Good morning.

🇮🇩 Breaking: Ferry Sinks Off Bali

Dozens missing after ferry carrying 65 people sinks off Indonesia’s Bali. Live Tracker - Al Jazeera

🇮🇷 US Claims 1-2 Year Setback to Iran Nuclear Program

Pentagon officials said US airstrikes set back Iran's nuclear program by one to two years, backing Trump's claims the facilities were "completely obliterated" despite earlier Defense Intelligence Agency assessments suggesting only months of delay. Chief Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell said the strikes at Fordow, Isfahan and Natanz degraded Iran's physical capability to construct a bomb, though the location of Iran's 409-kilogram near-bomb-grade uranium inventory remains unknown. Iran has cut communication with IAEA officials and formally ended inspections after the June strikes. More - Bloomberg

🇺🇸 Trump Demands Fed Chair Quit

President Trump called for Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell to resign "immediately," escalating his attacks on the central bank chief amid criticism over interest rate policy. Trump's Truth Social post included a link to coverage of housing regulator Bill Pulte calling for Powell's investigation over testimony about Fed headquarters renovations. Powell said Tuesday the Fed would have cut rates already if not for Trump's tariff policies, while maintaining he cannot be legally forced out without cause under Supreme Court precedent. More - BBC

Asia Stability Ratings and News Summary

More Unstable

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

More Stable

No countries were more stable over this period

Unchanged

🇧🇳 Brunei, 🇨🇳 China, 🇯🇵 Japan, 🇰🇿 Kazakhstan, 🇲🇾 Malaysia, 🇲🇳 Mongolia, 🇸🇬 Singapore

Regional News Summary

In Singapore, authorities have intensified their crackdown on criminal activities, leading to notable arrests. A Malaysian woman was apprehended with 2kg of cannabis and methamphetamine concealed in her motorcycle, while another individual was sentenced for facilitating credit card fraud across the city-state. Additionally, the Singapore Police Force has linked a series of in-flight thefts to organized crime syndicates, underscoring the ongoing challenges in maintaining security in the region [SOURCE - Malay Mail].

Economically, Singapore is witnessing a surge in semiconductor production with the establishment of a gallium nitride fabrication facility, while Frasers Property has made a significant bid for a prime land plot, reflecting robust investor confidence. Furthermore, Tata Sons has secured a substantial $9.58 billion investment from Singapore Airlines, aimed at capital expenditures, signaling a strong partnership in the aviation sector [SOURCE - Channel News Asia].

In transportation, Singapore is set to trial autonomous vehicles in Punggol by late 2025, marking a significant step towards modernizing its public transport system. Meanwhile, Malaysia has begun enforcing its Vehicle Entry Permit (VEP) at the Johor border, resulting in immediate fines for several Singaporean drivers, highlighting the ongoing regulatory shifts in cross-border travel [SOURCE - Malay Mail].

On the geopolitical front, tensions between India and China have escalated, particularly following India's refusal to sign a joint document at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit, citing concerns over terrorism linked to Pakistan and China's perceived leniency towards it. This refusal has been interpreted as a significant diplomatic stance, reflecting India's growing assertiveness in regional affairs [SOURCE - Times of India].

In a related development, the trilateral meeting between China, Pakistan, and Bangladesh has raised alarms in New Delhi, prompting the Indian Ministry of External Affairs to assert its vigilance over the evolving dynamics [SOURCE - The Economic Times].

Meanwhile, Myanmar's military junta has announced plans to hold elections in December-January, despite ongoing political unrest, raising questions about the legitimacy of the electoral process in a country grappling with a humanitarian crisis [SOURCE - NDTV].

In the economic sphere, Kazakhstan is set to enhance its presence in the global space industry with plans for three launches from the Baiterek space complex over the next three years, alongside a significant acquisition in the mining sector by Zijin Mining, which aims to bolster Kazakhstan's gold output [SOURCE - AzerNews].

Oceania Stability Ratings and News Summary

More Unstable

🇦🇺 Australia, 🇰🇮 Kiribati, 🇳🇷 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, 🇲🇭 Marshall Islands, 🇵🇼 Palau, 🇹🇴 Tonga

Regional News Summary

Australia is currently reassessing its strategic defense planning in response to evolving global dynamics and increasing pressure from the United States to enhance military spending. This shift moves beyond traditional white papers, with discussions emphasizing that defense capabilities should guide budget allocations rather than arbitrary financial targets. China's envoy has urged Australia to resist US military spending pressures, highlighting the complex geopolitical landscape in which Australia operates. Additionally, Pakistan's Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff recently visited Australia for defense talks, underscoring the importance of regional cooperation in security matters [SOURCE - Lowy Institute].

In the Pacific, climate change is driving significant migration, with nearly a third of Tuvalu's residents applying for Australian climate change visas in just four days. This alarming trend underscores the urgent need for action as Tuvalu faces existential threats from rising sea levels [SOURCE - RNZ].

Meanwhile, Australia's startup ecosystem is grappling with funding shortages despite its potential for growth. In a bid to foster sustainability, the government is launching a $1.5 billion initiative to promote home battery technology, which is crucial for transitioning to renewable energy sources [SOURCE - Financial Post]. 

In regional development, university study hubs are proving effective in retaining students in rural Australia, thereby boosting local economies [SOURCE - ABC]. Additionally, Bardex Corp has established an office in Australia to develop multi-purpose ports, which will support maritime sustainment and offshore energy initiatives [SOURCE - gCaptain].

New Zealand is facing scrutiny over its environmental policies, particularly regarding pollution subsidies and its withdrawal from global coalitions aimed at phasing out fossil fuels. Critics, including 350.org Pacific, have expressed disappointment and urged the government to reconsider its stance on fossil fuel usage [SOURCE - The Daily Blog]. Furthermore, the government's proposal to weaken freshwater protections has raised alarms about public health risks [SOURCE - The Daily Blog].

In economic developments, New Zealand has pledged NZ$150,000 to the World Trade Organization's Fish Fund, reinforcing its commitment to sustainable fishing practices [SOURCE - World Trade Organization]. The Prime Minister has also agreed to deepen economic and defense cooperation with South Korea, reflecting a strategic pivot towards strengthening international ties [SOURCE - The Korea Times].

In the realm of social issues, New Zealand's Justice Minister has proposed increased penalties for assaults against first responders, aiming to enhance their protection [SOURCE - Radio New Zealand]. A new 24/7 telehealth service has also been launched to improve healthcare access for New Zealanders [SOURCE - Radio New Zealand].

Fiji is poised to benefit from a regional initiative aimed at enhancing trade and market access for Pacific island countries, which is expected to bolster its economy and create new job opportunities [SOURCE - Scoop].

Lastly, the Federated States of Micronesia and Kiribati are bracing for the economic impacts of a new US remittance tax, which threatens to reduce vital financial support from overseas workers. This tax could exacerbate poverty and economic instability in these nations, highlighting the need for urgent dialogue with the US government to address these concerns [SOURCE - RNZ].

Carpe tomorrow!