China
China takes spat with Japan over Taiwan to UN, vows to defend itself. China escalated its dispute with Japan at the U.N., accusing Tokyo of threatening intervention over Taiwan and vowing self-defense under the charter. U.N. envoy Fu Cong’s letter followed Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s remark that a China attack could trigger a “survival-threatening” situation enabling troop deployment. Japan rejected the charge. The row has chilled trade and prompted concert cancellations in China. Laurie Chen, Makiko Yamazaki, Reuters, November 22
China, U.S. hold ‘candid’ maritime security talks amid Japan, South China Sea tensions. Held in Hawaii under the MMCA working group, the second 2025 meeting addressed air and sea encounters and operational safety, the PLA Navy said. It came amid China-Japan friction after Sanae Takaichi’s Taiwan remarks, travel warnings and a Diaoyu deployment, as Washington reaffirmed Japan’s defense and regional patrols intensified. Amber Wang, South China Morning Post, November 22
China unleashes ‘wolf warriors’ in diplomatic duel with Japan. Chinese diplomats revived hawkish messaging against Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi after she said a Taiwan attack could trigger Japan’s response, pushing criticism across Asian and Western capitals. Embassies invoked wartime memories; an Osaka consul deleted a menacing post. Beijing warned against travel and curbed seafood imports as Japan avoided direct rebuttals while seeking to cool tensions. Liz Lee and Tim Kelly, Reuters, November 21
Japan
No Japan-China talks held at G20, Takaichi gets fresh warning from Beijing. Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and Chinese Premier Li Qiang did not speak during the G20 summit in South Africa. China’s Wang Yi said her Taiwan comments crossed a red line. Takaichi reiterated openness to dialogue and pursuit of constructive, stable ties. Beijing has issued a travel advisory and reimposed Japanese seafood ban after her Nov. 7 remarks to parliament. Kyodo News, November 23
South Korea
South Korea’s President Lee meets Chinese premier, Japan PM at G20 summit. Lee met Li Qiang and Sanae Takaichi at the G20 in South Africa, sought a meeting with Xi Jinping, and said Li would deliver the message. Both stressed communication and mutual trust. With Takaichi, he reaffirmed bilateral ties amid a precarious order. He pledged to keep the G20 influential when South Korea hosts in 2028. Heejin Kim, Reuters, November 23
Lee reaffirms commitment to cooperation in separate talks with Japanese, Chinese leaders. At the G20 in Johannesburg, President Lee Jae Myung met Japan’s Sanae Takaichi and China’s Li Qiang, pledging deeper ties and “shuttle diplomacy.” He requested a Beijing visit. Talks on a trilateral summit continue amid Tokyo-Beijing friction over Takaichi’s Taiwan remarks. Kim Eun-jung, Yonhap News Agency, November 23
Minor Rebuilding Korea Party elects ex-justice minister Cho Kuk as leader. The party elected Cho with 98.6% approval at a national convention in Cheongju, 137 kilometers south of Seoul on Sunday. He vowed political, livelihood, economic, social and human rights reform “with only the people’s will as the compass.” Pardoned in August while serving a two-year sentence, he had led the interim leadership since September. Lee Haye-ah, Yonhap News Agency, November 23
North Korea
N. Korea enacts urban development law to provide better living conditions. North Korea’s Supreme People’s Assembly enacted a “city formation and development law” to modernize cities, improve living conditions, and curb sprawl. It precedes Kim Jong-un reaffirming the Regional Development 20×10 Policy to build factories in 20 cities and counties for a decade. Park Boram, Yonhap News Agency, November 24
Lee says S. Korea’s ultimate goal is reunification with N. Korea. In Johannesburg, President Lee Jae Myung called reunification a constitutional duty pursued through dialogue, not absorption. He pledged channels to Pyongyang, coordination with the U.S., and extended deterrence under the NPT, while seeking ties with China and defense, nuclear-energy cooperation with Turkey. Kim Eun-jung, Yonhap News Agency, November 23
Thailand
Anutin faces pressure over border stance. Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul’s cautious approach to Thai-Cambodian border flare-ups has angered nationalists and risks weakening Bhumjaithai’s electoral prospects. Critics say his emphasis on dialogue and stability signals indecision, while rivals demand tougher rhetoric. Analysts warn optics, not policy, loom largest as elections near, amid Klatham scandals, opposition pressure and talk of censure. Party strategists fear lost momentum. Bangkok Post, November 22
Dissolution threat sparks backlash. Opposition Pheu Thai MP Cholnan Srikaew accused Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul of brandishing a Dec. 12 House dissolution to evade censure, warning Bhumjaithai could steer the budget and appointments. Ex-Pheu Thai spokesman Prompong Nopparit blasted ditching a Jan. 31 timeline. Critics cited Interior Ministry reshuffles and stalled charter reforms ahead of the next election. Cholnan said the move would short-circuit scrutiny. Aekarach Sattaburuth, Bangkok Post, November 23
Defections boost BJT poll hopes. Anutin Charnvirakul said Bhumjaithai will earn voters’ trust in an election expected early next year, citing recent defectors. He welcomed groups tied to Varawut Silpa-archa and Sontaya Kunplome, formed a recruitment panel, and downplayed factionalism. BJT has not named PM nominees; Commerce Minister Suphajee Suthumpun has held talks. Apinya Wipatayotin, Bangkok Post, November 24
Philippines
Coast Guard shadows armed Chinese vessel near Subic Bay. The Philippine Coast Guard deployed BRP Cabra to shadow China Coast Guard ship 4305 detected 35 nautical miles off Subic Bay, an “intrusive” close-range patrol, analyst Ray Powell said. The Type 301 vessel mounts a 76 mm gun, two 30 mm systems and a helicopter deck. The encounter coincided with USMC MQ-9A Reaper deployments to Basa Air Base under EDCA. Franco Jose C. Baroña, The Manila Times, November 22
QC police fail to serve warrants to four accused in flood control scam. The Quezon City Police District was unable to serve arrest warrants to four individuals implicated in a multimillion-peso flood control scam due to their absence from listed residences. Police teams visited multiple locations on November 21 and 22 but failed to locate Anthony Ngo, Lerma Cayco, Timojen Adiong Sacar, and Dominic Gregorio Serrano. All four are among those charged for alleged irregularities in public projects. Arlie O. Calalo, The Manila Times, November 23
DFA: No court order yet on cancellation of Zaldy Co’s passport. The Department of Foreign Affairs confirmed it has not yet obtained a court directive to revoke the passport of Elizaldy “Zaldy” Co, former Ako-Bicol party-list representative, as required under RA 11983. Co faces allegations of involvement in P35 billion worth of flood control project anomalies, including receiving P1 billion in kickbacks reportedly delivered in suitcases to his hotel penthouse. Charie Abarca, Philippine Daily Inquirer, November 24
Indonesia
Indonesia to auction seized Iranian tanker and 1.2 million barrels of crude oil. Indonesia’s Attorney General’s Office will auction the Iranian-flagged MT Arman 114 and its cargo of 166,975 metric tons of light crude oil — equivalent to 1.2 million barrels — starting December 2. The vessel was seized after its captain was convicted of marine pollution. Only licensed oil and gas entities may bid. Djibril Muhammad, Jakarta Globe, November 23
Malaysia
Anwar receives state-level welcome in Kenya, to witness MoUs on tourism and city cooperation. Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim arrived in Nairobi for an official visit that includes a state welcome at the State House and bilateral talks with President William Ruto. Both leaders will witness MoU signings on tourism and city cooperation. Anwar will also address the Malaysia–Africa Higher Education Forum and Malaysia–Kenya Business Forum. Malay Mail, November 24
Singapore
Singapore’s core inflation jumps to 1.2% in October, highest so far in 2025. Core inflation rose to 1.2% year-on-year in October, up from 0.4% in September, marking the highest rate in 2025. Price increases in services, food, and retail, alongside a slower fall in electricity and gas costs, drove the uptick. CPI-All Items inflation also climbed to 1.2%, mainly due to higher private transport costs. Ng Hong Siang, Channel News Asia, November 24
PM Wong meets counterparts from several countries at G-20. Prime Minister Lawrence Wong held bilateral meetings at the G-20 Summit with leaders from the EU, Germany, Ireland, the Netherlands, France, Italy, Vietnam, Turkey, China, and South Africa. Talks covered trade, digital cooperation, maritime partnerships, and regional collaboration through ASEAN-EU and CPTPP platforms. He affirmed Singapore’s readiness to deepen ties across economic and strategic sectors. Tham Yuen-C, The Straits Times, November 23
Taiwan
China says Japan sent ‘shocking’ wrong signal on Taiwan. China’s foreign minister Wang Yi called Japan’s Taiwan remarks “shocking,” accusing Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi of signaling military intervention and “crossing a red line.” Beijing sent a letter to the U.N.; Taiwan condemned it as rude and unlawful, while Japan said its peace stance stands. Takaichi, in South Africa, said dialogue remains open and noted no talks with Li Qiang. Farah Master, Ben Blanchard, Sam Nussey, Tim Kelly, Reuters, November 23
South Korea sees room for cooperation with Taiwan on U.S. chip tariffs, trade minister says. Seoul said cooperation with Taipei could secure favorable treatment under Trump’s chip tariffs. A new deal trades lower U.S. duties for South Korean investment and includes a pledge to offer terms no less favorable than any future pact, a clause seen as referencing Taiwan. Officials said talks with Taiwan continue. Heejin Kim, Jihoon Lee, Reuters, November 24
India
Takaichi and Modi agree to deepen Japan-India cooperation. At the G20 in Johannesburg, Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and India’s Narendra Modi agreed to expand cooperation on security, economy and investment. Takaichi sought collaboration on AI, semiconductors and economic security; both endorsed a free, open Indo-Pacific. She also met leaders of Germany, France and South Africa. The Japan Times, November 24
Kazakhstan
Kazakhstan and Armenia forge strategic partnership in landmark summit. Kazakhstan and Armenia upgraded ties to a strategic partnership during a summit in Astana, marked by the signing of 15 agreements spanning trade, security, culture, and technology. Leaders Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and Nikol Pashinyan emphasized stronger dialogue, easing transit routes, and boosting connectivity. The move aligns with broader efforts to enhance regional trade through new corridors. Stephen M. Bland, The Times of Central Asia, November 21
Uzbekistan
Uzbekistan aims to double number of tourists and share of tourism in GDP by 2030. A presidential resolution outlines plans to expand Uzbekistan’s Tourism Committee and grow the tourism sector’s GDP share from 3.5% to 7% by 2030. Goals include attracting 20 million foreign visitors annually, boosting export earnings to over $6 billion, improving infrastructure, and promoting national heritage through projects in Samarkand, Khiva, and Tashkent. Gazeta, November 21
Tajikistan
China to boost trade, investment with Tajikistan, Wang says. China will expand imports of Tajik agricultural products and encourage investment, Foreign Minister Wang Yi said in Dushanbe, calling China a “trustworthy, reliable partner.” He thanked Tajikistan for backing China’s core interests, vowed resistance to interference over Taiwan, and pledged deeper cooperation in minerals and security, including bilateral joint patrols. Further investment agreements will follow. Farah Master, Reuters, November 23
Turkmenistan
Food conditions in the Turkmenistan army under scrutiny. Returning conscripts report chronic food shortages, undercooked bread, and widespread malnutrition in the Turkmen army, with poorer soldiers receiving minimal rations while wealthier peers buy better meals. One fatal altercation over food occurred this summer. Officers also face rising discontent over housing costs and rigid service terms. Vagit Ismailov, The Times of Central Asia, November 21
Kyrgyzstan
Kyrgyzstan authorities detain opposition figures ahead of snap election. Kyrgyz law enforcement arrested, searched and questioned opposition politicians and journalists in a probe into calls for “mass unrest” before the Nov. 30 vote expected to bolster President Sadyr Japarov. Targets included allies of ex-president Almazbek Atambayev, while courts branded outlets “extremist,” pressuring media. Aigerim Turgunbaeva and Felix Light, Reuters, November 22
Chinese-Kyrgyz tensions flare after brawl at construction site. A roadside altercation between Kyrgyz and Chinese workers in Chui province escalated into a mass fight, prompting detentions and raising concerns ahead of Kyrgyzstan’s elections and a Chinese diplomatic visit. Officials attributed the unrest to provocation and emphasized the importance of Chinese-backed infrastructure projects. The incident revived anti-Chinese sentiment amid economic dependence and labor-related grievances. Stephen M. Bland, The Times of Central Asia, November 21
East Asia
Chinese pharma is on the cusp of going global. China has become the world’s second most important innovator in medicines as its firms now run around one third of global clinical trials and lead in cancer and obesity research. Regulatory overhauls, a stronger drug watchdog and returning overseas scientists have moved the industry from generics and contract work to fast follower and first in class drugs. Western pharmaceutical groups facing huge patent cliffs increasingly license Chinese molecules and form NewCo structures to bring them to foreign markets at lower cost. At home strict state purchasing keeps prices and profits low so Chinese companies look abroad for growth. Political frictions, data privacy rules and scrutiny by American regulators pose obstacles yet greater competition promises cheaper treatments worldwide. The Economist, November 23
How to Respond to Chinese Imports. China’s expanding trade surplus and dominance in manufacturing raise three distinct concerns for other economies national security, innovation and employment. Security risks justify tightly targeted controls on critical supplies and sensitive technologies guided by a small yard high fence approach rather than sweeping protectionism. To safeguard innovation policymakers should support advanced segments of manufacturing with industrial policies that foster investment, coordination and new technologies while viewing tariffs only as temporary support. The employment shock from Chinese imports and automation cannot be reversed through reshoring since manufacturing jobs are shrinking even in China. A durable good jobs strategy must focus on improving service sector work through regional partnerships and labor-friendly technologies that boost opportunities for non college workers. Dani Rodrik, Project Syndicate, November 21
How Sanae Takaichi crossed China’s four untouchable red lines. China reacted sharply after Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi tells the Diet that a Taiwan contingency could threaten Japan’s survival, implying legal grounds for Self Defense Forces involvement in a Taiwan conflict. Beijing issues fierce diplomatic protests, travel and study warnings, seafood import bans and military drills near Japan. Chinese leaders judge that Takaichi undermines the 1972 normalization understanding that Taiwan is part of China and signals a change from possible to active Japanese intervention. Her wording revives memories of prewar mobilization, appears to betray assurances recently given to Xi Jinping and risks encouraging other states to tie their security to Taiwan. Beijing is expected to sustain pressure, raising the prospect of a prolonged downturn in China Japan relations and internal debate in Tokyo. Deng Yuwen, ThinkChina, November 21
Stagflation is ruining Takaichi’s honeymoon. Japan’s new Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi confronts stagflation as GDP and wages lag inflation and a 1.8% contraction ends her political honeymoon. Takaichinomics revives Abenomics by favouring loose monetary policy, fiscal stimulus and a 21.3 trillion yen package while neglecting productivity reforms that could lift growth. External shocks from Donald Trump’s trade war and a worsening dispute with China over Taiwan add pressure through weaker exports, tourism losses and seafood bans. A weak yen drives imported inflation yet high public debt limits Bank of Japan tightening. Without structural reforms to boost efficiency and innovation and share gains beyond the top 1% Japan risks deeper stagflation and another short-lived premiership. William Pesek, Nikkei Asia, November 23
The Russia factor in US–South Korea alliance planning. Debate over the future of the US–South Korea alliance is increasing as Washington and Seoul confront deepening Russia–North Korea security cooperation. Russia’s partnership with Pyongyang, formalized in a 2024 mutual defence treaty, extends Moscow’s role beyond using its UN Security Council veto and fits a broader quest for strategic depth on its Eurasian periphery. Analysts disagree over whether the relationship is merely transactional or reflects enduring Russian interests on the Korean Peninsula, where North Korea serves as a useful buffer against the United States. Russia may modernize North Korea’s conventional forces, transfer military technology and even intervene in a conflict. Alliance planners in Washington and Seoul are urged to treat Russia, alongside North Korea and China, as a permanent factor in adjusting alliance posture. Anthony V Rinna, East Asia Forum, November 21
Yongbyon Nuclear Scientific Research Center: Modernization and Expansion in 2025. Satellite imagery from 2025 shows intensive modernization at North Korea’s Yongbyon Nuclear Scientific Research Center, which remains central to plutonium and enriched uranium production. A suspected enrichment plant northeast of the radiochemical laboratory is nearing completion, with enclosed main hall, new support buildings, heat exchangers and expanding radioactive waste storage nearby. The 5 MWe reactor appears to have operated continuously through refurbishment and now has new docking bays. The experimental light water reactor continues pre-operational testing, indicated by intermittent cooling water discharge. Flood-damaged river infrastructure is being rebuilt into a stronger overflow dam and reinforced banks, while dismantlement of the 50 MWe reactor proceeds, highlighting Yongbyon’s growing role in Kim Jong Un’s push for more weapons grade nuclear material. Peter Makowsky, Jack Liu and Iliana Ragnone, 38 North, November 21
Southeast Asia
Salinity intrusion threatens Vietnam’s rice bowl. Saltwater intrusion in Vietnam’s Mekong Delta has gone from episodic shock to chronic crisis, pushing saline water more than 100 kilometres inland in recent dry seasons and destroying rice crops and freshwater supplies. Multiple forces combine to tilt the low lying delta toward the sea, including sea level rise, subsidence from groundwater extraction, upstream dams that trap sediment and intensive sand mining that deepens riverbeds. Unclear attribution among these drivers fragments policy responses. Coordinated scientific assessment, stronger regional cooperation on Mekong governance and integrated domestic management are needed to safeguard food security and economic stability. Edward Park, East Asia Forum, November 22