China
Bitcoin mining in China rebounds defying 2021 ban. Bitcoin mining activity has increased in China as operators tap cheap electricity abundant power in inland regions and surplus data center capacity. China’s share of global mining has climbed to 14 percent supported by higher bitcoin prices flexible regional incentives and renewed demand for mining rigs. Strong energy resources and evolving digital asset attitudes continue to fuel expansion despite the ongoing ban. Reuters, November 24
Xi pledges support for Maduro criticises U.S. actions in Venezuela. Xi Jinping reaffirmed strong support for Nicolas Maduro in a birthday message praising China–Venezuela ties and rejecting foreign interference as the US increases military deployments near Venezuela. Beijing echoed opposition to Washington’s Operation Southern Spear while Russia also voiced backing. Regional leaders urged multilateral dialogue to ease escalating tensions. Igor Patrick, South China Morning Post, November 24
Trump to visit China in April after ‘very good’ call with Xi on Taiwan Ukraine soybeans. Donald Trump will visit China next April after a rare phone call with Xi Jinping in which the leaders discussed Taiwan Ukraine trade and efforts to stabilise ties. Xi reiterated China’s positions on Taiwan and Ukraine while both sides highlighted progress since their October summit. Analysts said Beijing may be assessing Trump’s stance as regional tensions rise. Mark Magnier, South China Morning Post, November 24
PLA’s newly debuted Z-20T helicopter participates in air assault training official media report shows. China’s Z-20T helicopter joined air assault drills in Fujian practicing semi-hover maneuvers designed for rugged terrain and urban warfare. Footage showed coordinated low-altitude formations rapid troop embarkation and single-wheel landings to improve battlefield flexibility. Analysts said the helicopter’s frequent appearances signal technical maturity and growing deployment alongside standard Z-20 models. Liu Xuanzun and Liang Rui, Global Times, November 24
China criticises Japan’s plan to deploy missiles on island near Taiwan. China denounced Japan’s plan to place a missile unit on Yonaguni Island as a provocation that heightens regional tensions amid their sharpest diplomatic rift in years. Tokyo says the deployment protects its territory while Taipei argues the move supports stability in the Taiwan Strait. China’s military amplified warnings through aggressive videos. Antoni Slodkowski and Ben Blanchard, Reuters, November 24
Japan
Japan PM Takaichi to speak with Donald Trump by phone on Tuesday FNN says. Japan’s Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and Donald Trump plan a phone call in which Trump will brief her on his discussion with Xi Jinping. The exchange follows Takaichi’s recent remark that a Chinese attack on Taiwan could prompt a Japanese military response. Xi reportedly reiterated Beijing’s stance on Taiwan during his call with Trump. Anton Bridge, Reuters, November 25
South Korea
Lee Erdogan agree to bolster defense nuclear energy cooperation in summit talks. South Korean President Lee Jae Myung and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan agreed to deepen cooperation in defense nuclear energy renewable power and advanced technologies during their Ankara summit. Both highlighted joint production expanded industry ties and progress on Turkey’s planned nuclear plant while also discussing regional security and humanitarian issues. Kim Eun-jung, Yonhap News Agency, November 24
Lee warns of risks of accidental clash with N. Korea vows efforts to resume dialogue. President Lee Jae Myung warned of rising risks of accidental clashes with North Korea amid heightened hostility and severed communication channels. He urged patience in pursuing dialogue to ease tensions and reiterated that unification must follow peaceful coexistence. Lee also discussed military drills relations with China and regional diplomacy during flights between Africa and Turkey. Kim Eun-jung, Yonhap News Agency, November 24
Special presidential inspector post still vacant despite Lee’s pledge. The presidential special inspector role remains unfilled nearly a decade after its creation despite President Lee Jae Myung’s campaign vow to restore the oversight post. Lee reiterated its importance but no progress followed amid legislative gridlock and political disputes. Opposition lawmakers recently renewed calls for action as questions over presidential aides resurfaced. Hwang Joo-young, The Korea Herald, November 24
Thailand
Parties hold no-confidence talks. Thailand’s opposition parties discussed timing for a potential no-confidence motion with indications it may wait until after charter amendments progress. Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul told coalition members to prepare for a possible dissolution signal on Dec. 12 while ministers denied related budget deadlines. Officials debated constitutional options for holding the government accountable as political maneuvering intensified. Bangkok Post, November 24
Charter panel tackles key amendment issues today. Thailand’s charter-amendment committee will decide on major unresolved questions including political break requirements for drafting members and procedures for approving a completed constitution. Lawmakers remain divided on voting rules and whether senators must endorse the draft. The committee expects to finish this week and warned parties not to exploit reform amid dissolution speculation. Chairith Yonpiam, Bangkok Post, November 25
Vietnam
PM’s visit opens up new cooperation opportunities with Middle Eastern African partners. Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh’s visits to Kuwait Algeria and South Africa strengthened Vietnam’s strategic partnerships and expanded prospects in energy agriculture minerals and market access. Foreign Minister Le Hoai Trung said the trip included high level meetings major business engagements and over ten cooperation agreements. Vietnam News, November 24
Myanmar
Myanmar junta backs China in row with Japan over Taiwan remarks. Myanmar’s military regime backed China in condemning Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s Taiwan comments reaffirming its One China position and loyalty to Beijing. Spokesman Zaw Min Tun accused Japan of ignoring wartime history and encouraging Taiwan independence forces as China and Japan engaged in diplomatic and security retaliation. Myanmar citizens online rejected the junta’s stance. Maung Kavi, The Irrawaddy, November 24
Laos
Party Central Committee finalises blueprint for national development. The 11th Central Committee convened a four day plenary through November 27 to set policy ahead of the 12th Congress. The agenda covers a third Political Programme a Political Report the 2026 to 2030 National Socio economic Development Plan and revised Party disciplines. Leaders reported steps to curb inflation stabilize exchange rates and regulate prices before reviewing implementation and adopting the documents. Times Reporters, Vientiane Times, November 25
Laos seeks more investment from Yunnan. Laos and China’s Yunnan province held the 15th Joint Coordination Committee meeting in Vientiane to expand trade transport links and investment. Officials promoted projects tied to the Laos China Economic Corridor and the railway, offered one stop services for investors, and listed SEZs and energy agriculture and tourism opportunities. Bilateral trade hit US$8.23 billion in 2024. Chinese investment exceeds US$18 billion. Phonepaseuth Volakhoun, Vientiane Times, November 25
Philippines
Marcos worried about ‘unrecognizable’ Imee. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said the senator seen on TV is “not my sister,” expressing concern after Imee Marcos accused him and his family of drug use at a Nov. 17 rally. He declined details. Palace officials and his son rebutted her claims. Imee urged drug testing and repeated her challenge. Critics called her public remarks unacceptable. Kristina Maralit and Bernadette E. Tamayo, The Manila Times, November 24
Interpol blue notice for Zaldy Co out - DILG. Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla said Interpol has issued a Blue Notice for former Ako Bicol Rep. Zaldy Co, who faces a Sandiganbayan arrest order tied to an anomalous Oriental Mindoro flood-control project. The alert seeks information on Co’s identity, location or activities. A Red Notice could follow. Remulla said authorities do not know his whereabouts and suspect he may be using another passport. Izel Abanilla, The Manila Times, November 24
Indonesia
Indonesia grants unlimited stay permit for former citizens in lieu of dual citizenship. Indonesia has launched an unlimited stay permit for former citizens and people of Indonesian descent as an alternative to dual nationality. The programme aims to maintain ties with the diaspora support national development and address concerns about brain drain by enabling eligible applicants to live or work in Indonesia indefinitely without giving up foreign citizenship. Stanley Widianto, Reuters, November 24
Indonesia, Saudi Arabia to enhance tourism cooperation. Indonesia and Saudi Arabia agreed to deepen tourism cooperation covering professional workforce supply, investment and visitor flows. Minister Widiyanti Putri Wardhana said Saudi Arabia will open opportunities for Indonesian professionals as it develops projects such as King Salman Park. Indonesia will facilitate Saudi investors in priority destinations including Jakarta, Bali and the Riau Islands. ANTARA News, November 24
Malaysia
Malaysia says it plans to ban social media for under-16s from 2026. Malaysia intends to restrict social media access for users under sixteen citing growing concerns about cyberbullying online scams and child exploitation. Officials are examining age-verification models abroad as global scrutiny of platform safety increases. The plan aligns with regional efforts to tighten oversight while Malaysia expands licensing requirements for major digital services and presses platforms to address harmful content more rigorously. Rozanna Latiff and Stanley Widianto, Reuters, November 24
Singapore
Singapore to open Addis Ababa embassy, boosting ties with Africa. Singapore will open an embassy in Addis Ababa by 2027, its first mission in East Africa, to deepen links with Ethiopia and the African Union. Lawrence Wong announced the move during his visit, where both sides signed agreements on skills development and carbon markets. The embassy aims to catalyse trade and investment flows and support Ethiopia’s COP32 preparations while expanding Singapore’s engagement in Africa. Tham Yuen-C, The Straits Times, November 24
Taiwan
Taiwan’s KMT seeks to change law to allow mainland China-born spouses to hold office. Taiwan’s Kuomintang is pursuing amendments that would enable long-settled mainland-born spouses to hold public office despite being unable to obtain proof of PRC nationality renunciation. The effort follows a disputed removal case and has intensified debate over security loyalty and constitutional interpretation as critics warn of risks while supporters argue current rules impose impossible demands. Lawrence Chung, South China Morning Post, November 24
Foreign Minister Lin highlights increase in U.S. state engagement. Taiwan has seen rising engagement from U.S. state governments, with 26 state and territorial offices now in Taiwan, over half opened in the past three years. Oklahoma Tennessee and Idaho added offices in 2025. Governor-led trade missions from Arizona Alaska Wyoming Tennessee North Carolina and Guam also visited. Joseph Yeh, Focus Taiwan, November 24
Kyrgyzstan
Days before parliament vote, authorities round up last of opposition. Security forces in Kyrgyzstan arrested ten opposition figures on Nov. 22 for allegedly plotting mass disorder and a violent takeover days before the Nov. 30 parliamentary vote. Detainees include Social Democrats chair Temirlan Sultanbekov, former president Almazbek Atambayev’s son Kadyrbek, and ex MPs. Others were interrogated. Alexander Thompson, Eurasianet, November 24
East Asia
Embodied AI: China’s Big Bet on Smart Robots. China is prioritizing embodied AI systems that combine advanced models with sensors to operate autonomously in physical environments, contrasting with US focus on software agents and LLMs. These systems span humanoid robots, drones, vehicles, and industrial manipulators and aim to extend AI into the real economy through factories, logistics and services. Central leaders endorse a pilot first scale later strategy that empowers rich provinces to build local ecosystems despite debt risks and uneven guidance. China’s manufacturing base, supply chains and real world data provide advantages, while chip limits, sensor gaps and technical uncertainty could slow progress. Pavlo Zvenyhorodskyi and Scott Singer, Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, November 24
China’s Communist Party wants positive energy only, please. Chinese authorities increase efforts to suppress public pessimism by punishing online content that criticizes officials or highlights social inequality and by promoting so called positive energy. Local cases in Weifang show police disciplining residents for posts on agricultural policy or school bullying while a national campaign has shut or suspended about 1,200 accounts. Survey research now finds sharp declines in belief that hard work is rewarded and in confidence about upward mobility, especially among youth. Despite bans on high-profile influencers and curated narratives of satisfaction, discontented commentary persists and positive energy has become an ironic phrase as economic weakness fuels deeper gloom. The Economist, November 24
In Call With Trump Xi Says Taiwan Issue Extends Beyond China’s Internal Affairs. Xi uses an unannounced phone call with Trump to frame Taiwan’s return to China as a core element of the postwar international order rather than a purely internal issue. Citing past cooperation against fascism he urges Washington to help safeguard World War Two outcomes while signaling displeasure with Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s remarks that a Taiwan contingency would be a contingency for Japan. Trump acknowledges China’s wartime role and the sensitivity of Taiwan and accepts invitations for reciprocal state visits. Chinese messaging stresses that Beijing initiated the call and seeks more frequent communication. The call unfolds amid an escalating China Japan dispute marked by Foreign Minister Wang Yi’s warning that Japan has crossed a red line and by suspended flights and mass ticket cancellations. Juan Zhang, U.S.-China Perception Monitor, November 25
China’s Rare Earth Strategy May Need Recalibration. The new United States-Australia framework on critical minerals signals efforts to build non Chinese supply chains and exposes limits in Beijing’s rare earth export control strategy. Washington seeks to contain China by moving trade and technology networks while China has tried to counter through tighter controls on materials vital to high-end manufacturing. These restrictions echo earlier curbs on exports to Japan and have pushed the United States Japan and the European Union to diversify refining capacity and secure supplies from partners such as Australia Canada and African producers. Beijing is urged to adopt targeted rules based controls reassure trusted partners and deepen supply chain interdependence through reliable deliveries green industrial projects and stronger participation in multilateral trade frameworks instead of coercive resource diplomacy. Patrick Xue, East Asia Forum, November 24
Why Japan Needs Nuclear Weapons. Japan and South Korea are depicted as inevitably moving toward national nuclear forces because U.S. extended deterrence is weakening under expanding Chinese and North Korean strike capabilities. In Japan, deep anti-nuclear sentiment and the three non-nuclear principles still shape public debate, yet decades of quiet hedging through plutonium stocks and fuel cycle technologies signal readiness to reconsider. A narrower, more transactional U.S. role, China’s modern submarine launched missiles, an irreversibly nuclear North Korea and the discrediting of nonproliferation after Ukraine all erode confidence in legal guarantees and conventional deterrence. Without a frank national discussion and eventual nuclear option, Japan risks gradual loss of autonomy as it accommodates a nuclear armed China that U.S. promises may no longer fully offset. Bilahari Kausikan, Foreign Policy, November 24
Enemies Who Can’t Afford to Fight: Xi-Trump Meeting in South Korea and the Paradox of US-China Relations. Trump and Xi meet in South Korea as leaders constrained by tariff wars and export controls that reveal how tightly US and Chinese economies are bound together. Both face slowing growth and social strain as Washington struggles with inflation and costly reindustrialization while Beijing confronts involution youth unemployment and a prolonged real estate slump. Tariffs tighter Party oversight and controls on sensitive technologies become tools of political toughness even though they inflict self harm and measure power by capacity to endure pain. This rivalry stems from a shared global model that turned China into the world’s factory and let Western consumers enjoy cheap credit and goods. The Seoul talks offer limited tariff relief and symbolic cooperation while leaving two fatigued powers trapped in mutual dependence. Konrad Szatters, China Observers in Central and Eastern Europe, November 24
Southeast Asia
ASEAN Is No Longer Just a Talk Shop. ASEAN is presented as gradually gaining agency after decades of being dismissed as a talk shop, driven by higher threat perceptions, stronger leadership and pressure from U.S. China competition. When new fighting erupted along the Cambodia Thailand border near Preah Vihear, Malaysia as chair rapidly deployed observers who confirmed a recently planted land mine and demonstrated that ASEAN can stabilise intra regional disputes. On Myanmar, the Five Point Consensus has produced envoys, humanitarian efforts and repeated visits, yet military intransigence and member states that engage the junta outside ASEAN channels blunt collective leverage. With the Philippines preparing to push a South China Sea code of conduct, ASEAN’s activism is likely to focus on disputes among members while remaining constrained whenever action might challenge Beijing. Derek Grossman, Foreign Policy, November 24
Stoking nationalism costs Cambodia economic growth. Hun Manet pursues an authoritarian developmentalist strategy that subordinates democratic norms to rapid economic growth, aiming to reach upper middle income status by 2030 and high income status by 2050. Large scale infrastructure, agricultural modernization and tourism projects are designed to attract foreign investment and reinforce regime legitimacy. Yet dependence on Chinese capital, downturns in construction and real estate and scandals over cyber scams expose vulnerabilities. The 2025 armed border dispute with Thailand triggered boycotts and a tourism slump, prompting downgraded growth forecasts and higher social costs, revealing how nationalist mobilization undermines developmental ambitions. Scott Rawlinson, East Asia Forum, November 24
U.S.-China Military Rivalry Punctuates Southeast Asian Defense Dialogue in Malaysia. At the ASEAN Defense Ministers’ Meeting Plus in Kuala Lumpur, Southeast Asian states advanced twenty initiatives and adopted the Kuala Lumpur Joint Declaration on unity, rules based order and South China Sea stability while U.S. China rivalry dominated attention. U.S. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth urged partners to resist Chinese coercion, launched new defense frameworks with Malaysia, the Philippines, India and Cambodia and agreed with China’s Dong Jun to reopen crisis communication channels. Dong presented China as ASEAN’s natural security partner, echoing Asia for Asians themes. ASEAN governments welcome reduced escalation risks yet remain caught between concern over Chinese assertiveness and uncertainty about U.S. resolve. Lyle Morris, Asia Society, November 24
Why Community Mining Is No Panacea for Illegal Mining. Prabowo Subianto vows to crack down on Indonesia’s 1,000 plus illegal mines while converting some small scale operations into community cooperatives using people’s mining permits. The scheme aims to curb rent seeking and channel revenues through taxation but illegal mining persists because of collusion between officials and entrepreneurs, rural poverty and surging gold prices. Permits reserved for local residents are often captured by outside investors and local elites, turning community mines into vehicles for extortionary security payments and patronage. Extensive environmental damage from excavators and toxic chemicals, along with coastal and farmland degradation that forces farmers and fishers into unsafe pits, further undercuts claims of shared prosperity. Effective community mining requires stronger enforcement, devolved oversight to trusted local leaders and professionals, and regulated supply chains. Mirza Fanzikri, FULCRUM, November 24
South Asia
True autonomy in India requires clear, capable, confident strategy. India has long sought strategic autonomy yet pursues it through defensive bureaucracy that deters the foreign capital and technology it still needs. Regulatory disputes from the stalled Jaitapur nuclear project to aborted coal plant upgrades reveal mistrust that slows modernization while multialignment in diplomacy fragments economic integration. The proposed concept of lucid dependence calls for clear rules, capable regulators and confident acceptance of selective interdependence to channel foreign participation toward national goals. Building this model requires overcoming entrenched protectionist coalitions and aligning political ambition, bureaucratic capacity and market actors before the China plus one window and India’s demographic opportunity close. Henry Hopwood-Phillips, Nikkei Asia, November 24