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🛫 China Returns Boeing Jets

China has returned Boeing aircraft and halted delivery of 50 more planes in retaliation for Trump's 145% tariffs. Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg confirmed two jets have already been sent back with more to follow, forcing the company to seek alternative buyers. Despite the escalation, Trump expressed optimism that tariff levels would "come down substantially." More - BBC

Note - this is taking place despite attempts by President Trump and Treasury Secretary Bessent [BBC] that a big deal can be made with China, suggesting that a lot of short- and mid-term pain lies ahead for US businesses.

🇹🇷 Istanbul Earthquake Hits

A 6.2 magnitude earthquake struck Wednesday morning, centered off Istanbul's coast in the Marmara Sea, causing buildings to shake across Turkey's largest city. While no collapsed buildings have been reported, authorities are conducting damage assessments after eight aftershocks followed the initial tremor. The quake has raised concerns given Istanbul's proximity to fault lines and memories of the devastating 2023 earthquake that killed over 53,000 people in southern Turkey.

More - Al Jazeera

Asia Stability Ratings and News Summary

More Unstable

🇦🇫 Afghanistan, 🇦🇲 Armenia, 🇦🇿 Azerbaijan, 🇧🇩 Bangladesh, 🇧🇹 Bhutan, 🇰🇭 Cambodia, 🇨🇳 China, 🇹🇱 East Timor, 🇬🇪 Georgia, 🇮🇩 Indonesia, 🇰🇿 Kazakhstan, 🇱🇦 Laos, 🇲🇻 Maldives, 🇲🇳 Mongolia, 🇲🇲 Myanmar, 🇳🇵 Nepal, 🇰🇵 North Korea, 🇵🇰 Pakistan, 🇵🇭 Philippines, 🇰🇷 South Korea, 🇱🇰 Sri Lanka, 🇹🇼 Taiwan, 🇹🇯 Tajikistan, 🇹🇭 Thailand, 🇺🇿 Uzbekistan

More Stable

No countries were more stable over this period

Unchanged

🇧🇳 Brunei, 🇮🇳 India, 🇯🇵 Japan, 🇰🇬 Kyrgyzstan, 🇲🇾 Malaysia, 🇸🇬 Singapore, 🇹🇲 Turkmenistan, 🇻🇳 Vietnam

Asia News Summary

In the lead-up to Singapore's General Election 2025, political parties are actively unveiling their manifestos. The Workers' Party has proposed a range of measures including GST exemptions, a minimum wage, and a wealth tax, along with a call for the recognition of the State of Palestine. The Singapore Democratic Party is advocating for the scrapping of GST on essential goods, while Red Dot United is pushing for a housing reset and unconditional cash transfers for citizens [SOURCE - Channel News Asia].

As Singapore grapples with an ageing population, the demand for wellness services is expected to surge, driving significant growth in the healthcare sector. The country's robust economic fundamentals have positioned it among the top three nations in the Global Opportunity Rankings for wealth and education, alongside Switzerland and the USA [SOURCE - Rio Times]. In a notable development, All Nippon Airways and Singapore Airlines are set to launch revenue-sharing flights between Singapore and Japan, with plans to expand to India [SOURCE - Free Press Journal].

In the realm of education, the Indian community in Singapore is witnessing a rise in educational attainment, with four in ten Indians now holding degrees. This trend is accompanied by a 10% increase in median income, reflecting a positive shift in the community's socio-economic status [SOURCE - Malay Mail].

On the security front, a gunmen killed 26 tourists in Pahalgam, Kashmir—the deadliest attack in 25 years—forcing PM Modi to cut short his Saudi visit. The Resistance Front claimed responsibility, with experts describing it as "an act of war" that threatens to escalate India-Pakistan tensions.[SOURCE - Al Jazeera] Meanwhile. an Indian-origin man has been charged in Singapore for causing hurt with a dangerous weapon, while three Malaysians were arrested following a high-speed boat chase with the Singapore coast guard [SOURCE - Times of India].

In regional cooperation, Singapore and Malaysia are exploring the potential of the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone to enhance economic integration within ASEAN, aiming to improve supply chain efficiency and resilience [SOURCE - Malay Mail].

As the US-China trade war continues to escalate, China has imposed restrictions on rare earth exports to the US, significantly impacting the American tech industry. This move follows reciprocal tariffs imposed by both nations, with the US attempting to negotiate a trade deal with China amidst concerns that it may inadvertently strengthen China's position in the chip market [SOURCE - BBC].

In a broader context, China is deepening its partnerships with ASEAN nations, advancing railway cooperation and enhancing bilateral trade ties, particularly with Malaysia [SOURCE - Ecns.cn]. Meanwhile, US Vice President JD Vance is visiting India to discuss trade agreements, signaling a strengthening of India-US relations [SOURCE - Free Press Journal].

In Vietnam, the government is ramping up its renewable energy targets in response to soaring energy demand, aiming for 15% of electricity generation from wind and 20% from solar power by 2030 [SOURCE - Times of India]. This initiative aligns with the country's broader economic growth strategy, which has attracted international companies looking to expand their market presence.

Oceania Stability Ratings and News Summary

More Unstable

🇫🇯 Fiji, 🇰🇮 Kiribati, 🇳🇷 Nauru, 🇳🇿 New Zealand, 🇵🇬 Papua New Guinea, 🇸🇧 Solomon Islands, 🇹🇴 Tonga, 🇻🇺 Vanuatu

More Stable

No countries were more stable over this period

Unchanged

🇦🇺 Australia, 🇫🇲 Federated States of Micronesia, 🇲🇭 Marshall Islands, 🇵🇼 Palau, 🇼🇸 Samoa, 🇹🇻 Tuvalu

Oceania News Summary

As Australia enters fire season, concerns are mounting over the funding for essential firefighting technology, which could hinder effective fire management in northern Australia [SOURCE - ABC].

Politically, the Australian election is underway, with early voting showing Prime Minister Albanese in a lead over his opponent Dutton, though the final outcome remains uncertain [SOURCE - India Today]. The Coalition has pledged to introduce country of origin labeling for timber, a move anticipated to bolster the timber industry [SOURCE - ABC]. Meanwhile, economic stability is under scrutiny as a potential rate cut looms amid fears of stock market turmoil [SOURCE - Michael West].

On the international front, Australian-Indonesian relations are being closely examined due to concerns over Russian influence in the region, raising national security anxieties [SOURCE - Global Research]. Additionally, the shadow of Donald Trump is felt in the Australian election, with parallels drawn between his populist appeal and the current political climate in Australia [SOURCE - ABC].

In New Zealand, inflation has risen to 2.5%, raising concerns about economic stability as gas bills increase, prompting Kiwis to reassess their spending habits [SOURCE - RTT News]. The New Zealand Commerce Commission has approved Woolworths' acquisition of Beak & Johnston, marking a significant shift in the business landscape [SOURCE - Economic Times].

In the realm of education and tourism, New Zealand is being promoted as a safe choice for international students amidst global uncertainties [SOURCE - Economic Times]. Concurrently, room rates in popular tourist destinations are climbing, indicating a recovery in the tourism sector [SOURCE - RNZ].

Fiji is grappling with a dengue fever outbreak that has claimed lives, including that of a Samoan boy in Auckland [SOURCE - The Economic Times]. Additionally, Fiji police are investigating an attack on a fishing vessel in Suva, with the motive still unclear [SOURCE - RNZ]. On the diplomatic front, tensions between the US and China were highlighted during a clash between their ambassadors in Fiji, reflecting broader geopolitical frictions [SOURCE - RNZ].

In Kiribati, a significant policy change by the US government now allows commercial fishing in previously restricted waters, a move welcomed by the fishing industry and expected to benefit the region [SOURCE - UPI]. This shift is seen as a potential economic boon for Kiribati and neighboring Pacific nations.

Carpe tomorrow!