Good morning,

Just the regional roundup today

Asia Stability Ratings and News Summary

More Unstable

🇦🇫 Afghanistan, 🇦🇲 Armenia, 🇦🇿 Azerbaijan, 🇧🇩 Bangladesh, 🇬🇪 Georgia, 🇮🇳 India, 🇮🇩 Indonesia, 🇯🇵 Japan, 🇰🇿 Kazakhstan, 🇱🇦 Laos, 🇲🇳 Mongolia, 🇲🇲 Myanmar, 🇳🇵 Nepal, 🇰🇵 North Korea, 🇵🇰 Pakistan, 🇵🇭 Philippines, 🇰🇷 South Korea, 🇱🇰 Sri Lanka, 🇹🇯 Tajikistan, 🇹🇭 Thailand, 🇹🇲 Turkmenistan

More Stable

No countries were more stable over this period

Unchanged

🇧🇹 Bhutan, 🇧🇳 Brunei, 🇰🇭 Cambodia, 🇨🇳 China, 🇹🇱 East Timor, 🇰🇬 Kyrgyzstan, 🇲🇾 Malaysia, 🇲🇻 Maldives, 🇸🇬 Singapore, 🇹🇼 Taiwan, 🇺🇿 Uzbekistan, 🇻🇳 Vietnam

Regional News Summary

In Singapore, inflation has eased to 0.6% in July, the lowest since January 2021, driven by declines in food, transport, and housing costs. This economic relief comes as the stock market showed resilience, extending gains despite initial predictions of a downturn. Notably, the payment institution 2C2P secured a major license in Singapore, while Abaxx facilitated a delegation from the China City Gas Association to enhance collaboration in the natural gas sector across Asia [SOURCE - CNBC].

Meanwhile, Malaysia has launched RYT Bank, the world's first AI-powered bank, marking a significant milestone in its financial sector. The country is also set to chair the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) summit in October, aiming to bolster Asian trade unity. Additionally, Malaysia's e-commerce revenue reached RM625 billion in the first half of 2025, indicating a robust online market [SOURCE - Manila Times].

In Vietnam, Typhoon Kajiki has wreaked havoc, causing widespread flooding and landslides, leading to evacuations and significant infrastructure damage. The government has mobilized resources to assist those affected, highlighting the ongoing challenges posed by natural disasters in the region [SOURCE - Asiaone].

On the diplomatic front, China has been actively engaging with various nations. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi emphasized the importance of head-of-state diplomacy in U.S.-China relations. President Xi Jinping is set to meet with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin, with Modi advocating for cooperation to stabilize the global economy [SOURCE - ECNS]. Additionally, China has urged the Philippines to refrain from escalating maritime tensions, reflecting its ongoing regional diplomatic efforts [SOURCE - Pakistan Today].

In Afghanistan, the humanitarian crisis continues to deepen, with the UNHCR warning of dire conditions for 2.3 million refugees expelled from Iran and Pakistan. Rights groups are urging Germany to relocate vulnerable Afghans from Pakistan, highlighting the urgent need for international support [SOURCE - Khaama].

In Indonesia, mass protests erupted over police brutality and corruption, ignited by the death of a motorcycle driver. The protests have drawn attention to social inequality and economic hardship, prompting the government to call for calm while also restricting social media to quell unrest [SOURCE - Livemint].

Lastly, the Rohingya refugee crisis remains critical, with refugees in Bangladesh demanding safe returns to Myanmar on the eighth anniversary of their exodus. Bangladesh's Chief Advisor has stated that the country cannot mobilize more resources for the refugees, emphasizing the strain on its economy [SOURCE - Daily Excelsior].

Oceania Stability Ratings and News Summary

More Unstable

🇦🇺 Australia, 🇰🇮 Kiribati, 🇲🇭 Marshall Islands, 🇳🇷 Nauru, 🇳🇿 New Zealand, 🇵🇬 Papua New Guinea, 🇼🇸 Samoa, 🇸🇧 Solomon Islands, 🇹🇻 Tuvalu, 🇻🇺 Vanuatu

More Stable

No countries were more stable over this period

Unchanged

🇫🇲 Federated States of Micronesia, 🇫🇯 Fiji, 🇵🇼 Palau, 🇹🇴 Tonga

Regional News Summary

Tensions between Australia and Iran have reached a critical point, with Australia expelling the Iranian ambassador amid allegations of state-directed antisemitic attacks. This unprecedented diplomatic move has been met with reciprocal actions from Iran, further straining relations between the two nations. The Australian government has accused Iran of orchestrating antisemitic arson attacks, leading to a significant diplomatic clash. In a twist, Israel has claimed that its intelligence agency, Mossad, played a role in uncovering an IRGC plot in Australia, but Australia has dismissed these assertions, emphasizing that its decision was based on its own intelligence assessments [SOURCE - BBC].

In the realm of trade, Australia Post has suspended most parcel shipments to the United States due to tariff complications, impacting global carriers and small businesses alike. This decision comes as Australia seeks to navigate the shifting landscape of international trade, particularly in light of increasing tariffs imposed by the US. Meanwhile, Australia is strengthening its partnership with India, with expectations of increased investment as both countries adapt to the changing global order [SOURCE - The Hindu].

In a positive development for renewable energy, Pacific Green has secured a AU$77 million debt facility aimed at accelerating the development of its battery energy storage system in Australia, a move anticipated to bolster the country's renewable energy sector [SOURCE - Manila Times].

Amidst these developments, Australia has seen a surge in pro-Palestinian rallies, reflecting public sentiment and demanding greater governmental action during a time of heightened diplomatic tensions with Israel. Concurrently, the Australian government has finalized a $400 million deal with Nauru to resettle individuals lacking legal rights to remain in Australia, marking a significant step in addressing immigration challenges [SOURCE - ABC].

Turning to New Zealand, the government has taken a firm stance on the global stage, with Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters unequivocally condemning Iran's actions. This marks a notable shift in New Zealand's foreign policy, reinforcing its commitment to global peace and security [SOURCE - RNZ]. In addition, New Zealand has been recognized as the fourth most peaceful country in the world, surpassing major nations like China and the US, as per the Global Peace Index [SOURCE - India.com].

On the economic front, New Zealand has introduced a new visa for business investors aimed at attracting baby boomers, which is expected to stimulate economic growth. However, Air New Zealand has reported a decline in profits due to rising costs and maintenance issues, highlighting challenges within the aviation sector [SOURCE - RNZ].

In Fiji, Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka's recent visit to India has strengthened bilateral ties, resulting in agreements focused on healthcare, agriculture, defense, and renewable energy cooperation. This partnership underscores the importance of collaboration in the Indo-Pacific region, particularly in addressing climate change challenges [SOURCE - Free Press Journal].

Lastly, Tuvalu faces an existential threat from climate change, with rising sea levels and increased natural disasters jeopardizing its very existence. The country's leaders are calling for global cooperation to address these pressing issues, emphasizing the urgent need for action to mitigate the effects of climate change on vulnerable nations [SOURCE - Al Jazeera].

Carpe tomorrow!