ASLI INSIGHTS: Asia Unpacked | 18 Jul 2025
From security agreements to political infighting, this week, Asia attempts to maintain unity and stability in a world of increasing polarization — from South Korea and UK’s agreement on the Downing Street Accord to President Xi’s proclamation of multilateralism.
Top news in Asia this week:
1. AI Campaigns Escalate Tensions in Phillipines’ Political Rivalries
The 2025 Philippine midterm elections have intensified political rivalries, notably between the Duterte and Marcos families. Former President Rodrigo Duterte, despite detainment by the ICC, ran for mayor of Davao City, while his daughter, Vice President Sara Duterte, faces impeachment over alleged corruption and assassination plotting. Both factions have employed disinformation tactics to sway public opinion and discredit opponents. These digital smear campaigns have targeted victims of Duterte's drug war, leading to online harassment and spreading false narratives. The rise in AI-driven disinformation has raised concerns about its impact on Philippine democracy, with experts warning against normalizing such tactics.
Read more:
https://reutersinstitute.politics.ox.ac.uk/sites/default/files/2025-06/Digital_News-Report_2025.pdf
2. US-Indonesia Trade Deal: Tariffs Reduced, Boeing 777s Ordered
President Donald Trump announced a new trade agreement with Indonesia, reducing the previously threatened 32% tariff on Indonesian goods to 19%. As part of the deal, Indonesia has committed to purchasing $15 billion in U.S. energy products, $4.5 billion in American agricultural goods, and 50 Boeing jets, including several 777 models. The agreement follows direct negotiations between Trump and Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto. Details on the implementation timeline remain unclear.
Read more:
https://edition.cnn.com/2025/07/15/economy/trump-says-trade-deal-with-indonesia
3. In face of US Unilateralism, Xi Promotes Open Supply Chains
Chinese President Xi Jinping has firmly criticised U.S. trade protectionism, particularly under Donald Trump’s tariff regime, asserting that “trade wars have no winners” and urging China, the EU, Southeast Asia, Latin America, and other partners to resist one‑sided economic moves. He emphasised the importance of globalisation, open supply chains, and multilateral trade systems to maintain global economic stability . Xi's comments reinforce China’s strategic alliances—seen in recent engagements with Spain, Southeast Asian nations, and Latin America—and position Beijing as a proponent of cooperative global trade in contrast to U.S. unilateralism.
Read more:
4. “Miss Golf” Blackmailing Scandal Using Thai Monks
A scandal in Thailand revealed that Wilawan “Miss Golf” Emsawat allegedly seduced and blackmailed at least nine senior Buddhist monks, extorting roughly $11.9 million over three years — much of which was gambled away. The police found tens of thousands of intimate photos and videos on her devices. Consequently, nine monks have been defrocked, and 81 others lost royal titles by decree of the king . This prompted royal and government action: the Sangha Act, the rule the governs Buddist Monastic order, is being revised. Stricter financial oversight of temples is planned, and the Central Investigative Bureau of the Royal Thai police are investigating to restore public trust.
Read more:
https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/3069532/ninth-senior-monk-quits-in-golf-temple-scandal
https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/3069737/monks-titles-rescinded-golf-cuffed
5. South Korea and UK Agree to the Downing Street Accord
South Korea and the United Kingdom have agreed to adopt the "Downing Street Accord," elevating their relationship to a "global strategic partnership." This agreement aims to enhance cooperation in defense, cybersecurity, and trade. Key initiatives include joint military exercises, maritime patrols, and a strategic cyber partnership. The two nations will also collaborate on semiconductor supply chains and clean energy projects. Additionally, former South Korean National Security Adviser Chun Yung-woo has called for the early return of wartime operational control from the United States, emphasising the importance of South Korea's self-reliance in defense matters.
Read more:
