China
China’s top legislature concludes standing committee session. The Standing Committee of the 14th National People’s Congress ended its 18th session in Beijing after adopting revisions to several key laws, including the Maritime Law, Cybersecurity Law, and Environmental Protection Tax Law. Lawmakers also appointed Zhang Shengmin as vice chairman of the Central Military Commission and ratified judicial assistance treaties with Zimbabwe and Ethiopia. Global Times, October 28
China unveils 5-year plan’s support for private sector, strengthening financial power. China’s Communist Party Central Committee released proposals for its 15th five-year plan, pledging legal protections and expanded market access for private businesses while accelerating efforts to build a stronger financial system. The plan calls for greater yuan internationalization, stricter financial oversight, and more opportunities for private capital in infrastructure and investment projects. Xiaofei Xu, South China Morning Post, October 28
Chinese vice-premier vows further opening up of financial sector. Vice-Premier He Lifeng pledged to expand foreign access to China’s financial industry and accelerate efforts to build a “modern financial powerhouse.” Speaking at a meeting of the National Financial Regulatory Administration’s International Advisory Council in Beijing, He said more foreign institutions would be welcomed. The statement followed recent U.S.-China trade talks in Malaysia. Xiaofei Xu, South China Morning Post, October 29
Japan
Japan defendant admits to killing ex-PM Abe in first court hearing, media say. Tetsuya Yamagami, accused of shooting former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in 2022, admitted to the killing during his first court appearance in Nara. His lawyer sought a reduced sentence, arguing the homemade gun used did not meet Japan’s legal definition of a firearm. Seventeen more hearings are scheduled before a January 21 verdict. Kiyoshi Takenaka, Reuters, October 27
China, Japan top diplomats seek mutually beneficial ties in phone talks. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Japanese counterpart Toshimitsu Motegi agreed in phone talks to pursue a “strategic and mutually beneficial relationship” and maintain stable ties. Wang cited “positive signals” from Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s new Cabinet while warning on Taiwan and history issues. Motegi stressed Japan’s desire to cooperate without decoupling from China. Kyodo News, October 28
Trump heaps praise on Japan’s first female leader, signs rare earths deal. U.S. President Donald Trump praised Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi during talks in Tokyo, commending her plans to accelerate Japan’s military buildup and pledging deeper trade and defense cooperation. Both leaders signed an agreement to secure supplies of rare earths and critical minerals. Takaichi vowed to nominate Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize. Trevor Hunnicutt, Tim Kelly, and John Geddie, Reuters, October 27
South Korea
Global firms commit US$9 bln investment in S. Korea in meeting with Lee. President Lee Jae Myung secured $9 billion in new investment pledges from seven multinational companies, including Amazon Web Services, Renault, Amkor Technology, and Siemens Healthineers, during the APEC summit in Gyeongju. AWS alone will invest $5 billion to expand AI data centers in Incheon and Gyeonggi Province through 2031. Kim Eun-jung, Yonhap News Agency, October 29
South Korea’s trade chief charts path for surviving U.S.-China competition. Trade Minister Yeo Han-koo said South Korea aims to deepen cooperation with the United States, stabilize supply chains with China, and diversify trade partnerships as it hosts APEC leaders. Yeo called for “mutually beneficial” trade deals amid tariff uncertainty and pledged expanded ties with Southeast and South Asian nations to reduce economic dependence. Jihoon Lee, Reuters, October 29
Key issues at stake in Trump-Lee summit in South Korea. U.S. President Donald Trump and South Korean President Lee Jae Myung will meet Wednesday to discuss trade, defense costs, and North Korea policy. A $350 billion U.S. investment plan remains stalled over payment terms, while Trump is pressing Seoul to boost defense spending. Talks will also cover nuclear energy cooperation and visa access for South Korean workers. Jack Kim, Reuters, October 28
North Korea
N. Korea apparently rejects Trump’s meeting offer with cruise missile launch. North Korea test-fired sea-to-surface cruise missiles in the Yellow Sea hours before U.S. President Donald Trump arrived in South Korea, signaling apparent rejection of his proposal to meet Kim Jong Un. Analysts said Pyongyang is unlikely to reengage as it strengthens military ties with Russia and restores coordination with China. Park Boram, Yonhap News Agency, October 29
Thailand
No conclusion yet on MoUs, panel says. Thailand’s Senate committee reviewing the 2000 and 2001 border memorandums with Cambodia has delayed its decision on whether to maintain, amend, or revoke the agreements. Senator Nophadol In-na said more time is needed to study the complex implications for bilateral relations. The move follows a new peace accord signed by both nations in Malaysia. Bangkok Post, October 28
Anutin, Hun Manet meet to push Thai–Cambodian joint declaration into action. Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet met in Kuala Lumpur to move the Oct. 26 joint declaration into concrete steps: withdrawal of heavy weapons, demining in disputed zones, suppression of cross-border online scams, and coordinated border management. Both sides assigned foreign ministers to advance implementation and pledged early, visible progress. The Nation, October 28
Myanmar
Campaigning begins in Myanmar’s junta-run election. Political parties approved by Myanmar’s military government began campaigning Tuesday for elections scheduled to start December 28, widely dismissed as an attempt to legitimize army rule. The National League for Democracy remains banned, and major rebel groups vow to boycott. Fighting, displacement, and economic collapse have left most citizens disinterested or unable to vote. The Irrawaddy, October 28
ASEAN not sending monitors to Myanmar polls: sources. The Association of Southeast Asian Nations will not deploy election observers to Myanmar’s December 28 vote, diplomats said, citing lack of consensus among member states. ASEAN leaders, meeting in Malaysia, reiterated calls for an immediate ceasefire and expressed “deep concern” over the conflict. Analysts said the move undermines the junta’s bid for legitimacy. Myanmar Now, October 28
Laos
Laos set to hold national election as preparations get underway. Laos formed a 21-member National Election Committee, chaired by National Assembly President Dr. Xaysomphone Phomvihane, to manage a nationwide vote expected early next year. Citizens will elect 175 lawmakers, up from 164. By law, polling must finish at least 60 days before the current term ends on March 22, 2026. A subsequent session will choose top state leaders and endorse the 2026–2030 plan. Souksakhone Vaenkeo, Vientiane Times, October 29
Cambodia
Cambodia and U.S. forge military, trade, and security ties. Cambodia and the United States agreed to lift Washington’s arms embargo, resume the “Angkor Sentinel” military exercises, and expand cooperation on transnational crime and trade. The announcement followed a peace accord between Cambodia and Thailand mediated by U.S. President Donald Trump. Phnom Penh also signed a reciprocal trade pact eliminating tariffs on American goods. Ben Sokhean, Khmer Times, October 28
Philippines
Duterte appeals ICC jurisdiction ruling as victims’ counsel urges court to uphold his detention. Former president Rodrigo Duterte appealed an International Criminal Court ruling affirming its jurisdiction over his alleged crimes against humanity, seeking immediate release from detention in The Hague. His legal team argued the court lacks authority over acts committed before the Philippines’ withdrawal from the Rome Statute. Victims’ counsel Paolina Massidda urged judges to deny release, citing flight risk and political influence. Franco Jose C. Baroña, The Manila Times, October 29
Marcos: PH remains firm but calm in defending sovereignty amid China row. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. reaffirmed the Philippines’ commitment to defend its sovereignty and rights in the West Philippine Sea under international law, following renewed tensions with China. Returning from the ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur, he said Manila will pursue “firm, calm, and resolute” diplomacy while strengthening partnerships with nations sharing its vision for regional stability. Catherine S. Valente, The Manila Times, October 29
Indonesia
Indonesia eyes nuclear energy to reach 2060 net-zero target. Indonesia plans to develop nuclear power plants as part of its energy transition strategy to achieve net-zero emissions by 2060. Deputy Energy Minister Yuliot said nuclear power will become an integral component of national energy policy, targeting the first reactor by 2032 and 44 GW of capacity by 2060, supported by new regulations and international partnerships. ANTARA News, October 28
Kazakhstan
Kazakhstan, Finland reaffirm strategic partnership in joint statement. Presidents Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and Alexander Stubb adopted a joint statement in Astana reaffirming their commitment to a strategic partnership focused on trade, innovation, and sustainability. The leaders pledged cooperation on energy, green technology, and AI, endorsed the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route, and supported the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals and regional peace initiatives. Fatima Kemelova, The Astana Times, October 28
Tajikistan
Tajik border guards clash with Taliban fighters along Afghan border. Armed clashes erupted between Tajik border guards and Taliban fighters on October 25 in Afghanistan’s Badakhshan province near the Amu Darya River. The dispute reportedly arose over water diversion and nearby Chinese-run gold mines. Casualties were reported though no official figures were released. The incident followed a Taliban delegation’s visit to Dushanbe for security talks. Sadokat Jalolova, The Times of Central Asia, October 28
Kyrgyzstan
yrgyzstan bans top independent media as ‘extremist’ in pre-election crackdown. A court in Kyrgyzstan banned three major independent outlets — Kloop, Temirov Live, and AitAit Dese — labeling them “extremist organizations” weeks before the November 30 parliamentary election. The ruling also prohibited activities by journalists Bolot Temirov and Rinat Tukhvatshin. Rights groups warned the decision signaled deepening authoritarianism under President Sadyr Japarov. Aigerim Turgunbaeva, Reuters, October 28
East Asia
What the Trump-Xi meeting can and can’t solve. Set for October 30 in South Korea, the first Trump–Xi encounter since 2019 is expected to yield a truce rather than a sweeping pact. Equities signalled optimism, with the S&P 500 closing at a record on October 27. Negotiators are aligning limited trade steps: shelving an extra 100% levy threat, likely delaying a November 10 tranche, and possibly easing fentanyl-related duties, still leaving an effective 20–30% rate on Chinese goods. Reciprocal gestures could include soybean purchases, rolling back added port fees, and enabling a smooth transfer of TikTok’s U.S. operations. Talks may also swap a pause to China’s new rare-earths regime for looser chip-export limits. Geopolitics, Ukraine and Taiwan, remain the hardest layer. Any bargain may prove temporary, though success could open a U.S. visit to China next year. The Economist, October 28
China’s Strive for Self-Reliance in Advanced Technology. Facing expansive U.S.-led export controls on chips and advanced tools, Beijing elevates self-sufficiency as a security priority, coordinating allies’ restrictions into its planning. A multi-track response combines the Big Fund for semiconductors, a modernized “whole-nation system,” talent recruitment and reverse brain drain programs, hefty subsidies, and STEM reforms tied to an innovation agenda. The state also wields leverage via new export controls on rare earths and processing know-how. Early outcomes include a domestic e-beam lithography tool, novel non-binary AI chips, an AI-driven chip design platform, and growing deployment of Chinese accelerators by major firms and hyperscale clusters. The trajectory strengthens resilience, although complete autonomy remains distant. Ghulam Ali, CHINA US Focus, October 28
China: An Emerging Software Power. China’s manufacturing muscle contrasts with modest services trade, especially software and IT, where exports account for only 18 percent of services and lag leading economies. Analysts foresee a pivot as AI changes value to software: projections show China’s AI software and IT services rising from $5.4 billion in 2023 to $327 billion by 2033, about 13 percent of the global market. Momentum rests on three drivers: multilingual large language models lowering the English barrier, vast domestic data fueling training, and Digital Silk Road data centers expanding abroad. State backing of roughly $210 billion in capital and the “AI+” program integrating AI across sectors underpins the push despite a shaky software record. Rafiq Dossani and Shanshan Mei, RAND, October 28
Breaking Beijing’s rare earths advantage. China retains leverage over rare earths through tightened quotas, state consolidation, and new special licences for selected materials and magnets, with 2025 quotas reportedly issued without public announcement, moving pressure from overt bans to paperwork and production control. Market volatility hinders long-horizon investment and policy responses should underwrite midstream capacity with procurement contracts, tax incentives, export credit, and shared test lines, while rewarding multi-source designs. Japan’s Sojitz–JOGMEC–Lynas model demonstrates supply security by bundling finance, offtake, and processing expertise across the chain. Buffers like stockpiles, joint purchasing, and price floors can stabilize projects as capacity scales. Rare-earth-free magnet advances help but won’t displace qualified magnets this decade, keeping midstream build-out essential. Apoorba Banerjee, East Asia Forum, October 28
Beijing Frames the Trump Visit. People’s Daily deployed twin pseudonymous commentaries (Huanyu Ping and Zhong Sheng) to highlight openness and cooperative pragmatism ahead of a planned Xi–Trump sideline meeting in Seoul and a possible framework trade deal. Messaging drew on a CCP-organized survey unveiled at a Seoul media forum, illustrating how “media diplomacy” is leveraged to shape elite opinion before major events. The Zhong Sheng piece stressed October 25–26 talks in Kuala Lumpur, claiming basic consensus on logistics, shipbuilding tariffs, fentanyl enforcement, and agriculture, and linked themes to the Fourth Plenum’s mandate to expand institutional opening. The synchronized rollout illustrates a narrative strategy pairing domestic pen-name voices with overseas staging to pre-condition interpretations of high-stakes diplomacy. David Bandurski, China Media Project, October 28
Beijing’s quiet advance: How China and Saudi Arabia are deepening defence ties. China is broadening military engagement with Saudi Arabia through joint exercises, high-level visits, and a growing footprint at defense expos amid Riyadh’s doubts about U.S. security guarantees and technology access. Blue Sword 2025 began on October 13 at King Abdulaziz Naval Base to strengthen interoperability and Gulf operating experience. Washington’s reluctance to provide F-35 aircraft and civilian nuclear enrichment support contrasts with Beijing’s flexibility on transfers and prior missile cooperation indicators. China’s pavilion at Riyadh’s 2024 World Defence Show expanded to 73 firms and 4,600 m², showing commercial intent aligned with Vision 2030’s 50% localization target. Reports of a prospective U.S.–Saudi defense treaty could constrain Beijing’s role, yet absent such a pact, Chinese ties are positioned to deepen. Ghulam Ali, ThinkChina, October 28
Beyond the Blanket Ban: Reframing the International Response to North Korea’s Overseas Labor. U.N. prohibitions imposed in 2017 to end North Korea’s labor exports have not halted overseas employment or funding flows to Pyongyang. A dissolved Panel of Experts estimated roughly 100,000 workers operating in about 40 countries, generating around $500 million annually. Russia exemplifies evasion by admitting workers on student visas and legalizing employment for full-time enrollees, enabling a veneer of compliance while laborers rarely attend classes. Conditions meet forced-labor indicators, with wages heavily expropriated and average construction pay near $200 despite extreme hours. A proposed change from blanket bans to “principled engagement” would condition access on safeguards: UN-managed escrow for direct wage payment and humanitarian in-kind compensation, phased via pilots and independent audits to curb diversion. Unique Kim, 38 North, October 28
Southeast Asia
At ASEAN, Trump Pushes for Deals While China Seeks Free Trade. During the Kuala Lumpur summit, President Trump rapidly announced frameworks for multiple bilateral trade agreements, backed a Cambodia-Thailand cease-fire, met numerous leaders, and agreed to a trade truce with China. Initial deals with Malaysia and Cambodia cut or remove import duties on U.S. goods, cap U.S. tariffs on their exports at 19 percent, and include cooperation clauses against “third countries” on export controls and evasion, language aimed at Beijing. The rush deepened concerns that hedging between Washington and Beijing is ending. Premier Li Qiang countered by urging ASEAN to defend free trade and resist protectionism, presenting China as a stabilizing economic partner. Joshua Kurlantzick, Council on Foreign Relations, October 28
The AI-Robotics Revolution, China-US Rivalry and Southeast Asia. Robotics adoption is accelerating across Southeast Asian manufacturing, with Singapore among the world’s densest robot users. Rapid AI progress in the United States and China expands feasible tasks, yet China’s manufacturing scale, ageing demographics, and state backing for “embodied AI”—a March 2025 national priority and an August “AI Plus” plan—support large-scale rollout. By 2023 China accounted for half of industrial installations. Domestic vendors topped 50% share in 2024 and dominate mobile platforms. Costs are falling as firms like UniTree launch humanoids. In H1 2025, factory-robot exports rose 60%, led by Vietnam, Mexico, and Thailand. ASEAN economies face deeper integration with Chinese hardware, software, and co-development, opening opportunities across sectors while raising challenges over data governance, standards, and geopolitics. John Lee, FULCRUM, October 28
Indonesia’s precariat protests call for stability. Following an upbeat address on 15 August 2025 touting low unemployment and poverty, demonstrations spread from Jakarta nationwide over inequality, insecure work, and complacent governance. A ride-hailing motorcycle driver’s death during protests went viral, mobilizing millions of ojol workers and marginalized youth. Reporting also raised allegations of elite-linked provocation. Earnings for drivers hover near US$300 per month without protection, while the middle class shrank and vulnerability to poverty rose after the pandemic, reflecting weak wage growth versus output. Fiscal tightening and reduced transfers have strained services, heightening unrest despite large social programmes. The priority identified is labor-intensive investment to move workers into formal employment and stabilize living standards. Benny Subianto, East Asia Forum, October 28
South Asia
Sino-Indian Rapprochement: High Stakes, Clear Barriers, and Low Hanging Fruits. Xi Jinping and Narendra Modi met on 31 August 2025 at the SCO summit, creating a tactical floor in relations rather than substantive normalization. Subsequent diplomacy signalled continued Indian hedging toward the United States even amid criticism of protectionism at a BRICS gathering. Enduring obstacles include mutual fears of encirclement, protectionist market access rules, and technology restrictions that stymie investment. The proposed near-term agenda stresses expanding student and academic exchanges, deepening sub-national and technocratic cooperation, and leveraging Hong Kong’s common-law, English-language advantages as a bridge, including visa facilitation. Incremental, depoliticized engagement is framed as the practical route to reduce risk while larger disputes persist. Brian Wong, CHINA US Focus, October 28