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Japan’s new PM dissolves the lower house of parliament to set up a snap election. Japan’s new Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba dissolved the lower house of parliament to hold a snap election on October 27. Ishiba, who took office after Fumio Kishida resigned, seeks to secure a strong mandate for his governing Liberal Democratic Party. The decision has drawn criticism for prioritizing an election over policy discussion, but opposition parties remain too divided to challenge effectively. Ishiba is also focused on diplomacy and defense, particularly in the Asia-Pacific region. Mari Yamaguchi, AP News, October 9
Japan's top diplomat raises concerns with China's Wang about stabbings, military activity. Japan's new foreign minister, Takeshi Iwaya, expressed concern to China's Wang Yi about recent stabbing attacks on Japanese nationals in China and increased Chinese military activity. Iwaya urged China to ensure better protection for Japanese citizens and sought an explanation for a Chinese military aircraft breaching Japan’s airspace in August. Wang responded positively, expressing hopes for improved bilateral relations and cautioning against external forces, likely referencing the U.S. Liz Lee and Sakura Murakami, Reuters, October 9
Indonesia pushes collaboration to tackle decline in ASEAN trade. Indonesia’s Vice President Ma'ruf Amin stressed the importance of government and business sector cooperation in response to an 8.3% drop in intra-ASEAN trade. Speaking at the ASEAN Leaders' Interface in Laos, Amin highlighted the need for stronger collaboration, especially in areas like digital economy and the electric vehicle ecosystem. He also praised the ASEAN-Indo Pacific Forum, emphasizing its potential to enhance regional economic ties. ANTARA News, October 9
Yoon to hold bilateral talks with leaders of Japan, Canada, Australia. South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol is set to meet with the leaders of Japan, Canada, and Australia during the ASEAN Summit in Laos. Yoon's first meeting with Japan’s new Prime Minister, Shigeru Ishiba, will mark a continuation of efforts to improve South Korea-Japan relations. Additional bilateral talks with leaders from Laos, Vietnam, and Thailand are also planned during his visit, along with participation in key ASEAN-related summits. Son Ji-hyoung, The Korea Herald, October 9
Activist bids again to oust prime minister. Political activist Ruangkrai Leekitwattana has filed a petition with Thailand's Election Commission to investigate Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra for appointing Surapong Suebwonglee and Nattawut Saikua as advisers. Both appointees have served jail sentences, raising concerns of ethical violations. Ruangkrai compared the case to former PM Srettha Thavisin, who stepped down following a similar scandal. If grounds are found, the case may lead to Paetongtarn’s suspension. Bangkok Post, October 9
North Korea vows to block border with South Korea and build front-line defense structures. North Korea announced plans to permanently close its border with South Korea and fortify front-line defenses in response to perceived threats from U.S. and South Korean military activities. Despite earlier expectations, North Korea did not amend its constitution to formally designate South Korea as its main enemy. The move heightens tensions, with South Korea warning of severe consequences for any provocations. This comes amid ongoing military drills and weapons testing on the Korean Peninsula. Hyung-jin Kim, AP News, October 9
U.S. envoy to Japan proposes NATO-like economic group to repel China. U.S. Ambassador to Japan Rahm Emanuel called for a coalition of allied nations to counter China's economic coercion, proposing an economic defense pact similar to NATO’s Article 5. He highlighted the need for collective economic measures to protect against Chinese actions like tariffs imposed on Australia in 2020. Emanuel emphasized closer collaboration between like-minded countries and integrating economic strategies into broader security frameworks. Kyodo News, October 9
ADB allocates $15 million to Tajikistan for power grid reconnection in Central Asia. The Asian Development Bank (ADB) approved a $15 million grant to help reconnect Tajikistan’s power grid with Uzbekistan and the broader Central Asian electricity grid. The project includes building a 22-kilometer, 500-kilovolt power line between Tajikistan’s Sughd substation and Uzbekistan’s New Syrdarya substation. This initiative aims to boost regional power trade, prevent blackouts, and support renewable energy integration. Sadokat Jalolova, The Times of Central Asia, October 9
Chinese use water cannon on BFAR ship. A Chinese vessel reportedly fired a water cannon at a ship from the Philippine Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) within the disputed Scarborough Shoal. The incident, confirmed by Philippine Navy spokesman Rear Adm. Roy Vincent Trinidad, is part of ongoing tensions over territorial claims in the South China Sea. Further details on the exact timing of the attack were not provided. Francisco Tuyay, The Manila Times, October 9
Tens of thousands defy junta to bid final farewell to Myanmar democracy hero. Tens of thousands gathered in Mandalay to mourn Dr. Zaw Myint Maung, a former National League for Democracy vice-chairman and key figure in Myanmar’s pro-democracy movement. Despite heavy junta security, the public lined the streets for his funeral, the largest gathering since 2021’s mass protests. Dr. Zaw, who died in detention, had been jailed by the junta after the 2021 coup, and his death has sparked widespread condemnation of the regime's handling of political prisoners. The Irrawaddy, October 9
US says Taiwan speech no justification for China military pressure. The U.S. stated that China has no reason to use Taiwan’s upcoming national day speech as a pretext for military pressure. Taiwan’s President Lai Ching-te is expected to highlight China's ongoing military harassment in his speech, with Beijing potentially responding with drills. A senior U.S. official emphasized that such routine celebrations should not provoke coercive actions, which undermine cross-Strait stability. China has not announced new drills but tensions remain high. Michael Martina, David Brunnstrom and Trevor Hunnicutt, Reuters, October 9
Laos, Thailand strengthen ties with six new cooperation agreements. Laos and Thailand signed six agreements during a meeting between Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone and Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra. Key agreements include a memorandum on integrated water resource management and collaboration on rail freight transport. The leaders also discussed strengthening infrastructure, such as the Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge and a proposed bridge linking Thailand's Chiang Mai to Laos' Luang Prabang, aimed at boosting trade and regional connectivity. Phontham Visapra, The Laotian Times, October 9
Marcos: PH to pursue cooperation with ASEAN partners to address present challenges. Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. emphasized the need for stronger regional cooperation to tackle current global and regional challenges during his speech ahead of the ASEAN summit in Laos. He pledged to advance the Philippines' interests, focusing on regional peace, security, and economic growth. Marcos also reaffirmed the importance of collaboration with ASEAN partners to ensure stability and prosperity in Southeast Asia. Catherine S. Valente, The Manila Times, October 9
Southeast Asian leaders meet in Laos to discuss Myanmar war and disputed sea. Southeast Asian leaders convened in Laos to address pressing issues such as the civil war in Myanmar and territorial disputes in the South China Sea. ASEAN's credibility is at stake as it struggles with these challenges, while discussions with global powers like China and the U.S. are also on the agenda. Myanmar's ongoing crisis and South China Sea tensions dominate the talks, but expectations for significant outcomes remain low. Jintamas Saksornchai and Eileen Ng, AP News, October 9
USAID launches green solutions in Kyrgyzstan. The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) has introduced a $24 million "Green Solutions Activity" in Kyrgyzstan. This five-year initiative will help small and medium enterprises adopt eco-friendly technologies, enhance energy efficiency, and boost renewable energy supply. The program also promotes green financing through partnerships with local banks and institutions. The launch took place at Kyrgyzstan’s first rooftop solar power plant, which was developed with USAID support. Sergey Kwan, The Times of Central Asia, October 9
Thailand’s Chance to Send the Right Signal. Thailand’s deteriorating human rights situation, particularly its aggressive enforcement of the lèse-majesté law, raises concerns as the country seeks a seat on the UN Human Rights Council. The law, which criminalizes criticism of the monarchy, has led to political repression, with many citizens, including minors, prosecuted. Thailand faces pressure to reform, but meaningful changes remain uncertain. The ruling elite must signal greater respect for human rights to maintain democratic governance. David J. Scheffer, Council on Foreign Relations, October 9
End of the Line: The Cost of Faltering Reforms. China's reform progress has stalled, despite some gains since 2010. The country's gap with OECD economies in areas like market competition and innovation remains significant, largely due to the government's reluctance to diminish the role of state-owned enterprises. While financial system reforms showed modest improvement, other challenges, such as trade openness and regulatory setbacks, persist. These issues, combined with growing geopolitical tensions, threaten China’s future economic growth. Daniel H. Rosen, Matthew Mingey, Charles Austin Jordan and Laura Gormley, Rhodium Group, October 9
Driving Collaboration Between Europe and Asia in Greener Automotive Supply Chains. Europe and Asia must deepen collaboration in the automotive sector to ensure sustainable and environmentally friendly supply chains. With the shift toward electric vehicles (EVs) and green technologies, both regions face challenges in securing critical materials, reducing emissions, and maintaining competitiveness. Aligning regulatory frameworks and improving cooperation on technology transfer are key to building greener, more resilient automotive supply chains. Dia Khairina, East Asia Forum, October 9
Forget China: In the Pacific Islands, the US Is Its Own Worst Enemy. The United States' failure to address its nuclear legacy in the Marshall Islands is undermining its influence in the Pacific, despite efforts to counter China. The Marshallese people continue to suffer from health, environmental, and displacement issues caused by past U.S. nuclear tests. Washington’s refusal to provide full compensation or an apology is seen as unjust, weakening its regional partnerships. Pacific leaders increasingly demand "nuclear justice" before U.S. relations can improve. Camilla Pohle, The Diplomat, October 9
The Reality of Afghanistan’s Land Link With China. Afghanistan's efforts to establish direct trade through the Wakhan Corridor with China face logistical challenges. Despite road construction claims by the Taliban government, the route remains unsuitable for large-scale trade. Most trade between the two nations continues through third countries like Pakistan due to the difficult terrain and lack of infrastructure. Security concerns and limited customs facilities further hinder the potential for a direct link. Aarish U. Khan, The Diplomat, October 9
'The Quad' Shows Concern Over Climate Change as Security Threat.
The latest Quad summit highlighted the increasing recognition of climate change as a security challenge. Leaders from the U.S., Japan, India, and Australia discussed the need for collective action, particularly in improving early warning systems and supporting climate adaptation efforts in Pacific Island nations. Despite these steps, there are concerns about whether the group’s actions are sufficient to meet the growing threat. Robert Mizo, The Japan Times, October 9
Common Space in Southeast Asian Higher Education: A Catalyst for Collaboration? The establishment of a "Common Space" in Southeast Asian higher education aims to harmonize diverse national systems. Inspired by Europe’s Bologna Process, this initiative promotes academic exchanges and standardizes qualifications. However, challenges remain, such as inconsistencies in international commitments and the need for deeper intra-regional engagement. A harmonized educational sector could catalyze Southeast Asia’s socio-economic growth, though further steps are necessary for realization. Wan Chang Da, Fulcrum, October 10
The Japan-Philippines Reciprocal Access Agreement: Complementing and Cementing the Hub-and-Spokes System. The Reciprocal Access Agreement (RAA), signed in July 2024, strengthens defense ties between Japan and the Philippines, enhancing cooperation in military training and maritime security. The RAA aligns with the U.S.-led "hub-and-spokes" alliance system, addressing shared security concerns in the Indo-Pacific, particularly in countering China's influence. The agreement focuses on joint defense activities without establishing permanent military bases, solidifying strategic autonomy for both nations. Aries A. Arugay & Mico A. Galang, Fulcrum, October 9