China
Veteran Chinese diplomat Liu Haixing to head Communist Party’s International Department. Liu Haixing, a 62-year-old Europe specialist and deputy director of the National Security Commission since 2018, was appointed to lead the party’s International Department, replacing Liu Jianchao, who has been absent from public view since late July amid investigation speculation. South China Morning Post, September 30
China’s new K visa is meant to lure foreign STEM talent. Instead it’s drawn criticism. Beijing’s K visa targets young STEM graduates with streamlined entry, residence and work privileges even without a job offer, but online backlash cites unemployment worries, fraud risks, and opaque rules. Analysts urge clearer criteria and oversight, while officials promise details from embassies; debate unfolds alongside a proposed $100,000 H-1B fee in the United States. Alyssa Chen, South China Morning Post, September 30
Japan
New ruling party head likely to become Japan PM as opposition divided. The Liberal Democratic Party plans an extraordinary Diet session on or after Oct. 14 to choose a successor to Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, and the party’s new leader is poised to become premier as opposition groups failed to unite behind a single nominee. Frontrunners include Sanae Takaichi and Shinjiro Koizumi, followed by Yoshimasa Hayashi, Toshimitsu Motegi, and Takayuki Kobayashi. Kyodo News, September 30
Japan and South Korea leaders commit to closer ties in their final summit. Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba and South Korean President Lee Jae Myung met in Busan for a third, likely final summit, issuing a statement to expand consultations on low birth rates, rural revitalization, and disaster prevention, and reaffirming complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula.The Asahi Shimbun, September 30
South Korea
South Korea to increase defence budget by 8.2% next year, President Lee says. South Korea will raise 2026 defense outlays 8.2% to 66.3 trillion won ($47.1 billion), President Lee Jae Myung said on Armed Forces Day, stating peace depends on stronger capabilities. Funds will prioritize drones, robots, and other advanced systems. He said spending equals 1.4 times North Korea’s GDP and called to rebuild public trust after the martial-law crisis. Ju-Min Park and Heejin Kim, Reuters, September 30
South Korea ex-PM Han’s trial over martial law crisis kicks off. South Korea’s former prime minister Han Duck-soo went on trial Tuesday on charges of abetting insurrection, falsifying official documents, and perjury linked to last December’s martial law crisis. He called Yoon Suk Yeol’s order unacceptable and admitted misstating receipt of documents. Prosecutors say he could have stopped the move; Yoon also faces insurrection charges. Ju-Min Park, Reuters, September 30
U.S. to allow South Koreans to work at sites under temp visas but clear solution elusive. Washington told Seoul it will permit South Korean staff to install, service, and repair equipment at U.S. investment sites using existing temporary visas, create a dedicated visa section at the embassy in Seoul, and open new coordination channels. Fundamental visa changes remain blocked by legislative constraints, despite a new working group formed after the Georgia raid. Jack Kim, Reuters, September 30
North Korea
Trump remains open to talks with N.K. leader Kim ‘without any preconditions’ White House. A White House official said U.S. President Donald Trump is willing to meet Kim Jong-un without preconditions amid speculation about talks during Trump’s South Korea visit for APEC. The official cited unchanged policy while not explicitly mentioning denuclearization. Kim recently signaled readiness for dialogue if that demand is dropped. Song Sang-ho, Yonhap News Agency, September 30
Thailand
New Thai central bank chief says he will work with government but maintain independence. Newly appointed governor Vitai Ratanakorn pledged to safeguard the Bank of Thailand’s autonomy while coordinating with the government to tackle economic headwinds, stressing the central bank’s core mission of macroeconomic stability. He cited challenges including U.S. tariffs, heavy household debt, weak consumption, and a strong baht, and vowed balanced growth efforts with the finance ministry. Kitiphong Thaichareon and Orathai Sriring, Reuters, September 30
Vietnam
Resolutions on National Assembly’s personnel work announced. Vietnam’s National Assembly Standing Committee named Nguyen Huu Dong as permanent vice chairman of the Committee for Deputy Affairs and transferred Le Quang Manh to standing vice chairman of the NA Office, assigning him to manage the office and act as NA general secretary pending appointment. Vietnam News, October 1.
Myanmar
Myanmar junta boss’s Russia trip nets nuclear, space agreements. Min Aung Hlaing’s Sept. 24–26 Moscow visit produced a civilian atomic roadmap with Rosatom chief Alexey Likhachev and a separate pact with Roscosmos head Dmitry Bakanov after talks with Vladimir Putin, including plans for a 110-megawatt SMR near Naypyitaw plus training and regulatory work; the junta also vowed to invite observers to December–January elections. Maung Kavi, The Irrawaddy, September 30
At least 34 Myanmar civilians slaughtered in four days of junta airstrikes. At least 34 civilians, including children, were killed during 16 junta airstrikes from Sept. 26–29 that hit markets, towns and villages across multiple regions and states . Eight died at Sadon market and two women were killed in Paletwa after three 500-pound bombs struck the town . Resistance sites were also targeted, killing 17 fighters. The Irrawaddy, September 30
Cambodia
‘Gunshots’ heard in front of Cambodian border village. Three shots were heard at 10:43 p.m. on Sept. 30 in Thai territory opposite Obey Chon Village near border post 44 in Banteay Meanchey; the cause is unknown. The area has seen alleged Thai violations of a July 28 ceasefire and barbed wire around Sok Sang and Prey Chan. By 7 a.m. Oct. 1, conditions remained calm. Khmer Times, October 1
Philippines
Marcos, Congress firm up 44 legislative measures for 20th Congress. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and congressional leaders adopted a 44-item Common Legislative Agenda at a LEDAC meeting, targeting agriculture, social protection, energy security, governance reforms, and digital economy measures. Priority bills include the Department of Water Resources, National Land Use, Right to Information, Cybersecurity, and an excise tax on single-use plastics. Catherine S. Valente, The Manila Times, September 30
Indonesia
Indonesia to receive new T-50i jets from S Korea in November. Indonesia will take delivery of the first two T-50i Golden Eagle jets in November as part of a six-aircraft procurement to strengthen air defense and pilot training; Deputy Air Force Chief Tedi Rizalihadi inspected production at KAI on Sept. 29, while Rafale arrivals are slated for early 2026. ANTARA News, October 1
Taiwan
Taiwan will not agree to 50-50 chip production deal with U.S., negotiator says. Taiwan’s top tariff negotiator Cheng Li-chiun rejected a proposal for half of semiconductor production to occur in the United States, saying such terms were neither discussed nor acceptable, while noting talks made “certain progress.” Taiwan’s exports to the U.S. face a 20% tariff, and TSMC is expanding in Arizona but keeping most output in Taiwan. Ben Blanchard, Reuters, September 30
China’s Xi calls on nation to firmly oppose Taiwan independence. At a Beijing reception marking the 76th anniversary of the People’s Republic, Xi Jinping urged the country to “firmly oppose” Taiwan independence and outside interference, vowing to safeguard sovereignty and territorial integrity while pledging to deepen cross-strait exchanges and cooperation. Reuters, September 30
Kazakhstan
Kazakhstan backs Trump’s Gaza peace initiative. Kazakhstan endorsed former U.S. president Donald Trump’s Comprehensive Peace Plan, with presidential press secretary Ruslan Zheldibay calling it a “unique opportunity” to advance lasting peace and regional trust in a statement on X. The plan ties Gaza governance to the Abraham Accords through security guarantees, economic reconstruction, and broader Arab participation. The Times of Central Asia, September 30
Tajikistan
Tajikistan debates social media ban for children under 14. Lawmaker Dilnoza Ahmadzoda proposed prohibiting platform use for under-14s and requiring written parental consent for ages 14–17, arguing current child-protection amendments fall short. Media-literacy expert Rustam Gulov and psychologist Nigina Mamadjonova warned bans backfire, urging digital education, better Tajik-language content, and parental oversight. Vagit Ismailov, The Times of Central Asia, September 30
East Asia
Why China and Indonesia Have Much to Gain from Deeper Synergy. Indonesia’s scale and growth, paired with China’s capital, technology, and market depth, create openings across trade, advanced manufacturing, education, and clean energy. Distinct industrial strengths enable supply-chain alignment if firms localize hiring and training and if China positions itself as a reliable destination for Indonesian exports. Human-capital links via scholarships and research collaboration can accelerate upskilling. Renewable integration and a potential joint carbon market, possibly hosted in Hong Kong, offer climate and employment dividends. Constraints persist: anti-Chinese sentiment, sensitivities in the North Natuna Sea, and Indonesia’s balancing of Beijing with Washington. Progress depends on policy prudence and sustained people-to-people exchange. Brian Wong, CHINA US Focus, September 30
Czech Elections: What’s Next for China Policy? Voting on October 3–4 is likely to elevate ANO, which lacks a defined China stance and will probably need partners, shaping external policy through coalition bargaining. The outgoing government pivoted from Beijing while deepening practical ties with Taiwan across semiconductors, research, investment, and cultural exchanges, alongside stricter screening, cyber vigilance, and the first blocked Chinese investment on security grounds. Campaign platforms emphasize economic pragmatism, yet differ on Beijing: SPD, Stačilo!, and smaller groups signal rapprochement; STAN and Pirates stress risk management and rights; ANO could outsource foreign affairs again or install a technocrat. Expect calibrated pragmatism toward China while preserving Taiwan collaboration and EU alignment, with the presidency acting as guardrail. Paulína Ovečková, China Observers, October 1
CRINK Security Ties: Growing Cooperation, Anchored by China and Russia. Military collaboration among China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea intensified after 2022 through expanded arms flows, dual-use trade, a Russia–North Korea defense pact, troop deployments, and frequent joint drills. China’s industrial support has underwritten Russia’s war production while avoiding overt lethal aid; Iran and North Korea supplied missiles, drones, ammunition, and personnel, extracting reciprocal benefits from Moscow. Limits persist: minimal direct backing for Iran after 2025 strikes, divergent interests, geographic distance, resource strain, U.S. involvement, and mutual distrust. Symbolism peaked at China’s September 3 Victory Day gathering of all four leaders. The China–Russia core, with North Korea, is most likely to coordinate in crises. Bonny Lin et al., CSIS, September 30
Speaking their language: How Chinese merchants are winning the Middle East. Arabic has become a sales tool for Chinese merchants courting Middle Eastern buyers across markets like Hongqiao and Yiwu. Visa easing and trade diversification drew more Arab customers, prompting vendors to learn phrases and institutions to run Arabic classes. Trade with the Middle East reached US$477.4 billion in 2023, driven by complementary flows of machinery, textiles against energy imports. Demand for protective equipment grows with construction booms and labor rules. Firms expand: a Dubai branch for Yiwu Trade City and ET-Global warehouses in Riyadh and Jeddah. E-commerce potential high, yet delivery costs and payments lag. Geopolitics and supply-chain concerns push buyers to China, though ties to the U.S. persist. Meng Dandan, ThinkChina, September 30
China’s Pacific push isn’t a clean sweep. At the 54th Pacific Islands Forum in Honiara on September 11–14, members barred all dialogue and development partners amid increasing rivalries involving China, Taiwan, the United States, Australia, and New Zealand. Taiwan’s position weakened: forum language dropped explicit references, though its development partner status survived after objections from Palau, the Marshall Islands, and Tuvalu. The Cook Islands deepened ties with China, triggering New Zealand aid suspension. Australia sought security accords with Vanuatu and Papua New Guinea but left without ratified deals, while a proposed PNG “Pukpuk” treaty stalled. U.S. budget cuts and withdrawal from the Paris Agreement undermined regional standing. Palau will host the 2026 forum, with President Surangel Whipps Jr. urging U.S. defense posture and warning about Beijing’s influence. Ghulam Ali, ThinkChina, September 30
#Change, LDP! But Will It? Ishiba Shigeru’s decision to step down triggered another LDP leadership contest resembling 2024’s lineup but under far harsher electoral math. The party and Komeitō lost Lower and Upper House majorities after twin defeats, with the LDP’s proportional vote share dropping sharply and new forces, Sanseitō on the right and a strengthened DPP, gaining traction. Five contenders remain: Takaichi Sanae, Koizumi Shinjirō, Hayashi Yoshimasa, Motegi Toshimitsu, and Kobayashi Takayuki. Early debates focused on household economics, and spot polls place Takaichi and Koizumi ahead. A two-round vote, and a fragmented Diet, mean the winner must build cross-party coalitions, possibly with Ishin, while navigating frictions with Komeitō and resisting right-populist pull. Governing now requires coalition craft, not default dominance. Sheila A. Smith, Council on Foreign Relations, September 30
Southeast Asia
Civilisational hierarchies clash at the Thai–Cambodian border. July 2025 saw the deadliest frontier fighting in more than a decade, with at least 38 fatalities, 300,000 displaced, Thai martial law in border districts, and a Malaysian-brokered truce on July 28. Two forces drive escalation: asymmetry, which magnifies Cambodia’s sovereignty stakes, and hierarchy, which loads temple sites with civilizational meaning. Preah Vihear’s ICJ rulings and the 2008–2011 flareups show how symbolic disputes outpace material ones. In 2025, Hun Sen’s pre-positioning around contested temples and a leaked call with Paetongtarn Shinawatra inflamed nationalist sentiment, boosting Hun Manet domestically while triggering Paetongtarn’s suspension in Thailand. Durable calm requires Thai acknowledgment of Cambodian constraints and Cambodian restraint in casting every clash as existential. Tommy Chai, East Asia Forum, September 30
Malaysia’s Ongoing Opposition Leadership Struggle: Spoiled for Choice? Malaysia’s parties operate under Westminster rules yet increasingly market prime-ministerial “poster boys,” reflecting personality politics and coalition jockeying ahead of elections due by late 2027. Pakatan Harapan backs Anwar Ibrahim for a second term, while partners in the Unity Government remain noncommittal. Perikatan Nasional is riven: Bersatu factions around Muhyiddin Yassin, Hamzah Zainuddin, and Azmin Ali clashed through 2024–2025, culminating in a stormy September assembly where signatures sought to force a handover and scuffles erupted before loyalists reaffirmed Muhyiddin. PAS then signaled preference for a healthier under-70 candidate, implicitly boosting Hamzah and unsettling PN. Elites risk fixating on elderly personalities over substantive policy offers, weakening opposition credibility and voter focus. Pre-electoral pacts on a nominee could reduce postelection paralysis risks nationwide. Khairy Jamaluddin, FULCRUM, September 30