China
China calls for fresh talks on Iran’s nuclear programme to end ‘deadlock’. Foreign Minister Wang Yi urged renewed negotiations after Europe reimposed sanctions, saying the impasse harms global interests. In a call with Iranian FM Abbas Araghchi, he welcomed Tehran’s stated rejection of nuclear weapons and backed peaceful nuclear use. Beijing wants all parties to resume dialogue, as Britain, France, Germany and the EU triggered UN “snapback” measures over Iran’s escalation concerns. Fan Chen, South China Morning Post, November 7
‘Global South Dialogue · China-Africa Roundtable Forum’ held in South Africa. Hosted in Johannesburg on November 5, the forum gathered Chinese and African officials, scholars, and media to discuss implementing the Global Governance Initiative, media’s role, and practical cooperation under FOCAC and the Belt and Road. Co-organizers included Global Times and South African institutions. Fan Lingzhi, Cao Siqi, Hu Yuwei, and Zhang Tingge, Global Times, November 6
Japan
SDF trains near Taiwan to warn China how it can respond to crisis. Japan conducted “flexible deterrent options” near Taiwan, including an Oct. 3 mine warfare drill south of the Sakishima Islands—likely a first for that area—to signal capabilities. Fighters trained near the Senkakus after Chinese carriers deployed, and MSDF destroyers began transiting the Taiwan Strait, sometimes with partners. FDO, adopted in 2015 and reaffirmed in 2018 and 2022, carries escalation risks. Mizuki Sato, The Asahi Shimbun, November 6
South Korea
Lee’s approval rating rises to 63% on diplomacy, APEC summit: poll. Gallup Korea put President Lee Jae Myung’s approval at 63%, up 6 points from last week, with disapproval at 29% (-4), the first time in six weeks above 60%. Diplomacy was the top positive (30%), followed by the economy (13%) and the APEC summit (7%). The Nov. 5–7 survey polled 1,002 adults (±3.1 points). Party support: Democratic Party 40% (-1), People Power Party 26%. Yi Wonju, Yonhap News Agency, November 7
Lee approves final extension of special counsel probe into ex-President Yoon over martial law bid. President Lee Jae Myung approved a final extension of the special counsel investigation into former President Yoon Suk Yeol’s alleged December martial law bid, calling it necessary to “settle” the insurrection and promote unity. Led by Cho Eun-suk, the probe—previously extended twice—was due to end November 14; the new deadline is December 14, the last permitted by law. Yi Wonju, Yonhap News Agency, November 7
Nat’l security adviser says Seoul would seek to build nuclear-powered sub domestically. National Security Adviser Wi Sung-lac said Seoul will pursue a domestically built nuclear-powered submarine, telling lawmakers “we plan to push a plan to build it in South Korea.” He called construction at Philadelphia shipyards “unrealistic” despite Trump’s claim of approval, and dismissed outsourcing to General Dynamics. Seoul will seek a cost-effective design tailored to its needs, advancing research and industrial investment at home. Kang Yoon-seung, Yonhap News Agency, November 6
North Korea
North Korea launches market crackdown as Chinese imports surge. Authorities designated November a “distribution purification month,” deploying joint police–security strike forces to inspect cargo and even mobile phones at markets in Pyongsong, Sunchon, Kaechon, and Anju, confiscating goods with unclear origins. Rising Chinese imports have swelled stalls but slowed sales, straining wholesalers’ credit and fueling merchant resentment amid frequent mobilizations ahead of the Ninth Party Congress. Jeong Seo-yeong, Daily NK, November 6
Thailand
2017 Charter forecast to be preserved despite referendum. Experts expect the junta-drafted 2017 constitution to remain intact as nationalism over Cambodia disputes dominates twin referendums. Analysts predict voters will reject charter rewriting while focusing on revoking 2000/2001 MoUs. They argue the charter preserves coup-era power via unelected bodies and a junta-appointed Senate. The 2016 approval drew criticism; 16 million voted yes, 10 million no. Bhumjaithai backs amendments alongside the next election. Chanapat Komlongharn, The Nation, November 7
Thailand invests $153 million to boost industrial competitiveness. Thailand’s Board of Investment will deploy up to 5 billion baht in direct funding — its first move beyond tax breaks — to upskill 100,000 people and strengthen high-tech supply chains. Subsidies will cover curriculum design, evaluation systems, and management for biotechnology, advanced agriculture, electronics, food processing, and medical devices, while a second program upgrades domestic suppliers to international standards to bolster investor confidence. Thanadech Staporncharnchai, Chayut Setboonsarng and Panarat Thepgumpanat, Reuters, November 6
Vietnam
Party Central Committee’s 14th plenum concludes. After two days in Hanoi, the 13th Party Central Committee agreed on the size and composition of the next tenure’s Politburo and Secretariat, endorsed personnel recommendations, and advanced preparations for the 14th National Party Congress, including agenda, rules, and election procedures. Members reviewed 13th-tenure performance, highlighted two-tier local administration reforms and key resolutions, and urged storm readiness as Typhoon Kalmaegi approached. Vietnam News, November 6
Cambodia
Cambodia and Thailand to begin second stage of first phase of heavy weapons withdrawal. Phnom Penh and Bangkok will proceed on Nov. 8 with the second stage of a phased pullback under ASEAN Observer Team oversight, following a Nov. 1 first-stage removal. The plan, agreed Oct. 31 by regional commanders, runs Nov. 1–21. It implements the Kuala Lumpur Peace Accord signed by Hun Manet and Anutin on the ASEAN Summit sidelines. Both sides pledged accuracy and transparency. Khmer Times, November 7
Philippines
ICI recommends charges vs DPWH officials over P95M flood control project in Bocaue in report to Ombudsman. The Ombudsman received the ICI’s interim report alleging irregularities in a P95 million flood-control project executed by DPWH Bulacan 1st DEO through Topnotch Catalyst Builders/Beam Team. ICI urged criminal charges for officials including Henry Alcantara and Brice Hernandez, and administrative cases for 11 others, including Manuel Bonoan, Roberto Bernardo, and Maria Catalina Cabral. Reina C. Tolentino, The Manila Times, November 6
Philippines Q3 GDP grows 4.0% y/y; slowest rate in more than four years. Growth slowed to 4.0% in the third quarter from 5.5% in Q2, undershooting the 5.2% Reuters poll consensus. On a seasonally adjusted basis, GDP rose 0.4% quarter-on-quarter, below the 0.8% median forecast. It was the slowest annual growth since the first quarter of 2021, when the economy contracted. The outturn missed market expectations on both year-on-year and quarter-on-quarter measures. Mikhail Flores and Karen Lema, Reuters, November 7
Malaysia
Sultan Ibrahim begins three-day state visit to Bahrain, first since 1974. Malaysia’s king arrived in Manama on Nov. 7 from Riyadh, receiving a red-carpet welcome from King Hamad and Crown Prince Salman at Sakhir Air Base before ceremonies at Sakhir Palace. It is his sixth overseas visit this year and the first Malaysian state visit to Bahrain since 1974. 2024 bilateral trade totaled RM1.19 billion (US$0.26 billion). Malay Mail, November 7
Singapore
Singapore, Thailand ink deals in rice trade, healthcare. Singapore and Thailand signed agreements to expand rice sales to Singapore and deepen healthcare cooperation for aging societies. The MoUs were inked Nov. 7 during Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul’s first official visit since taking office. Leaders also discussed carbon-credit cooperation, regional power integration, and tackling scams. Thailand sought more Singaporean investment in semiconductors, EVs, biotech, and data centers, and backed ASEAN’s DEFA and interest in DEPA. Anjali Raguraman, The Straits Times, November 7
Thai PM Anutin Charnvirakul to visit Singapore on Nov 7. Anutin will make a one-day official visit at Prime Minister Lawrence Wong’s invitation to mark 60 years of ties. A ceremonial welcome, bilateral meeting, and official lunch are planned, with MOUs on food security and healthcare expected. He will also call on President Tharman and receive an orchid naming at the National Orchid Garden; 2024 bilateral trade totaled $44.5 billion. Anjali Raguraman, The Straits Times, November 6
Taiwan
U.S. to ensure Taiwan’s full APEC participation in China in 2026. A U.S. State Department official said Washington will ensure Taiwan participates “fully and equally” at China’s 2026 APEC, citing assurances sought when Beijing was approved as host. Beijing reiterated its “one China” stance; Taipei called that an added condition and pledged countermeasures. The U.S. also pressed for robust security arrangements for all delegates attending events in China. Chung Yu-chen, Joseph Yeh, and Frances Huang, Focus Taiwan, November 7
Arms co-production should eye less complex targets: US defense nominee. Alexander Velez-Green urged focusing US–Taiwan co-production on less technically complex systems deliverable quickly within Taiwan’s existing workforce and infrastructure, to strengthen a denial defense. He noted formal co-production deals are slow, backed higher Taiwanese defense spending, and flagged presidential drawdown authority as an option while unsure of a fourth PDA’s status. He framed the first island chain as critical terrain for deterrence. Elaine Hou and Ko Lin, Focus Taiwan, November 7
Kazakhstan
Kazakhstan, U.S sign landmark memorandum on critical minerals cooperation. Kazakhstan and the United States signed a Nov. 6 memorandum on critical minerals in Almaty, with Minister Yersayin Nagaspayev and U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick formalizing the deal in President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev’s presence ahead of the C5+1 summit; Tokayev also met U.S. officials Marco Rubio and Sergio Gor. Aida Haidar, The Astana Times, November 6
Kazakhstan, China ink deal on digital exports at Shanghai Expo 2025. QazTrade and China’s Optimize Integration Group signed an MoU at CIIE to develop online export platforms, upgrade logistics and payments, and boost agricultural and food sales to China and beyond. Kazakhstan fielded 100+ producers across four venues; prior Expo contracts totaled $306.5 million. Bilateral trade hit $30.2 billion in 2024, and new programs will align products with Chinese standards. Fatima Kemelova, The Astana Times, November 6
Uzbekistan
President of Uzbekistan proposes establishing C5+1 Secretariat, Investment Council and fund. At the Nov. 6 White House C5+1 summit chaired by U.S. President Donald Trump, Shavkat Mirziyoyev proposed a rotating C5+1 Secretariat, a ministerial Coordinating Council on Investment and Trade, and a Central Asian Investment Partnership Fund; he also urged a critical minerals committee, agricultural tech partnership, transport-energy links to the South Caucasus–Europe, a U.S. museum exhibit, and a 2028 Samarkand summit. Gazeta, November 7
East Asia
Japan’s Iron Lady. Japan’s new prime minister Sanae Takaichi brands herself an “Iron Lady,” pairing hawkish stances on immigration and defense with efforts to lift defense outlays to 2% of GDP and seek constitutional revision . Cabinet picks include only two women; she opposes separate surnames and same-sex marriage, cultivates warm ties with U.S. President Donald Trump, and draws a frosty response from China—symbolism aside, broader gender progress looks unlikely . Ian Buruma, Project Syndicate, November 5
How War in Taiwan Ends. Washington’s denial strategy may repel a Taiwan invasion, but ending a war requires credible, calibrated punishment and old-fashioned power projection. Beijing could fight on after failure, banking on vast shipbuilding capacity and a war of wills, while blockades and “attritable” systems prove insufficient. The U.S. must integrate denial and punishment into a holistic plan to terminate, not just blunt, conflict. Zack Cooper, Foreign Affairs, November 6
Is the PLA ready, and willing, to fight? Recent PLA drills around Taiwan and intensified South China Sea “gray zone” pressure showcase capability gains under Xi’s 2035 “world-class” push, including reorganized information, aerospace, and cyber forces and new J-35 fighters. Yet leadership rhetoric stresses deterrence, party control, and restraint; political indoctrination risks professionalism. The posture signals readiness to win if necessary while aiming to prevent war. Chen Gang and Chia Shimin, ThinkChina, November 6
Xi Jinping’s World of Treachery and Sacrifice. Orville Schell describes a U.S.–China rivalry that persists beyond temporary trade truces, rooted in the Chinese Communist Party’s internal power struggles and Xi’s effort to remake the state. In a wide-ranging interview, he traces factional battles, historical echoes, and policy contradictions, urging listeners to look past official choreography to a harsher reality of ambition, duplicity, and costly loyalty. Foreign Affairs, November 6
Southeast Asia
Towards a robust Philippines-Canada security partnership in the Indo-Pacific. On November 2, Manila and Ottawa signed a Status of Visiting Forces Agreement—the first for Ottawa in the Indo-Pacific—building on a 2024 defense MoU and access to dark-vessel detection. The pact streamlines information sharing, readiness, and disaster response. Priorities include cybersecurity capacity-building and shipbuilding cooperation, while limited Canadian resources and political turnover pose risks; deeper Track 1.5/2 dialogues and trade steps could lock in gains. Don McLain Gill, Fulcrum, November 7
Anwar’s international success sours at home. Malaysia’s lauded ASEAN summit, featuring U.S. President Donald Trump, China’s Li Qiang, and a Thailand-Cambodia ceasefire, was followed by domestic backlash to new U.S. trade deals. Critics, led by Mahathir Mohamad, allege “poison pill” clauses and sovereignty risks; PAS considers legal action. Anwar counters with an exit clause and job stakes as Malaysia–U.S. trade rises 15.4%. His standing holds, pending tangible benefits. Amy Chew, The Interpreter, November 7
South Asia
U.S.-India ‘Strategic Partnership’ No Longer Strategic. Barely a week after a decade-long defense pact, Washington’s Asia approach turns bluntly transactional — courting Pakistan, sidelining the Quad, and skipping New Delhi — signaling India is no longer the pivot. Trade pressure over Russian oil and talk of “arbitrage” sharpen leverage, while India doubles down on autonomy and Moscow ties. The relationship endures, but as conditional, interest-based bargaining rather than shared destiny. Salman Rafi Sheikh, Asia Sentinel, November 6.
Afghanistan: It Can Never Be the Same. Italian photojournalist Lorenzo Tugnoli’s book assembles stark black-and-white images—uncaptioned until the end—to probe how pictures shape understanding of Afghanistan after the U.S. withdrawal. Working with Francesca Recchia, he revisits an archive from 2009 onward, questioning complicity in war narratives and the newsroom demand for familiar tropes. The sequencing resists tidy stories, inviting readers to confront ambiguity rather than easy conclusions. Robert Gerhardt, The Diplomat, November 6