China
China’s export growth slows in August as U.S. tariffs and trade tensions bite. China’s exports grew 4.4% in August, the slowest pace in six months, while imports rose 1.3%, resulting in a $68.4 billion trade surplus. The slowdown reflects ongoing pressure from U.S. tariffs and weakening global demand. Analysts warn that continued trade tensions could hinder China’s broader economic recovery despite slight gains in export volume. Ken Moritsugu, Associated Press, September 8
China’s Xi Jinping makes rallying call against protectionism, hegemonism in Brics speech. President Xi Jinping urged Brics nations to resist U.S.-led trade pressure and defend multilateralism during a virtual summit convened by Brazil. Xi called for unity among Global South economies, emphasizing openness, inclusive globalization, and opposition to hegemonism. He stressed that Brics cooperation strengthens resilience against external challenges and criticized U.S. tariff wars for harming global trade and economic stability. Holly Chik and Laura Zhou, South China Morning Post, September 8
Portugal PM arrives in Beijing for first official China visit. Portuguese Prime Minister Luís Montenegro began his first official visit to China, marking the 20th anniversary of the China-Portugal comprehensive strategic partnership. He will meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping and other top officials to discuss bilateral cooperation in trade, green development, and global governance. Feng Fan, Global Times, September 9
Japan
Battle to pick next LDP head effectively kicks off, heavyweights join race. Japan’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party has launched its leadership race following Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba’s resignation. Key contenders include Sanae Takaichi, Yoshimasa Hayashi, Toshimitsu Motegi, and Shinjiro Koizumi. Takaichi seeks to become the first female prime minister. Kyodo News, September 8
Trump says “surprised” about Japan PM Ishiba stepping down. U.S. President Donald Trump said he was surprised by Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba’s decision to resign less than a year into office. Trump, who had met Ishiba twice, praised their relationship and expressed interest in a potential Japan visit this fall. Ishiba’s resignation follows ruling coalition election losses and internal party pressure. Kyodo News, September 8
South Korea
Lee urges review of response to detention of S. Koreans in U.S. President Lee Jae Myung ordered a review of the government’s handling of the detention of over 300 South Koreans at a Hyundai and LG battery plant site in Georgia. He raised concerns over potential shortcomings following public outrage at footage of detainees in shackles. Foreign Minister Cho Hyun traveled to Washington to arrange their return. Kim Eun-jung, Yonhap News Agency, September 8
Party leaders meet for first time as tensions flare in Assembly. President Lee Jae Myung hosted his first official meeting with opposition PPP leader Jang Dong-hyeok and ruling DPK Chairman Jung Chung-rae, emphasizing political dialogue amid escalating tensions in the National Assembly. Jang criticized the administration’s handling of major issues, while Jung defended ongoing investigations and praised Lee’s diplomacy. Bahk Eun-ji, The Korea Times, September 8
North Korea
Kim Jong Un oversees test of new rocket engine for ICBMs, North Korea says. North Korea announced that Kim Jong Un supervised the final ground test of a new solid-fuel rocket engine for ICBMs, built with carbon fiber and capable of 1,971 kilonewtons of thrust. The engine, expected to power future systems like the Hwasong-20, marks a key step in developing fast-launch, long-range missiles. Kim Tong-hyung, Associated Press, September 8
China’s Xi, in message to Kim, says ready to deepen strategic communication with N. Korea. Chinese President Xi Jinping sent a congratulatory message to North Korean leader Kim Jong-un on the 77th anniversary of North Korea’s founding, expressing readiness to boost strategic communication and cooperation. Xi highlighted their joint appearance at a recent Beijing military parade and reaffirmed China’s support for defending and advancing bilateral ties. Park Boram, Yonhap News Agency, September 9
Thailand
Thailand's top court to deliver judgment on tycoon Thaksin dodging jail. Thailand's Supreme Court will rule Tuesday on whether Thaksin Shinawatra must serve prison time after spending his entire sentence in hospital. His eight-year sentence was cut to one year and served entirely in a VIP ward, sparking public skepticism. The case follows political turmoil after his daughter Paetongtarn's ousting as PM. Panarat Thepgumpanat, Reuters, September 8
Pheu Thai withdraws bid to dismiss Anutin, PP chief. The Pheu Thai Party has withdrawn its petition seeking to disqualify Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and People's Party leader Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut from parliament, citing the need to revise its content and signatories. House Speaker Wan Muhamad Noor Matha confirmed the withdrawal before submission to the Constitutional Court. Critics say Pheu Thai’s reversal undermines its credibility after previously accepting PP’s support. Aekarach Sattaburuth, Bangkok Post, September 8
Myanmar
Myanmar junta dismisses concerns over Daw Aung San Suu Kyi’s health. The Myanmar regime denied reports about Aung San Suu Kyi’s worsening health, calling them fabricated attempts to overshadow junta chief Min Aung Hlaing’s China visit. Spokesman Zaw Min Tun claimed she is in good health and accused regime critics of spreading falsehoods. Her son, Kim Aris, said her heart condition has deteriorated and demanded urgent medical access. The Irrawaddy, September 8
Cambodia
Cambodia, Philippines sign 3 deals on air service, education, transnational crime fight. Cambodia and the Philippines signed three agreements to enhance cooperation in air connectivity, higher education, and combating transnational crime. Prime Minister Hun Manet and President Ferdinand Marcos witnessed the signing in Phnom Penh. Both leaders also committed to expanding collaboration in trade, investment, and food security, with Cambodia offering support for the Philippines' agricultural needs. Khmer Times, September 8
Civil society groups turn to Trump for intervention in border row. Fifty Cambodian civil society and youth organizations have appealed to U.S. President Donald Trump to pressure Thailand to stop erecting barricades in Banteay Meanchey province, claiming it violates a recent ceasefire agreement. The groups warned that Thai encroachment risks renewed conflict and urged U.S. diplomatic pressure to ensure compliance. Som Sotheary, Khmer Times, September 8
Philippines
Explosive testimony identifies legislators, officials in Philippine flood-control corruption inquiry. A Philippine Senate inquiry into flood control project anomalies revealed testimony identifying lawmakers and officials allegedly linked to corrupt schemes. Witnesses claimed kickbacks were exchanged for project approvals, implicating members of Congress and DPWH staff. Lawmakers denied wrongdoing, while senators called for full prosecution. Jim Gomez, Associated Press, September 8
Palace to Discayas: Prove allegations. Malacañang called on Pacifico “Curlee” Discaya II and Cezarah “Sarah” Discaya to present solid evidence backing their claims that lawmakers and public works officials demanded bribes for government contracts. During a Senate Blue Ribbon hearing, the couple named several officials. Press Officer Claire Castro stressed that mere name-dropping is insufficient without proof. President Marcos supports a full investigation. Kristina Maralit, The Manila Times, September 9
Taiwan
Taiwan boosts spending in Latin America as Beijing works to poach allies.
Taiwan will increase its 2025 Latin America spending by over NT$1 billion to NT$5.37 billion, expanding its Allies Prosperity Project to counter Beijing’s diplomatic pressure. Funds will support aid, technical cooperation, and outreach efforts in the region, where Taiwan has only seven remaining allies. Lawrence Chung, South China Morning Post, September 8
Nepal
Nineteen killed in Nepal in “Gen Z” protest over social media ban, corruption. At least 19 people were killed and over 100 injured as young protesters clashed with police across Nepal over a government-imposed social media ban and ongoing corruption. Demonstrators stormed parliament, prompting tear gas, rubber bullets, and army deployment. The interior minister resigned, while protests spread to multiple cities. Gopal Sharma, Reuters, September 8
Kazakhstan
Kazakhstan to establish ministry for AI development, digital code, and crypto asset fund. President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev announced plans to create a new ministry dedicated to artificial intelligence, digital regulation, and crypto asset oversight. The initiative includes accelerating a national Digital Code and launching a state fund for digital assets. Tokayev aims to transform Kazakhstan into a fully digital economy within three years amid global technological shifts. Dmitry Pokidaev, The Times of Central Asia, September 8
East Asia
China’s military is growing faster than the West can handle. China’s September 3rd parade unveiled advances across nuclear and conventional forces, including completion of a triad with DF-5C and new road-mobile DF-61 ICBMs, JL-3 submarine-launched missiles, and the air-launched Jinglei-1. Hypersonic CJ-1000 cruise missiles reportedly extend range to about 5,000 km and exceed Mach 5. DF-26D upgrades signal longer reach and improved manoeuvrability against large moving sea targets. Stealthy UCAVs and collaborative combat aircraft suggest uncrewed air-superiority roles, while the HSU100 unmanned underwater vehicle targets submarine detection. Type 100 armour integrates helmet displays, 360° active protection, and hybrid engines. A modular anti-drone unit combines missiles, artillery, lasers, and high-power microwaves. Western observers question combat readiness, but capability growth is evident. Yu Zeyuan, ThinkChina, September 8
AI in education. Beijing is accelerating AI across schooling with K–12 guidelines issued in May, a forthcoming white paper, and pilots for “AI+X” centres, curricula, and assessments. Policy elevates teacher literacy from optional to required, expands digital infrastructure, and promotes domestic educational large models and open-source ecosystems. Cities and universities launch programs and platforms, while products such as TAL’s AI learning machines and Beijing Normal University–TAL’s “Shicheng Wanxiang” model spread to dozens of schools. Use cases include admissions-to-employment advising, AI-assisted grading, and job-market coaching. Risks flagged include over-reliance, bias, and wasteful duplication, prompting calls for standards and human-centred evaluation. Experts urge creativity, critical thinking, and safe, compliant adoption to align education with high-quality development. CHINA POLICY leads, September 8
When every official is a suspect: Why Xi won’t stop purging. Liu Jianchao, the Communist Party’s liaison chief, vanished from public view after 30 July, with reports of detention sparking speculation about struggles. Xi Jinping’s “campaign-style purge” seeks to isolate cadres, quash factionalism, and cement his core status while signaling absolute loyalty across technology, finance, religion, the PLA, and foreign affairs. Within diplomacy, “political security” now outweighs professional skill, and probes aim to align officials with comprehensive national security and the “spirit of struggle.” This climate fosters caution, reduces flexibility, and weakens governance; resistance could grow, yet a coup is unlikely given surveillance. Continued purges may widen to systems and society, testing regime resilience as succession risks emerge with age. Wen-Hsuan Tsai, ThinkChina, September 8
Southeast Asia
How Xanh SM could short-circuit Indonesian EV competition. Vietnam’s Xanh SM enters Jakarta with vertically integrated control over vehicles (VinFast), ride-hailing operations, and charging (V-Green), enabling rapid scale and aggressive incentives. Plans target 1,000 taxis initially and up to 10,000 in 2025, plus 63,999 VinFast-exclusive charging ports, dwarfing current public infrastructure. Such a structure risks foreclosure of rivals, implicating Article 14 of Law No. 5/1999 on anti-competitive vertical integration. Network effects and exclusive inputs could lock in users and drivers, later enabling fare hikes and weaker service. Drivers may face unilateral commission policies. Proactive oversight by Indonesia’s Competition Commission, coordinated with transport and energy regulators, is proposed to preserve access, innovation, and fair outcomes during the energy transition. Adi Sutiyoso, East Asia Forum, September 9
Anti-Shia Conspiracies in Malaysia: The Need to Study the End of Times. Online reactions to the Israel–Iran clash saw a surge of anti-Shia end-times stories in Malaysia, amplified by a viral TikTok alleging collusion to devastate Syria, Iraq, and Jordan. The clip drew 1.1 million views in five days and boosted preacher Ustaz Auni’s claims about Dajjal and Iran, spawning compilations and echoes. Comments praising his “bravery” and labeling Shias deviant deepened sectarian suspicion, while support for Iran also circulated, producing divided sentiment on X, including posts by Anwar Ibrahim. Malaysia’s 1996 fatwa against Shi’ism and 2024 Kedah raids signal tolerance for such messaging. Prior polling shows belief in eschatology, and past incidents linked to apocalyptic thinking highlight security risks. Amirul Adli Rosli, FULCRUM, September 8