China
Ahead of plenum, party mouthpiece likens China’s economy to ‘unsinkable’ aircraft carrier. A series of op-eds in People’s Daily described China’s economy as an “unsinkable economic aircraft carrier” resilient to global instability, setting the tone for the upcoming fourth plenum and 15th five-year plan. The articles emphasized policy consistency and institutional strengths while acknowledging uneven development and persistent domestic and external challenges. Sylvia Ma, South China Morning Post, October 8
China, Italy reaffirm strong ties, pledge closer cooperation. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with Italian Deputy Prime Minister Antonio Tajani in Rome, calling for stronger bilateral ties through expanded cooperation in green energy, AI, digital development, and aerospace. Both sides reiterated support for the one-China policy, highlighted mutual investment goals, and committed to deeper multilateral coordination on global challenges. Global Times, October 9
Japan
Japan’s likely next prime minister wrestles coalition backlash. Prime minister-in-waiting Sanae Takaichi faces resistance from coalition partner Komeito over her conservative stances, raising concerns about her confirmation and delaying the parliamentary vote. Talks with Komeito remain inconclusive, and opposition parties are considering rival candidates. Tamiyuki Kihara and John Geddie, Reuters, October 8
CDP proposes DPP head Tamaki as unified opposition PM candidate. The Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan proposed Democratic Party for the People leader Yuichiro Tamaki as a unified opposition candidate to succeed Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba. The offer aims to consolidate opposition forces amid coalition instability. DPP officials expressed caution, citing major policy differences. The Japan Times, October 8
Thailand
Anutin unveils vision to reset Thailand’s 3D structure, reclaim regional leadership. Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul outlined a reform plan to restructure Thailand’s political, economic, and social systems to address domestic stagnation and geopolitical shifts. At a Bangkok seminar, he emphasized security, economic recovery, anti-corruption, and digital transformation. The Nation, October 8
Parliament to debate charter bills. Thailand’s parliament will hold a joint session on October 14–15 to deliberate three constitutional amendment proposals from the People’s Party, Pheu Thai, and Bhumjaithai. A 42-member committee will be formed to review the drafts, and voting will follow proportional representation. All parties reportedly support moving forward with reforms under guidelines from the Constitutional Court. Aekarach Sattaburuth, Bangkok Post, October 8
Vietnam
NA Standing Committee opens 50th session, preparing for 10th sitting. Vietnam’s National Assembly Standing Committee convened its 50th session in Hanoi to finalize preparations for the 10th sitting of the 15th parliament. Lawmakers are reviewing 37 key items, including 22 draft laws on tax policy, innovation, and digital transformation. The session also addresses press law amendments, socio-economic reports, and the 2026–30 national development agenda. Vietnam News, October 9
Myanmar
Myanmar poll: military candidates line up as Suu Kyi kept behind bars. As Myanmar’s junta pushes ahead with a December election, top military figures are contesting under the USDP banner while Aung San Suu Kyi and other 2020-elected lawmakers remain imprisoned. Senior officers and ex-ministers will run in key constituencies, while civilian parties field former NLD members and new challengers amid widespread rejection of the poll’s legitimacy. Maung Kavi, The Irrawaddy, October 8.
Cambodia
Cambodia urges UN special rapporteur to show moral courage, confront Thailand over border evictions and captured soldiers. Speaking at the UN Human Rights Council, Ambassador In Dara urged Special Rapporteur Vitit Muntarbhorn to confront Thailand over the eviction of Cambodian villagers and detention of 18 soldiers. Dara condemned Thai actions as human rights violations and warned against silence. Khmer Times, October 8.
Philippines
DOJ issues lookout order vs Romualdez, Escudero, Estrada et al. Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla approved an immigration lookout bulletin order requested by the Independent Commission on Infrastructure against more than 30 lawmakers and officials linked to anomalous infrastructure projects. Among those listed are Martin Romualdez, Francis Escudero, Jinggoy Estrada, and several current and former congressmen. Their travel movements will now be monitored. Zacarian Sarao, Philippine Daily Inquirer, October 9
PH, Japan kick off Doshin-Bayanihan 5-25 joint military training in Cebu. The Philippine Air Force and Japan Air Self-Defense Force began their first joint drills under the Reciprocal Access Agreement at Brigadier General Benito N Ebuen Air Base. Scheduled from October 7 to 11, the training focuses on humanitarian assistance and disaster response, with 173 personnel participating in airlift, mobility, and medical simulations. Izel Abanilla, The Manila Times, October 8
Malaysia
China, Malaysia set to hold joint military drill in October. China and Malaysia will conduct a joint military exercise from October 15 to 23 focused on disaster relief, piracy prevention, and maritime security. Over 1,000 personnel, including 700 from China, will participate with various equipment. The drill is part of Beijing’s effort to strengthen regional defense ties despite South China Sea tensions. Chen Aizhu and Rozanna Latiff, Reuters, October 8
Malaysia eyes more subsidies, aid to tackle living costs in 2026 budget. Malaysia plans to increase spending on subsidies and social support in its 2026 budget to ease rising living costs, while avoiding new broad-based taxes. Higher duties on alcohol and tobacco and a possible carbon tax are expected. The fiscal deficit is projected to narrow to 3.4%–3.6% of GDP amid slower Petronas dividend income. Danial Azhar, Reuters, October 8
Singapore
Singapore, Australia upgrade ties; will deepen cooperation in defence and energy, among others. Singapore and Australia launched CSP 2.0, an upgraded Comprehensive Strategic Partnership outlining 80 initiatives and 20 agreements to enhance cooperation in defense, trade, green and digital economies, food and energy security, and AI. Prime Ministers Lawrence Wong and Anthony Albanese signed the pact in Canberra, emphasizing shared multilateral goals and regional stability. Anjali Raguraman, The Straits Times, October 8
Taiwan
Taiwan re-appoints former economy minister as APEC summit representative. Taiwan reappointed Lin Hsin-i as its envoy to this year’s APEC summit in South Korea, marking the second consecutive year he will represent the island. Lin, who led the delegation in 2005, is also chairman of Taiwania Capital. Taiwan participates under the name “Chinese Taipei” and does not send its president due to political sensitivities. Ben Blanchard, Reuters, October 8
India
Afghan Taliban foreign minister heads for first visit to India to foster ties abroad. Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi departed for New Delhi, marking the Taliban’s first official visit to India since taking power in 2021. The visit, enabled by a temporary UN travel ban waiver, includes talks on political, trade, and consular cooperation with Indian officials as the Taliban seeks broader diplomatic recognition. Mohammad Yunus Yawar, Reuters, October 8
Tajikistan
Russia’s Putin arrives for summit meetings in Tajikistan in Central Asia. Russian President Vladimir Putin arrived in Dushanbe for a Russia–Central Asia summit beginning Thursday, marking a rare foreign visit amid an ICC arrest warrant. Talks will focus on regional development, migrant labor, and Moscow’s ties with ex-Soviet republics. Military cooperation with Tajikistan and regional stability are also key agenda points. Reuters, October 8
East Asia
When giving birth is a national duty: Beijing’s struggle to reverse demographic decline China’s fertility stands near 1.09 and the population has shrunk since 2023, pressuring labor supply and budgets. Beijing now rolls out incentives, including CNY 3,600 per child yearly to age three from January 1, 2025, plus a phased free first-year preschool from September 2025, and wider epidural access in large hospitals by end-2025. Local outcomes vary and marriages hit a record low in 2024. Authorities securitize demographics, embed a three-child limit, and promote earlier marriage, prompting rights concerns. Public backlash, workplace cost burdens, and gendered leave undermine uptake and risk harder measures. Daria Impiombato and Nis Grünberg, MERICS, October 8
The sinister disappearance of China’s bosses. Detentions of executives and officials have surged as liuzhi expands from party probes to corporate targets, with 39 leaders of listed firms seized by late September and total cases up nearly 50% in 2024 to about 38,000. New rules permit months-long confinement without court approval, lawyer access, or normal daylight, increasing pressure that coincides with weak demand, industrial losses, and shrinking confidence. Local “deep-sea fishing” investigations and a fast-growing credit blacklist, which added roughly 200,000 names this year, constrain mobility and risk-taking. High-profile episodes include the custody of semiconductor entrepreneur Yu Faxin and the brief blacklisting of property magnate Wang Jianlin, while multiple suicides spotlight strain on owners. The Economist, October 8
China’s K visa: A talent magnet in a jobless storm? A new K visa launched on October 1 invites foreign STEM graduates with at least a bachelor’s degree and no sponsor requirement, sparking youth backlash amid 18.9% unemployment in August and fears of job competition, housing pressure, and security risks. Online debate surged, yet structural hurdles persist: strict residency registration, no path to citizenship, cultural and legal barriers, and demanding workplace norms such as “996.” Policymakers may issue visas in limited numbers to project openness while tempering domestic anxiety; likening the scheme to H-1B is overstated, given oversight and trial-style rollouts. Sustained attraction of global specialists remains unlikely without clear criteria, transparent vetting, and long-term settlement options. Ghulam Ali, ThinkChina, October 8
Peace with Chinese Characteristics: Why does Beijing Paint Doves on its Tanks? Beijing paired a September 3 parade and a larger Xiangshan Forum to project strength and stewardship, unveiling the nuclear triad, new PLA branches, AI-enabled unmanned systems, and rhetoric that equates stability with peace. Defense minister Dong Jun linked growing force to “peace,” while messages on Taiwan and the South China Sea stressed deterrence and sovereignty narratives. The showcase supports Xi’s 2027 modernization target and a deterrent to external intervention, while forum diplomacy framed China as an order-keeper despite reduced Western participation. The “doves on tanks” encapsulate a dual script: normalize coercive power as guarantor of harmony and prepare audiences to view coercive unification as restoration of legitimate order. Emma Belmonte, CHINA OBSERVERS, October 8
Taiwan needs bipartisan defence consensus. July 2025 recall votes failed, exposing political drift rather than resilience and highlighting how the ruling party’s “Resist China, Defend Taiwan” slogan changed from potential unifying principle to partisan branding. Real threats from Beijing persist, yet repetitive messaging without systemic readiness fosters cynicism; civic paramilitary-style activities signal optics more than capability. The opposition’s “Defense and Dialogue” lacks credible deterrence commitments, creating a bipartisan credibility gap that prompts a more transactional U.S. stance linking support to measurable self-help, higher defense outlays, and asymmetric investments. Durable security requires cross-party consensus, concrete budgets, trained reserves, and acceptance of costs so appeals to Washington align with U.S. political realities. Dennis LC Weng, East Asia Forum, October 8
Taiwan Remembers World War II More Honestly Than China. Beijing’s 80th-anniversary commemoration fused martial spectacle with a triumphalist storyline that erases the Republic of China’s central role in resisting Japan, while Taipei accentuated authoritarian warning signs and rejected “peace at gunpoint.” Historical comparisons tie Japan’s 1931 Manchurian pretext to Russia’s Ukraine invasion, arguing that sovereignty, allied support, and persistence secured China’s wartime outcome. The piece recounts the ROC’s formative contributions to the U.N. Charter and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, then contends that current PRC backing for Moscow violates principles China once championed. A course correction would align rhetoric on multilateralism with practice and history. Kevin F. Hsu, Foreign Policy, October 8
Southeast Asia
Authoritarianism’s dark shadow over Prabowo’s Indonesia. Since the 20 October 2024 inauguration there have been at least five protest waves, from the 100-day demonstrations in January 2025 to nationwide unrest in August after a police killing, reflecting anger at policies that centralize power. Democratic backsliding proceeds through New Order legacies, elite co-optation, and erosion of opposition, including military involvement in civilian programs, a broad governing coalition that weakens checks, and pressure on civil society through patronage and force such as rubber bullets and tear gas. Legalistic autocratization weakens institutions, while cabinet reshuffles deflect discontent without reform. Remaining guardrails include term limits, the Constitutional Court, and an open internet; external partners can apply conditional pressure to slow decline. Muhammad Aqshadigrama, East Asia Forum, October 8
South Asia
India’s Rising Profile in Southeast Asia and the Test of Strategic Relevance. Regional polling shows improved views of New Delhi’s weight across economics, strategy, and dialogue-partner relevance, with a sharper rise as a preferred “third” hedge amid U.S.–China rivalry. Diplomatic tempo, multi-alignment that mirrors ASEAN neutrality, and alignment between India’s IPOI and ASEAN’s AOIP underpin the change. Constraints persist: a stubborn trade deficit, India’s absence from RCEP, thin private-sector footprint beyond Singapore, and connectivity delays. Policy levers include the AITIGA review, standards harmonization, and scaling digital links like real-time payments, while cooperation in clean energy and chips could deepen supply-chain integration. Perception gains will fade without measurable delivery on market access, investment, and infrastructure. Joanne Lin, FULCRUM, October 8
Pakistan Courts Trump With Port Offer. Advisers linked to Army Chief Asim Munir reportedly floated a U.S.-built, U.S.-operated commercial port at Pasni to unlock investment and ease access to critical minerals via a rail terminal. Islamabad has not confirmed the proposal yet has avoided a denial, signalling interest in balancing ties with Washington while managing dependence on Beijing; the site sits about 70 miles from China-backed Gwadar. A U.S. stake could spur counterterrorism cooperation in volatile Balochistan, where insurgents and jihadists target infrastructure, though risks, Iranian sensitivities, and governance burdens make any deal improbable. The episode illuminates Pakistan’s strategic calculus more than a near-term project plan. Michael Kugelman, Foreign Policy, October 8