China
China, U.S. trade delegations kick off fourth round of talks in Madrid. Chinese Vice-Premier He Lifeng and U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent began another round of trade talks in Madrid as the tariff truce nears expiration. Discussions cover national security, TikTok, export controls, and semiconductor disputes. Observers expect only limited progress before potential announcements in November. Xiaofei Xu, South China Morning Post, September 14
China says TikTok’s continued U.S. operation a must for trade talks progress. Beijing warned that progress in trade talks hinges on TikTok's ability to continue operating in the U.S., calling the app’s treatment a test of fairness. Talks in Madrid will address tariffs, export controls, and tech firm restrictions. China pledged retaliation if its companies face discriminatory barriers. Xinlu Liang, South China Morning Post, September 14
Election of Macao's 8th Legislative Assembly commences. Voting began Sunday for the eighth Legislative Assembly of the Macao SAR, with 33 seats contested through direct, indirect, and chief executive appointments. Reforms to the election law in 2024 tightened candidate qualifications under the “patriots administering Macao” framework. Preliminary results are expected Monday. Global Times, September 14
Japan
EU wants to boost economic security cooperation with Japan. European Commission Executive Vice President Stephane Sejourne called for deeper cooperation with Japan on strategic industries, citing shared values and concerns over Chinese overproduction and U.S. protectionism. Ahead of his visit, Sejourne named critical minerals, EV batteries, and biotechnology as priority sectors, highlighting Japan as a model in reducing reliance on China. The Japan Times, September 14
South Korea
U.S. Deputy State Secretary Landau expresses regrets over detention of S. Koreans. Christopher Landau apologized for the detention of 316 South Korean workers during a U.S. immigration raid in Georgia and assured they would face no reentry penalties. In meetings with South Korean officials, he proposed visa system reforms to support Korean investments and pledged to prevent similar incidents. Yoo Jee-ho, Yonhap News Agency, September 14
FM Cho to visit Beijing for talks with Wang Yi: sources. South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Hyun is set to visit China for talks with Wang Yi, aiming to address Xi Jinping’s potential visit to the APEC summit in Seoul and reinforce denuclearization goals. Discussions may also cover inter-Korean tensions, maritime disputes, and China's role in regional stability. Yi Wonju, Yonhap News Agency, September 14
North Korea
North Korea says its nuclear weapons state is irreversible. North Korea declared its nuclear weapons status permanent and enshrined in law, rejecting U.S. denuclearization efforts as outdated and provocative. In a statement to the UN in Vienna, Pyongyang called its arsenal an inevitable defense against American threats, emphasizing its sovereign right to self-protection. Ju-min Park, Reuters, September 14
N. Korean leader's sister blasts planned S. Korea-U.S. military exercise. Kim Yo-jong warned that the upcoming Iron Mace drills between South Korea and the U.S. would provoke "unfavorable consequences," condemning them as reckless provocations. The exercise aims to integrate U.S. nuclear and South Korean conventional capabilities. Her remarks signal heightened tensions amid recent diplomatic outreach from Seoul and Washington. Park Boram, Yonhap News Agency, September 13
Thailand
Thai PM Anutin preps 120-day policy agenda. Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul met with key economic ministers to finalize a 120-day policy plan ahead of a parliamentary address. Proposals include reviving the “Half-Half” co-payment scheme, launching tourism incentives, and addressing Thai-Cambodian border issues. Cabinet vetting is ongoing, with final names expected soon for royal endorsement. Apinya Wipatayotin, Bangkok Post, September 14
People’s Party most popular: Suan Dusit Poll. A Suan Dusit University poll shows the opposition People’s Party leading with 23.94% support, narrowly ahead of undecided voters at 21.35%. The survey, conducted nationwide among 1,232 respondents, also found that voters prioritize transparency, promise-keeping, and unity. Respondents want the opposition to scrutinize government actions and the coalition to solve national issues. The Nation, September 14
Myanmar
At least six serving generals to contest Myanmar’s poll under junta’s USDP banner. Six active-duty lieutenant generals will run in Myanmar’s upcoming election under the military-aligned USDP, including top figures from defense operations, logistics, and industry. Around 30 military and ex-military officials are expected to contest, with most placed in USDP strongholds. Observers say the junta aims to entrench its grip through a staged vote. The Irrawaddy, September 13
Laos
ADB approves US$41 million to strengthen primary healthcare in Laos. The Asian Development Bank approved a US$41 million package to improve primary healthcare in Laos, focusing on climate resilience and equitable access. The Green Primary Care Project will upgrade infrastructure, train local health workers, and expand services in 51 districts, especially in vulnerable regions. The initiative aligns with Laos' health reform and climate goals. Vientiane Times, September 15
Philippines
China’s military warns Philippines against provocations in South China Sea. China’s military accused the Philippines of escalating tensions in the South China Sea and warned against involving external forces. The warning followed joint maritime drills by the U.S., Japan, and the Philippines. Washington reiterated its support for Manila amid rising friction over contested maritime zones. Kevin Yao, Reuters, September 14
PH, Japan, U.S. hold drills in West Philippine Sea. The Philippines, Japan, and the United States conducted joint naval exercises from September 12 to 13 near Magalawa Island and Zambales. The drills included anti-submarine warfare, rescue operations, and maritime awareness activities. The AFP emphasized the operations strengthened interoperability and affirmed the Philippines' maritime claims under international law. Izel Abanilla, The Manila Times, September 15
Indonesia
Prabowo calls for Middle East unity in talks with UAE, Qatar leaders. President Prabowo Subianto met with UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed and Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani to urge regional unity amid escalating tensions following an Israeli strike in Doha. Prabowo expressed support for Qatar’s sovereignty and emphasized humanitarian diplomacy, while also advancing bilateral ties with both Gulf states. Ricki Putra Harahap, Jakarta Globe, September 13
Malaysia
Anwar arrives in Doha to attend Extraordinary Arab-Islamic Summit. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim landed in Qatar to participate in the Extraordinary Arab-Islamic Summit, convened in response to Israel’s airstrike in Doha. Welcomed by Qatar’s deputy prime minister, Anwar will deliver Malaysia’s national statement urging respect for international law and Palestinian rights. A final communiqué outlining joint actions is expected. Mohd Fharkhan Abdul Ghapar, Bernama, September 14
Taiwan
Pacific Islands Forum says Taiwan's engagement status remains unchanged. Leaders at the Pacific Islands Forum reaffirmed Taiwan’s role as a development partner under the 1992 agreement, maintaining the status quo despite recent tensions. While Taiwan, the U.S., and China were barred from this year’s summit, Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs welcomed continued recognition amid efforts by Beijing to isolate Taipei diplomatically. Teng Pei-ju, Focus Taiwan, September 13
Taiwan sends agricultural buying mission to U.S. Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced the launch of a goodwill mission to the United States to purchase agricultural products. Led by Agriculture Minister Chen Junne-jih, the delegation includes industry associations and will visit multiple states to strengthen trade in soybeans, corn, wheat, and beef. The effort aims to reduce Taiwan’s trade surplus and avoid future US tariffs. Taipei Times, September 14
Nepal
Former chief justice Karki named Nepal's first female PM after violent unrest. Sushila Karki was sworn in as Nepal’s interim prime minister following mass anti-corruption protests that ousted K.P. Sharma Oli. Her appointment, backed by protesters and national leadership, comes amid efforts to restore order after 51 deaths and over 1,300 injuries. Elections are scheduled by March 2026. Gopal Sharma and Aftab Ahmed, Reuters, September 12
Young activists who toppled Nepal's government now picking new leaders. Sudan Gurung and his group Hami Nepal, using Discord and Instagram, led mass protests that forced Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli to resign. The group is now helping appoint an interim cabinet led by Sushila Karki. Though not seeking office, they demand accountability and youth inclusion in governance. Aftab Ahmed and Hritam Mukherjee, Reuters, September 14
East Asia
Confucius Institute decline signals China’s soft power shift. Chinese cultural outreach is pivoting from university-based Confucius Institutes toward Ministry of Culture and Tourism channels and the Chinese International Education Foundation, reflecting new priorities in the 14th Five-Year Plan and Education Modernization 2035. Closures and dormancy in Western campuses, scrutiny of academic freedom, and Australia’s transparency regime reduce expansion, while programs and scholarships deepen in the Global South, including 44 institutes in Latin America and 61 in Africa. Student inflows to China exceeded 200,000 in 2023 yet remain below pre-pandemic levels. Tourism-linked cultural events, such as Guangxi tea promotions in Sydney with bundled tours, illustrate the merged culture–tourism push. Messaging has moved from “rising power” to a “community of shared destiny,” with limited traction in Western audiences. Jocelyn Chey, East Asia Forum, September 13
Thoughts on China and Its Neighbors. Peace, development, and a shared-future approach anchor regional policy, alongside economic contributions that account for over half of Asia’s growth, more than 60 percent of Asia-Pacific growth, and roughly 30 percent globally. Trade ties span 120-plus partners, while EVs, batteries, solar, and AI drive new industrial momentum. April’s conference on neighborhood relations judged ties at a modern-era high; May saw creation of the International Organization for Mediation; and a September 3 parade marked the war’s 80th-anniversary victory. Practical steps include 30-day visa-free entry for Australians and deepened China–Australia commerce, up 86.6 percent in a decade, as the FTA turns ten. Support for the UN-centered order, WTO dispute settlement, and IMF cooperation underpins multilateralism. Fu Ying, CHINA US Focus, September 12
How Green Industrial Policies are Advancing in the Asia-Pacific. Governments are using subsidies, tax incentives, feed-in tariffs, procurement, and targeted investment to expand clean energy and industry. The Asia-Pacific consumes half of global electricity in 2025 and attracted 45 percent of 2023 clean-energy investment, USD 729.4 billion, led by China. China targets 1,500 GW of renewables by 2030 and is expected to deliver 60 percent of the decade’s new capacity; India’s mission seeks 5–10 million tons of green hydrogen and a first green-steel system. Bottlenecks include grids, fragmented rules, and ongoing coal reliance, with coal at 82 percent of Asia’s power. Regional plans span eco-industrial parks, expanded ETS schemes, GX financing, and RCEP coordination, with multilateral banks financing grids and standards. Marco Kamiya, FULCRUM, September 12
When the market soars but the economy struggles: China’s stock puzzle. Indices touched decade highs despite weak data, as cash moved from low-yield bonds and deposits into equities. Insurers raised allocations, and margin financing hit 2.3 trillion RMB, above 2015. Cambricon’s spike and a rolling P/E above 5,000 signaled froth, even as Goldman saw upside and Morgan Stanley warned of overheating. Regulators weighed curbs on speculation while CSRC reforms under Wu Qing tightened IPOs, delistings, enforcement, and pushed pensions and insurers toward long-term holdings and higher dividends. Retail flows surged, with 2.65 million new accounts in August, up 35 percent month-on-month and 165 percent year-on-year. Momentum may persist near term, but earnings and policy delivery will decide longevity. Chen Jing, ThinkChina, September 12
South Asia
India’s opportune moment to break out of its global value chain conundrum. New 50 percent U.S. tariffs on Indian goods add uncertainty as India seeks deeper GVC integration, where participation lags peers and backward linkages fell from 21.6 percent of exports in 2008 to about 17.2 percent in 2020. Electronics account for under 1 percent of global GVCs and remain assembly-heavy. High borrowing costs above 12 percent, sub-1 percent R&D intensity, and complex, changing tariffs restrain upgrading. The Production-Linked Incentive delivered 37 percent of output targets and under 8 percent disbursements by October 2024, with mixed sectoral results. Diversification through China-Plus-One, opportunities from Bangladesh unrest, demographic scale, and frameworks like IPEF and SCRI offer openings, while a May 2025 UK agreement and broader deals aim to diffuse risk. Anindya S Chakrabarti and Somya Arora, East Asia Forum, September 13