Russia’s arms exporter chief Alexander Mikheev; awards also went to entertainers. Many recipients backed his Maravijaya Buddha project. Maung Kavi, The Irrawaddy, November 19
Cambodia
AOT halts ceasefire inspection in Pursat after gunfire from Thai side. ASEAN Observers Team halted a ceasefire inspection at Checkpoint CH1 in Thmar Da, Pursat, at 11:08 a.m. after gunfire was heard from the Thai side, Cambodia’s defense ministry said, adding calm later returned. A Thai commander countered that Cambodia staged the incident with a “fake AOT” and a firecracker during a mine-clearance mission, claims tied to recent border tensions that left one civilian dead and three injured. Khmer Times, November 19
Philippines
Alice Guo gets life term over qualified trafficking. A Pasig court convicted former Bamban Mayor Alice Guo of qualified trafficking tied to an illegal POGO hub, sentencing her to reclusion perpetua and a P2 million fine. Deputy State Prosecutor Olivia Torrevillas said seven of 15 co-accused were also convicted; the Baofu compound was forfeited. Guo will be transferred to the Correctional Institution for Women; some suspects, including Dennis Cunanan, remain at large. Jane Bautista, Philippine Daily Inquirer, November 20
State prosecutors await arrest warrant for Zaldy Co. Prosecutors at the Office of the Ombudsman can ask to cancel Elizaldy “Zaldy” Co’s passport or seek an Interpol red notice when the Sandiganbayan issues a warrant. The Ombudsman filed graft and malversation cases over a P289.49-million Oriental Mindoro project, raffled to three divisions. Reina C. Tolentino and William B. Depasupil, The Manila Times, November 20
Indonesia
Japan PM Takaichi wants to get closer to Prabowo on defense. Japan’s newly elected Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi sought deeper defense ties with Indonesia as ministers Sugiono and Sjafrie held a 2+2 meeting in Tokyo and paid her a courtesy call. Tokyo aims to work closely with President Prabowo on a free and open Indo-Pacific and rule-of-law order. Japan agreed to provide high-speed patrol boats and a large patrol vessel via grants, with talks covering North Korea and Russia-North Korea cooperation. Jayanty Nada Shofa, Jakarta Globe, November 19
Malaysia
Anwar to highlight Asean perspective at G20 Summit. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim will lead Malaysia’s delegation to Johannesburg as 2025 Asean chair, aligning with South Africa’s “Solidarity, Equality, Sustainability” theme. He plans a bilateral with President Cyril Ramaphosa, a courtesy call with Botswana’s vice president, and meetings with G20 leaders, industry and diaspora. Sharanjit Singh, New Straits Times, November 19
Taiwan
KMT, TPP leaders meet to discuss possible electoral collaboration. KMT Chairperson Cheng Li-wun and TPP Chairman Huang Kuo-chang met in New Taipei to pursue 2026 election cooperation, including candidate selection and coordination. Huang pledged “utmost sincerity.” Cheng called March a deadline. The DPP labeled it “anti-DPP struggle session.” Liu Kuan-ting, Kuo Chien-shen, Yeh Su-ping, and Matthew Mazzetta, Focus Taiwan, November 19
U.S. Senate passes bill seeking to remove limits on Taiwan engagement. The Senate approved the Taiwan Assurance Implementation Act, directing the State Department to lift limits and consider Taiwan chosen through free and fair elections. Introduced by Ann Wagner, Gerry Connolly and Ted Lieu, it passed the House and awaits Trump’s signature. Chung Yu-chen and James Thompson, Focus Taiwan, November 19
Afghanistan
Afghanistan seeks Indian investments, goods as Taliban minister arrives in Delhi. Afghanistan’s Taliban trade minister met Indian officials and investors to seek new investments, secure grains and medicines, and expand regional trade routes after Pakistan border closures disrupted supplies. India’s reopened Kabul embassy and its use of Iran’s Chabahar port are deepening economic engagement as Afghan commerce shifts from Pakistan. Mohammad Yunus Yawar and Shivam Patel, Reuters, November 19
East Asia
China built the energy transition while democracies debated. Europe focused on climate regulation and governance, sacrificing industrial capacity as its once dominant solar manufacturing base collapsed while production moved to China. The United States excelled in innovation and extraction but neglected large scale factories, remaining upstream in lithium, critical minerals and polysilicon as the country captured most refining and manufacturing. Beijing deliberately constructed the entire clean energy supply chain, from subsidised raw materials through wafers, cells, modules and batteries, installing huge volumes of new solar capacity and dominating lithium ion production. This architecture leaves Western climate plans increasingly dependent on Chinese hardware. To escape dependence, democracies must emulate France’s sovereign nuclear model and build their own domestic industrial spine rather than remain buyers of technology. Cristina Talacko, Lowy Institute, November 19
Trump’s Trade War Showed That China Can Stand Up to America. The Busan summit between Trump and Xi produced a pause in escalating tariffs yet revealed China’s ability to confront the United States as an economic peer. After reviving his trade war with duties exceeding 140 percent, Trump failed to secure supply chains, while Beijing prepared and weaponized its dominance in rare earth minerals and magnets, first cutting exports, then threatening a licensing regime. Confronted with these measures, Washington abandoned stronger tools such as chip controls and financial sanctions and retreated through tariff reductions and concessions. The outcome weakens American leverage, unsettles allies and underscores that durable competition with China requires patient reindustrialisation, diversified sourcing and coordinated strategies rather than ill planned coercion. Rush Doshi, The New York Times, November 19
Nuclear-Powered Submarines May Be Diplomatically Costly for South Korea. Trump’s surprise approval for South Korea to pursue conventionally armed nuclear powered submarines revives Seoul’s ambition but exposes technological and legal complications. Competing pathways mirror Australian and Brazilian models, with choices over U.S. supplied or indigenous fuel and between low enriched and highly enriched uranium, each requiring major changes to cooperation agreements and safeguards with the IAEA. Supporters highlight advantages over diesel boats for tracking North Korean and Chinese forces and sharing burdens with the United States, while critics question expense and strategic necessity. An SSN program could expand South Korea’s enrichment capacity and nuclear latency, alarming Beijing, Pyongyang and partners, inviting accusations of proliferation cover and requiring Seoul to demonstrate responsible stewardship of nuclear propulsion. Jamie Kwong, Foreign Policy, November 19
Southeast Asia
Prabowo edits Indonesia’s past by making Suharto a national hero. Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto invokes a Javanese maxim about praising virtues while burying sins as he grants national hero status to former dictator Suharto, recasting a polarizing strongman closely tied to mass anti communist killings. The move, paired with honors for murdered labor activist Marsinah and human rights champion Abdurrahman Wahid while omitting ex president BJ Habibie, reshapes the pantheon that defines Indonesia’s official memory. Suharto’s record of repression in Jakarta, East Timor and elsewhere is downplayed as Prabowo, long dogged by allegations of abductions and orchestration of the 1998 unrest, deepens his alliance with the military and reconciles with the Suharto clan. The decision functions as family rapprochement and strategic whitewashing of intertwined legacies. Johannes Nugroho, Nikkei Asia, November 19
Oceania
The ongoing quest for effective democracy in Tonga. Tonga’s 150th constitutional anniversary highlights a history of indigenous sovereignty while revealing persistent tensions among monarchy, nobles and elected representatives. The 2010 reforms increased popular representation and required parliament to select the prime minister, yet the king retained strong executive powers and nine nobles kept reserved seats, locking in a constrained hybrid model. Subsequent clashes between reformist leader ‘Akilisi Pōhiva and King Tupou VI, the royal dissolution of parliament in 2017 and the later rise of personality based politics after Pōhiva’s death have weakened parties and entrenched palace leverage. Under Prime Minister Aisake Eke, a technocratic partnership with the crown gains ground, but critics fear oligarchic rule, arguing for broader participatory reforms rooted in indigenous consensus traditions. Lorenz Gonschor, East Asia Forum, November 19