China
Trump says China’s Xi ‘more or less agreed’ to accelerate purchases of US goods. U.S. President Donald Trump said he asked Xi Jinping to speed up and increase China’s purchases of U.S. goods during a phone call and that Xi “more or less agreed.” Speaking aboard Air Force One, Trump predicted results soon. China has resumed buying soybeans and paused expanded rare earths curbs, but purchases had lagged earlier expectations. The call followed their October meeting. Jeff Mason and Andrea Shalal, Reuters, November 26
German foreign minister in ‘last stages of coordinating’ trip to China. German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul said he is in the last stages of coordinating a China trip after canceling an October visit for lack of meetings. The rescheduled travel is expected in the second week of December and would precede Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s planned visit early next year. Wadephul endorsed the EU’s partner competitor rival framework and called for faster de risking on critical minerals. Finbarr Bermingham, South China Morning Post, November 25
Japan
Japan fires back at ‘unsubstantiated’ Chinese letter to UN. Japan rejected a Chinese letter to the U.N. alleging Tokyo threatened armed intervention over Taiwan, calling it inconsistent with facts and unsubstantiated. Ambassador Kazuyuki Yamazaki said Japan’s policy is passive defense and China’s claim about self-defense was erroneous. The exchange followed PM Sanae Takaichi’s remarks and her call with U.S. President Donald Trump. China’s U.N. envoy Fu Cong sent the letter to Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. David Brunnstrom and Jasper Ward, Reuters, November 25
Japan PM affirms close cooperation with Trump after U.S.-China talks. Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said she reaffirmed close cooperation with the United States during a call requested by President Donald Trump, held after his conversation with Xi Jinping. She declined details on Taiwan. The government said stable U.S.-China ties are extremely important. China described the Xi-Trump call as positive, while Trump invited further contact. Takaichi briefed Trump on the G20 summit. Kyodo News, November 25
Japan gets its own bureau of government efficiency, but no Elon Musk in sight. Japan launched the Office for Administrative Reform and Promotion of Efficiency to work with finance and internal affairs on spending reviews and budget overhauls. The bureau under the Cabinet Secretariat plans a meeting next week and will begin revising the 2026 budget. Created under an LDP and Japan Innovation Party pact, it will review tax incentives, subsidies and reserve funds rather than impose DOGE cuts. Gabriele Ninivaggi, The Japan Times, November 25
South Korea
South Korea ruling party to propose bill for US investment under tariff deal, report says. South Korea’s ruling Democratic Party will propose a bill this week to enable agreed U.S. investments under a deal that cuts U.S. import duties on Korean goods from 25% to 15%. Money Today said the bill would be introduced Nov 26. The tariff cut applies retroactively in the month of introduction. Seoul pledged $350 billion of U.S. investment in strategic industries. Jack Kim and Hyunjoo Jin, Reuters, November 25
Tilting playing fields in party selection contests. South Korea’s two main parties are racing to rewrite primary rules before next June’s local elections, fueling internal fights over who should control candidate selection. The Democratic Party leader Jung Chung-rae pushes a one member one vote change that increases dues paying members’ power. The People Power Party plans to lift member weighting to 70 percent, drawing backlash for sidelining public polling. Ji Da-gyum, The Korea Herald, November 25
PM calls for proper judgment of people involved in martial law. Prime Minister Kim Min-seok urged swift, firm judgment of those involved in former President Yoon Suk Yeol’s short-lived martial law, citing concern that trials and probes are moving too slowly. Ahead of the Dec 3 one-year mark, he called the attempt an insurrection and pressed the judiciary and investigators to act, noting denied arrest warrants and refusals to testify during a Cabinet meeting on Tuesday. Lee Haye-ah, Yonhap News Agency, November 25
North Korea
Unification minister meets U.S. envoy, stresses bilateral cooperation in resuming U.S-N.K. dialogue. Unification Minister Chung Dong-young met acting U.S. Ambassador Kevin Kim and said close South Korea United States cooperation is vital to restart talks between Washington and Pyongyang. Chung said summits around APEC opened a window and the period before planned U.S China talks in April is important. He described Seoul’s role as pacemaker and both sides agreed to maintain communication to advance peace. Lee Minji, Yonhap News Agency, November 25
Thailand
Thai cabinet approves $117 billion budget plan for 2027 fiscal year. Thailand’s cabinet approved on Tuesday a 3.788 trillion baht ($116.7 billion) budget plan for fiscal 2027, which begins Oct 1, 2026. The plan projects spending up 0.2% and a deficit of 788 billion baht, or 3.9% of GDP, down 8.37% from the previous year. The plan was unveiled last week. Government spokesperson Siripong Angkasakulkiata announced the figures. Orathai Sriring, Kitiphong Thaichareon and Thanadech Staporncharnchai, Reuters, November 25
Charter debate approved for Dec. 10-11. Thailand’s cabinet approved a draft royal decree for a special parliamentary session on Dec. 10-11 to finish the constitutional amendment this year. A 15-day gap after second reading means waiting until the Dec. 12 regular session would miss the target. Lawmakers still dispute approval procedures, but the committee expects to submit its report this week as coalition partners eye a dissolution and referendum timetable. Mongkol Bangprapa and Aekarach Sattaburuth, Bangkok Post, November 25
Anutin to meet Chinese Premier for rice deal MOU signing on Dec. 14. Thailand announced that Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul will meet Chinese Premier Li Qiang on Dec. 14 to sign an MOU for the sale of 500,000 tonnes of rice to China. The signing will take place during the Mekong Lancang Cooperation Forum. Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow said officials are finalizing details and expect the agreement to proceed as scheduled. The Nation, November 25
Vietnam
Vietnamese Chinese navies hold joint patrol in Gulf of Tonkin. Ships 09 and 17 of Brigade 171 returned to Ho Chi Minh City after completing the 39th Vietnam China joint patrol in the Gulf of Tonkin on November 19 to 20. Activities included boundary patrols search and rescue drills communications formation maneuvering ship survivability drills and naval salutes. Rear Admiral Nguyen Van Quan said the patrol built trust and supported peace and stability and development. Vietnam News, November 25
Myanmar
ASEAN re-engagement with Myanmar ‘difficult’ even after polls, Thai foreign minister says. Thailand’s foreign minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow said ASEAN will find it difficult to reengage with Myanmar even after its December election, citing the lack of inclusive dialogue. He called for the release of Aung San Suu Kyi. The junta plans a multi phase vote starting Dec 28, which critics call a sham, with many parties banned or boycotting and voting not held nationwide. Devjyot Ghoshal, Reuters, November 25
Belarus dictator to visit Myanmar. Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko will visit Myanmar at Min Aung Hlaing’s invitation, the regime said, without giving a date. The junta framed the trip as international engagement ahead of its widely denounced election. Belarus and Myanmar have deepened cooperation in arms, diplomacy, trade and investment, and Minsk will send election observers. Ties intensified after high level meetings in Minsk and Naypyitaw. Maung Kavi, The Irrawaddy, November 25
Trump ends U.S. protected status for Myanmar nationals. Washington ended Temporary Protected Status for 4,000 Myanmar nationals, removing deportation shields and work authorization. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem cited improved governance and stability alongside an election schedule. Human Rights Watch disputed the rationale, saying emergency rule persists under martial law. UN rights chief Volker Turk said free and fair elections are impossible under current conditions. State Department keeps a no travel advisory. The Irrawaddy, November 25
Philippines
Vietnam: Code of Conduct on South China Sea ‘most important’ to ASEAN. Vietnamese Ambassador to the Philippines Lai Thai Binh said ASEAN and China support a legally binding effective COC in South China Sea, he told The Manila Times in a recent interview. ASEAN Secretary General Kao Kim Hourn said the grouping looks to complete the pact during the Philippines chairmanship. Negotiations have been ongoing since 2017. Bernadette E. Tamayo, The Manila Times, November 25
DFA: No confirmation yet on arrest of Harry Roque. Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro said the Philippine government has no confirmation that Harry Roque was arrested in the Netherlands after a court ordered the cancellation of his passport. She said the DFA has coordinated with the embassy in The Hague but received no verification. Lazaro confirmed the passport was canceled pursuant to the court decision during budget deliberations at the Senate. Bernadette E. Tamayo, The Manila Times, November 25
Calls for Marcos, VP Duterte to resign justified as ‘legitimate’. Calls for the resignation of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Vice President Sara Duterte are a legitimate constitutional remedy if public trust is lost, said Kabataan Rep. Renee Co and Bayan’s Raymond Palatino, citing succession and special-election provisions. The DILG and police are probing Nov. 16 rally speeches. Rallies are set Nov. 30 at Liwasang Bonifacio and the People Power Monument. Dempsey Reyes and Krixia Subingsubing, Philippine Daily Inquirer, November 26
Malaysia
Shamsul Iskandar steps down as PM’s political secretary following support letter controversy. Datuk Seri Shamsul Iskandar Mohd Akin resigned as Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s political secretary following controversy over a letter of support for contractors on a hospital project. In a post on X he said he was stepping down to defend himself from attacks aimed at tarnishing the government’s image. He submitted his resignation letter Tuesday and thanked Anwar for his trust. Malay Mail, November 25
Anwar coy on Cabinet reshuffle amid vacant key posts. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim declined to confirm a Cabinet reshuffle, saying he is “thinking” and will act at the right time after returning from Kenya. Four posts are or will be vacant, including the economy and environment portfolios and Tengku Zafrul’s MITI post as his senatorship ends Dec 2. Anwar also said Thailand reassured Malaysia over border dispute accusations. He would not discuss possible roles. The Star, November 26
Taiwan
Taiwan president says he will propose extra $40 billion in defence spending. Taiwan will introduce a $40 billion supplementary defense budget to fund significant new U.S. arms purchases and expand asymmetric capabilities, President Lai Ching-te wrote in a Washington Post op ed. The plan comes amid pressure from China and U.S. calls for higher defense outlays. For 2026 spending is set at T$949.5 billion or 3.32 percent of GDP after a $330 million sale this month. Ben Blanchard, Reuters, November 25
‘Return’ to China not an option for Taiwan’s people, premier says responding to Xi. Taiwan’s premier Cho Jung-tai said a return to China is not an option for the island’s 23 million people after Xi Jinping pressed sovereignty claims in a call with Donald Trump. He stated the Republic of China Taiwan is fully sovereign and rejected Beijing’s autonomy model. Taipei reported a Chinese balloon over the strait amid ongoing military pressure and worsening China Japan tensions. Ben Blanchard, Reuters, November 25
Panama lawmakers arrive in Taiwan despite reported China pressure. Nine Panamanian lawmakers arrived in Taiwan despite Chinese pressure to cancel the trip. Led by Manuel Cohen and Ronald Ameth De Gracia Moreno, the group will meet Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim and Legislative Speaker Han Kuo-yu and attend a banquet hosted by Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung. The itinerary includes visits to trade and research agencies and Hsinchu Science Park. The visit runs through Saturday. Joseph Yeh, Focus Taiwan, November 25
Kazakhstan
Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan presidents hold high-level talks, affirm strategic partnership. Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and Serdar Berdimuhamedov held talks in Astana, agreeing to deepen cooperation in trade, transport, energy, industry, agriculture, IT, education and healthcare. They adopted a joint statement and witnessed the exchange of 11 agreements. Tokayev said mutual trade has more than quadrupled to over $500 million; about 140 Turkmen-capital firms operate in Kazakhstan. Fatima Kemelova, The Astana Times, November 25
Kyrgyzstan
Arrests of opposition politicians in Kyrgyzstan sparks outcry ahead of elections. Days before the Nov 30 parliamentary vote, Kyrgyz authorities detained opposition figures and associates under Article 278 for organizing mass unrest, alleging plans for protests and possible seizures of facilities. Courts ordered preventive detention for ten including Temirlan Sultanbekov and Kadyrbek Atambayev, with terms to Jan 17. Others were questioned and some released. Vagit Ismailov, The Times of Central Asia, November 25
East Asia
The United States Is Moving Through the Stages of Grief Over China’s Rise. The recent Trump-Xi trade truce signals Washington’s transition from anger to bargaining in its long adjustment to China’s rise. After decades of denial and then punitive tariffs, the United States now treats China more as a peer and seeks stability while still trying to derisk rather than fully decouple. The deal rolls back some tariffs, pauses new restrictions on Chinese firms and secures Chinese cooperation on fentanyl, minerals and farm purchases. Beijing in turn eases export controls and retaliation. Strategic rivalry in technology, economics and security continues, but both sides commit to ongoing dialogue and future summits. Robert A. Manning, Foreign Policy, November 25
How Xi Played Trump. Donald Trump’s renewed trade war on China has yielded few gains while strengthening Xi Jinping’s leverage. Beijing responded to punitive tariffs with its own export controls on rare earths, hosted major diplomatic events, and doubled down on techno-industrial ambitions rather than yielding. The Trump administration has oscillated between escalation and concessions, easing semiconductor export controls, softening support for Taiwan, and prioritizing narrow commercial issues such as TikTok and soybean purchases over structural concerns and regional security. Xi keeps talks focused on marginal deals, confident that U.S. domestic divisions and Trump’s desire for visible victories will produce further concessions. China pockets these advantages while preparing for long-term strategic competition without seeking real détente. Jonathan A. Czin, Foreign Affairs, November 25
Japan’s New Prime Minister Is Already Facing Her First Crisis. Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s remarks that a Chinese attack on Taiwan could create a survival threatening situation for Japan have plunged relations with Beijing to a new low. Speaking in parliament, she outlined scenarios in which Japan’s Self Defense Forces might support U.S. operations, giving long standing conservative views new weight. China has summoned Japan’s ambassador, issued threats through diplomats and state media, renewed bans on Japanese seafood and urged tourists to stay away, while hinting at rare earth restrictions. Tokyo insists policy is unchanged and proceeds with missile deployments near Taiwan. Domestic support for Takaichi has risen, even as China seeks to test and weaken her new government. William Sposato, Foreign Policy, November 25
Taiwan’s cautious embrace of Japan’s new hawkish prime minister. New Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi links a Chinese attack on Taiwan to a direct threat to Japan, provoking Beijing to impose travel warnings, restrict seafood imports, and stage maritime and drone activities near disputed islands. Chinese officials and Taiwan’s Kuomintang portray her stance as reckless, even using violent rhetoric, while many in Taiwan welcome her support without recognizing her deep social conservatism. Support for Taiwan in Japan is increasingly tied to conservative efforts to remilitarize. Japan must recognize the genuine security and economic stakes in a Taiwan crisis while resisting right-wing attempts to use those risks as justification for broad rearmament. Brian Hioe, Nikkei Asia, November 25
How North Korea Has Bolstered Russia’s War in Ukraine. North Korea has become a crucial partner for Russia in the war in Ukraine by supplying thousands of soldiers, civilian workers and extensive military aid. Between fourteen and fifteen thousand troops, largely from the elite 11th Corps, have fought mainly in Russia’s Kursk region, suffering heavy casualties while helping reverse Ukrainian gains. Pyongyang has shipped ballistic missiles, artillery systems and millions of shells, at times providing roughly half of Russian artillery ammunition, and is cooperating on drone production. In return, Russia finances North Korean weapons programs, transfers advanced air defense and electronic warfare systems, shares battlefield data and expands trade and oil deliveries, accelerating North Korea’s military modernization and deepening its alignment with Russia and China. Molly Carlough and James Kennedy, Council on Foreign Relations, November 25
Southeast Asia
The Domestic Calculations of To Lam’s Foreign Policy. The recent diplomatic activism of Vietnam’s top leader To Lam turns foreign policy into an instrument for managing sensitive intra-party politics ahead of the 14th Party Congress. Highly symbolic trips to Pyongyang, Moscow, Havana and even Karl Marx’s grave showcase loyalty to socialist orthodoxy, reassuring conservatives unsettled by his assertive economic reforms and centralizing style. By inviting influential retired Politburo members onto foreign tours he forges a coalition of veteran power brokers who can bless leadership deals and calm factional rivalries. While courting Western capital and new security partners, he signals that Vietnam’s ideological identity and the military’s central role remain intact. Nguyen Khac Giang, FULCRUM, November 25
The return of the smiling general to Indonesian politics. Prabowo Subianto’s first year as president reshaped Indonesian politics around benevolent centralism that merges affection with authority. Carefully staged speeches in October 2025 presented him as commander, benefactor and unifying steward, with the flagship Free Nutritious Meals program turning welfare into a tool of paternal leadership and security as military and police manage delivery for over thirty million beneficiaries. Budget cuts to regional transfers and the creation of the Danantara investment authority pull power back to Jakarta and extend executive control into state-owned enterprises. This recentralization, wrapped in rhetoric of care and loyalty, places Indonesia’s post-Suharto Reformasi in jeopardy. Adi Abidin, East Asia Forum, November 25
Timor-Leste steps up as ASEAN’s new neutrality anchor. Timor Leste’s admission as ASEAN’s eleventh member coincides with a rapid accession to the Southeast Asia Nuclear Weapon Free Zone Treaty, transforming a symbolic celebration into a strategic reaffirmation of regional neutrality. By closing the last territorial gap in SEANWFZ, Dili turns the treaty into a complete legal shield for Southeast Asia’s land and maritime space and signals scepticism toward external military guarantees. The move builds on Timor Leste’s active non-alignment and its earlier support for the global nuclear ban, offering ASEAN a clear normative anchor as US-China rivalry strains unity. Despite limited institutional capacity, Timor-Leste injects rare political will into ASEAN’s security framework and reinforces its peaceful identity. Shafiah F Muhibat, East Asia Forum, November 25