> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://middlepowers.fyi/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.
# Asia-Pacific
> Week of January 26, 2026
## Regional Summary
**The Hedgers' Gambit**
Governments across the Indo-Pacific are playing both sides between Washington and Beijing—and voters are rewarding them for it. The old rule that electorates punish leaders for diplomatic trouble or economic turbulence no longer holds. Instead, the public now rewards leaders who absorb blows from both superpowers without backing down. The shift spans from Tokyo to Jakarta and is reshaping the region's politics faster than its alliances.
Sanae Takaichi, Japan's prime minister, offers the clearest case. She declared that the US-Japan alliance would "collapse" if Tokyo stood idle during a Taiwan evacuation. Beijing responded by cancelling 46 airline routes and issuing travel warnings that have already cut tourist arrivals—once worth a fifth of all visitors to Japan. That costs real money, not just diplomatic face. Yet Ms Takaichi's Liberal Democratic Party is polling to win outright control of the lower house in a snap election three months into her premiership. Voters have priced in Chinese retaliation and decided they can live with it—a judgment that would have been unthinkable a decade ago, when Japanese leaders backed down at the first hint of Beijing's displeasure. Ms Takaichi is also deepening ties with Britain on fighter jets, critical minerals and quantum technology, behaving less like Washington's junior ally than like a middle power assembling its own coalition.
Lee Jae-myung, South Korea's president, is running the same playbook with even more audacity. Faced with Trump's threat to raise tariffs on Korean cars and pharmaceuticals to 25%, Mr Lee did not back down. Instead, he visited China and Japan on back-to-back trips—his first presidential call on Beijing since 2019—and framed both as "pragmatic diplomacy." Samsung's record quarterly profit gives him the economic cushion to sustain the balancing act: operating earnings more than tripled on AI-driven memory demand. His approval rating sits at 53%, helped by the continuing spectacle of his predecessors' disgrace. The wife of Yoon Suk-yeol, the impeached president, was sentenced to 20 months for accepting Chanel bags from the Unification Church, while Han Duck-soo, the former prime minister, received 23 years for helping impose martial law. Mr Lee is using these convictions as proof that democratic balance-of-power politics, unlike autocratic whim, comes with checks and balances.
Indonesia exposes the limits of the model. Prabowo Subianto, the president, has also tried to play both sides—joining the Board of Peace charter in Davos, maintaining "multi-alignment," and courting both American and Chinese capital. But markets do not believe his institutions can sustain it. An \$80 billion equity rout, the worst since 1998, followed a warning from MSCI, the index provider, of a possible downgrade to frontier status and after parliament installed Mr Prabowo's nephew as deputy governor of the central bank. The state sovereign fund, Danantara, responded by seizing a million hectares of mining concessions, ordering asset managers to keep buying stocks, and announcing plans to own up to 30% of the Jakarta exchange after demutualisation. Where Ms Takaichi and Mr Lee balance between external powers while strengthening domestic institutions, Mr Prabowo balances externally while weakening them. Investors spotted the difference in about 48 hours.
Taiwan and Australia, each in its own way, show what happens when domestic politics cannot keep pace with the balancing act. Taipei opened a Joint Firepower Coordination Centre staffed partly by American advisers to manage its new asymmetric arsenal, yet the opposition legislature blocked the bulk of a NT\$1.25 trillion defence budget, stripping out drones, air-defence systems and tactical software. The Kuomintang simultaneously dispatched a 40-person delegation to Beijing for talks on tourism and industrial cooperation—a different faction playing its own version of both sides, at cross-purposes with the government. In Australia, the Reserve Bank is about to become the first major central bank to raise rates since the pandemic, an own goal that worsens already poor optics from a Liberal opposition in open factional warfare and a Greens party surging to 45% support among young voters. Neither Canberra nor Taipei suffers for playing both sides; both suffer for internal chaos that makes the balancing act look accidental rather than strategic.
The pattern is not merely that Indo-Pacific leaders balance between Washington and Beijing—that is old news. Electorates now treat this balancing as a test of competence: voters reward leaders who absorb diplomatic and economic blows without flinching, and punish those whose institutions crack under the strain. Credible balance-of-power politics now requires credible governance. Where the two diverge, markets and voters deliver their verdict with equal speed.
## Country Summaries
### 
Japan
Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi is escalating Japan's operational commitment to Taiwan scenarios while absorbing real diplomatic and economic costs — and her domestic approval ratings remain untouched.
During a leaders' debate this week, Ms Takaichi declared that the Japan-US alliance would "collapse" if Tokyo did nothing when American forces were attacked during Taiwan evacuation operations. She emphasised Taiwan's 110km proximity to Japanese territory and Japan's obligation for joint rescue operations of Japanese and American citizens. This doubles down on her November 2025 parliament statement about potential Japanese military intervention, but goes further by explicitly linking alliance survival to specific operational scenarios.
China's response was swift and concrete. Beijing issued travel advisories affecting Japanese tourism, cancelled 46 airline routes and suspended Sino-Japanese business events. Chinese tourist arrivals, previously 20% of all inbound tourists, slowed dramatically — real economic punishment for Ms Takaichi's diplomatic provocation.
Yet the escalation appears to be working politically. Early polling shows Ms Takaichi's Liberal Democratic Party positioned to win more seats in the February 8 snap election, potentially achieving single-party control of the lower house. This would represent historic political dominance just three months after she became prime minister. More striking still, her explicit Taiwan contingency statements — which triggered Chinese diplomatic retaliation — generated no negative domestic political impact based on continued polling strength. This contrasts with historical patterns where provocative foreign policy statements created domestic political costs.
The confidence extends to other partnerships. Ms Takaichi and Prime Minister Keir Starmer agreed to coordinate among like-minded countries to strengthen critical mineral supply chains, expand industrial cooperation in wind, quantum and nuclear fusion, and accelerate trilateral GCAP fighter development with Italy. Mr Starmer invited Ms Takaichi to visit Britain this year.
* **Takaichi's LDP leads in polls ahead of February 8 snap election** — Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi called a snap Lower House election for February 8, 2026, seeking a mandate for her policies. Multiple polls show the LDP likely to win a significant majority, potentially achieving single-party control. The campaign has focused on economic policies, with Takaichi's coalition partner being the Japan Innovation Party while facing opposition from the new Centrist Reform Alliance. *([japantimes.co.jp](https://reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/japan-pm-takaichis-party-poised-landslide-victory-asahi-poll-shows-2026-02-01))*
* [Japan PM Takaichi's party poised for landslide victory, poll shows — reuters.com](https://reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/japan-pm-takaichis-party-poised-landslide-victory-asahi-poll-shows-2026-02-01)
* [Early Polls Show Japan's Takaichi on Track to Expand Majority — bloomberg.com](https://bloomberg.com/news/articles/2026-01-29/early-polls-show-japan-s-takaichi-on-track-to-expand-majority)
* [Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's Popularity Fills LDP Sails — japannews.yomiuri.co.jp](https://japannews.yomiuri.co.jp/politics/election/20260129-307553)
* [Japan election becomes high-stakes gamble for Takaichi as personal popularity faces tougher opposition — cnbc.com](https://www.cnbc.com/2026/01/30/japan-snap-election-sanae-takaichi-ratings-ldp-cdp-komeito-tokyo.html)
* [Prime Minister Takaichi calls snap general election — alpha.japantimes.co.jp](https://alpha.japantimes.co.jp/article/top_news/20260130/132014)
* [Takaichi says Japan-U.S. alliance would 'collapse' if Tokyo ignored Taiwan crisis — japantimes.co.jp](https://japantimes.co.jp/news/2026/01/27/japan/politics/japan-takaichi-taiwan-us-alliance)
* [Alliance with US would 'collapse' if Japan fled a Taiwan crisis: Takaichi — asia.nikkei.com](https://asia.nikkei.com/politics/international-relations/taiwan-tensions/alliance-with-us-would-collapse-if-japan-fled-a-taiwan-crisis-takaichi)
* [Japan-US alliance would crumble if Tokyo ignored Taiwan crisis, PM Takaichi says — reuters.com](https://www.reuters.com/world/china/japan-us-alliance-would-crumble-if-tokyo-ignored-taiwan-crisis-pm-takaichi-says-2026-01-27/)
* [PM Takaichi says Japan could join U.S. on Taiwan rescue operations — english.kyodonews.net](https://english.kyodonews.net/articles/-/69405)
* [Japan department store sales fell in 2025 — www3.nhk.or.jp](https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20260126_B4/)
* [Takaichi talks up weak yen even as Japan works to counter currency decline — japantimes.co.jp](https://www.japantimes.co.jp/business/2026/02/01/markets/sanae-takaichi-weaker-yen/)
* [Takaichi goes silent on tax cut after hinting at early reduction — asahi.com](https://asahi.com/ajw/articles/16314313)
* [Takaichi's pledge to scrap food tax for 2 years unsettles markets and voters — japantoday.com](https://japantoday.com/category/politics/japan-pm's-tax-giveaway-roils-markets-and-worries-voters)
* [Japan's Takaichi touts benefits of weaker yen, citing foreign reserves — asia.nikkei.com](https://asia.nikkei.com/business/markets/currencies/japan-s-takaichi-touts-benefits-of-weaker-yen-citing-foreign-reserves)
* [PM Takaichi clarifies remarks that could be seen as backing weaker yen — english.kyodonews.net](https://english.kyodonews.net/articles/-/69619)
* [Japan, Britain agree to work on boosting supply chains for critical minerals — www3.nhk.or.jp](https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20260201_01/)
* [Starmer invites Japan PM Takaichi to UK after Tokyo talks — bbc.com](https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c78egr5v5gmo)
* [PM press statement alongside Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi: 31 January 2026 — gov.uk](https://www.gov.uk/government/news/pm-press-statement-alongside-japanese-prime-minister-sanae-takaichi-31-january-2026)
* [Keidanren Chairman Calls for Clarification of Alternative Social Security Funding Sources for Consumption Tax Cuts — japannews.yomiuri.co.jp](https://japannews.yomiuri.co.jp/politics/election/20260128-307321/)
* [Full wage talks start in Japan with labor management forum — japantimes.co.jp](https://www.japantimes.co.jp/business/2026/01/30/economy/wage-talks-forum/)
* [Japan business lobby warns of tariff impact as wage talks start — japantimes.co.jp](https://www.japantimes.co.jp/business/2026/01/27/economy/tariffs-keidanren-wages/)
* [Japan's annual wage talks kick off as inflation persists — www3.nhk.or.jp](https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20260127_B4/)
* [FX intervention justified if yen moves rapid, Japan business lobby head says — reuters.com](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/fx-intervention-justified-if-yen-moves-rapid-japan-business-lobby-head-says-2026-01-27/)
* [PM Takaichi's stepson withdraws from Lower House election race — mainichi.jp](https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20260126/p2a/00m/0na/008000c)
* [Takaichi skips sumo awards ceremony due to gender restrictions — nytimes.com](https://nytimes.com/2026/01/25/world/asia/japan-takaichi-sumo-gender.html)
* [JSDF port development plans revealed for Amami Oshima — asianmilitaryreview.com](https://asianmilitaryreview.com/2026/01/new-details-emerge-on-jmsdf-port-for-strategically-vital-amami-oshima-drawing-local-business-interest-nsbt)
### 
Indonesia
Indonesia's stock market collapsed this week in the country's worst selloff since 1998, wiping out \$80 billion in two days as investors fled over concerns about institutional capture under President Prabowo Subianto.
The rout came as MSCI warned it may downgrade Indonesian equities to frontier status, triggering the resignations of the heads of both the financial regulator and stock exchange. Investors cited alarm over Mr Prabowo's fiscal policies and increasing state intervention in markets. The crisis deepened when parliament unanimously appointed the president's nephew, Thomas Djiwandono, as deputy governor of Bank Indonesia despite investor concerns about central bank independence. The rupiah hit record lows amid the controversy, though Mr Djiwandono had resigned from his Gerindra party positions and previously served as deputy finance minister.
The state's response has been to double down. Sovereign wealth fund Danantara seized control of approximately 1 million hectares from 28 companies whose permits were revoked after recent floods, created a new subsidiary called Perminas to manage mining operations including the Martabe gold mine, and instructed asset managers to keep buying local stocks during the market crisis. Danantara also revealed plans to own 15-30% of the Indonesian stock exchange after demutualization, showing the fund's expanding role in both asset seizure and market intervention.
Diplomatically, Mr Prabowo maintained Indonesia's multi-alignment approach by joining the Board of Peace charter signing alongside Donald Trump and other leaders in Davos. Indonesia's participation reflects what officials described as geopolitical awareness that multilateralism is weakening. Mr Prabowo also clarified earlier statements about Israel security guarantees, explaining Indonesia's balanced position on Middle East peace. Domestically, parliamentary debate emerged over whether police should remain under direct presidential control or be placed under ministerial oversight, with PDI-P supporting the latter while Golkar, PKS, and PKB factions backed continued presidential control.
* **Indonesia faces \$80 billion stock market rout amid MSCI downgrade warning** — Indonesia's stock market suffered one of its worst selloffs since 1998, with \$80 billion wiped out over two days. MSCI warned it may downgrade Indonesian equities to frontier status, triggering the resignations of the heads of the financial regulator and stock exchange. Investors are concerned about President Prabowo's fiscal policies and state intervention in markets. *([bloomberg.com](https://reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/indonesia-stocks-tank-downgrade-risk-triggers-capital-flight-2026-01-29))*
* **Danantara announces major stock market investment strategy amid crisis** — Indonesia's sovereign wealth fund Danantara instructed asset managers to continue buying local stocks with strong fundamentals and liquidity during the market crisis. Danantara also revealed plans to potentially own 15-30% of the Indonesian stock exchange after demutualization and disclosed it has already been investing daily in the stock market through various asset managers. *([bloomberg.com](https://bloomberg.com/news/articles/2026-02-01/danantara-to-continue-investing-in-indonesian-stocks-after-rout))*
* **Prabowo appoints National Energy Council and accelerates housing programs** — President Prabowo Subianto inaugurated the National Energy Council membership at the State Palace and met with Housing Minister Maruarar Sirait to discuss accelerating affordable housing programs. The energy council appointment included government officials and stakeholders, while the housing meeting focused on strategic steps to speed up provision of affordable housing for the public. *([ksp.go.id](https://ksp.go.id/presiden-prabowo-lantik-keanggotaan-dewan-energi-nasional.html))*
* **Pertamina reduces fuel prices and ships crude oil from Algeria operations** — State energy company Pertamina reduced prices for non-subsidized fuels including Pertamax, Pertamax Turbo, Pertamax Green, Dexlite, and Pertamina Dex effective February 1. Separately, Pertamina announced the successful arrival of 1 million barrels of crude oil from its Algeria operations at Oil and Gas Block 405A, marking a milestone for the company's international operations. *([finance.detik.com](https://finance.detik.com/energi/d-8334872/turun-cek-daftar-harga-baru-bbm-di-semua-spbu-pertamina))*
* [Indonesian Strongman Prabowo Confronts a Stock-Market Rout — bloomberg.com](https://www.bloomberg.com/news/newsletters/2026-01-30/indonesian-strongman-prabowo-confronts-a-stock-market-rout)
* [Fears of Prabowo's Path for Indonesia Loom After Stock Rout — bloomberg.com](https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2026-01-30/fears-over-prabowo-s-vision-for-indonesia-loom-after-stock-rout)
* [Indonesian authorities attempt to soothe worries after \$80 billion market rout — reuters.com](https://reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/indonesia-stocks-tank-downgrade-risk-triggers-capital-flight-2026-01-29)
* [Top Indonesian financial regulators quit after \$80 billion market meltdown — reuters.com](https://reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/indonesia-markets-face-cautious-open-after-msci-warning-sparks-80-billion-rout-2026-01-30)
* ['Crisis of Confidence' Grips Indonesia Stocks After MSCI Warning — bloomberg.com](https://bloomberg.com/news/articles/2026-01-29/-crisis-of-confidence-grips-indonesia-stocks-after-msci-warning)
* [IHSG Trading Halt, CEO Danantara: Segera Tindak Lanjuti Masukan MSCI! — cnbcindonesia.com](https://cnbcindonesia.com/market/20260128151441-17-706078/ihsg-trading-halt-ceo-danantara-segera-tindak-lanjuti-masukan-msci)
* [Danantara to Continue Investing in Indonesian Stocks After Rout — bloomberg.com](https://bloomberg.com/news/articles/2026-02-01/danantara-to-continue-investing-in-indonesian-stocks-after-rout)
* [Nephew of Indonesia's president gets nod to become central bank board member — reuters.com](https://reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/indonesian-lawmakers-approve-new-central-bank-board-member-2026-01-26)
* [Indonesian president's nephew appointed to central bank, raising independence concerns — reuters.com](https://reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/indonesian-parliament-set-approve-presidents-nephew-central-bank-board-member-2026-01-27)
* [Thomas Djiwandono Named Deputy Governor, Expert Explains How Collective Leadership Safeguards Bank Indonesia's Independence — ugm.ac.id](https://ugm.ac.id/en/news/thomas-djiwandono-named-deputy-governor-expert-explains-how-collective-leadership-safeguards-bank-indonesias-independence)
* [Profil Thomas Djiwandono, Keponakan Prabowo yang Terpilih Jadi Deputi Gubernur BI — jawapos.com](https://jawapos.com/ekonomi/2601270189/profil-thomas-djiwandono-keponakan-prabowo-yang-terpilih-jadi-deputi-gubernur-bi)
* [Indonesia's Danantara to manage land seized from 28 firms linked to Sumatra floods, official says — reuters.com](https://reuters.com/business/environment/land-seized-28-firms-linked-sumatra-floods-will-be-managed-by-indonesias-2026-01-27)
* [Danantara takes over 1 million ha of land from 28 revoked permits — idnfinancials.com](https://idnfinancials.com/news/60814/danantara-takes-over-1-million-ha-of-land-from-28-revoked-permits)
* [Danantara Disebut akan Kelola Lahan 28 Perusahaan yang Izinnya Dicabut — cnnindonesia.com](https://cnnindonesia.com/ekonomi/20260126160522-92-1321197/danantara-disebut-akan-kelola-lahan-28-perusahaan-yang-izinnya-dicabut)
* [Danantara Ambil Alih 28 Perusahaan Sumatera yang Dicabut Izinnya — bloombergtechnoz.com](https://bloombergtechnoz.com/detail-news/97839/danantara-ambil-alih-28-perusahaan-sumatera-yang-dicabut-izinnya)
* [Danantara Bikin BUMN Baru Perminas, Mau Ambil Alih Tambang Emas Martabe — finance.detik.com](https://finance.detik.com/berita-ekonomi-bisnis/d-8329367/danantara-bikin-bumn-baru-perminas-mau-ambil-alih-tambang-emas-martabe)
* [Kata Rosan soal Danantara Bakal Ambil Alih Tambang Emas Martabe dari UNTR — katadata.co.id](https://katadata.co.id/finansial/bursa/697c5de76cf38/kata-rosan-soal-danantara-bakal-ambil-alih-tambang-emas-martabe-dari-untr)
* [Danantara Dirikan Perminas buat Caplok Tambang Emas Grup Astra — idntimes.com](https://idntimes.com/business/economy/danantara-dirikan-perminas-buat-caplok-tambang-emas-grup-astra-00-3m8tp-48dzdm)
* [Bos Danantara Ungkap Potensi Kerugian BUMN Tembus Rp50 T — cnnindonesia.com](https://cnnindonesia.com/ekonomi/20260129064732-92-1322223/bos-danantara-ungkap-potensi-kerugian-bumn-tembus-rp50-t)
* [Gagasan Polri di Bawah Kementerian Kembali Muncul, Sempat Diusulkan PDI-P — nasional.kompas.com](https://nasional.kompas.com/read/2026/01/26/07180791/gagasan-polri-di-bawah-kementerian-kembali-muncul-sempat-diusulkan-pdi-p)
* [Fraksi PDIP DPR Dukung Polri di Bawah Presiden, Bukan Menteri — nasional.kompas.com](https://nasional.kompas.com/read/2026/01/26/14590771/fraksi-pdip-dpr-dukung-polri-di-bawah-presiden-bukan-menteri)
* [Golkar Dukung Polri Tetap di Bawah Presiden: Tak Perlu Cemas — nasional.kompas.com](https://nasional.kompas.com/read/2026/01/26/12584201/golkar-dukung-polri-tetap-di-bawah-presiden-tak-perlu-cemas)
* [F-Golkar Dukung Polri Tetap di Bawah Presiden: Ini Amanat Reformasi — news.detik.com](https://news.detik.com/berita/d-8325499/f-golkar-dukung-polri-tetap-di-bawah-presiden-ini-amanat-reformasi)
* [Singgung Amanat UU dan Reformasi, Rikwanto Golkar Tegaskan Polri Harus Tetap di Bawah Presiden — liputan6.com](https://www.liputan6.com/news/read/6265255/singgung-amanat-uu-dan-reformasi-rikwanto-golkar-tegaskan-polri-harus-tetap-di-bawah-presiden)
* [Fraksi Golkar, PKS dan PKB Tegaskan Dukung Polri Tetap di Bawah Presiden — news.okezone.com](https://news.okezone.com/read/2026/01/26/337/3197605/fraksi-golkar-pks-dan-pkb-tegaskan-dukung-polri-tetap-di-bawah-presiden)
* [Golkar Sultra Dukung Polri Tetap di Bawah Presiden, Darwin: Sesuai Amanat Konstitusi — penafaktual.com](https://penafaktual.com/golkar-sultra-dukung-polri-tetap-di-bawah-presiden-darwin-sesuai-amanat-konstitusi/)
* [Analis: Kedudukan Polri di Bawah Presiden Wajib Diimbangi Profesionalisme dan Kontrol — merdeka.com](https://www.merdeka.com/politik/analis-kedudukan-polri-di-bawah-presiden-wajib-diimbangi-profesionalisme-dan-kontrol-528586-mvk.html)
* [Danantara to Continue Investing in Indonesian Stocks After Rout — bloomberg.com](https://bloomberg.com/news/articles/2026-02-01/danantara-to-continue-investing-in-indonesian-stocks-after-rout)
* [Danantara Incar Kepemilikan Saham BEI, Berapa Persen? — cnbcindonesia.com](https://cnbcindonesia.com/market/20260201194743-17-707139/danantara-incar-kepemilikan-saham-bei-berapa-persen)
* [Danantara Mau Jadi Pemegang Saham Bursa, OJK: Kita Welcome — cnbcindonesia.com](https://cnbcindonesia.com/market/20260130160423-17-706795/danantara-mau-jadi-pemegang-saham-bursa-ojk-kita-welcome)
* [Danantara Diam-diam Masuk ke Pasar Modal, Ini Saham Pilihannya — cnnindonesia.com](https://cnnindonesia.com/ekonomi/20260129200522-92-1322535/danantara-diam-diam-masuk-ke-pasar-modal-ini-saham-pilihannya)
* [Danantara Gandeng Manajer Investasi, Ini Kriteria Saham yang Dibidik — idxchannel.com](https://idxchannel.com/market-news/danantara-gandeng-manajer-investasi-ini-kriteria-saham-yang-dibidik)
* [Danantara Masuk Pasar Modal Tahun Ini — finance.detik.com](https://finance.detik.com/bursa-dan-valas/d-8327077/danantara-masuk-pasar-modal-tahun-ini)
* [Danantara Berpotensi Kuasai 15–30% Saham BEI dalam Skema Demutualisasi — monitorindonesia.com](https://monitorindonesia.com/ekonomi/read/2026/02/619849/danantara-berpotensi-kuasai-15-30-saham-bei-dalam-skema-demutualisasi)
* [Danantara's Capital Deployment: A Structural Signal for Indonesia's Equity Market — ainvest.com](https://ainvest.com/news/danantara-capital-deployment-structural-signal-indonesia-equity-market-2602)
* [Danantara's Capital Dilemma: Cheap Bonds vs. Costly Loans — ainvest.com](https://ainvest.com/news/danantara-capital-dilemma-cheap-bonds-costly-loans-2601)
* [Prabowo Among the Tough Guys of the Board of Peace — moderndiplomacy.eu](https://moderndiplomacy.eu/2026/01/29/prabowo-among-the-tough-guys-of-the-board-of-peace)
* [Tidak Benar Prabowo Abaikan Keamanan Palestina, Ini Faktanya — bloombergtechnoz.com](https://bloombergtechnoz.com/detail-news/97827/tidak-benar-prabowo-abaikan-keamanan-palestina-ini-faktanya)
* [Profil Sari Yuliati, Bendum Golkar Kini Jabat Wakil Ketua DPR RI — news.detik.com](https://news.detik.com/berita/d-8327236/profil-sari-yuliati-bendum-golkar-kini-jabat-wakil-ketua-dpr-ri)
* [Bahlil Ungkap Alasan Tunjuk Sari Yuliati Gantikan Adies Kadir Jadi Wakil Ketua DPR RI — liputan6.com](https://www.liputan6.com/news/read/6267062/bahlil-ungkap-alasan-tunjuk-sari-yuliati-gantikan-adies-kadir-jadi-wakil-ketua-dpr-ri)
* [Golkar: Adies Kadir Mundur dari Partai karena Dicalonkan sebagai Hakim MK — news.detik.com](https://news.detik.com/berita/d-8326128/golkar-adies-kadir-mundur-dari-partai-karena-dicalonkan-sebagai-hakim-mk)
* [Profil Sari Yuliati Wakil Ketua DPR Baru, Srikandi Golkar Orang Kepercayaan Bahlil Lahadalia — liputan6.com](https://liputan6.com/news/read/6265918/profil-sari-yuliati-wakil-ketua-dpr-baru-srikandi-golkar-orang-kepercayaan-bahlil-lahadalia)
* [Presiden Prabowo Lantik Keanggotaan Dewan Energi Nasional — ksp.go.id](https://ksp.go.id/presiden-prabowo-lantik-keanggotaan-dewan-energi-nasional.html)
* [Presiden Prabowo Panggil Menteri PKP ke Hambalang, Bahas Percepatan Perumahan Rakyat — gerindra.id](https://gerindra.id/2026/01/30/presiden-prabowo-panggil-menteri-pkp-ke-hambalang-bahas-percepatan-perumahan-rakyat/)
* [Politikus PDI-P Kritik Jokowi yang Siap 'Mati-matian' untuk PSI — nasional.kompas.com](https://nasional.kompas.com/read/2026/02/01/17284481/politikus-pdi-p-kritik-jokowi-yang-siap-mati-matian-untuk-psi)
* [Rupiah Melemah terhadap Dollar AS, PDI-P Harap Pemerintah Solid — nasional.kompas.com](https://nasional.kompas.com/read/2026/01/31/16564231/rupiah-melemah-terhadap-dollar-as-pdi-p-harap-pemerintah-solid)
* [Turun! Cek Daftar Harga Baru BBM di Semua SPBU Pertamina — finance.detik.com](https://finance.detik.com/energi/d-8334872/turun-cek-daftar-harga-baru-bbm-di-semua-spbu-pertamina)
* [Historic Milestone: Pertamina Ships 1 Million Barrels of Crude Oil from Algeria to Indonesia — prabowosubianto.com](https://prabowosubianto.com/historic-milestone-pertamina-ships-1-million-barrels-of-crude-oil-from-algeria-to-indonesia/)
* [Cabinet reshuffle speculation as Golkar and Demokrat defer to President — news.detik.com](https://news.detik.com/berita/d-8330400/beredar-reshuffle-kabinet-golkar-demokrat-serahkan-keputusan-ke-presiden)
* [National Mandate Party rebrands as youth party moving away from religious roots — fulcrum.sg](https://fulcrum.sg/will-indonesias-national-mandate-party-move-further-away-from-its-religious-roots)
* [Golkar proposes allowing merged political party factions in parliament — liputan6.com](https://liputan6.com/news/read/6268701/golkar-terbuka-bahas-usulan-fraksi-gabungan-dan-penghapusan-ambang-batas-parlemen-semua-terkait-erat)
### 
South Korea
President Donald Trump threatened to raise tariffs on South Korean automobiles, auto parts, lumber, and pharmaceuticals from 15% to 25% because South Korea's legislature has not affirmed the trade agreement struck in July. "We expect our Trading Partners to reduce tariffs as agreed," Mr Trump stated.
Rather than backing down, President Lee Jae-myung doubled down on his hedging strategy. He visited China from January 4-7 — the first South Korean presidential visit since 2019 — achieving what both sides called "full-scale restoration of South Korea-China relations." Days later, Mr Lee visited Japan from January 13-14. Both trips reflected what Seoul framed as "pragmatic diplomacy" to balance regional relationships even as tensions between China and Japan intensify. The sequence suggests Mr Lee intends to continue operating within the constraints of American economic pressure rather than abandon his multi-vector approach.
The economic backdrop validates this confidence. Samsung Electronics announced record fourth-quarter operating profit of 20.1 trillion won, more than tripling from the previous year. AI-driven memory demand and chip shortages drove the Memory Business to record highs in quarterly revenue and operating profit through expanded HBM sales and price increases. The results confirm that South Korea sits at the centre of the global AI boom, providing Mr Lee with economic leverage for his diplomatic balancing act.
Even as he navigates external pressures, Mr Lee maintains strong domestic authority. His approval rating held at 53.1% in the latest Realmeter poll, an 8-percentage-point increase in the Taegu-Kyungpook region. (Khan.co.kr, 2026-01-26) Meanwhile, institutional accountability from the martial law crisis continued with major court sentences. Seoul Central District Court sentenced Kim Keon Hie, wife of impeached President Yoon Suk-yeol, to 20 months in prison for accepting luxury gifts including Chanel bags and diamond jewelry from the Unification Church in exchange for political favours. (Al Jazeera, 2026-01-28) Former Prime Minister Han Duck-soo received 23 years for aiding Mr Yoon's martial law declaration, exceeding the 15 years sought by prosecutors.
Mr Lee also reinforced his political lineage through ceremony. When former Prime Minister Lee Hae-chan — his democratic mentor — died during an official visit to Vietnam, Mr Lee led funeral proceedings and awarded him the Mugunghwa Medal of the Order of Civil Merit, the highest civilian honour. (Reuters, 2026-01-26) The gesture underscored his positioning as inheritor of South Korea's progressive democratic tradition.
On the economic front, Mr Lee expressed firm resolve to end tax deferrals for multiple homeowners and "normalise" real estate markets, calling it easier than achieving KOSPI 5000. The People Power Party attacked his policies as ineffective, but Mr Lee maintained that stronger measures are available if political calculations are set aside.
* **Former Prime Minister Lee Hae-chan dies during Vietnam visit, receives state funeral** — Former PM Lee Hae-chan, a key figure in South Korea's democratization and close ally of President Lee Jae-myung, died during an official visit to Vietnam. President Lee led funeral proceedings and awarded him the highest civilian honor. *([reuters.com](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/former-south-korean-pm-lee-hae-chan-has-died-ho-chi-minh-city-2026-01-26/))*
* **Bank of Korea maintains monetary policy stance amid inflation pressures** — The Bank of Korea announced several policy measures including designating FX leading banks and addressing public concerns about money supply growth. Central bank officials dismissed claims about excessive liquidity as misunderstandings. *([koreatimes.co.kr](https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/business/banking-finance/20260129/bok-names-5-major-lenders-kdb-jp-morgan-as-fx-leading-banks))*
* **People Power Party plans name change around Lunar New Year** — South Korea's main opposition People Power Party announced plans to unveil a new party name around the Lunar New Year holiday as part of efforts to signal renewal and reenergize the party's image ahead of upcoming political contests. *([upi.com](https://upi.com/Top_News/World-News/2026/01/28/people-power-party-new-name-unveil-around-lunar-new-year/6351769650362))*
* [Lee calls for wider public debate on sugar levy — koreatimes.co.kr](https://koreatimes.co.kr/southkorea/politics/20260201/lee-calls-for-wider-public-debate-on-sugar-levy)
* [Lee doubles down on housing policy in social media posts — koreatimes.co.kr](https://koreatimes.co.kr/southkorea/politics/20260201/lee-doubles-down-on-housing-policy-in-social-media-posts)
* [People Power Party Attacks Lee Jae-myung's Real Estate Remarks — en.sedaily.com](https://en.sedaily.com/politics/2026/01/31/people-power-party-attacks-lee-jae-myungs-real-estate)
* [President Lee "Normalizing the real estate market is far easier and more important than 5,000pi·valley cleanups" — khan.co.kr](https://khan.co.kr/en/article/202601312133017)
* [President Lee Jae-myung Orders KOSDAQ Overhaul to Revive Startup-Focused Market — chosun.com](https://chosun.com/english/national-en/2026/01/28/B5NNWTSNE5BRVF3GOHES5XALLU)
* [President Lee Jae Myung reiterated his position on the 28th that he will make all-out efforts to advance capital markets — mk.co.kr](https://mk.co.kr/en/politics/11945826)
* [President Lee Jae-myung Declares 'No Market Beats the Government' on Real Estate Shift — chosun.com](https://www.chosun.com/english/market-money-en/2026/01/26/5HZRR3FYVNFNRDYJH2UQVLXHEQ)
* [President Lee Jae-myung Ends Multiple-Homeowner Tax Deferral Extension — chosun.com](https://chosun.com/english/national-en/2026/01/25/E4PGFBSGERHWTCB5DV24FUJ67I)
* [South Korea mourns death of former prime minister who nurtured democracy — reuters.com](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/former-south-korean-pm-lee-hae-chan-has-died-ho-chi-minh-city-2026-01-26/)
* [President Lee Jae-myung Honors Late Prime Minister Lee Hae-chan — chosun.com](https://www.chosun.com/english/national-en/2026/01/28/MLASTBWNUFDUBEOFA2CJPDK5BE/)
* [President Lee Jae Myung Tears Up at Late PM Lee Hae-chan's Funeral — chosun.com](https://chosun.com/english/national-en/2026/01/31/LRJ3DMWVBBGIZOFJHSS7C7NF2A)
* [(5th LD) Ex-PM Lee Hae-chan dies during Vietnam trip — en.yna.co.kr](https://en.yna.co.kr/view/AEN20260125002656320)
* [President Lee pays tribute to ex-prime minister Lee Hae-chan — koreaherald.com](https://koreaherald.com/article/10664020)
* [President Lee Jae Myung offers deep condolences over death of ex-PM Lee Hae-chan — koreaherald.com](https://koreaherald.com/article/10662282)
* [Lee thanks Vietnam for support following S. Korean politician's death in phone talks with To Lam — koreaherald.com](https://koreaherald.com/article/10666761)
* [Han Duck-soo's fate, Kim Min-seok's counsel — koreajoongangdaily.joins.com](https://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/news/2026-01-26/opinion/columns/Han-Ducksoos-fate-Kim-Minseoks-counsel/2508127)
* [Han Duck-soo's Heavy Sentence: Was the Conclusion Predetermined? — chosun.com](https://www.chosun.com/english/opinion-en/2026/01/27/DVDVNG5LANHBLLNJJL5DSCQMTY/)
* [S. Korean ex-PM Han's legal team files appeal against aiding insurrection sentence — english.news.cn](https://english.news.cn/20260126/9b330fb1bf6b44bda6e2ba7ba0e0674a/c.html)
* [Ex-PM Han, special counsel appeal 23-yr prison sentence in insurrection case — koreatimes.co.kr](https://koreatimes.co.kr/southkorea/law-crime/20260126/ex-pm-han-special-counsel-appeal-23-yr-prison-sentence-in-insurrection-case)
* [Former Prime Minister Han Duck-soo Appeals 23-Year Insurrection Sentence — chosun.com](https://chosun.com/english/national-en/2026/01/26/PJJBQ47ZGZED7LKN72YHNJAHDI)
* [South Korea's former first lady sentenced to jail term in bribery case — aljazeera.com](https://aljazeera.com/news/2026/1/28/south-koreas-former-first-lady-sentenced-to-jail-term-in-bribery-case)
* [South Korea's former first lady sentenced to 20 months in prison for corruption — latimes.com](https://latimes.com/world-nation/story/2026-01-28/south-koreas-former-first-lady-sentenced-to-20-months-in-prison-for-corruption)
* [South Korea court jails former first lady for bribery — reuters.com](https://reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/south-korea-court-set-rule-bribery-trial-former-first-lady-2026-01-28)
* [Kim Keon Hee: Who is South Korea's former first lady? — bbc.com](https://bbc.com/news/articles/cj3vpe8zme8o)
* [How a love of luxury brought down South Korea's former first lady — krdo.com](https://krdo.com/news/2026/01/28/how-a-love-of-luxury-brought-down-south-koreas-first-lady)
* [How a love of luxury brought down South Korea's former first lady — localnews8.com](https://localnews8.com/news/national-world/cnn-world/2026/01/27/how-a-love-of-luxury-brought-down-south-koreas-first-lady)
* [Who Is Kim Keon Hee? South Korea's Ex-First Lady Jailed 20 Months for Corruption — sundayguardianlive.com](https://sundayguardianlive.com/world/who-is-kim-keon-hee-south-koreas-ex-first-lady-jailed-20-months-for-corruption-as-husband-yoon-suk-yeol-remains-imprisoned-166880/)
* [Wife of S. Korea's ex-president Yoon sentenced to 20 months in prison for bribery — english.news.cn](https://english.news.cn/20260128/d88d8e9c2db04c77aa72215e1bf94b42/c.html)
* [South Korea's ex-first lady jailed for 20 months for taking bribes — bransontrilakesnews.com](https://bransontrilakesnews.com/news/national/article_b1bb253e-aa6f-50d7-a344-e4ccf1ba7c97.html)
* [TRT World - South Korea's former first lady sentenced to prison for 20 months for corruption — trtworld.com](https://trtworld.com/article/edc54b6a7f79)
* [Samsung Electronics Announces Fourth Quarter and FY 2025 Results — news.samsung.com](https://news.samsung.com/global/samsung-electronics-announces-fourth-quarter-and-fy-2025-results)
* [\[News\] Samsung Readies New Price Hikes: Consumer DRAM, SSD Reportedly Doubled, NAND Set for 50%+ Rise — trendforce.com](https://trendforce.com/news/2026/01/26/news-samsung-readies-new-price-hikes-consumer-dram-ssd-reportedly-doubled-nand-set-for-50-rise)
* [Samsung sees acute chip shortage persisting, warns of mobiles headwind after profit triples — reuters.com](https://reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/samsung-profit-triples-record-high-ai-boom-exacerbates-chip-shortage-2026-01-28)
* [Samsung's profit triples, beating estimates as AI chip demand fuels memory shortage — cnbc.com](https://cnbc.com/2026/01/29/samsung-record-q4-2025-profit-ai-hbm-ai-memory-chip-shortage.html)
* [Samsung Reports 24% YoY Rise In Revenue, Record Profits In 4Q25 — electronicsforyou.biz](https://electronicsforyou.biz/industry-buzz/samsung-reports-24-yoy-rise-in-revenue-record-profits-in-4q25)
* [Samsung reports US\$231 billion in 2025 revenue — technewstt.com](https://technewstt.com/pr-samsung-reports-us231-billion-revenue)
* [Lee reiterates his warning against transnational scam crimes targeting Koreans — koreatimes.co.kr](https://koreatimes.co.kr/southkorea/politics/20260130/lee-reiterates-his-warning-against-transnational-scam-crimes-targeting-koreans)
* [Lee renews warning against transnational scams in Cambodia — koreaherald.com](https://koreaherald.com/article/10666452)
* [BOK names 5 major lenders, KDB, JP Morgan as FX leading banks — koreatimes.co.kr](https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/business/banking-finance/20260129/bok-names-5-major-lenders-kdb-jp-morgan-as-fx-leading-banks)
* [Bank of Korea Addresses Misconceptions on Liquidity and Inflation — chosun.com](https://chosun.com/english/market-money-en/2026/01/26/FF5OIVZXKVEDLGLQLMGFF7QEVU)
* [Bank of Korea Official Dismisses Money Supply Claims as Misunderstanding — chosun.com](https://www.chosun.com/english/market-money-en/2026/01/27/LG6RZBMDQNHRFIM62PTRZXHZFI)
* [Trump threatens to increase tariffs on South Korea — politico.com](https://www.politico.com/news/2026/01/26/trump-threatens-to-increase-tariffs-on-south-korea-00748418)
* [Approval rating for President Lee Jae Myung rose by 8 percentage points in TK··· recorded 53.1% nationwide\[Realmeter\] — khan.co.kr](https://khan.co.kr/en/article/202601261026127)
* [S. Korea's People Power Party to unveil new name around Lunar New Year — upi.com](https://upi.com/Top_News/World-News/2026/01/28/people-power-party-new-name-unveil-around-lunar-new-year/6351769650362)
* [North Korea launches 'multiple' ballistic missiles toward East Sea: ROK military — nknews.org](https://www.nknews.org/2026/01/north-korea-launches-missile-toward-east-sea-rok-military/)
* [Lee Jae Myung Tests South Korea's Pragmatic Diplomacy Between China and Japan — keia.org](https://keia.org/the-peninsula/lee-jae-myung-tests-south-koreas-pragmatic-diplomacy-between-china-and-japan/)
* [UAMCO appoints pro-Lee Jae-myung ally as new CEO — chosun.com](https://www.chosun.com/english/market-money-en/2026/01/26/JSFIS2ETBJCV7KAEZIFDIOQZBE/)
* [Ministry of Justice announces prosecutor appointments amid resignations — chosun.com](https://chosun.com/english/national-en/2026/01/27/BLJBR47HVBBARAZH2EOM3RPRA4/)
* [US Treasury says Korean won weakness not aligned with fundamentals — reuters.com](https://reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/us-treasury-says-recent-korean-won-weakness-not-aligned-fundamentals-2026-01-29)
* [South Korea considers crypto registration regime for domestic issuance — cryptonews.com](https://cryptonews.com/news/south-korea-eyes-domestic-crypto-issuance-as-governor-warns-on-stablecoin-risks-whats-the-plan)
* [Korean President's aide meets Canadian PM on submarine deal — aa.com.tr](https://www.aa.com.tr/en/asia-pacific/skorean-president-lees-aide-meets-canadian-premier-carney-amid-efforts-to-win-major-submarine-deal/3813840)
* [Ex-justice minister testifies Yoon ignored martial law warnings — koreaherald.com](https://koreaherald.com/article/10663079)
### 
Australia
Australia is poised to become the first major economy to raise interest rates since the pandemic, as economists unanimously expect the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) to lift rates to 3.85% next month after inflation exceeded forecasts.
The reversal—from cutting rates in 2025 to hiking them in 2026—marks an embarrassing U-turn for the RBA after quarterly inflation came in above the bank's 3.2% forecast. The move would make Australia the global pioneer of post-pandemic monetary tightening, a dubious distinction that underscores persistent inflationary pressures despite previous policy easing.
While grappling with economic headaches, Australia's political system shows signs of accelerating fragmentation. The Liberal Party's leadership crisis has deepened, with conservative MPs holding secret meetings to challenge Opposition Leader Sussan Ley. Andrew Hastie ultimately ruled out running, leaving Angus Taylor as the preferred candidate of the right faction. Leadership talks are described as "shambolic" and could cause stasis for weeks or months.
The Coalition's dysfunction is reshaping electoral politics. The Greens have gained four points since Zack Polanski became leader, now polling at 13.5% against Labor's 18.6%. Most dramatically, Green support among 18-24 year olds jumped from 26% in September to 45% by January, with 20% of 2024 Labor voters now backing the Greens—double the 11% when Mr Polanski took over.
Amid these pressures, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese maintains routine diplomatic management, urging restraint during President Isaac Herzog's five-day visit beginning February 8 while affirming the democratic right to protest. The Defence Minister announced facility upgrades at Orchard Hills for guided weapons manufacturing, defending the government's record of creating 100,000 defence industry jobs.
* **Greens advance in polls and select candidate for key by-election** — The Green Party under Zack Polanski has made polling gains and selected Hannah Spencer as candidate for the Gorton and Denton by-election. Scottish Greens have renewed ties with the English and Welsh party after a previous split over transgender rights. *([theguardian.com](https://theguardian.com/politics/2026/jan/30/greens-select-former-mayoral-candidate-hannah-spencer-to-run-in-gorton-and-denton-byelection))*
* **Albanese's political position strengthens as Coalition crisis unfolds** — Mr Albanese appears politically secure despite a low primary vote, benefiting from Coalition internal turmoil. Analysis suggests his goal of making Labor the "natural party of government" is aided by the opposition's dysfunction. *([smh.com.au](https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/albanese-had-a-dream-the-coalition-s-catastrophe-is-making-it-come-true-20260130-p5nycw.html))*
* [Two aspirants who are unlikely to suit the times vie for Liberal leadership - ABC News — abc.net.au](https://abc.net.au/news/2026-01-30/coalition-leadership-angus-taylor-andrew-hastie-sussan-ley/106252048)
* [After feverish speculation, Andrew Hastie failed to mount a Liberal leadership challenge. So what now? — theguardian.com](https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2026/jan/30/andrew-hastie-liberal-leadership-challenge-sussan-ley-angus-taylor-analysis)
* [Would you buy a used car from Angus Taylor? – The Echo — echo.net.au](https://www.echo.net.au/2026/02/would-you-buy-a-used-car-from-angus-taylor/)
* [Taylor picked as Liberal right's leading man as stalking of Ley begins — abc.net.au](https://abc.net.au/news/2026-01-31/andrew-hastie-sussan-ley-angus-taylor-leadership/106288160)
* [Sussan Ley leadership challenge: Critics split as Angus Taylor considers run — smh.com.au](https://smh.com.au/politics/federal/ley-allies-taunt-leadership-rivals-this-isn-t-a-spill-it-s-a-joke-20260126-p5nx1z.html)
* [Angus Taylor: The funniest option for Liberal leader — crikey.com.au](https://crikey.com.au/2026/01/27/liberal-leadership-angus-taylor-funniest-option)
* [Angus Taylor's supporters pushed Andrew Hastie to drop push for Liberal Party leadership — smh.com.au](https://smh.com.au/politics/federal/taylor-s-supporters-pushed-hastie-to-drop-leadership-bid-20260201-p5nymw.html)
* [Sussan Ley Liberal leadership: Angus Taylor, Andrew Hastie hold secret talks in Melbourne — smh.com.au](https://smh.com.au/politics/federal/secret-talks-between-hastie-and-taylor-to-topple-ley-fail-to-reach-decision-20260129-p5nxyz.html)
* [Andrew Hastie rules out challenging Sussan Ley for Liberal leadership, clearing path for Angus Taylor — theguardian.com](https://theguardian.com/australia-news/2026/jan/30/andrew-hastie-rules-out-challenging-sussan-ley-liberal-leadership)
* [Hastie and Taylor fail to agree on plan to oust Ley despite clandestine meeting - ABC News — abc.net.au](https://abc.net.au/news/2026-01-29/hastie-and-taylor-fail-to-agree-who-should-challenge-sussan-ley/106283820)
* [Angus Taylor to challenge Sussan Ley? | The Spectator Australia — spectator.com.au](https://spectator.com.au/2026/01/angus-taylor-to-challenge-sussan-ley)
* [Angus Taylor v Andrew Hastie Liberal leadership crisis is a fight for Australia's economic future — afr.com](https://afr.com/policy/economy/liberal-party-can-t-decide-if-it-loves-markets-or-manufacturing-20260126-p5nx2c)
* [Liberal leadership spill: Ted O'Brien says Angus Taylor should resign if he doesn't support Sussan Ley — afr.com](https://afr.com/politics/federal/back-ley-or-back-out-o-brien-s-puts-angus-taylor-on-notice-20260201-p5nyl5)
* [Senior Liberals downplay prospect of leadership spill and urge colleagues 'get on with the job' — theguardian.com](https://theguardian.com/australia-news/2026/feb/01/senior-liberals-downplay-prospect-of-leadership-spill-and-urge-colleagues-get-on-with-the-job)
* [Sussan Ley unveils all-Liberal interim shadow cabinet and gives Nationals an ultimatum — theguardian.com](https://theguardian.com/australia-news/2026/jan/30/sussan-ley-unveils-liberal-interim-shadow-cabinet)
* [Hastie rules out challenge to Sussan Ley for Liberal Party leadership - ABC News — abc.net.au](https://abc.net.au/news/2026-01-30/hastie-rules-out-challenge-to-sussan-ley/106287872)
* [RBA expected to lift cash rate to 3.85% as economy runs hotter than forecast: CBA economists — commbank.com.au](https://commbank.com.au/articles/newsroom/2026/01/rba-expected-to-lift-cash-rate-as-economy-runs-hotter-than-forecast.html)
* [The easy thing for the RBA to do next week is raise interest rates. The smart move is to wait — theguardian.com](https://theguardian.com/business/grogonomics/2026/jan/28/australia-rba-interest-rates)
* [RBA interest rates: Why Michele Bullock might defy economists and hold rates steady — afr.com](https://afr.com/policy/economy/5-reasons-the-rba-could-keep-rates-on-hold-20260129-p5ny2n)
* [RBA warned to 'tread carefully' or risk hitting stressed borrowers for six — abc.net.au](https://abc.net.au/news/2026-01-29/inflation-higher-than-expected-rba-now-likely-to-raise-cash-rate/106278844)
* [Hard lessons to learn from RBA's interest rate U-turn — afr.com](https://www.afr.com/policy/economy/hard-lessons-to-learn-from-rba-s-interest-rate-u-turn-20260129-p5ny04)
* [RBA's independence called into question — afr.com](https://www.afr.com/markets/equity-markets/rba-s-independence-called-into-question-20260127-p5nxg8)
* [The return of inflation may poison Labor's second-term agenda and scare more voters to the fringes — theguardian.com](https://theguardian.com/australia-news/2026/jan/29/inflation-rba-interest-rates-hikes-polarised-australia)
* [Unnecessary interest rate cuts derailed the national housing affordability project - ABC News — abc.net.au](https://abc.net.au/news/2026-02-02/rba-interest-rate-hikes-housing-affordability-inflation/106292572)
* [RBA interest rates: High inflation leaves Reserve Bank of Australia out of excuses on cash rate — afr.com](https://afr.com/policy/economy/high-inflation-leaves-rba-out-of-excuses-on-interest-rates-20260128-p5nxka)
* [What are the chances the RBA will raise interest rates? — abc.net.au](https://abc.net.au/news/2026-02-02/will-the-rba-lift-interest-rates/106286450)
* [How much more will you pay? First rate hike in two years now highly likely — sbs.com.au](https://sbs.com.au/news/article/high-inflation-could-push-the-rba-to-raise-rates/rj2dbncru)
* [RBA interest rate call comes amidst rising inflation and government spending — afr.com](https://afr.com/politics/federal/government-and-rba-run-out-of-road-on-inflation-20260130-p5ny97)
* [Inflation rate growth in Australia puts pressure on RBA to increase interest rates — afr.com](https://afr.com/policy/economy/rate-rise-next-week-firms-after-surprise-inflation-jump-20260127-p5nxed)
* [RBA tipped to hike interest rates next week, adding hundreds to mortgage repayments — afr.com](https://afr.com/policy/economy/mortgage-holders-face-a-1300-annual-squeeze-if-rba-lifts-rates-20260130-p5ny9g)
* [RBA Set for U-Turn to Rate Hike in Break From Global Trend - Bloomberg — bloomberg.com](https://bloomberg.com/news/articles/2026-02-01/australia-set-for-u-turn-to-rate-hike-in-break-from-global-trend)
* [RBA to hike in February on second uncomfortably high quarterly inflation read — westpaciq.com.au](https://westpaciq.com.au/economics/2026/01/rba-rate-note-28-january-2026)
* [Interest rates forecast: RBA likely to lift cash rate, Finder survey finds — 9news.com.au](https://9news.com.au/finance/interest-rate-hike-likely-finder-survey-found/508c05a1-f1f6-4be7-89b6-4cb89d7415cb)
* [How does the RBA decide interest rates? - Switzer — switzer.com.au](https://switzer.com.au/how-does-the-rba-decide-interest-rates)
* [RBA rate hike near certainty as inflation overshoots — mpamag.com](https://mpamag.com/au/news/general/rba-rate-hike-near-certainty-as-inflation-overshoots/563330)
* [Fact is, the RBA has failed the inflation test of economic leadership — afr.com](https://afr.com/policy/economy/fact-is-the-rba-has-failed-the-inflation-test-of-economic-leadership-20260128-p5nxio)
* [Economists find reading the RBA's mood on interest rates is becoming harder, not easier — afr.com](https://afr.com/markets/debt-markets/economists-fret-that-reading-the-rba-is-becoming-harder-not-easier-20260106-p5nrz0)
* [Australia NAB business survey reinforces solid backdrop for RBA - ActionForex — actionforex.com](https://actionforex.com/live-comments/627157-australia-nab-business-survey-reinforces-solid-backdrop-for-rba)
* [The Polanski effect? These charts reveal how much the Greens have advanced — theguardian.com](https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2026/jan/29/zack-polanski-effect-charts-reveal-greens-advance)
* [Greens name Hannah Spencer as Gorton and Denton by-election pick — bbc.com](https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cvgj5gplpl9o)
* [Greens select former mayoral candidate to run in Gorton and Denton byelection — theguardian.com](https://theguardian.com/politics/2026/jan/30/greens-select-former-mayoral-candidate-hannah-spencer-to-run-in-gorton-and-denton-byelection)
* [Greens launch major push for Gorton and Denton after Burnham blocked — theguardian.com](https://theguardian.com/politics/2026/jan/26/greens-gorton-and-denton-byelection-fight-andy-burnham-blocked)
* [Laura Kuenssberg: Can Green leader Zack Polanski become a serious player? — bbc.com](https://bbc.com/news/articles/c4gv81124j1o)
* [Scottish Greens rekindle ties with Zack Polanski's party after split — thenational.scot](https://thenational.scot/news/25793595.scottish-greens-rekindle-ties-zack-polanskis-party-split)
* [Who will be the Green Party candidate in Gorton and Denton? - New Statesman — newstatesman.com](https://newstatesman.com/politics/uk-politics/2026/01/who-will-be-the-green-party-candidate-in-gorton-and-denton)
* [Green Party announce candidate for key Gorton and Denton by-election — thenational.scot](https://thenational.scot/news/25810691.green-party-announce-candidate-key-gorton-denton-by-election)
* [Greens name Hannah Spencer as Gorton and Denton by-election pick - BBC News — bbc.co.uk](https://bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cvgj5gplpl9o)
* [Scottish Greens to strengthen ties with Green Party of England & Wales - Scottish Greens — greens.scot](https://greens.scot/news/scottish-greens-to-strengthen-ties-with-green-party-of-england-wales)
* [The Greens vs Reform by-election will expose Britain's real dividing line — spectator.com](https://spectator.com/article/the-greens-vs-reform-by-election-will-expose-the-real-dividing-line-in-politics/)
* [Scottish Greens repair rift with English and Welsh Greens after trans spat — heraldscotland.com](https://heraldscotland.com/news/25794695.scottish-greens-strengthen-ties-zach-polanksis-party)
* [Gorton and Denton: It's time to unite around the Greens to defeat Labour and Reform – 5Pillars — 5pillarsuk.com](https://5pillarsuk.com/2026/01/26/gorton-and-denton-its-time-to-unite-around-the-greens-to-defeat-labour-and-reform/)
* [Labour attacks Green party drugs policy in Gorton and Denton byelection — theguardian.com](https://theguardian.com/politics/2026/jan/28/labour-attacks-green-party-drugs-policy-gorton-and-denton-byelection)
* [Albanese had a dream. The Coalition's catastrophe is making it come true — smh.com.au](https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/albanese-had-a-dream-the-coalition-s-catastrophe-is-making-it-come-true-20260130-p5nycw.html)
* [Albanese has long framed his leadership around the 'politics of kindness' – there's never been a better time to embrace it — theguardian.com](https://theguardian.com/australia-news/commentisfree/2026/jan/28/albanese-leadership-politics-of-kindness-essential-poll)
* [Albanese urges restraint from protesters during Israeli President Herzog's visit — smh.com.au](https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/albanese-urges-protesters-to-respect-israeli-president-s-solemn-visit-20260130-p5nycd.html)
* [Albanese calls for 'full force of the law' against Perth explosives suspect — sbs.com.au](https://sbs.com.au/news/article/anthony-albanese-perth-invasion-day-explosives-suspect/47s7lovrr)
* [Albanese dodges question about Trump's Board of Peace offer to Australia — dailymail.co.uk](https://dailymail.co.uk/news/article-15495477/Anthony-Albanese-Donald-Trump-board-peace.html)
* [Albanese government spending blamed for rising inflation pressures — afr.com](https://afr.com/policy/economy/the-link-between-government-spending-and-the-rba-s-rate-rise-decision-20260129-p5nxyx)
* [RBA card surcharge ban could trigger credit card perks backlash — au.finance.yahoo.com](https://au.finance.yahoo.com/news/looming-rba-surcharge-ban-could-trigger-credit-card-backlash-wont-keep-paying-232128428.html)
* [NSW Greens to move bill regulating rapidly expanding berry industry — theguardian.com](https://theguardian.com/australia-news/2026/jan/31/australia-berry-industry-bill-nsw-greens)
### 
Taiwan
Taiwan is advancing its asymmetric defense capabilities while political divisions continue to obstruct comprehensive military funding.
The Ministry of National Defense this week established a Joint Firepower Coordination Centre at Boai Camp in Taipei to coordinate asymmetric firepower deployments across military branches. The centre involves US advisors and other foreign personnel, institutionalizing coordination for weapons systems including ATACMS ballistic missiles from the recent \$11.1 billion arms package. But even as Taiwan builds new military institutions, the opposition-controlled legislature maintains its blockade of defense spending. The KMT-TPP coalition used their majority to reject the government's NT\$1.25 trillion special defense budget while advancing the Taiwan People's Party's NT\$400 billion alternative covering only five of eight approved weapons systems. The TPP version excludes tactical mission network software, helicopter parts, drone procurement, and the T-Dome air defense system. The Executive Yuan criticized this as politicizing national defense and potentially delaying weapons procurement.
Taiwan's economic position, meanwhile, was reinforced by a shift in its most important company's customer base. Nvidia displaced Apple as TSMC's biggest customer in 2026, generating approximately \$33 billion in revenue compared to Apple's \$27 billion. The change reflects massive growth in AI chip production demand — AI accelerators are larger, more complex, and more expensive to manufacture than Apple's consumer chips, translating to higher revenue per chip for TSMC despite Apple's higher volumes.
While the ruling Democratic Progressive Party maintains its US-aligned foreign policy, the opposition Kuomintang continues separate engagement with Beijing. KMT Vice Chairman Hsiao Hsu-tsen will lead a 40-person delegation to Beijing February 3-5 for exchanges with Chinese Communist Party officials. The visit will focus on tourism, industrial cooperation, and environmental sustainability, with meetings including Taiwan Affairs Office director Song Tao and visits to Tsinghua University. The delegation represents continued party-to-party engagement despite frozen official cross-strait dialogue since 2016.
In routine domestic matters, the Central Election Commission certified six people to fill vacant TPP at-large legislative seats under the party's two-year rotation system. Li Chen-hsiu, a naturalized citizen born in China, was among those certified, raising questions about nationality renunciation requirements under Taiwan's Nationality Act.
* **Opposition parties block DPP defense budget, advance TPP's narrower alternative** — The KMT and TPP used their legislative majority to block review of the DPP government's NT\$1.25 trillion special defense budget while advancing TPP's own NT\$400 billion defense bill covering only five of eight approved weapons systems. The government criticized the move as politicizing national defense. *([news.ltn.com.tw](https://news.ltn.com.tw/news/focus/breakingnews/5327842))*
* **Taiwan monitors 'abnormal' changes in China's military leadership** — Defense Minister Wellington Koo said Taiwan is closely monitoring what it describes as 'abnormal' shifts within China's military leadership following an investigation into China's senior generals. The ministry indicated it would use diverse strategies to assess Beijing's intentions. *([world.infonasional.com](https://world.infonasional.com/taiwan-scrutinizes-china-military-changes))*
* [KMT-CCP forum harms national dignity: DPP — news.ltn.com.tw](https://news.ltn.com.tw/news/focus/breakingnews/5325530)
* [KMT-CCP forum harms national dignity: DPP — taipeitimes.com](https://www.taipeitimes.com/News/front/archives/2026/01/29/2003851392)
* [KMT vice chair to lead KMT-CPP exchange delegation to Beijing Monday — focustaiwan.tw](https://focustaiwan.tw/cross-strait/202602010007)
* [Taiwan opposition dismisses report on China forum rejection — news.tvbs.com.tw](https://news.tvbs.com.tw/english/3111301)
* [Taiwan's new opposition leader wants to talk to Xi Jinping — economist.com](https://www.economist.com/asia/2026/01/29/taiwans-new-opposition-leader-wants-to-talk-to-xi-jinping)
* [Taiwan's KMT, Chinese Communist Party to hold 'think tank exchange' — asia.nikkei.com](https://asia.nikkei.com/politics/international-relations/taiwan-tensions/taiwan-s-kmt-chinese-communist-party-to-hold-think-tank-exchange)
* [No need to 'pick a side' between US and China: KMT chair — taipeitimes.com](https://taipeitimes.com/News/taiwan/archives/2026/01/29/2003851424)
* [KMT-CCP exchange likely, source says as defense budget blocked — taipeitimes.com](https://taipeitimes.com/News/taiwan/archives/2026/01/27/2003851312)
* [Communist Party and KMT revive forum stalled by decade of cross-strait tensions — scmp.com](https://www.scmp.com/news/china/politics/article/3341569/communist-party-and-kmt-revive-forum-stalled-decade-cross-strait-tensions)
* [KMT to act as industry advocate, peacemaker on Beijing trip: vice chair — taipeitimes.com](https://taipeitimes.com/News/taiwan/archives/2026/02/02/2003851646)
* [TPP's Huang says 'coopetition' with KMT could set democratic model for Taiwan — focustaiwan.tw](https://focustaiwan.tw/politics/202602010004)
* [TPP touts chummy relationship with KMT in races — taipeitimes.com](https://taipeitimes.com/News/taiwan/archives/2026/02/02/2003851630)
* [Legislature advances TPP's defense bill — news.ltn.com.tw](https://news.ltn.com.tw/news/focus/breakingnews/5327842)
* [Legislature advances TPP's defense bill — taipeitimes.com](https://taipeitimes.com/News/taiwan/archives/2026/01/31/2003851529)
* [Nvidia set to supplant Apple as TSMC's top customer, signaling chip industry's 'changing dynamic' — cnbc.com](https://www.cnbc.com/2026/01/26/nvidia-set-to-supplant-apple-as-tsmcs-largest-customer.html)
* [Nvidia Overtakes Apple as TSMC's Biggest Customer — macrumors.com](https://www.macrumors.com/2026/01/28/nvidia-replaces-apple-as-biggest-tsmc-customer/)
* [Exclusive: Nvidia to reportedly shift 2028 chip production to Intel, reshaping TSMC strategy — digitimes.com](https://www.digitimes.com/news/a20260128PD213/tsmc-intel-nvidia-packaging-2028.html)
* [Ongoing trade war has TSMC and Taiwan stuck between a rock and a hard place — tomshardware.com](https://www.tomshardware.com/tech-industry/semiconductors/ongoing-trade-war-has-tsmc-and-taiwan-stuck-between-a-rock-and-a-hard-place-concerns-mount-surrounding-u-s-deals-cracking-the-nations-silicon-shield)
* [TSMC Founder Morris Chang Makes a Rare Public Appearance as the 94-Year-Old 'Semiconductor Titan' Meets NVIDIA CEO at a Local Taiwanese Restaurant — wccftech.com](https://wccftech.com/tsmc-founder-morris-chang-makes-a-rare-public-appearance/)
* [The Chronicle of TSMC CoWoS — semiwiki.com](https://semiwiki.com/semiconductor-manufacturers/tsmc/366052-the-chronicle-of-tsmc-cowos/)
* [Intel Secures TSMC Overflow Orders, Challenging Samsung Foundry — chosun.com](https://www.chosun.com/english/industry-en/2026/01/29/EJXGLUY5KRCW3DFT3X42LDAO6E/)
* [Taiwan Semiconductor: The AI Boom Is Coming To An End — seekingalpha.com](https://seekingalpha.com/article/4863256-tsmc-the-ai-boom-is-coming-to-an-end)
* [CTBC Financial tops board pay list, with TSMC in third — taipeitimes.com](https://taipeitimes.com/News/biz/archives/2026/02/02/2003851596)
* [TSMC Risk — stratechery.com](https://stratechery.com/2026/tsmc-risk/)
* [TSMC Symposium 2026 — tessolve.com](https://www.tessolve.com/events/tsmc-symposium-2026/)
* [Exclusive: TSMC reshapes advanced packaging expansion, shifting AP8, AP7, and US fab plans — digitimes.com](https://www.digitimes.com/news/a20260129PD220/tsmc-packaging-fab-cowos-genai.html)
* [Silicon Sovereignty: TSMC's \$165 Billion Arizona Gigafab Redefines the AI Global Order — markets.financialcontent.com](https://markets.financialcontent.com/stocks/article/tokenring-2026-1-28-silicon-sovereignty-tsmcs-165-billion-arizona-gigafab-redefines-the-ai-global-order)
* [TSMC Officially Enters High-Volume Manufacturing for 2nm (N2) Process — markets.financialcontent.com](https://markets.financialcontent.com/stocks/article/tokenring-2026-1-28-tsmc-officially-enters-high-volume-manufacturing-for-2nm-n2-process)
* [Is It Too Late to Buy TSMC Stock After Its Run? — nasdaq.com](https://nasdaq.com/articles/it-too-late-buy-tsmc-stock-after-its-run)
* [TSMC Stock Has Become A Buy Again (Rating Upgrade) — seekingalpha.com](https://seekingalpha.com/article/4863192-tsmc-has-become-a-buy-again-rating-upgrade)
* [This Chip Giant Is Set Up for a Strong 2026. Should You Buy the Dip Now? — barchart.com](https://barchart.com/story/news/37280855/this-chip-giant-is-set-up-for-a-strong-2026-should-you-buy-the-dip-now)
* [Nvidia Overtakes Apple as TSMC's Largest Customer, Signaling Seismic Shift in Semiconductor Demand — webpronews.com](https://www.webpronews.com/nvidia-overtakes-apple-as-tsmcs-largest-customer-signaling-seismic-shift-in-semiconductor-demand/)
* [Terra Alpha Investments LLC Sells 1,794 Shares of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Ltd. — marketbeat.com](https://marketbeat.com/instant-alerts/filing-terra-alpha-investments-llc-sells-1794-shares-of-taiwan-semiconductor-manufacturing-company-ltd-tsm-2026-02-01)
* [TSMC: Powers America's AI Boom. Yet, The Valuation Doesn't Make Sense — seekingalpha.com](https://seekingalpha.com/article/4863130-tsmc-powers-america-ai-boom-yet-the-valuation-doesnt-make-sense)
* [TSMC: A Top Stock to Buy After a Big Change in Its Forecast — global.morningstar.com](https://global.morningstar.com/en-gb/stocks/tsmc-top-stock-buy-after-big-change-its-forecast)
* [Artificial Intelligence (AI) Could Deliver Another Decade of Growth. This Stock Is a Prime Candidate to Be a Winner. — fool.com](https://fool.com/investing/2026/02/01/artificial-intelligence-ai-growth-stock-winner-tsm)
* [Nvidia Dethrones Apple as TSMC's Top Client — appleosophy.com](https://appleosophy.com/2026/01/28/nvidia-dethrones-apple-as-tsmcs-top-client/)
* [Legislature advances TPP's defense bill — news.ltn.com.tw](https://news.ltn.com.tw/news/focus/breakingnews/5327842)
* [Legislature advances TPP's defense bill — taipeitimes.com](https://taipeitimes.com/News/taiwan/archives/2026/01/31/2003851529)
* [TPP defense budget sent to review, Cabinet version blocked — taipeitimes.com](https://taipeitimes.com/News/front/archives/2026/01/30/2003851495)
* [TPP presents own cherry-picked defense budget — taipeitimes.com](https://taipeitimes.com/News/taiwan/archives/2026/01/27/2003851288)
* [Election commission certifies six to fill vacant TPP at-large seats — focustaiwan.tw](https://focustaiwan.tw/politics/202602010013)
* [Eleven KMT members indicted for recall petition forgery — taipeitimes.com](https://taipeitimes.com/News/taiwan/archives/2026/01/27/2003851308)
* [Taiwan Scrutinizes China Military Leadership Changes After Probe — world.infonasional.com](https://world.infonasional.com/taiwan-scrutinizes-china-military-changes)
* [Republic of China Forces Establish 'Joint Firepower Coordination Centre' as U.S. Supplies More Ballistic Missiles — militarywatchmagazine.com](https://militarywatchmagazine.com/article/republic-china-forces-firepower-coordination-ballistic)