🇹🇼 Taiwan opposition starts long shot bid to impeach President Lai
Taiwan’s opposition lawmakers started the process of impeaching President Lai Ching-te – a bid that will almost certainly fail given they lack the votes to go forward.
On Dec 26, legislators from the Kuomintang and the Taiwan People’s Party set the impeachment vote for May 19, 2026. The effort is very likely to stall out then because while the parties hold a majority of seats in Parliament, they lack the necessary two-thirds to proceed.
The opposition says it wants to impeach Lai because his government refused to implement an amendment it passed that would shift more fiscal revenue to city and county governments, many of which are controlled by the KMT.
#Taiwan
@asianomics
Taiwan’s opposition lawmakers started the process of impeaching President Lai Ching-te – a bid that will almost certainly fail given they lack the votes to go forward.
On Dec 26, legislators from the Kuomintang and the Taiwan People’s Party set the impeachment vote for May 19, 2026. The effort is very likely to stall out then because while the parties hold a majority of seats in Parliament, they lack the necessary two-thirds to proceed.
The opposition says it wants to impeach Lai because his government refused to implement an amendment it passed that would shift more fiscal revenue to city and county governments, many of which are controlled by the KMT.
#Taiwan
@asianomics
😁12❤8🤡3🥴3🔥1👏1😢1🖕1
🇨🇳 China taxes condoms, contraceptive drugs in bid to spur birth rate
China removed a three-decade-old tax exemption on contraceptive drugs and devices from Jan 1 in new steps to spur a flagging birth rate.
Condoms and contraceptive pills now incur value-added tax of 13%, the standard rate for most consumer goods.
China’s population fell for a third consecutive year in 2024, and experts have cautioned that the downturn will continue. China exempted childcare subsidies from personal income tax and rolled out an annual childcare subsidy in 2025, following a series of “fertility-friendly” measures in 2024.
#China
@asianomics
China removed a three-decade-old tax exemption on contraceptive drugs and devices from Jan 1 in new steps to spur a flagging birth rate.
Condoms and contraceptive pills now incur value-added tax of 13%, the standard rate for most consumer goods.
China’s population fell for a third consecutive year in 2024, and experts have cautioned that the downturn will continue. China exempted childcare subsidies from personal income tax and rolled out an annual childcare subsidy in 2025, following a series of “fertility-friendly” measures in 2024.
#China
@asianomics
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🇨🇳🇹🇼🇺🇸 China military drills near Taiwan ‘unnecessarily’ raise tensions: US
Chinese war games around Taiwan “unnecessarily” spiked tensions in the region, the US State Department said on Jan 1, calling on Beijing to “cease its military pressure”.
“China’s military activities and rhetoric towards Taiwan and others in the region increase tensions unnecessarily. We urge Beijing to exercise restraint, cease its military pressure against Taiwan, and instead engage in meaningful dialogue,” State Department spokesman Tommy Pigott said.
Beijing launched missiles and deployed dozens of fighter jets, navy ships and coastguard vessels on Dec 29 and 30, 2025, to encircle Taiwan’s main island, saying the drills simulated a blockade of main Taiwanese ports.
#China #Taiwan #USA
@asianomics
Chinese war games around Taiwan “unnecessarily” spiked tensions in the region, the US State Department said on Jan 1, calling on Beijing to “cease its military pressure”.
“China’s military activities and rhetoric towards Taiwan and others in the region increase tensions unnecessarily. We urge Beijing to exercise restraint, cease its military pressure against Taiwan, and instead engage in meaningful dialogue,” State Department spokesman Tommy Pigott said.
Beijing launched missiles and deployed dozens of fighter jets, navy ships and coastguard vessels on Dec 29 and 30, 2025, to encircle Taiwan’s main island, saying the drills simulated a blockade of main Taiwanese ports.
#China #Taiwan #USA
@asianomics
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🇨🇳🇰🇷 China’s Xi to host South Korea’s Lee in New Year amid Japan tensions
Chinese President Xi Jinping will host his South Korean counterpart Lee Jae Myung on a state visit starting on Jan 4, signaling Beijing’s intent to strengthen ties with Seoul amid strained relations with Japan over Taiwan.
The visit marks the second meeting between Xi and Lee in just two months, an unusually short interval that signals China’s keen interest in reinforcing ties with Seoul and boosting economic collaboration and tourism.
Xi’s invitation to Lee for a state visit from Jan 4 is a calculated move aimed at deepening bilateral relations especially before the South Korean leader visits Japan.
#China #SouthKorea
@asianomics
Chinese President Xi Jinping will host his South Korean counterpart Lee Jae Myung on a state visit starting on Jan 4, signaling Beijing’s intent to strengthen ties with Seoul amid strained relations with Japan over Taiwan.
The visit marks the second meeting between Xi and Lee in just two months, an unusually short interval that signals China’s keen interest in reinforcing ties with Seoul and boosting economic collaboration and tourism.
Xi’s invitation to Lee for a state visit from Jan 4 is a calculated move aimed at deepening bilateral relations especially before the South Korean leader visits Japan.
#China #SouthKorea
@asianomics
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🇰🇷🇰🇵 South Korea to probe drones North Korea says violated its airspace
South Korean authorities have launched an investigation focused on the possibility civilians may have flown drones that North Korea said violated its airspace, the Defense Ministry said on Jan 12.
President Lee Jae Myung has vowed a swift probe and said on Jan 10 if civilians had indeed operated the unmanned aircraft, it would be a “serious crime” that threatened South Korea’s security and peace on the Korean peninsula.
North Korea’s military on Jan 10 accused the South of “acts of provocation” by sending the drones, saying it had shot down the aircraft and disclosed what it said were pieces of the drones and aerial photos they took.
#SouthKorea #NorthKorea
@asianomics
South Korean authorities have launched an investigation focused on the possibility civilians may have flown drones that North Korea said violated its airspace, the Defense Ministry said on Jan 12.
President Lee Jae Myung has vowed a swift probe and said on Jan 10 if civilians had indeed operated the unmanned aircraft, it would be a “serious crime” that threatened South Korea’s security and peace on the Korean peninsula.
North Korea’s military on Jan 10 accused the South of “acts of provocation” by sending the drones, saying it had shot down the aircraft and disclosed what it said were pieces of the drones and aerial photos they took.
#SouthKorea #NorthKorea
@asianomics
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🇯🇵 Japan sets sail on rare earth hunt as China tightens supply
A Japanese mining ship departed on Monday for a remote coral atoll to probe mud rich in rare earths, part of Tokyo’s drive to curb its reliance on China for critical minerals as Beijing tightens supply.
The month-long mission of the test vessel Chikyu near Minamitori Island some 1,900 kilometers southeast of Tokyo, will mark the world’s first attempt to continuously lift rare earth seabed sludge from the deep onto a ship.
Japan has been reducing its dependence on China for the minerals vital to the production of cars, smartphones and military equipment, an effort that has taken on urgency amid a major diplomatic dispute with Beijing.
“If this project succeeds, it will be of great significance in diversifying Japan’s rare earth resource procurement,” the head of the government-backed project said, adding that recovering the key minerals from 6 km below sea level would be a major technological achievement.
#Japan
@asianomics
A Japanese mining ship departed on Monday for a remote coral atoll to probe mud rich in rare earths, part of Tokyo’s drive to curb its reliance on China for critical minerals as Beijing tightens supply.
The month-long mission of the test vessel Chikyu near Minamitori Island some 1,900 kilometers southeast of Tokyo, will mark the world’s first attempt to continuously lift rare earth seabed sludge from the deep onto a ship.
Japan has been reducing its dependence on China for the minerals vital to the production of cars, smartphones and military equipment, an effort that has taken on urgency amid a major diplomatic dispute with Beijing.
“If this project succeeds, it will be of great significance in diversifying Japan’s rare earth resource procurement,” the head of the government-backed project said, adding that recovering the key minerals from 6 km below sea level would be a major technological achievement.
#Japan
@asianomics
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🇵🇭 Philippine army colonel faces charges after anti-Marcos post goes viral
A Philippine army colonel relieved for his anti-Marcos stance has “voluntarily” returned to his unit and will face charges and psychiatric evaluation, according to his superior.
Audie Mongao was on Friday discharged from command of the Armed Forces of the Philippines Training Support Group after he publicly withdrew support for President Ferdinand Marcos Jnr in a social media post, saying “it’s too much, enough already”.
Since 1986, a Philippine military officer’s “withdrawal of support” has been synonymous with an attempt to unseat a sitting president in a coup.
Marcos’ father and namesake was overthrown in 1986 in a “People Power” uprising that grew out of an abortive coup bid against the dictator. Fifteen years later, then-president Joseph Estrada was forced out of office after a sudden withdrawal of support by the entire chain of command.
#ThePhilippines
@asianomics
A Philippine army colonel relieved for his anti-Marcos stance has “voluntarily” returned to his unit and will face charges and psychiatric evaluation, according to his superior.
Audie Mongao was on Friday discharged from command of the Armed Forces of the Philippines Training Support Group after he publicly withdrew support for President Ferdinand Marcos Jnr in a social media post, saying “it’s too much, enough already”.
Since 1986, a Philippine military officer’s “withdrawal of support” has been synonymous with an attempt to unseat a sitting president in a coup.
Marcos’ father and namesake was overthrown in 1986 in a “People Power” uprising that grew out of an abortive coup bid against the dictator. Fifteen years later, then-president Joseph Estrada was forced out of office after a sudden withdrawal of support by the entire chain of command.
#ThePhilippines
@asianomics
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🇯🇵 Speculation grows over Jan. dissolution of Japan's lower house
Speculation has emerged within the Japanese government that Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi may dissolve the House of Representatives at the outset of the ordinary parliamentary session scheduled to begin on Jan. 23.
Ruling Liberal Democratic Party policy chief Takayuki Kobayashi stressed that "it is a constant battlefield. It is fundamental to constantly hone ourselves so we are prepared whenever an election may come."
Some lawmakers within the LDP are calling for a dissolution while public approval ratings for the Takaichi Cabinet remain high at around 70% in media polls. If the lower chamber is dissolved, official campaigning for a general election may start on either Jan. 27 or Feb. 3, with voting set for Feb. 8 or Feb. 15, respectively.
#Japan
@asianomics
Speculation has emerged within the Japanese government that Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi may dissolve the House of Representatives at the outset of the ordinary parliamentary session scheduled to begin on Jan. 23.
Ruling Liberal Democratic Party policy chief Takayuki Kobayashi stressed that "it is a constant battlefield. It is fundamental to constantly hone ourselves so we are prepared whenever an election may come."
Some lawmakers within the LDP are calling for a dissolution while public approval ratings for the Takaichi Cabinet remain high at around 70% in media polls. If the lower chamber is dissolved, official campaigning for a general election may start on either Jan. 27 or Feb. 3, with voting set for Feb. 8 or Feb. 15, respectively.
#Japan
@asianomics
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🇲🇾🇮🇩 Malaysia and Indonesia blocked Musk’s Grok
Malaysia and Indonesia have become the first countries to block Grok, the artificial intelligence chatbot developed by Elon Musk's company xAI, as concerns grow among global authorities that it is being misused to generate sexually explicit and nonconsensual images.
Regulators in the two Southeast Asian nations said existing controls weren't preventing the creation and spread of fake pornographic content, particularly involving women and minors. Indonesia’s government temporarily blocked access to Grok on Saturday, followed by Malaysia on Sunday.
Initial findings showed Grok lacks effective safeguards to stop users from creating and distributing pornographic content based on real photos of Indonesian residents, Alexander Sabar, director-general of digital space supervision, said in a statement.
#Malaysia #Indonesia
@asianomics
Malaysia and Indonesia have become the first countries to block Grok, the artificial intelligence chatbot developed by Elon Musk's company xAI, as concerns grow among global authorities that it is being misused to generate sexually explicit and nonconsensual images.
Regulators in the two Southeast Asian nations said existing controls weren't preventing the creation and spread of fake pornographic content, particularly involving women and minors. Indonesia’s government temporarily blocked access to Grok on Saturday, followed by Malaysia on Sunday.
Initial findings showed Grok lacks effective safeguards to stop users from creating and distributing pornographic content based on real photos of Indonesian residents, Alexander Sabar, director-general of digital space supervision, said in a statement.
#Malaysia #Indonesia
@asianomics
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🇺🇸🇹🇼 US, Taiwan near deal to lower tariffs, boost TSMC investment
The US and Taiwan have reached a broad consensus on their trade deal and further details would be announced after a final wrap-up meeting, Taiwanese Executive Yuan’s Office of Trade Negotiations said.
There were also reports that the two nations are nearing a trade deal to reduce Taiwan’s tariff rate to 15% and commit Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co (TSMC) to building at least five more facilities in the US.
The reduced tariff rate is in line with those applied to Japan and South Korea, which struck trade deals last year, it said. The timeline for TSMC’s further investment in the US remains unclear.
#USA #Taiwan
@asianomics
The US and Taiwan have reached a broad consensus on their trade deal and further details would be announced after a final wrap-up meeting, Taiwanese Executive Yuan’s Office of Trade Negotiations said.
There were also reports that the two nations are nearing a trade deal to reduce Taiwan’s tariff rate to 15% and commit Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co (TSMC) to building at least five more facilities in the US.
The reduced tariff rate is in line with those applied to Japan and South Korea, which struck trade deals last year, it said. The timeline for TSMC’s further investment in the US remains unclear.
#USA #Taiwan
@asianomics
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🇯🇵🇰🇷 Leaders of Japan and South Korea meet as China flexes muscles
Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi met South Korea’s President Lee Jae Myung for talks on Jan 13 aimed at demonstrating their cordial ties as Beijing pressures Tokyo over its stance on Taiwan.
The two leaders are in Takaichi’s picturesque home region of Nara in western Japan, days after Lee visited Chinese leader Xi Jinping in Beijing.
The two US allies have already agreed to strengthen cooperation on economic security, regional and global issues, and artificial intelligence, according to South Korea’s presidential office.
Behind closed doors, the leaders will certainly discuss the current Japan-China crisis, as Beijing’s retaliatory measures, including export controls, will have an impact on South Korea as well.
#Japan #SouthKorea
@asianomics
Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi met South Korea’s President Lee Jae Myung for talks on Jan 13 aimed at demonstrating their cordial ties as Beijing pressures Tokyo over its stance on Taiwan.
The two leaders are in Takaichi’s picturesque home region of Nara in western Japan, days after Lee visited Chinese leader Xi Jinping in Beijing.
The two US allies have already agreed to strengthen cooperation on economic security, regional and global issues, and artificial intelligence, according to South Korea’s presidential office.
Behind closed doors, the leaders will certainly discuss the current Japan-China crisis, as Beijing’s retaliatory measures, including export controls, will have an impact on South Korea as well.
#Japan #SouthKorea
@asianomics
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🇨🇳🇺🇸 China taps export controls veteran for senior trade post ahead of Trump visit
China on Jan 12 appointed Jiang Chenghua as deputy representative for International Trade Negotiations, a veteran negotiator with experience in export controls and in managing the country’s investment ties with the US.
Jiang replaces Li Yongjie, who in October was named as China’s representative to the World Trade Organisation, as Beijing prepares for an April visit by US President Donald Trump.
At the same time, Beijing is turning its attention to pressuring Japan over remarks by Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi regarding Taiwan, by leveraging its export control frameworks.
A trade lawyer by training, Jiang previously headed up the Commerce Ministry’s import-export control division and worked on negotiations for a China-US bilateral investment treaty, launched in 2008 but shelved in 2017 after Trump took office.
#China #USA
@asianomics
China on Jan 12 appointed Jiang Chenghua as deputy representative for International Trade Negotiations, a veteran negotiator with experience in export controls and in managing the country’s investment ties with the US.
Jiang replaces Li Yongjie, who in October was named as China’s representative to the World Trade Organisation, as Beijing prepares for an April visit by US President Donald Trump.
At the same time, Beijing is turning its attention to pressuring Japan over remarks by Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi regarding Taiwan, by leveraging its export control frameworks.
A trade lawyer by training, Jiang previously headed up the Commerce Ministry’s import-export control division and worked on negotiations for a China-US bilateral investment treaty, launched in 2008 but shelved in 2017 after Trump took office.
#China #USA
@asianomics
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🇨🇳🇺🇸🇻🇪 Supertankers sailing to pick up Venezuelan oil for China make U-turn
Two China-flagged supertankers that were sailing to Venezuela to pick up debt-paying crude cargoes made U-turns and were headed back to Asia, LSEG shipping data showed, a sign that the US-blocked South American country might not be directly exporting oil to its main buyer any time soon.
Following the US announcement last week of a deal to export up to 50 million barrels of Venezuelan oil stuck in storage, US President Donald Trump said China would not be deprived of Venezuela’s crude. He did not elaborate on the supply mechanism.
But China, the biggest market for Venezuela’s oil, has not received any cargoes from state-run PDVSA since last month as Washington says the oil embargo remains in force.
Global trading houses Vitol and Trafigura are instead readying the first cargoes of the announced US$2 billion deal, to be sent to the US and other destinations, including India and China, a negotiation that can ultimately benefit China’s refiners if the traders negotiate cargoes with them.
#China #USA #Venezuela
@asianomics
Two China-flagged supertankers that were sailing to Venezuela to pick up debt-paying crude cargoes made U-turns and were headed back to Asia, LSEG shipping data showed, a sign that the US-blocked South American country might not be directly exporting oil to its main buyer any time soon.
Following the US announcement last week of a deal to export up to 50 million barrels of Venezuelan oil stuck in storage, US President Donald Trump said China would not be deprived of Venezuela’s crude. He did not elaborate on the supply mechanism.
But China, the biggest market for Venezuela’s oil, has not received any cargoes from state-run PDVSA since last month as Washington says the oil embargo remains in force.
Global trading houses Vitol and Trafigura are instead readying the first cargoes of the announced US$2 billion deal, to be sent to the US and other destinations, including India and China, a negotiation that can ultimately benefit China’s refiners if the traders negotiate cargoes with them.
#China #USA #Venezuela
@asianomics
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🇰🇷🇰🇵 South Korea to probe drones North Korea says violated its airspace
South Korean authorities have launched an investigation focused on the possibility civilians may have flown drones that North Korea said violated its airspace, the Defense Ministry said…
South Korean authorities have launched an investigation focused on the possibility civilians may have flown drones that North Korea said violated its airspace, the Defense Ministry said…
🇰🇵🇰🇷 North Korea’s Kim Yo Jong says South’s hopes for better relations are an illusion
The sister of North Korea’s leader Kim Jong Un, Kim Yo Jong, said on that South Korea’s hope for an improvement in relations is an illusion that cannot be realized.
The leader’s powerful sister criticized a comment attributed to a South Korean government official on Jan 13 that Seoul saw a chance of talks resuming with Pyongyang based on her recent reaction to an alleged drone incursion into her country.
“As far as Seoul’s various hope-filled wild dreams called ‘repair of (North-South) relations’ are concerned, they all can never come true,” Kim said.
#NorthKorea #SouthKorea
@asianomics
The sister of North Korea’s leader Kim Jong Un, Kim Yo Jong, said on that South Korea’s hope for an improvement in relations is an illusion that cannot be realized.
The leader’s powerful sister criticized a comment attributed to a South Korean government official on Jan 13 that Seoul saw a chance of talks resuming with Pyongyang based on her recent reaction to an alleged drone incursion into her country.
“As far as Seoul’s various hope-filled wild dreams called ‘repair of (North-South) relations’ are concerned, they all can never come true,” Kim said.
#NorthKorea #SouthKorea
@asianomics
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🇯🇵 Japan’s Takaichi set to call February snap election
Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has conveyed to a ruling party executive her intention to dissolve parliament's lower house at the outset of its regular session, Kyodo news agency said, setting the stage for a snap election.
The Yomiuri Shimbun newspaper reported on Friday that Takaichi was considering dissolving the lower chamber at the start of the regular session scheduled to be convened on January 23 for a snap election on February 8 or 15.
Takaichi reportedly hopes a bigger majority of the ruling party will help her implement her agenda of more “proactive” fiscal spending, and may also help her break the deadlock in a spat with China.
#Japan #China
@asianomics
Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has conveyed to a ruling party executive her intention to dissolve parliament's lower house at the outset of its regular session, Kyodo news agency said, setting the stage for a snap election.
The Yomiuri Shimbun newspaper reported on Friday that Takaichi was considering dissolving the lower chamber at the start of the regular session scheduled to be convened on January 23 for a snap election on February 8 or 15.
Takaichi reportedly hopes a bigger majority of the ruling party will help her implement her agenda of more “proactive” fiscal spending, and may also help her break the deadlock in a spat with China.
#Japan #China
@asianomics
🖕9👍6😁4❤2🤯1😴1
🇹🇭🇰🇭 Cambodia says Thai troops still occupy civilian areas
Thailand's military continues to occupy civilian areas in Cambodia, having barricaded some with barbed wire and shipping containers, posing a risk to a truce between the neighbors who clashed twice last year, the Cambodian foreign minister said.
Up to 4,000 Cambodian families are unable to return to homes along the disputed frontier because of the Thai incursions, Prak Sokhonn said.
"The situation remains calm, but there are some risks as well. So we hope that Thailand will remain committed to the full implementation of the ceasefire."
#Thailand #Cambodia
@asianomics
Thailand's military continues to occupy civilian areas in Cambodia, having barricaded some with barbed wire and shipping containers, posing a risk to a truce between the neighbors who clashed twice last year, the Cambodian foreign minister said.
Up to 4,000 Cambodian families are unable to return to homes along the disputed frontier because of the Thai incursions, Prak Sokhonn said.
"The situation remains calm, but there are some risks as well. So we hope that Thailand will remain committed to the full implementation of the ceasefire."
#Thailand #Cambodia
@asianomics
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🇯🇵🇺🇸 Japan defense chief, US Indo-Pacific commander share security concerns
Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi and Adm. Samuel Paparo, commander of the US Indo-Pacific Command, agreed that the regional security environment has grown more severe and discussed further enhancing cooperation between their countries' forces.
Koizumi visited the command's headquarters in Hawaii on the first day of his weeklong U.S. trip aimed at strengthening the bilateral alliance amid mounting security challenges from China and North Korea.
The two joined the Honolulu Defense Forum on the day, with Koizumi becoming the first Japanese defense minister to attend the event. In a speech, he focused on the realization of a free and open Indo-Pacific, a vision conceived by the late Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.
#Japan #USA
@asianomics
Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi and Adm. Samuel Paparo, commander of the US Indo-Pacific Command, agreed that the regional security environment has grown more severe and discussed further enhancing cooperation between their countries' forces.
Koizumi visited the command's headquarters in Hawaii on the first day of his weeklong U.S. trip aimed at strengthening the bilateral alliance amid mounting security challenges from China and North Korea.
The two joined the Honolulu Defense Forum on the day, with Koizumi becoming the first Japanese defense minister to attend the event. In a speech, he focused on the realization of a free and open Indo-Pacific, a vision conceived by the late Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.
#Japan #USA
@asianomics
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🇵🇭🇯🇵 Japan, Philippines sign new security pacts as regional tensions rise
The Philippines and Japan signed two defense pacts, including a deal allowing their forces to exchange supplies and services, with both countries seeking to strengthen security cooperation in response to rising regional tensions.
The Acquisition and Cross-Servicing Agreement, designed to enable the swift provision of supplies and services between their militaries, comes months after a landmark Reciprocal Access Agreement between two of Washington's closest Asian allies took effect.
Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi and his Philippine counterpart Theresa Lazaro, also announced a $6 million Official Security Assistance from Tokyo to fund the building of facilities to house rigid‑hulled inflatable boats donated by Japan to boost Manila's naval capabilities.
#ThePhilippines #Japan
@asianomics
The Philippines and Japan signed two defense pacts, including a deal allowing their forces to exchange supplies and services, with both countries seeking to strengthen security cooperation in response to rising regional tensions.
The Acquisition and Cross-Servicing Agreement, designed to enable the swift provision of supplies and services between their militaries, comes months after a landmark Reciprocal Access Agreement between two of Washington's closest Asian allies took effect.
Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi and his Philippine counterpart Theresa Lazaro, also announced a $6 million Official Security Assistance from Tokyo to fund the building of facilities to house rigid‑hulled inflatable boats donated by Japan to boost Manila's naval capabilities.
#ThePhilippines #Japan
@asianomics
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🇨🇳 China's trade ends 2025 with record $1.2 trillion surplus
China reported a record trade surplus of nearly $1.2 trillion in 2025, led by booming exports to non-US markets as producers looked to build global scale to fend off sustained pressure from the Trump administration.
A push by policymakers for Chinese firms to diversify beyond the world's top consumer market by shifting focus to Southeast Asia, Africa and Latin America paid dividends, cushioning the economy against US tariffs and intensifying trade, technology and geopolitical frictions.
Heading into 2026, the challenges for Beijing are aplenty, including deflecting concerns from an increasing number of global capitals about China's trade practices and overcapacity, as well as their overreliance on key Chinese products.
#China
@asianomics
China reported a record trade surplus of nearly $1.2 trillion in 2025, led by booming exports to non-US markets as producers looked to build global scale to fend off sustained pressure from the Trump administration.
A push by policymakers for Chinese firms to diversify beyond the world's top consumer market by shifting focus to Southeast Asia, Africa and Latin America paid dividends, cushioning the economy against US tariffs and intensifying trade, technology and geopolitical frictions.
Heading into 2026, the challenges for Beijing are aplenty, including deflecting concerns from an increasing number of global capitals about China's trade practices and overcapacity, as well as their overreliance on key Chinese products.
#China
@asianomics
🥰7❤5👏3⚡1✍1😁1🤡1