China
Former official of China’s ministry sentenced to death with two-year reprieve for leaking state secrets. China’s Ministry of State Security revealed that a former government official, surnamed Zhang, was sentenced to death with a two-year reprieve for espionage after leaking thousands of classified documents. Zhang had been recruited by a foreign diplomat and maintained a long-term relationship with a female intelligence officer, fathering two children. He stored over 5,000 sensitive documents. Global Times, September 4
China flexes deterrence muscle with new missile line-up in military parade. China unveiled its complete nuclear triad during a Victory Day parade, showcasing new air-, land-, and sea-based systems, including the JL-1 air-launched missile and JL-3 submarine-launched ICBM. Also displayed were upgraded land-based ICBMs like the DF-5C and DF-31BJ, expanding China's strike range. Analysts said the parade marked a significant advance in China’s second-strike nuclear capability. Seong Hyeon Choi and Amber Wang, South China Morning Post, September 4
Japan
Ex-PM Aso calls for ruling LDP snap leadership election to replace Ishiba. Former Prime Minister Taro Aso urged the Liberal Democratic Party to hold an early leadership election to replace Shigeru Ishiba, following the party’s July election defeat. Aso, now LDP supreme adviser, submitted a formal request and emphasized party unity. The LDP will vote next week on whether to proceed with the leadership race ahead of the scheduled 2027 contest. Kyodo News, September 3
Seeking Upper House majority, LDP eyes support from independents. As leadership changes loom, Japan’s Liberal Democratic Party is courting independent lawmakers to secure a majority in the Upper House. The ruling coalition, currently holding 121 of 248 seats, needs at least three more. Talks have included Team Mirai leader Takahiro Anno and other unaffiliated members, aiming to shift the minority status in the next parliamentary session. Eric Johnston, The Japan Times, September 4
South Korea
Lee’s approval rating rebounds to above 60%: poll. President Lee Jae Myung’s approval rating rose to 62%, up five points in two weeks, driven by strong public support for his welfare and diplomatic policies. A National Barometer Survey showed declining disapproval at 28%, and favorable views on recent summits with Japan and the U.S. The ruling Democratic Party’s support also increased to 43 percent. Yi Wonju, Yonhap News Agency, September 4
Gov’t, ruling party agree to pass bills on improving essential health care. The South Korean government and ruling Democratic Party agreed to pass two bills to expand essential medical services and reduce regional disparities. The legislation includes the regional doctor training act, requiring schools to admit students through a special track and serve in public health institutions. The move follows a yearlong standoff over medical school admissions. Yi Wonju, Yonhap News Agency, September 4
North Korea
North Korea’s Kim vows full support for Russia, discusses partnership with Putin. Kim Jong Un pledged full support for Russia’s military as a “fraternal duty” during a meeting with Vladimir Putin in Beijing, alongside Xi Jinping. The two leaders reaffirmed their long-term partnership, following North Korea’s reported deployment of troops and weapons to aid Russia’s war in Ukraine. Ju-min Park, Reuters, September 3
North Korea’s Kim and South Korean parliament speaker shake hands in Beijing. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un briefly greeted South Korean National Assembly Speaker Woo Won-shik at a military parade in Beijing. Woo later said it had been seven years since their last meeting and emphasized the need for renewed dialogue. Kim gave no verbal response. Woo also met Vladimir Putin. Ju-Min Park and Joyce Lee, Reuters, September 3
North Korea orders trial deployment of nuclear underwater drones in East Sea. North Korea’s Central Military Commission has ordered trial deployment of its nuclear-capable underwater drone, Haeil, in the East Sea. The weapon, described as a torpedo-style drone capable of carrying a nuclear warhead, is undergoing field testing with select naval squadrons. Though operational readiness remains uncertain, the move signals Pyongyang’s intent to strengthen strategic deterrence. Jeong Tae Joo, Daily NK, September 4
Thailand
Thailand’s ruling party seeks snap election to thwart rival’s PM bid. The Bhumjaithai Party claimed majority support to form a government after winning backing from the opposition People’s Party, which controls nearly a third of parliament. In response, the caretaker Pheu Thai government requested a House dissolution to block Anutin Charnvirakul’s rise. Legal experts are split on whether a caretaker government can dissolve parliament. Kitiphong Thaichareon and Panu Wongcha-Um, Reuters, September 3
Pheu Thai names Chaikasem as PM candidate in parliament showdown. The Pheu Thai Party will nominate Chaikasem Nitisiri as its prime ministerial candidate despite ongoing uncertainty over its request to dissolve parliament. The move challenges Bhumjaithai leader Anutin Charnvirakul, who claims majority backing. The opposition People’s Party demanded clarity on Pheu Thai’s intentions, warning the vote should wait if dissolution proceeds. Bangkok Post, September 4
Myanmar
Myanmar junta chief’s China visit hailed as ‘successful and fruitful’ by regime. Min Aung Hlaing attended the SCO Summit and China’s WWII victory parade, meeting with Xi Jinping, Narendra Modi, and other leaders. The junta claimed growing international recognition, citing China’s endorsement of its election plan and support for development projects. The Irrawaddy, September 3
Nine parties to run nationwide in Myanmar’s planned election. The junta-appointed Election Commission announced that 9 of 61 registered parties will contest all constituencies in the upcoming election, including the military-linked USDP, NUP, and PPP. Several leaders are ex-generals or junta appointees. Despite claims the vote will occur in all 330 townships, many remain under resistance control. Rights groups and opposition forces have condemned the elections as illegitimate. The Irrawaddy, September 3
Cambodia
National standards council approves 21 new standards to boost growth. Cambodia’s National Standards Council adopted 21 international standards covering chemicals, energy, electronics, cosmetics, bamboo furniture, and more. The move aims to improve industrial competitiveness, public health, and consumer safety. Three new committees were also formed to support the country’s goal of full ISO membership by 2026. Khmer Times, September 3
Philippines
House party leaders want to return proposed 2026 budget to Executive. Leaders of six political parties in the House of Representatives urged the Department of Budget and Management to withdraw and resubmit the proposed 2026 National Expenditure Program, citing inconsistencies and lack of clarity. They also advised their members to suspend participation in budget hearings until a corrected proposal is submitted. Reina C. Tolentino, The Manila Times, September 3
Lacson: House can’t return proposed 2026 budget to Palace. Senator Panfilo Lacson said the House of Representatives cannot return the 2026 national expenditure program to Malacañang, as it is only a proposal, not an enrolled bill. Instead, he suggested the DPWH submit errata sheets through the budget department for Congress’ review. The statement followed House leaders’ call to send back the proposal over alleged flawed entries. Bernadette E. Tamayo, The Manila Times, September 4
Indonesia
Indonesian parliament backs student call for coup probe. Leaders of Indonesia’s House of Representatives supported student demands for an independent investigation into alleged coup plots tied to recent protests but emphasized that only the government can authorize such a probe. The call was first raised by student leader Agus Setiawan. President Prabowo Subianto warned against unrest veering into treason but also urged dialogue with civil society. Ricki Putra Harahap, Jakarta Globe, September 3
Malaysia
Malaysia’s Anwar signals support for China’s global vision during 4-day trip. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim backed China’s Global Governance Initiative and deepened cooperation on infrastructure and trade during a visit to Beijing. He secured support for Malaysia’s BRICS membership and discussed expanding the East Coast Rail Link. Alyssa Chen, South China Morning Post, September 3
Singapore
India and Singapore must double down on critical ties in turbulent world: PM Wong. Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong called for deeper cooperation with India, highlighting shared interests in trade, green energy, semiconductors, and digital economy initiatives. He emphasized the significance of the India-Singapore Ministerial Roundtable and announced plans for a new strategic roadmap. Davina Tham, Channel News Asia, September 4
Taiwan
On China’s parade day, Taiwan says it does not mark peace with gun barrel. Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te criticized China’s WWII military parade, saying Taiwan honors peace without militarism. Lai emphasized the Republic of China’s role in defeating Japan and denounced authoritarianism. Taipei’s Mainland Affairs Council accused Beijing of distorting history, while Lai attended a memorial honoring ROC soldiers. Ben Blanchard, Reuters, September 3
Kazakhstan
Kazakh and Chinese universities sign over 20 new cooperation agreements. More than 20 agreements were signed between Kazakh and Chinese universities during the Kazakhstan-China Business Council meeting in Beijing, advancing joint efforts in AI, robotics, water management, and dual degrees. Highlights include a new scientific alliance on spatio-temporal AI, a robotics center at KazNU, and a planned branch campus of Beijing Language and Culture University in Kazakhstan. Sergey Kwan, Times of Central Asia, September 3
Uzbekistan
Uzbek leader wants to expand nuclear cooperation with China. President Shavkat Mirziyoyev met with China National Nuclear Corporation’s Shen Yanfeng to discuss uranium mining, refining, and technology transfers as Uzbekistan seeks alternatives to its existing nuclear deal with Russia’s Rosatom. Financial concerns surrounding Rosatom and international sanctions prompted Tashkent to hedge its plans. Uzbekistan and China also signed $5 billion in mining agreements during the visit. Eurasianet, September 3
Kyrgyzstan
Kyrgyz parliament resumes work after summer recess. Kyrgyzstan’s Jogorku Kenesh reconvened in a newly renovated chamber after a two-month break spent in constituent outreach. Lawmakers approved a new labor minister, proposed a migrant affairs agency, discussed housing renovations, and allocated funds for the CASA-1000 energy project. Rumors of early dissolution persist but have been denied. Anton Chipegin, Times of Central Asia, September 3
East Asia
why 5-year plans? National planning underpins PRC governance, setting priorities, calibrating state–market roles, and adapting to external and domestic shocks. Xi Jinping called five-year planning a “major governance method” and flagged Politburo review of the 15th plan at the October Fourth Plenum. Planning evolved across three phases, command economy, transition, and socialist market economy, with binding targets for state projects and indicative targets to steer industries. Price reforms left markets setting most prices by 2017. The 14th plan tightens Party direction while promoting innovation, rebalancing, and 2035 goals. Results under the 11th–13th plans largely met targets. Current doctrine stresses research-driven drafting, mid-course adjustments, and “target-based governance” to mobilize resources. The 15th plan will integrate long-term ideology with ageing, climate, and protectionism realities. CHINA POLICY, September 3
The 19 Percent Revisited: How Youth Unemployment Has Changed Chinese Society. Record graduate cohorts enter a weak labor market shaped by trade frictions, automation, and a housing slump. A CNNC hiring drive drew 1.2 million résumés for fewer than 8,000 roles, revealing extreme competition. Official urban unemployment for ages 16–24 measured 16.9% in February 2025 after a methodology change, with many suspecting higher. Manufacturing sheds jobs while gig work expands; delivery platforms absorb degree-holders as wages fall. Strains appear in mental health, workplace deaths, and “workhorse” discourse, while youth curb consumption, take on debt, migrate domestically, or seek exits abroad. Perceptions of inequality have moved from individual to structural causes, pressuring performance legitimacy. Yet upheaval looks unlikely as competition for state stability intensifies. Barclay Bram, Asia Society, September 3
When good intentions fail: The rise and fall of China’s community canteens. Rapid rollout since late 2022 met ageing needs with subsidised meals, topping 6,700 outlets by 2023, then stalled as local finances tightened. Typical hubs relied on subdistrict funding and approved operators, offering dishes at 12–15 RMB, which drew broader patrons and undercut nearby restaurants. As subsidies ebbed, traffic fell and closures spread across major cities. State media noted widespread losses; in Suzhou, 2,059 facilities existed but only 913 operated, half at a loss. Misaligned targeting, weak variety, high labor costs, and delivery-platform competition compounded strain; prepaid-card failures damaged trust. Analysts frame the model as a welfare–market tension and potential contingency tool, yet without sustainable funding and service redesign, durability remains low. ThinkChina, September 3
Tiananmen’s message: China reclaims war history, reshapes future order. Beijing marked the 80th anniversary of victory over Japan with a large parade attended by leaders from 26 countries, with major Western leaders absent and strong Southeast Asian representation. The guest list, including Vladimir Putin and Kim Jong Un, amplified narratives of shared wartime victimhood while signalling Sino-Russian solidarity and Beijing’s intent to remain central on the Korean Peninsula. The framing positions China as the orthodox custodian of Asia’s WWII victory and a convenor for the Global South, bolstering domestic legitimacy and external influence. Attendance patterns contrasted with 2015, showing sharper Western distance yet deeper regional ties. The spectacle doubled as diplomatic communiqué and power projection aimed at a non-Western audience. Deng Yuwen, ThinkChina, September 3
Southeast Asia
Amid Trump turbulence, ASEAN+3 charts Asia’s AI future. ASEAN, Japan, China, and South Korea revive ASEAN+3 cooperation to buffer Trump-era tariffs and systemic shocks by building strategic resilience. Finance chiefs reaffirm multilateralism and pursue four levers: partnership, capacity-building, information-sharing, and norm-setting. A proposed ASEAN+3 AI working group would map comparative advantages across compute, data, training, and cross-border rules. Talent mobility and vocational pipelines under the APT 2023–27 Work Plan would align education with changing labor demand. Information-sharing would counter new U.S. export controls on Malaysia and Thailand and protect a region holding roughly three-quarters of global chip output. Local language models and joint projects aim to localize applications while preserving interoperability. The goal is a consensus-based AI order, not coercion. Mark Manantan, East Asia Forum, September 3
Myanmar’s Wartime Polls: Managing Expectations. The junta plans balloting in December 2025 and January 2026 amid civil war, mass displacement, and tens of thousands of political prisoners. Nearly all meaningful challengers, including the NLD, are dissolved; remaining registered parties won about 2% of the 2020 vote and 12 of 498 civilian seats. Voting would occur only where the military holds territory, excluding large electorates and precluding national mandate claims. Benchmarks from Dahl’s polyarchy and Electoral Integrity Project domains point to comprehensive failure across contestation, media, registration, and law. Wartime precedents suggest aggravated fragmentation, not settlement. Proponents abroad see normalization; most domestic and international actors remain critical. If held, results cannot credibly represent popular will. Kai Ostwald, FULCRUM, September 3