The puzzle presented by incidents of seemingly self-kidnapped Chinese students abroad can only be understood in the context of China’s police brutality and growing transnational repression. buff.ly/3xsU781

A 2022 survey revealed that nearly 63 percent of surveyed foreigners in Japan were racially profiled and stopped by the police multiple times. buff.ly/3QkPMKP

In Kyrgyzstan, ombudsman representatives confirmed Makhabat Tajibek kyzy was bruised from an apparent beating, but detention center staff would not allow them to document it. buff.ly/3PTFbGg

Ma Ying-jeou of the opposition KMT held a second meeting with Xi Jinping – his first as a private citizen – during an 11-day trip to China. buff.ly/4d2CJay

Democrats are likely to prolong the handling of the TikTok bill, particularly given the special backdrop of an election year. buff.ly/4aDL2aP

Despite two changes in the South Korean presidency, bereaved families say their questions over the Sewol Ferry sinking remain unanswered.

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Why do some Chinese students abroad allow themselves to be kidnapped by telephone, and even go on to stage the crime themselves? buff.ly/3xsU781

This week’s Japan-Philippines-U.S. trilateral summit comes alongside the 82nd anniversary of the Bataan Death March. 

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Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. denied the existence of a “gentleman’s agreement” between his predecessor and the Chinese government that Manila would not make repairs to a military outpost on a contested shoal in the South China Sea. buff.ly/3PZJXC3

Most Sri Lankans were unpleasantly surprised when Narendra Modi, who is campaigning aggressively to return to power for a third consecutive term as India’s prime minister, raked up the long-settled India-Sri Lanka dispute over the Katchatheevu Island. buff.ly/3U0ISeK

The fall of Myawaddy, a major hub of overland trade between Myanmar and Thailand, could have significant ramifications for the course of the country’s conflict.

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India’s Indigenous Prototype Fast Breeder Nuclear Reactor (PFBR) and abundant thorium reserves hold key to India’s future energy security.
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Taliban leader Hibatullah Akhundzada reportedly emerged on Wednesday for a rare public address marking the end of Ramadan in which he pushed back on international criticism.
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U.S. President Joe Biden praised Prime Minister Fumio Kishida’s “bold” leadership on a series of global crises as he welcomed the Japanese leader to the White House. buff.ly/3VVwTl5

The leadup to the South Korean legislative election saw President Yoon Suk-yeol embroiled in a series of damaging incidents. His party paid the price. buff.ly/3WdirFp

The Quad: Responding to China’s Moves into the Indian Ocean bit.ly/3TSynKh

This year’s LEAP showcased 74 Pakistani firms, underlining the trend of Pakistan’s increasing engagement with Saudi Arabia on IT. buff.ly/3xvhrlF

Fisherfolk in India and Pakistan are the victims of a turbulent mix of politics, economic crises, and climate change. buff.ly/3vCvJ3k

China’s revised regulations leave its fundamental data policy conundrum unresolved: Should it prioritize control or economic growth? buff.ly/3JaVMBP

The opposition Democratic Party of Korea won a landslide victory in the 22nd general elections, largely due to Yoon’s unpopularity. buff.ly/4awkCbb