> ## 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 February 16, 2026

## Regional Summary

**The Alignment Premium**

Across the Indo-Pacific this week, governments that once sat between Washington and Beijing have learned that Donald Trump's return demands a price—and most are paying it. Indonesia's trade concessions, Taiwan's chipmaking transplant, Japan's scrapped arms-export limits all follow the same pattern: influence in the new Washington costs real strategic assets, and the buyers reckon that staying outside costs more.

Indonesia's case stands out. Prabowo Subianto, the president, flew to Washington and signed away tariffs on 99% of American products, lifted restrictions on critical minerals, and pledged 8,000 peacekeepers for Gaza—ten times larger than any previous Indonesian deployment and unmatched by any other Southeast Asian country. The deal was extravagant, yet rational. Mr Subianto keeps his BRICS membership and Chinese partnerships, but he has given Mr Trump something no other regional leader has: a visible win. Yet Washington's favour comes cheaper than Jakarta's domestic credibility. Credit agencies have downgraded Indonesia over central-bank independence, the rupiah is weakening, and Mr Subianto's coalition has banned criticism of the president. A leader who gives everything abroad while tightening everything at home pleases neither audience.

Taiwan and Japan show the same calculation. TSMC is considering \$100 billion to build four more fabs in Arizona, shifting much of the world's most advanced chipmaking to American soil and exempting those chips from tariffs. It is a massive concession of Taiwan's greatest strategic asset—the silicon shield that makes the island indispensable—in exchange for deeper economic ties with its protector. Japan's bet is military rather than industrial. Sanae Takaichi, re-elected as prime minister with 354 votes, has moved to scrap rules limiting lethal-arms exports and pledged to end fiscal austerity through "proactive public finances." Mr Trump claims credit for her landslide and has invited her to the White House. Ms Takaichi, whom *The Economist* calls the world's most powerful woman, appears content to let him.

South Korea breaks the pattern. Lee Jae-myung, the president, riding a 56.5% approval rating after Yoon Suk-yeol's life sentence for the martial-law debacle, has clashed with Washington over scaling back the annual Freedom Shield military exercise—the first known dispute over joint planning since he took office. Mr Lee is courting Lula and the developing world instead. Whether this is calculated diversification or stubbornness, it carries risk: the won is weak, the Bank of Korea is frozen at 2.5% for a sixth straight meeting, and Seoul can ill afford to be the one ally in the region that Mr Trump decides to punish.

Australia is writing cheques its politics can barely cash. The \$3.9 billion payment for the AUKUS submarine yard at Osborne—part of a \$30 billion programme—locks the country into decades of military commitments even as the Liberal opposition polls at 18%, behind Pauline Hanson's One Nation. The Reserve Bank has tightened rates to 3.85%, making Australia the first major economy to raise borrowing costs after the pandemic. Australia's defence commitments span parties and generations, yet its domestic politics are so fractured that no party can claim a mandate for the grocery bill, let alone a nuclear submarine.

The week reveals that the Indo-Pacific is not rallying to America out of conviction, but that alignment has become transactional in a way it was not before. Each government is offering something concrete—market access, troops, semiconductor fabs, arms-export liberalisation, shipyard billions—in exchange for tariff relief, diplomatic cover, or the absence of punishment. The price of entry is rising, and the leaders paying it bet that the returns will justify what they have given away. That bet may prove correct. But when alignment is purchased rather than earned, it lasts only as long as the buyer feels he is getting value. The moment the terms change, so will the loyalty.

## Country Summaries

***

### <img src="https://flagcdn.com/id.svg" alt="Indonesia flag" style={{ width: "24px", height: "18px", display: "inline", verticalAlign: "middle", marginRight: "8px" }} /> Indonesia

Prabowo Subianto travelled to Washington this week for Indonesia's biggest diplomatic effort since Trump returned to office, signing a trade deal and committing 8,000 peacekeepers to Gaza while other Southeast Asian leaders stayed away.

Mr Prabowo attended Trump's inaugural Board of Peace summit and signed the Agreement on Reciprocal Trade, which cuts American tariffs on 1,819 Indonesian products and takes effect in 90 days. In return, Indonesia will remove tariffs on 99% of American products and lift restrictions on critical mineral exports. The deal shows Indonesia turning sharply toward Washington even as Jakarta keeps its membership of BRICS and its Chinese partnerships.

Indonesia pledged up to 8,000 troops for Gaza peacekeeping — the largest such commitment to any American-led initiative and ten times bigger than typical Indonesian deployments. Foreign Policy magazine notes that Indonesia is the only Southeast Asian country confirming participation while others steer clear of Trump's peace plan. The first 1,000 troops will be ready to deploy by April.

But even as Mr Prabowo courts Washington, he is tightening control at home. Mr Prabowo fired financial regulators after January's stock market plunge, because they ignored his warnings about MSCI's concerns. Bank Indonesia held rates at 4.75% as the rupiah weakened after credit agencies downgraded Indonesia over worries about central bank independence. Danantara, the sovereign wealth fund, opened bidding for waste-to-energy projects that require technology transfer to local firms and announced plans to put 50% of its investments in public equity.

Mr Prabowo's coalition continues to tighten its control. Golkar installed new leaders across East Java and imposed what Tirto, a news website, calls a "political fatwa" — a formal ban on criticising Mr Prabowo. The party is the most vocal about making the coalition permanent ahead of 2029 elections.

Joko Widodo's residence in Solo went viral when it appeared on Google Maps as "Solo Wailing Wall," drawing crowds of young people who performed prayers for the deceased. Videos spread across social media, with Mr Jokowi's security team confirming they know about the visits but are not restricting them.

<Accordion title="Other Stories">
  * **Prabowo visits Washington for Board of Peace summit and bilateral meetings with Trump** — Prabowo Subianto travelled to Washington DC for the inaugural Board of Peace meeting and bilateral discussions with Donald Trump. The visit included business forums, trade negotiations, and Indonesia's commitment to provide peacekeeping troops for Gaza. *([nytimes.com](https://www.nytimes.com/2026/02/16/us/politics/indonesia-peacekeeping-troops-trump-gaza.html))*
  * **Bank Indonesia launches Ramadan currency exchange programme through PINTAR platform** — Bank Indonesia opened online registration for currency exchange services ahead of Ramadan and Eid through the PINTAR application. The programme allocates 185.6 trillion rupiah in clean currency across 2,883 service points nationwide. *([kompas.com](https://money.kompas.com/read/2026/02/17/090200026/penukaran-uang-baru-bi-2026-dibuka-lagi-cek-jadwal-dan-cara-daftar-di-pintar))*
  * **Pertamina signs cooperation deals and faces corruption case developments** — State energy company Pertamina signed an agreement with Halliburton for oilfield recovery services during Mr Prabowo's American visit, while separately prosecutors demanded an 18-year sentence for oil tycoon Riza Chalid's son in a corruption case involving company terminals. *([ayokaltim.com](https://www.ayokaltim.com/pertamina-gandeng-halliburton-disaksikan-prabowo-di-washington/))*
  * **Prabowo pushes for clay roof tiles to replace zinc roofing** — Mr Prabowo called for a nationwide drive to replace corrugated zinc roofs with clay tiles, saying he wants to shed Indonesia's 'rusty' image while cooling homes and reviving the declining roof-tile industry. *([scmp.com](https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/lifestyle-culture/article/3344043/why-prabowos-push-clay-roofs-rusty-indonesia-may-face-brick-wall))*
  * **Senator criticises Prabowo's budget efficiency policy impact on Papua** — Senator ARK said that Mr Prabowo's budget efficiency policies are not aligned with central government commitments to expand new autonomous regions in Papua, suggesting a lack of support for regional development. *([koreri.com](https://koreri.com/2026/02/22/senator-ark-kebijakan-presiden-prabowo-tak-berpihak-ke-dob-di-tanah-papua/))*
</Accordion>

<Accordion title="Notes">
  <ResponseField name="Prabowo visits Washington for Board of Peace summit and bilateral meetings with Trump" type="February 16–21, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (33)">
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      * [Indonesia's Prabowo All-In on Trump's Board of Peace — foreignpolicy.com](https://foreignpolicy.com/2026/02/18/southeast-asia-trump-board-of-peace-indonesia)
      * [One logic, two arenas: making sense of Prabowo's Board of Peace decision — indonesiaatmelbourne.unimelb.edu.au](https://indonesiaatmelbourne.unimelb.edu.au/one-logic-two-arenas-making-sense-of-prabowos-board-of-peace-decision)
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      * [Prabowo: RI Teman Sejati AS, Meski Secara Politik Menganut Non-blok — news.detik.com](https://news.detik.com/berita/d-8362284/prabowo-ri-teman-sejati-as-meski-secara-politik-menganut-non-blok)
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      * [Apa Saja Agenda Prabowo di Amerika Serikat? — tempo.co](https://tempo.co/politik/apa-saja-agenda-prabowo-di-amerika-serikat--2115712)
      * [5 Fakta Pertemuan Board of Peace: Prabowo Banjir Pujian-Sikap Israel — cnbcindonesia.com](https://cnbcindonesia.com/news/20260220070714-4-712312/5-fakta-pertemuan-board-of-peace-prabowo-banjir-pujian-sikap-israel)
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      * [Ini Solusi Prabowo untuk Perdamaian Abadi Israel dan Palestina saat Rapat Perdana Board of Peace — liputan6.com](https://liputan6.com/news/read/6282364/ini-solusi-prabowo-untuk-perdamaian-abadi-israel-dan-palestina-saat-rapat-perdana-board-of-peace)
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      * [Prabowo Terbang ke AS Didampingi Bahlil-Teddy, Bakal Ketemu Trump — news.detik.com](https://news.detik.com/berita/d-8357941/prabowo-terbang-ke-as-didampingi-bahlil-teddy-bakal-ketemu-trump)
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    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Indonesia and US finalize reciprocal trade agreement cutting tariffs to 19%" type="February 18–22, 2026">
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  <ResponseField name="Bank Indonesia launches Ramadan currency exchange program through PINTAR platform" type="February 17–22, 2026">
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  <ResponseField name="Danantara launches waste-to-energy tender and outlines investment strategy" type="February 15–22, 2026">
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      * [Syarat Jika Ingin Target 'Cuan' Danantara Tercapai — bloombergtechnoz.com](https://bloombergtechnoz.com/detail-news/100277/syarat-jika-ingin-target-cuan-danantara-tercapai)
      * [Danantara at the frontline of waste-to-energy reform — observerid.com](https://observerid.com/danantara-at-the-frontline-of-waste-to-energy-reform)
      * [Danantara: Pivotal Policy di Persimpangan Terang dan Gelap — finance.detik.com](https://finance.detik.com/berita-ekonomi-bisnis/d-8364477/danantara-pivotal-policy-di-persimpangan-terang-dan-gelap)
      * [Profil 8 Peserta Tender WtE Danantara, China Hingga Prancis — bloombergtechnoz.com](https://bloombergtechnoz.com/detail-news/99808/profil-8-peserta-tender-wte-danantara-china-hingga-prancis)
      * [Thomas William Sebut DAAZ Bisa Jadi Kejutan di Proyek WTE Danantara — jpnn.com](https://jpnn.com/news/thomas-william-sebut-daaz-bisa-jadi-kejutan-di-proyek-wte-danantara)
      * [Danantara Beberkan Alasan Antam dan PTBA Balik Lagi Berstatus Persero — metrotvnews.com](https://metrotvnews.com/read/NG9CzaZa-danantara-beberkan-alasan-antam-dan-ptba-balik-lagi-berstatus-persero)
      * [Respons DPD Terhadap Proyek Danantara, Waste-to-Energy — theiconomics.com](https://theiconomics.com/art-of-execution/respons-dpd-terhadap-proyek-danantara-waste-to-energy)
      * [Danantara Taruh 50% Investasi di Saham & Obligasi — cnbcindonesia.com](https://cnbcindonesia.com/market/20260215063234-17-711259/danantara-taruh-50-investasi-di-saham-obligasi)
      * [Antam, PTBA, dan TINS Berubah Jadi Persero, COO Danantara: Tetap di Bawah MIND ID — kompas.com](https://money.kompas.com/read/2026/02/20/152203826/antam-ptba-dan-tins-berubah-jadi-persero-coo-danantara-tetap-di-bawah-mind-id?page=all)
      * [Danantara Gas ke Saham, Rating Global Dikejar — kabarbursa.com](https://kabarbursa.com/market-hari-ini/danantara-gas-ke-saham-rating-global-dikejar)
      * [Prabowo Perintahkan Danantara Cuan Minimal 7% — bloombergtechnoz.com](https://bloombergtechnoz.com/detail-news/99747/prabowo-perintahkan-danantara-cuan-minimal-7)
      * [Calibrating Danantara's — mataram.antaranews.com](https://mataram.antaranews.com/berita/532522/calibrating-danantaras)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Jokowi's house labeled 'Tembok Ratapan Solo' on Google Maps goes viral" type="February 16–22, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (9)">
      * [Viral Rumah Jokowi Dilabeli "Tembok Ratapan Solo" di Google Maps — pontianakpost.jawapos.com](https://pontianakpost.jawapos.com/nasional/2602190047/viral-rumah-jokowi-dilabeli-tembok-ratapan-solo-di-google-maps)
      * [Ramai Kediaman Jokowi Berubah Nama Jadi 'Tembok Ratapan Solo' di Google Maps — kumparan.com](https://kumparan.com/kumparannews/ramai-kediaman-jokowi-berubah-nama-jadi-tembok-ratapan-solo-di-google-maps-26qaeAhkE8D)
      * [Video: PDIP soal Viral Rumah Jokowi Jadi 'Tembok Ratapan Solo' — 20.detik.com](https://20.detik.com/detikupdate/20260219-260219063/video-pdip-soal-viral-rumah-jokowi-jadi-tembok-ratapan-solo)
      * [Rumah Jokowi di Solo Diberi Label 'Tembok Ratapan' di Google Maps, Viral di Media Sosial — stekom.ac.id](https://stekom.ac.id/berita/rumah-jokowi-di-solo-diberi-label-tembok-ratapan-di-google-maps-viral-di-media-sosial)
      * [Tembok Ratapan Solo Jadi Potret Wajah Kekuasaan Jokowi yang Memudar — rmol.id](https://rmol.id/politik/read/2026/02/23/698253/tembok-ratapan-solo-jadi-potret-wajah-kekuasaan-jokowi-yang-memudar)
      * [Apa arti Tembok Ratapan Solo yang Sempat Viral di Rumah Jokowi? Ini Kronologinya — katadata.co.id](https://katadata.co.id/lifestyle/varia/6998157968c82/apa-arti-tembok-ratapan-solo-yang-sempat-viral-di-rumah-jokowi-ini-kronologinya)
      * [Rumah Jokowi di-Tag Jadi 'Tembok Ratapan Solo' di Google Maps — detik.com](https://www.detik.com/jateng/berita/d-8358064/rumah-jokowi-di-tag-jadi-tembok-ratapan-solo-di-google-maps)
      * [Video Geger Rumah Jokowi Jadi 'Tembok Ratapan Solo' di Google Maps — 20.detik.com](https://20.detik.com/detikupdate/20260217-260217008/video-geger-rumah-jokowi-jadi-tembok-ratapan-solo-di-google-maps)
      * [5 Fakta Rumah Jokowi Viral Usai Ditandai "Tembok Ratapan Solo" di Google Maps, Jadi Spot Foto Gen Z — tribunnews.com](https://aceh.tribunnews.com/news/1012252/5-fakta-rumah-jokowi-viral-usai-ditandai-tembok-ratapan-solo-di-google-maps-jadi-spot-foto-gen-z)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Golkar strengthens party organization and expresses support for Prabowo" type="February 15–22, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (13)">
      * [Bahlil kepada Emil Dardak: Pak Wagub, Gimana, Apa Sudah Mulai Goyang? — jpnn.com](https://jpnn.com/news/bahlil-kepada-emil-dardak-pak-wagub-gimana-apa-sudah-mulai-goyang)
      * [Penyebab Jadwal Musda Golkar Sulsel Belum Ditentukan Diungkap Bahlil — tribunnews.com](https://makassar.tribunnews.com/makassar/1828605/penyebab-jadwal-musda-golkar-sulsel-belum-ditentukan-diungkap-bahlil)
      * [Bahlil Goda Emil Dardak Gabung Golkar — viva.co.id](https://viva.co.id/berita/nasional/1880464-bahlil-goda-emil-dardak-gabung-golkar)
      * [Sekjen Golkar Bantah Jokowi soal Inisiasi Revisi UU KPK: Bukan Hanya DPR, Pemerintah Juga Terlibat — liputan6.com](https://liputan6.com/news/read/6279781/sekjen-golkar-bantah-jokowi-soal-inisiasi-revisi-uu-kpk-bukan-hanya-dpr-pemerintah-juga-terlibat)
      * [Bahlil Goda Wagub Jatim Emil Dardak Pindah Golkar: Saya Lihat Mulai Goyang — viva.co.id](https://viva.co.id/berita/nasional/1880481-bahlil-goda-wagub-jatim-emil-dardak-pindah-golkar-saya-lihat-mulai-goyang)
      * [Idrus Marham Sebut Golkar Dukung Penuh Diplomasi Bebas Aktif Prabowo di AS — viva.co.id](https://viva.co.id/berita/nasional/1880970-idrus-marham-sebut-golkar-dukung-penuh-diplomasi-bebas-aktif-prabowo-di-as)
      * [Saat Golkar "All in" ke Prabowo, Mengapa Partai Lain Belum? — tirto.id](https://tirto.id/saat-golkar-all-in-ke-prabowo-mengapa-partai-lain-belum-hrmk)
      * [Dilantik Serentak, Golkar Kabupaten Pasuruan Tancap Gas Jalankan Instruksi Ketum Bahlil — jatim.tribunnews.com](https://jatim.tribunnews.com/pasuruan/533605/dilantik-serentak-golkar-kabupaten-pasuruan-tancap-gas-jalankan-instruksi-ketum-bahlil)
      * [PKB, PAN, Golkar Dukung Prabowo Dua Periode, Begini Tanggapan Ketum NasDem Surya Paloh — pekanbaru.tribunnews.com](https://pekanbaru.tribunnews.com/nasional/1099390/pkb-pan-golkar-dukung-prabowo-dua-periode-begini-tanggapan-ketum-nasdem-surya-paloh)
      * [Pelantikan Bersejarah di Golkar Jatim, Bahlil Lahadalia Janji Promosikan Kader Muda — timesindonesia.co.id](https://timesindonesia.co.id/politik/578182/pelantikan-bersejarah-di-golkar-jatim-bahlil-lahadalia-janji-promosikan-kader-muda)
      * [Golkar Dorong Koalisi Permanen Dukung Prabowo-Gibran, PDIP Ambil Sikap Berbeda — tribunnews.com](https://www.tribunnews.com/nasional/7791751/golkar-dorong-koalisi-permanen-dukung-prabowo-gibran-pdip-ambil-sikap-berbeda)
      * [Di Bawah Panji Beringin, Resmi Nahkodai Mappi — lintastimor.id](https://lintastimor.id/di-bawah-panji-beringin-resmi-nahkodai-mappi/)
      * [Sejarah Baru Golkar Dimulai dari Jatim, Bahlil Apresiasi Inovasi Pelantikan Serentak DPD — sabdanews.com](https://sabdanews.com/sejarah-baru-golkar-dimulai-dari-jatim-bahlil-apresiasi-inovasi-pelantikan-serentak-dpd/)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Pertamina signs cooperation deals and faces corruption case developments" type="February 15–22, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (8)">
      * [Pertamina Gandeng Halliburton, Disaksikan Prabowo di Washington — ayokaltim.com](https://www.ayokaltim.com/pertamina-gandeng-halliburton-disaksikan-prabowo-di-washington/)
      * [Indonesia's Pertamina, Halliburton to cooperate on oilfield recovery-U.S.-ASEAN Business Council — marketscreener.com](https://www.marketscreener.com/news/indonesia-s-pertamina-halliburton-to-cooperate-on-oilfield-recovery-u-s-asean-business-council-ce7e5ddfda8df723)
      * [Pertamina-backed oil company becomes sixth to score US permission to operate in Venezuela — tradewindsnews.com](https://www.tradewindsnews.com/tankers/pertamina-backed-oil-company-becomes-sixth-to-score-us-permission-to-operate-in-venezuela/2-1-1945857)
      * [BERNAMA - US Energy Imports A Bridge To Indonesia's Domestic Supply Gap - Pertamina — bernama.com](https://www.bernama.com/en/world/news.php?id=2526021)
      * [Halliburton, Pertamina sign Indonesia fracturing MOU — stocktitan.net](https://stocktitan.net/news/HAL/pertamina-and-halliburton-sign-an-integrated-unconventional-n5hi5ggu5rsy.html)
      * [Breaking: Pertamina Depot Fire In Jakarta — thedetroitbureau.com](https://www.thedetroitbureau.com/today-report/breaking-pertamina-depot-fire-in-jakarta-1767647214)
      * [Riza Chalid's son faces 18 years in Pertamina graft case — thejakartapost.com](https://www.thejakartapost.com/indonesia/2026/02/16/riza-chalids-son-faces-18-years-in-pertamina-graft-case.html)
      * [Indonesia's Pertamina to maintain bidding process for US energy imports — reuters.com](https://www.reuters.com/business/energy/indonesias-pertamina-maintain-bidding-process-us-energy-imports-2026-02-20/)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="TNI prepares peacekeeping deployment and modernizes equipment" type="February 15–21, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (4)">
      * [TNI prepares 8,000 troops for Gaza peace mission as Prabowo heads to US — thejakartapost.com](https://www.thejakartapost.com/world/2026/02/16/tni-prepares-8000-troops-for-gaza-peace-mission-as-prabowo-heads-to-us.html)
      * [Production Starts on Indonesian Navy's A-VIATOR Aircraft in Italy — navalnews.com](https://navalnews.com/naval-news/2026/02/production-starts-on-indonesian-navys-a-viator-aircraft-in-italy)
      * [New Warships and Carrier to Boost TNI Fleet — en.tempo.co](https://en.tempo.co/read/2087262/new-warships-and-carrier-to-boost-tni-fleet)
      * [Rekrutmen Perwira Karier TNI AD: Info Lengkap! — thedetroitbureau.com](https://www.thedetroitbureau.com/today-report/rekrutmen-perwira-karier-tni-ad-info-lengkap-1767647934)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Prabowo fires financial regulators after stock market plunge" type="February 15, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (1)">
      * [Indonesia President Prabowo Fired Financial Regulators After Stock Market Plunge — bloomberg.com](https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2026-02-15/indonesia-president-prabowo-fired-financial-regulators-after-stock-market-plunge)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Prabowo pushes for clay roof tiles to replace zinc roofing" type="February 20, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (1)">
      * [Why Prabowo's push for clay roofs in 'rusty' Indonesia may face a brick wall — scmp.com](https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/lifestyle-culture/article/3344043/why-prabowos-push-clay-roofs-rusty-indonesia-may-face-brick-wall)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Bank Indonesia maintains interest rates amid currency weakness" type="February 19, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (1)">
      * [Bank Indonesia holds rates again to defend currency — centralbanking.com](https://www.centralbanking.com/central-banks/monetary-policy/monetary-policy-decisions/7975129/bank-indonesia-holds-rates-again-to-defend-currency)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Senator criticizes Prabowo's budget efficiency policy impact on Papua" type="February 22, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (1)">
      * [Senator ARK : Kebijakan Presiden Prabowo Tak Berpihak ke DOB di Tanah Papua — koreri.com](https://koreri.com/2026/02/22/senator-ark-kebijakan-presiden-prabowo-tak-berpihak-ke-dob-di-tanah-papua/)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Other" type="">
    <Expandable title="Sources (5)">
      * [Prabowo's 2026 budget reflects social welfare priorities - Diplomat analysis — thediplomat.com](https://thediplomat.com/2026/02/indonesias-unconventional-2026-budget/)
      * [PDIP's Hasto comments on Prabowo's Board of Peace participation and non-aligned principles — jpnn.com](https://jpnn.com/news/soal-rencana-kehadiran-prabowo-di-forum-bop-hasto-singgung-prinsip-politik-bebas-aktif)
      * [Prabowo presidency analysis focusing on meals program and China relations — 9dashline.com](https://www.9dashline.com/article/prabowos-presidency-meals-power-and-china)
      * [Asia Times analysis questioning Indonesia-Trump trade pact wisdom — asiatimes.com](https://asiatimes.com/2026/02/indonesias-prabowo-should-think-twice-on-a-trump-trade-pact)
      * [BBC analysis of 70 Prabowo speeches over past year — bbc.com](https://bbc.com/indonesia/articles/cn0exy2zyl7o)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>
</Accordion>

***

### <img src="https://flagcdn.com/tw.svg" alt="Taiwan flag" style={{ width: "24px", height: "18px", display: "inline", verticalAlign: "middle", marginRight: "8px" }} /> Taiwan

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) is weighing a \$100 billion expansion of its Arizona operations that could move much of the world's most advanced semiconductor production to American soil. The investment would fund four more wafer fabs, potentially quadrupling the company's US capacity and helping its chips avoid tariffs through local production.

The move deepens Taiwan's economic integration with America even as Lai Ching-te, the president, hardens policy against China in other areas. His administration has tightened controls on Chinese capital flows and improved protections for Hong Kong political refugees, extending anti-Beijing measures beyond trade and defence.

Chinese forces sent five naval vessels and one balloon around Taiwan's territory this week, matching previous reports. Mr Lai delivered his Lunar New Year message from a military radar station, promising continued defence efforts, and led traditional temple prayers across the island. The only unusual moment was when a temple chairman in Tainan became ill and vomited on the president during a ceremony — Mr Lai, who has medical training, helped the sick official before continuing with the event.

The ruling Democratic Progressive Party is preparing for 2026 local elections. The party views Cheng Li-chiun, the vice premier, as the strongest contender for Taipei mayor. The party has yet to nominate candidates for seven key municipalities.

<Accordion title="Other Stories">
  * **Temple chairman vomits on President Lai during Lunar New Year ceremony** — During a Lunar New Year event at Sacrificial Rites Martial Temple in Tainan, Lin Pei-huo, the temple chairman, became ill and vomited on President Lai Ching-te during a public ceremony. Lai, who has medical training, assisted the stricken official before continuing with the event. *([perthnow.com.au](https://www.ndtv.com/world-news/temple-priest-falls-sick-vomits-on-taiwans-president-lai-ching-te-during-ceremony-11063750))*
  * **Taiwan and US sign major trade agreement with tariff reductions** — Taiwan and the United States signed the Agreement on Reciprocal Trade (ART) in Washington, reducing average tariffs on US exports from 35.7% to 12.33%. The deal includes exemptions for 2,072 Taiwanese export products and establishes a framework for expanded economic cooperation. *([news.ltn.com.tw](https://news.ltn.com.tw/news/focus/breakingnews/5344366))*
  * **TSMC considers additional \$100 billion US investment amid trade developments** — Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company is weighing an additional \$100 billion investment in Arizona facilities to bolster American chipmaking efforts. The expansion would help TSMC chips avoid tariffs through local production and aligns with the new US-Taiwan trade framework. *([taiwannews.com.tw](https://tomshardware.com/tech-industry/semiconductors/tsmc-considers-an-additional-usd100-billion-investment-into-arizona-fabs))*
</Accordion>

<Accordion title="Notes">
  <ResponseField name="President Lai celebrates Lunar New Year with temple visits and defense pledges" type="February 15–19, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (7)">
      * [President Lai leads Lunar New Year prayers at Longshan Temple — focustaiwan.tw](https://focustaiwan.tw/politics/202602170009)
      * [Taiwan president vows to strengthen island's defences in Chinese New Year message — channelnewsasia.com](https://www.channelnewsasia.com/east-asia/lai-ching-te-taiwan-president-vows-strengthen-defences-message-5932606)
      * [President Lai's remarks for Lunar New Year — ocacnews.net](https://ocacnews.net/article/420303)
      * [Lai visits Taiwan Coast Guard inspection station in Chiayi — taiwannews.com.tw](https://taiwannews.com.tw/news/6303447)
      * [Lai vows stronger defense, economy, welfare in pre-Lunar New Year remarks — focustaiwan.tw](https://focustaiwan.tw/politics/202602150010)
      * [Taiwan's Strengthened Defense: Lai Ching-te's Mission — devdiscourse.com](https://devdiscourse.com/article/law-order/3805832-taiwans-strengthened-defense-lai-ching-tes-mission)
      * [陳亭妃為何和賴清德行程連在一起？從台南到走春路線一次看 — fairyhorn.cc](https://www.fairyhorn.cc/2026/02/20/chen-tingfei-lai-ching-te-itinerary-2026/)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Temple chairman vomits on President Lai during Lunar New Year ceremony" type="February 19, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (5)">
      * [Lai Ching-te: Taiwanese leader cops disgusting spray during Lunar New Year celebrations — perthnow.com.au](https://perthnow.com.au/news/world/lai-ching-te-taiwanese-leader-cops-disgusting-spray-during-lunar-new-year-celebrations-c-21690648)
      * [Sickening moment elderly man vomits on Taiwan's president in front of crowd during speech — dailymail.co.uk](https://dailymail.co.uk/news/article-15572625/Sickening-moment-elderly-man-vomits-Taiwans-president-crowd-speech.html)
      * [Temple Priest Falls Sick, Vomits On Taiwan's President Lai Ching-te During Ceremony — ndtv.com](https://www.ndtv.com/world-news/temple-priest-falls-sick-vomits-on-taiwans-president-lai-ching-te-during-ceremony-11063750)
      * [Taiwan Shock: Temple Chairman Vomits on President Lai Ching-te Mid-Speech, Norovirus Fears Triggered — timesnownews.com](https://www.timesnownews.com/world/taiwan-shock-temple-chairman-vomits-on-president-lai-ching-te-mid-speech-norovirus-fears-triggered-article-153648423)
      * [Taiwan President Lai Ching-te splashed with vomit after official falls ill — channelnewsasia.com](https://www.channelnewsasia.com/shorts/taiwan-president-lai-ching-te-splashed-vomit-after-official-falls-ill-5939946)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Taiwan and US sign major trade agreement with tariff reductions" type="February 15–17, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (6)">
      * [ART text, assessment to be sent to legislature — news.ltn.com.tw](https://news.ltn.com.tw/news/focus/breakingnews/5344366)
      * [Yilan rail project to proceed, Cho says — taipeitimes.com](https://taipeitimes.com/News/front/archives/2026/02/18/2003852487)
      * [Taiwan Trade Agreement Includes Tariff Cuts — strtrade.com](https://www.strtrade.com/trade-news-resources/str-trade-report/trade-report/february/taiwan-trade-agreement-includes-tariff-cuts)
      * [Taiwan and the United States Sign Landmark Trade Agreement — thailand-business-news.com](https://www.thailand-business-news.com/taiwan/287119-taiwan-and-the-united-states-sign-landmark-trade-agreement)
      * [Taiwan Trade Agreement: A Major Commercial Framework Including Commercial Aircraft and Engines — aeromorning.com](https://aeromorning.com/en/taiwan-trade-agreement-a-major-commercial-framework-including-commercial-aircraft-and-engines/)
      * [Taiwan vice premier returns home after trade agreement signed with U.S. — focustaiwan.tw](https://focustaiwan.tw/politics/202602150007)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="TSMC considers additional \$100 billion US investment amid trade developments" type="February 16–22, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (12)">
      * [US-Taiwan trade deal could push TSMC to invest extra NT\$3.14 trillion in US — taiwannews.com.tw](https://taiwannews.com.tw/news/6303900)
      * [Where Will TSMC Stock Be in 3 Years? — fool.com](https://www.fool.com/investing/2026/02/19/where-will-tsmc-stock-be-in-3-years/)
      * [TSMC considers an additional \$100 billion investment into Arizona fabs — tomshardware.com](https://tomshardware.com/tech-industry/semiconductors/tsmc-considers-an-additional-usd100-billion-investment-into-arizona-fabs)
      * [DIGITIMES Insight: TSMC's swelling facilities budget signals a global capacity race — digitimes.com](https://digitimes.com/news/a20260213VL204/tsmc-digitimes-2026-budget-equipment.html)
      * [Taiwan Semiconductor (TSM) Stock: The One Play That Wins Every Time a Data Center Gets Built — coincentral.com](https://coincentral.com/taiwan-semiconductor-tsm-stock-the-one-play-that-wins-every-time-a-data-center-gets-built)
      * [Can TSMC Stock Reach a \$3 Trillion Valuation by 2029? — techi.com](https://techi.com/tsmc-stock-3-trillion-valuation-2029)
      * [TSMC (TSM) Rises Higher Than Market: Key Facts — finance.yahoo.com](https://finance.yahoo.com/news/tsmc-tsm-rises-higher-market-224503676.html)
      * [Nvidia Supplier TSMC Sees Momentum Surge As Global AI Demand Hits Fever Pitch — benzinga.com](https://benzinga.com/markets/equities/26/02/50636840/nvidia-supplier-tsmc-sees-momentum-surge-as-global-ai-demand-hits-fever-pitch)
      * [Taiwan-US Trade Deal, Here's What it Means for Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing (TSM) — insidermonkey.com](https://insidermonkey.com/blog/taiwan-us-trade-deal-heres-what-it-means-for-taiwan-semiconductor-manufacturing-tsm-1697727)
      * [The \$3 Trillion Blueprint: A Deep Dive into TSMC's AI-Driven Dominance — markets.financialcontent.com](https://markets.financialcontent.com/stocks/article/finterra-2026-2-16-the-3-trillion-blueprint-a-deep-dive-into-tsmcs-ai-driven-dominance)
      * [TSMC's chip supply chain: the chemical bottleneck — webpronews.com](https://webpronews.com/tsmmc-chip-supply-chain)
      * [Tariff Cuts And US Investments Reframe TSMC Growth And Valuation Story — simplywall.st](https://simplywall.st/stocks/us/semiconductors/nyse-tsm/taiwan-semiconductor-manufacturing/news/tariff-cuts-and-us-investments-reframe-tsmc-growth-and-valua)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Taiwan detects Chinese naval vessels and balloons near territory" type="February 18–21, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (2)">
      * [Taiwan detects 5 PLAN vessels, 1 PRC balloon around its territory — newsable.asianetnews.com](https://newsable.asianetnews.com/world/taiwan-detects-5-plan-vessels-1-prc-balloon-around-its-territory-articleshow-bohk7xh)
      * [Republic of China Armed Forces — dl1.en-us.nina.az](https://www.dl1.en-us.nina.az/Military_of_the_Republic_of_China.html)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="DPP evaluates candidates for upcoming local elections" type="February 18–22, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (2)">
      * [DPP ponders nominees for upcoming election cycle — taipeitimes.com](https://taipeitimes.com/News/taiwan/archives/2026/02/23/2003852736)
      * [Taiwan Ruling Party Pushes to Shoulder Greater Defense Burden While Opposition Seeks Greater U.S. Dependency — thegatewaypundit.com](https://thegatewaypundit.com/2026/02/taiwan-ruling-party-pushes-shoulder-greater-defense-burden)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Lai administration toughens stance on transnational repression" type="February 19, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (1)">
      * [Lai's Tougher Stance on Transnational Repression Has Taiwan's Hong Kongers Optimistic — thediplomat.com](https://thediplomat.com/2026/02/lais-tougher-stance-on-transnational-repression-has-taiwans-hong-kongers-optimistic)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Other" type="">
    <Expandable title="Sources (1)">
      * [President Lai congratulates Sanae Takaichi on reelection as Japan PM — focustaiwan.tw](https://focustaiwan.tw/politics/202602180011)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>
</Accordion>

***

### <img src="https://flagcdn.com/jp.svg" alt="Japan flag" style={{ width: "24px", height: "18px", display: "inline", verticalAlign: "middle", marginRight: "8px" }} /> Japan

### Japan

The lower house re-elected Sanae Takaichi as prime minister with 354 votes this week, converting her February election victory into a second term.

Ms Takaichi kept all ministers from her previous cabinet. The Economist dubbed her "the world's most powerful woman" after the landslide. The Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) is training a record 66 new lawmakers. The Aso faction has grown to 60 members, the only remaining faction after others disbanded.

The new government is pursuing the agenda that won the election. In her first Diet speech, Ms Takaichi pledged to end fiscal austerity through "responsible and proactive public finances" to boost domestic investment. She outlined plans for targeted spending on economic security and repeated her promise to suspend consumption tax on food for two years. On constitutional revision, she said the LDP would "tenaciously work to create an environment in which an amendment proposal can be initiated as soon as possible," noting that Diet discussions had "matured considerably."

Japan's security buildup continues. The LDP's security commission approved a draft proposal to scrap rules limiting defense equipment exports, allowing lethal arms shipments. The proposal would abolish existing restrictions and create a two-category system with National Security Council oversight, letting Japan export jointly developed equipment to third countries.

Donald Trump claimed credit for Ms Takaichi's victory, telling reporters she had attributed her party's win to his endorsement. He confirmed plans to welcome her at the White House on March 19. Ms Takaichi responded with gratitude for his "warm words" and commitment to strengthening the Japan-US alliance.

<Accordion title="Other stories">
  * **The Economist names Takaichi 'world's most powerful woman'** — British magazine The Economist featured Prime Minister Takaichi as 'the world's most powerful woman' following her election victory, stating she now 'has a historic chance to transform her country.' The article praised her defense industry measures and relationship-building with the US.

  * **Emperor Naruhito celebrates 66th birthday** — Emperor Naruhito marked his 66th birthday on February 23 with public greetings at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo. The national holiday was observed ahead of significant disaster anniversaries, including the 15th anniversary of the Great East Japan Earthquake in March.

  * **LDP launches training program for record number of new lawmakers** — The Liberal Democratic Party has begun training 66 newly elected Lower House lawmakers to avoid scandals and gaffes that could damage the Takaichi administration. The training comes as the party's Aso faction has grown to a record 60 members, the only remaining faction after others disbanded.

  * **Osaka Governor Yoshimura remains Japan Innovation Party leader** — Hirofumi Yoshimura will continue as leader of the Japan Innovation Party (Nippon Ishin no Kai) after party members voted against holding a leadership election. The JIP won 36 seats in the February election, up by only two despite being the LDP's coalition partner.

  * **Maritime Self-Defense Force undergoes historic restructuring** — The Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force is implementing a major organizational overhaul, reducing from four flotillas to three and establishing new commands including a Fleet Surface Force and Information Warfare Operations Command. The reform aims to strengthen command and control capabilities.
</Accordion>

***

<Accordion title="Other Stories">
  * **The Economist names Takaichi 'world's most powerful woman'** — British magazine The Economist featured Prime Minister Takaichi as 'the world's most powerful woman' following her election victory, stating she now 'has a historic chance to transform her country.' The article praised her defense industry measures and relationship-building with the US. *([japantimes.co.jp](https://japantimes.co.jp/news/2026/02/16/japan/takaichi-economist-powerful))*
  * **Emperor Naruhito celebrates 66th birthday** — Emperor Naruhito marked his 66th birthday on February 23 with public greetings at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo. The national holiday was observed ahead of significant disaster anniversaries, including the 15th anniversary of the Great East Japan Earthquake in March. *([www3.nhk.or.jp](https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20260223_09/))*
  * **LDP launches training program for record number of new lawmakers** — The Liberal Democratic Party has begun training 66 newly elected Lower House lawmakers to avoid scandals and gaffes that could damage the Takaichi administration. The training comes as the party's Aso faction has grown to a record 60 members, the only remaining faction after others disbanded. *([japantimes.co.jp](https://japantimes.co.jp/news/2026/02/18/japan/politics/ldp-educating-rookies))*
  * **Osaka Governor Yoshimura remains Japan Innovation Party leader** — Hirofumi Yoshimura will continue as leader of the Japan Innovation Party (Nippon Ishin no Kai) after party members voted against holding a leadership election. The JIP won 36 seats in the February election, up by only two despite being the LDP's coalition partner. *([japantimes.co.jp](https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2026/02/16/japan/politics/yoshimura-jip-leader-remain/))*
  * **Maritime Self-Defense Force undergoes historic restructuring** — The Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force is implementing a major organizational overhaul, reducing from four flotillas to three and establishing new commands including a Fleet Surface Force and Information Warfare Operations Command. The reform aims to strengthen command and control capabilities. *([thediplomat.com](https://thediplomat.com/2026/02/from-4-flotillas-to-3-inside-the-japan-maritime-self-defense-forces-historic-overhaul))*
</Accordion>

<Accordion title="Notes">
  <ResponseField name="Takaichi wins historic landslide election victory, forms second cabinet" type="February 15–20, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (28)">
      * [Takaichi reelected as Japan PM at Diet after LDP's huge election win — mainichi.jp](https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20260218/p2g/00m/0na/031000c)
      * [Japan PM Takaichi's Cabinet Resigns en Masse — japannews.yomiuri.co.jp](https://japannews.yomiuri.co.jp/politics/politics-government/20260218-311968)
      * [Inauguration of the Second Takaichi Cabinet — japan.kantei.go.jp](https://japan.kantei.go.jp/105/actions/202602/18takaichinaikaku2.html)
      * [Takaichi launches second cabinet after re-election — www3.nhk.or.jp](https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/special/04/4611)
      * [Diet re-elects Takaichi as Japan's prime minister — www3.nhk.or.jp](https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20260218_200/)
      * [Japan Lower House Names Takaichi as Prime Minister — nippon.com](https://www.nippon.com/en/news/yjj2026021800138/)
      * [Takaichi Launches Her 2nd Cabinet with Same Members — nippon.com](https://nippon.com/en/news/yjj2026021800654)
      * [Takaichi wins second term, races to pass delayed budget — asahi.com](https://asahi.com/ajw/articles/16363116)
      * [Japan's Takaichi reappointed PM as LDP-dominated parliament convenes — asia.nikkei.com](https://asia.nikkei.com/politics/japan-election/japan-s-takaichi-reappointed-pm-as-ldp-dominated-parliament-convenes)
      * [Takaichi Makes Sales Tax, Budget Pledges After Being Sworn In — bloomberg.com](https://bloomberg.com/news/newsletters/2026-02-18/takaichi-makes-sales-tax-budget-pledges-after-being-sworn-in)
      * [Takaichi, reelected as Japan's leader, wants to cooperate with US in rare earths development — arabnews.jp](https://www.arabnews.jp/en/japan/article_164333/)
      * [Japan's uncertain path after Takaichi's big win — eastasiaforum.org](https://eastasiaforum.org/2026/02/16/japans-uncertain-path-after-takaichis-big-win)
      * [What Skills Will Takaichi Need in Her 'Era of Dominance'? — japannews.yomiuri.co.jp](https://japannews.yomiuri.co.jp/editorial/political-pulse/20260221-312622)
      * [The trouble with winning big for Takaichi and the LDP — japantimes.co.jp](https://japantimes.co.jp/commentary/2026/02/17/japan/trouble-with-winning-big-for-takaichi)
      * [Japan Chooses Takaichi: A Powerful Leader in a Shifting World Order — japan-forward.com](https://japan-forward.com/takaichi-a-powerful-leader-in-a-shifting-world-order)
      * [Huge Election Win by Prime Minister Takaichi Will Bolster Japanese and US Security — japan-forward.com](https://japan-forward.com/huge-election-win-by-prime-minister-takaichi-will-bolster-japanese-and-us-security)
      * [Can the Opposition in Japan Rise From the Ashes? — thediplomat.com](https://thediplomat.com/2026/02/can-the-opposition-in-japan-rise-from-the-ashes)
      * [After a stunning election, Japan will be unleashed. Or is it already too late? — theglobeandmail.com](https://theglobeandmail.com/opinion/article-japan-election-sanae-takaichi-victory-economy)
      * [LDP secures supermajority in Lower House election victory — alpha.japantimes.co.jp](https://alpha.japantimes.co.jp/article/top_news/20260220/132789)
      * [BERNAMA - Takaichi Reelected As Japan PM At Diet After LDP's Huge Election Win — bernama.com](https://www.bernama.com/en/news.php?id=2525194)
      * [PM Takaichi speaks to reporters after re-election in Diet — www3.nhk.or.jp](https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20260219_02/)
      * [Emboldened by Election Victory, LDP Demands Key Diet Posts — nippon.com](https://nippon.com/en/news/yjj2026021600804/emboldened-by-election-victory-ldp-demands-key-diet-posts.html)
      * [LDP Supermajority Brings a New Question: How Will the Party Use It? — japan-forward.com](https://japan-forward.com/ldp-supermajority-brings-a-new-question-how-will-the-party-use-it/)
      * [Survey: Majority back Takaichi but say LDP won 'too many' seats — asahi.com](https://asahi.com/ajw/articles/16356826)
      * [LDP retains high approval rating post election, Nikkei poll shows — japantimes.co.jp](https://japantimes.co.jp/news/2026/02/16/japan/politics/ldp-approval-rating)
      * [Support for Japan's LDP Rises to 43%, Recovering from Lows Under Kishida, Ishiba — japannews.yomiuri.co.jp](https://japannews.yomiuri.co.jp/politics/politics-government/20260220-312533)
      * [Sanae Takaichi and the LDP's Pseudo-Democratic Elections — thetricontinental.org](https://thetricontinental.org/asia/nl-japan-takaichi-ldp-elections)
      * [Sanae Takaichi and the LDP's Pseudo-Democratic Elections — mronline.org](https://mronline.org/2026/02/19/sanae-takaichi-and-the-ldps-pseudo-democratic-elections)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Takaichi delivers major policy speech outlining economic and security agenda" type="February 19–22, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (12)">
      * [PM Takaichi vows policy shifts to make Japan strong and prosperous — mainichi.jp](https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20260220/p2g/00m/0na/037000c)
      * [Japan PM Takaichi renews pledge to implement policies — www3.nhk.or.jp](https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20260220_13/)
      * [Policy Speech by Prime Minister TAKAICHI Sanae to the 221st Session of the Diet — japan.kantei.go.jp](https://japan.kantei.go.jp/105/statement/202602/20shiseihoshin.html)
      * [Takaichi vows to end austerity, bolster security in policy speech — asahi.com](https://asahi.com/ajw/articles/16369027)
      * [Takaichi Vows to Make Japan Strong through Investment — japannews.yomiuri.co.jp](https://japannews.yomiuri.co.jp/news-services/jiji-press/20260220-312592)
      * [Japan's Takaichi ditches austerity, reassures markets with fiscal pledge — reuters.com](https://reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/japans-takaichi-vows-break-with-fiscal-austerity-spark-economic-revival-2026-02-20)
      * [Japan PM Takaichi vows to boost 'severely lacking' domestic investment — asia.nikkei.com](https://asia.nikkei.com/politics/japan-pm-takaichi-vows-to-boost-severely-lacking-domestic-investment)
      * [Policy Speech: Translate Takaichi's Zeal into Specific Policies — japannews.yomiuri.co.jp](https://japannews.yomiuri.co.jp/editorial/yomiuri-editorial/20260221-312700)
      * [Japan's Takaichi to Tout Plans Aimed at Stoking Private Spending — bloomberg.com](https://bloomberg.com/news/articles/2026-02-19/japan-s-takaichi-to-tout-plans-aimed-at-stoking-private-spending)
      * [Takaichi's pledge to press 'growth switch' faces history of overpromises — asia.nikkei.com](https://asia.nikkei.com/politics/takaichi-s-pledge-to-press-growth-switch-faces-history-of-overpromises)
      * [Japan's Takaichi should look to Trump's 'TACO' playbook on tax cut — asia.nikkei.com](https://asia.nikkei.com/spotlight/comment/japan-s-takaichi-should-look-to-trump-s-taco-playbook-on-tax-cut)
      * [Takaichi's rocky road ahead to eliminate consumption tax on groceries — japantimes.co.jp](https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2026/02/19/japan/politics/takaichi-consumption-tax/)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Takaichi pushes constitutional reform and defense policy overhaul" type="February 16–22, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (11)">
      * [Takaichi sets sights on altering Constitution, imperial law — asahi.com](https://asahi.com/ajw/articles/16364985)
      * [FOCUS: Japan PM to push constitutional reform with new supermajority in parliament — english.kyodonews.net](https://english.kyodonews.net/articles/-/70832)
      * [Sanae Takaichi's push to revise Japan's constitution could put an end to decades of post-war pacifism — theconversation.com](https://theconversation.com/sanae-takaichis-push-to-revise-japans-constitution-could-put-an-end-to-decades-of-post-war-pacifism-275854)
      * [Make Japan strong again: Sanae Takaichi's plan to transform her country's military — theconversation.com](https://theconversation.com/make-japan-strong-again-sanae-takaichis-plan-to-transform-her-countrys-military-275676)
      * [With fresh mandate, Japan's Takaichi sets sights on divisive security goals — japantimes.co.jp](https://japantimes.co.jp/news/2026/02/22/japan/politics/japan-takaichi-defense-security-goals)
      * [Japan PM Takaichi warns of China 'coercion', vows security overhaul — reuters.com](https://reuters.com/world/china/japan-pm-takaichi-warns-china-coercion-vows-security-overhaul-2026-02-20)
      * [Japanese PM Takaichi Stands Against Chinese 'Coercion,' Promises New Defense Strategy — breitbart.com](https://www.breitbart.com/national-security/2026/02/20/japanese-pm-takaichi-stands-against-chinese-coercion-promises-new-defense-strategy/)
      * [Takaichi Pushes Imperial House Law, Constitution Revisions — chosun.com](https://chosun.com/english/world-en/2026/02/20/YHD75MGCPJD2VKAE52NFGMRQUU)
      * [Time for Takaichi to tackle Japan's political taboos — japantimes.co.jp](https://japantimes.co.jp/commentary/2026/02/18/world/tackling-japans-political-taboos)
      * [As parliament reconvenes, Takaichi faces a balancing act — japantimes.co.jp](https://japantimes.co.jp/news/2026/02/17/japan/politics/budget-ldp-supermajority)
      * [Editorial: Japan's LDP must not exploit majority for constitutional change — mainichi.jp](https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20260218/p2a/00m/0op/024000c)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Trump claims credit for Takaichi's election victory" type="February 16–18, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (3)">
      * [Trump touts his endorsement as contributing to Takaichi's landslide victory — www3.nhk.or.jp](https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20260217_17/)
      * [Trump claims credit for LDP's election victory — japantimes.co.jp](https://japantimes.co.jp/news/2026/02/17/japan/politics/trump-credit-ldp-win)
      * [Takaichi, reelected as Japan's leader, wants to cooperate with US in rare earths development — apnews.com](https://apnews.com/article/japan-takaichi-us-china-trump-defense-aa82f8a3b5a7120575072f390f30fb97)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="The Economist names Takaichi 'world's most powerful woman'" type="February 15–16, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (4)">
      * [Takaichi declared 'world's most powerful woman' by The Economist — japantimes.co.jp](https://japantimes.co.jp/news/2026/02/16/japan/takaichi-economist-powerful)
      * [Japan's Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi Is 'World's Most Powerful Woman,' The Economist Says — japannews.yomiuri.co.jp](https://japannews.yomiuri.co.jp/society/general-news/20260215-311482)
      * [Takaichi Wants to Make Japan Great Again. It Won't Be Easy. — time.com](https://time.com/7378431/sanae-takaichi-japan-economy-military-china-trump/)
      * [Sanae Takaichi is not who you think she is — japantimes.co.jp](https://www.japantimes.co.jp/commentary/2026/02/16/japan/takaichi-not-who-you-think/)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Emperor Naruhito celebrates 66th birthday" type="February 17–22, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (6)">
      * [Japan's Emperor greets public on his 66th birthday — www3.nhk.or.jp](https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20260223_09/)
      * [Emperor's Birthday (Japan's National Holidays) — nippon.com](https://nippon.com/en/guide-to-japan/gu051012)
      * [Emperor Naruhito Turns 66 Ahead of Disaster Milestones — nippon.com](https://nippon.com/en/news/yjj2026022300002)
      * [A gala reception in honor of the birthday of Emperor Naruhito reaffirmed the special status of relations between Turkmenistan and Japan — turkmenistaninfo.gov.tm](https://turkmenistaninfo.gov.tm/en/news/torzhestvennyi-priem)
      * [His Majesty Japan's Emperor Naruhito's 66th Birthday & National Day of Japan: Message from Itaru Nakamura — brecorder.com](https://brecorder.com/news/amp/40408517)
      * [Emperor's Birthday — en.namu.wiki](https://en.namu.wiki/w/%EC%B2%9C%ED%99%A9%ED%83%84%EC%83%9D%EC%9D%BC)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="LDP approves proposal to lift ban on lethal weapons exports" type="February 19–22, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (3)">
      * [LDP OKs draft proposal for lifting ban on lethal arms exports — japantimes.co.jp](https://japantimes.co.jp/news/2026/02/21/japan/politics/ldp-weapons-export-guidelines)
      * [LDP to propose gov't allow lethal arm exports — japantoday.com](https://japantoday.com/category/politics/japan's-ruling-ldp-to-propose-gov't-allow-lethal-arm-exports)
      * [LDP considers mandatory reporting by foreign agents in Japan — japantimes.co.jp](https://japantimes.co.jp/news/2026/02/22/japan/politics/ldp-foreign-agents-mandatory-reporting)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="LDP launches training program for record number of new lawmakers" type="February 18–20, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (4)">
      * [LDP busy educating dozens of Lower House rookies — japantimes.co.jp](https://japantimes.co.jp/news/2026/02/18/japan/politics/ldp-educating-rookies)
      * [LDP Begins Training New Lawmakers to Avoid Scandal, Gaffes — japannews.yomiuri.co.jp](https://japannews.yomiuri.co.jp/politics/politics-government/20260218-312112/)
      * [LDP's Aso faction grows to record 60 members — japantimes.co.jp](https://japantimes.co.jp/news/2026/02/20/japan/politics/aso-faction-members-ldp-record)
      * [Japan PM Takaichi Looks to Establish Dominance as She Follows in Abe's Footsteps — japannews.yomiuri.co.jp](https://japannews.yomiuri.co.jp/politics/politics-government/20260220-312298)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Osaka Governor Yoshimura remains Japan Innovation Party leader" type="February 16–17, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (2)">
      * [Osaka Gov. Yoshimura to remain JIP leader — japantimes.co.jp](https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2026/02/16/japan/politics/yoshimura-jip-leader-remain/)
      * [Momentum for Lower House seat cut stalls after LDP's election win — japantimes.co.jp](https://japantimes.co.jp/news/2026/02/17/japan/politics/lower-house-cut-stall)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Maritime Self-Defense Force undergoes historic restructuring" type="February 18–19, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (2)">
      * [From 4 Flotillas to 3: Inside the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force's Historic Overhaul — thediplomat.com](https://thediplomat.com/2026/02/from-4-flotillas-to-3-inside-the-japan-maritime-self-defense-forces-historic-overhaul)
      * [呉湾艦船めぐりで満艦飾（2026年建国記念の日） — akinokuni.jp](https://www.akinokuni.jp/gun/jsdf/mankansyoku-kansenmeguri-20260211)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Other" type="">
    <Expandable title="Sources (3)">
      * [Special tax scheme considered as funding source for consumption tax cut — japantoday.com](https://japantoday.com/category/politics/japan-special-tax-scheme-eyed-as-funding-source-for-proposed-tax-cut)
      * [China tensions with Japan affecting tourism and trade — bbc.com](https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c86y3ndqlxwo)
      * [Japan braces for trade turbulence as LDP official criticizes US tariffs — investing.com](https://investing.com/news/world-news/japan-braces-for-trade-turbulence-as-ldp-official-slams-messy-us-tariffs-4517559)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>
</Accordion>

***

### <img src="https://flagcdn.com/kr.svg" alt="South Korea flag" style={{ width: "24px", height: "18px", display: "inline", verticalAlign: "middle", marginRight: "8px" }} /> South Korea

A Seoul court sentenced Yoon Suk-yeol to life in prison for leading last year's failed martial law attempt, ending the crisis that has made Lee Jae-myung stronger.

The ruling ends the legal proceedings that began when Mr Yoon deployed troops to the National Assembly in December 2024. For Mr Lee, who returned to the Blue House after Mr Yoon's downfall, the sentence ends the martial law crisis. His approval rating has risen for the third straight week to 56.5 per cent, boosted by his property policies and rising stock prices.

While consolidating power at home, Mr Lee is reaching out to new partners. Lula, Brazil's president, became the first foreign leader to visit since Mr Lee's return, arriving for a three-day state visit. The leaders will discuss trade, climate, energy, space and defence cooperation — Mr Lee's latest effort to win over developing countries.

But Mr Lee clashed with Washington. South Korean and American military officials disagree over the annual Freedom Shield exercise, delaying their joint announcement. Mr Lee has told officials to look at scaling back the exercises after a recent North Korean drone incident. This is the first known dispute over military planning since Mr Lee took office.

The Bank of Korea is expected to hold its benchmark rate at 2.5 per cent for the sixth straight meeting, citing the won's weakness against the dollar and uncertainty over American monetary policy. Housing prices in Seoul have risen for 53 straight weeks, but the central bank is more worried about the currency than the property market.

<Accordion title="Other Stories">
  * **Yoon Suk-yeol sentenced to life in prison for insurrection over martial law attempt** — A Seoul court sentenced Yoon Suk-yeol, the former president, to life imprisonment after finding him guilty of leading an insurrection when he declared martial law in December 2024. The ruling followed his failed attempt to deploy troops to the National Assembly and suppress opposition forces. *([ft.com](https://www.nytimes.com/live/2026/02/19/world/yoon-korea-martial-law-president))*
  * **Lee Jae-myung's approval ratings rise amid real estate policy disputes with opposition** — Lee Jae-myung's approval rating rose to 56.5 percent for the third consecutive week, driven by his stance on real estate policy. The president has been engaged in public disputes with Jang Dong-hyeok, leader of the People Power Party (PPP), over multi-homeowner regulations and housing market policies. *([nytimes.com](https://www.nytimes.com/2026/02/20/world/asia/south-korea-lee-yoon.html))*
  * **PPP leader urges resumption of Lee's criminal trials amid political tensions** — Jang Dong-hyeok, leader of the People Power Party, called on the courts to resume criminal proceedings against Lee Jae-myung, arguing that five trials involving the president were halted before he took office. The PPP also criticised Lee's response to North Korean drone incidents and other security matters. *([upi.com](https://upi.com/Top_News/World-News/2026/02/15/people-power-party-urged-resume-criminal-proceedings-involving-president-lee-jae-myung/7851771207149))*
  * **Foreign investment in Korean stocks nearly doubles amid Kospi rally breaking records** — Foreign ownership of Korean equities nearly doubled in 2025 as the Kospi's rally drove the market to record highs, with the index reaching above 5,500. The surge has been driven by AI-related optimism and strong corporate earnings. *([cnbc.com](https://cnbc.com/2026/02/19/asia-pacific-markets-kospi-nikkei-225-nifty-50.html))*
  * **Mexican president confirms Lee Jae-myung responded to request for additional BTS concerts** — Claudia Sheinbaum, Mexico's president, announced she received a response from Lee Jae-myung regarding her request for additional BTS concerts in Mexico, highlighting cultural diplomacy between the two countries. Lee's letter expressed appreciation for the growing Korea-Mexico relationship. *([koreajoongangdaily.joins.com](https://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/news/2026-02-22/entertainment/kpop/Mexican-president-confirms-that-Lee-responded-to-her-request-for-additional-BTS-concerts/2528431))*
</Accordion>

<Accordion title="Notes">
  <ResponseField name="Former President Yoon Suk-yeol sentenced to life in prison for insurrection over martial law attempt" type="February 17–19, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (6)">
      * [South Korea's ex-president escapes death sentence in martial law trial — ft.com](https://ft.com/content/ef281426-e417-4675-9f5c-6d8bdaabb987)
      * [Yoon Suk Yeol sentenced to life in prison over martial law decree — nknews.org](https://www.nknews.org/2026/02/yoon-suk-yeol-sentenced-to-life-in-prison-over-martial-law-decree/)
      * [Yoon Suk Yeol: South Korea's ex-president jailed for life over martial law attempt — bbc.com](https://bbc.com/news/articles/cx28y8xd1vjo)
      * ['I just want to stop hearing about it': a weary South Korea awaits verdict on Yoon insurrection charges — theguardian.com](https://theguardian.com/world/2026/feb/17/yoon-suk-yeol-south-korea-trial-verdict)
      * [South Korea's former president found guilty of rebellion and given life sentence over martial law — apnews.com](https://apnews.com/article/south-korea-yoon-suk-yeol-martial-law-verdict-rebellion-5d5f5c3a82590dc805b41b905f5bbca1)
      * [Former South Korean President Yoon receives life sentence for imposing martial law — npr.org](https://npr.org/2026/02/19/g-s1-110691/former-south-korean-president-yoon-receives-life-sentence-for-imposing-martial-law)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="President Lee Jae-myung's approval ratings rise amid real estate policy disputes with opposition" type="February 16–20, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (5)">
      * [An Enemy's Fall Frees Up South Korea's Leader. Now Comes the Tough Part. — nytimes.com](https://www.nytimes.com/2026/02/20/world/asia/south-korea-lee-yoon.html)
      * [Lee, PPP leader engage in clash over multi-homeowner policy — koreatimes.co.kr](https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/southkorea/politics/20260216/lee-ppp-leader-engage-in-clash-over-multi-homeowner-policy)
      * [Lee's approval rating rises for 3rd consecutive week: poll — koreaherald.com](https://koreaherald.com/article/10677328)
      * [Lee criticizes politicians for encouraging real estate speculation — koreatimes.co.kr](https://koreatimes.co.kr/southkorea/politics/20260218/lee-criticizes-politicians-for-encouraging-real-estate-speculation)
      * [PPP leader hits back at Lee over 'six homes' claim — upi.com](https://upi.com/Top_News/World-News/2026/02/17/people-power-party-leader-jang-dong-hyuk-ownership-6-homes/9581771309646)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="PPP leader urges resumption of President Lee's criminal trials amid political tensions" type="February 16–21, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (4)">
      * [Jang urges court to resume President Lee trials — upi.com](https://upi.com/Top_News/World-News/2026/02/15/people-power-party-urged-resume-criminal-proceedings-involving-president-lee-jae-myung/7851771207149)
      * [Jang says Lee appeasing North Korea as drone incident fallout grows — upi.com](https://upi.com/Top_News/World-News/2026/02/19/people-power-party-leader-jang-criticize-lee-jae-myung-administration/1571771550689)
      * [PPP leader rejects Yoon break, deepens party rift — upi.com](https://www.upi.com/Top_News/World-News/2026/02/21/people-power-party-division-former-president-yoon/9961771650444)
      * [People Power Party Leader Defends Yoon's Presumption of Innocence — chosun.com](https://chosun.com/english/national-en/2026/02/20/EBJH7QFKCRBV3PJLHOVI2HR5UM)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Bank of Korea expected to maintain interest rates unchanged for sixth consecutive meeting" type="February 16–20, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (3)">
      * [BOK likely to keep benchmark rate untouched for sixth straight freeze — koreajoongangdaily.joins.com](https://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/news/2026-02-20/business/finance/BOK-likely-to-keep-benchmark-rate-untouched-for-sixth-straight-freeze/2527507)
      * [South Korea: BoK to hold steady as inflation stays contained – ING — fxstreet.com](https://fxstreet.com/news/south-korea-bok-to-hold-steady-as-inflation-stays-contained-ing-202602201908)
      * [Korea's Youth Employment Slide Deepens, Raising Questions for an AI-Led Startup Economy — koreatechdesk.com](https://koreatechdesk.com/korea-youth-employment-ai-startup-talent-pipeline)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Brazilian President Lula begins state visit to South Korea for trade and defense summit" type="February 22, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (1)">
      * [Lula begins South Korea state visit, meets Lee to boost trade and defense — biz.chosun.com](https://biz.chosun.com/en/en-policy/2026/02/22/D4NN6I5SHJDKNHRT5ZGS6EBVUQ)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="South Korea and US show differences over details of annual spring military exercises" type="February 22, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (1)">
      * [Allies differ over March joint drills amid Lee's tension-easing push: sources — koreaherald.com](https://www.koreaherald.com/article/10679763)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Foreign investment in Korean stocks nearly doubles amid Kospi rally breaking records" type="February 18, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (3)">
      * [South Korea's Kospi jumps to record high as regional rally tracks Wall Street gains — cnbc.com](https://cnbc.com/2026/02/19/asia-pacific-markets-kospi-nikkei-225-nifty-50.html)
      * [Foreign holdings of Korean stocks nearly double on Kospi rally — koreaherald.com](https://koreaherald.com/article/10677789)
      * [Small Investors in Seoul Start to Believe in Kospi's Dramatic Rally — bloomberg.com](https://bloomberg.com/news/newsletters/2026-02-18/small-investors-in-seoul-start-to-believe-in-kospi-s-dramatic-rally)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Mexican President confirms Lee Jae-myung responded to request for additional BTS concerts" type="February 21–22, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (2)">
      * [Mexican president confirms that Lee responded to her request for additional BTS concerts — koreajoongangdaily.joins.com](https://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/news/2026-02-22/entertainment/kpop/Mexican-president-confirms-that-Lee-responded-to-her-request-for-additional-BTS-concerts/2528431)
      * [Mexico's president asked for additional performances in BTS.President Lee Jae-myung's answer — starnewskorea.com](https://www.starnewskorea.com/en/music/2026/02/21/2026022109171787917)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Other" type="">
    <Expandable title="Sources (3)">
      * [President Lee dismisses Korea Forest Service chief over 'unlawful' act — koreaherald.com](https://www.koreaherald.com/article/10679528)
      * [NIS employee's alleged financial link to North Korea drone case raises oversight questions — upi.com](https://upi.com/Top_News/World-News/2026/02/18/nis-drone-nkorea/9001771458040)
      * [All Korean Airlines ban in-flight use of power banks following fire incidents — airguide.info](https://airguide.info/korean-airlines-ban-in-flight-use-of-power-banks)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>
</Accordion>

***

### <img src="https://flagcdn.com/au.svg" alt="Australia flag" style={{ width: "24px", height: "18px", display: "inline", verticalAlign: "middle", marginRight: "8px" }} /> Australia

Australia spent \$3.9 billion this week on a nuclear submarine facility that will outlast any government now in power. The payment for the Osborne shipyard is the biggest chunk yet of the \$30 billion Australia-UK-US (AUKUS) submarine project, which will employ 10,000 workers in a 420-metre fabrication hall using steel equivalent to 17 Eiffel towers.

The spending shows how Australia pushes ahead with long-term defence plans even as its politics remain chaotic. Angus Taylor, the new Liberal leader, tried to steady his crisis-hit party with shadow ministry appointments to balance factions. He promoted right-wingers Andrew Hastie and Jacinta Nampijinpa Price while making Tim Wilson, a moderate, shadow treasurer. But Coalition polling remains dire at 18%, well behind Pauline Hanson's One Nation on 28%.

Even as politicians squabble, economic policy rolls on. The Reserve Bank said this week that it saw a "material shift" in the economy when it raised rates to 3.85% last month, making Australia the first major economy to tighten policy after the pandemic. With unemployment holding at 4.1%, economists expect more rises by May.

Anthony Albanese, the prime minister, also commented on Britain's royal troubles, calling Prince Andrew's arrest an "extraordinary fall from grace" but saying he would not use the scandal to push for a republic.

<Accordion title="Other Stories">
  * **Albanese government refuses to help ISIS families return to Australia from Syria** — Prime Minister Anthony Albanese declared the government would not assist 34 women and children with ISIS links trying to return from Syrian camps, despite legal obligations to allow citizens back. The stance sparked political debate with the opposition calling for stronger passport restrictions and accusations of inconsistency from Liberal senators. *([dailymail.co.uk](https://smh.com.au/politics/federal/how-pm-s-tough-line-on-is-brides-has-left-34-women-and-children-in-no-man-s-land-20260219-p5o3ll.html))*
</Accordion>

<Accordion title="Notes">
  <ResponseField name="Angus Taylor unveils Liberal shadow cabinet after leadership victory" type="February 15–22, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (43)">
      * [Angus Taylor reveals shadow ministry, elevating Andrew Hastie and Jacinta Nampijinpa Price — abc.net.au](https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-02-17/angus-taylor-preparing-to-unveil-shadow-ministry/106354092)
      * [Angus Taylor moves to promote conservatives and sideline Sussan Ley allies as Liberal party veers right — theguardian.com](https://theguardian.com/australia-news/2026/feb/16/angus-taylor-frontbench-liberal-party)
      * [Angus Taylor frontbench: Jane Hume, Tim Wilson to head up economic team — smh.com.au](https://smh.com.au/politics/federal/hume-wilson-to-lead-taylor-s-economic-team-paterson-shifts-to-defence-20260217-p5o309.html)
      * [Angus Taylor Unveils New Shadow Ministry for Australia's Liberal Opposition — bloomberg.com](https://bloomberg.com/news/articles/2026-02-17/australia-s-opposition-leader-taylor-unveils-new-shadow-ministry)
      * [See the full list: Opposition leader Angus Taylor unveils fresh shadow ministry — sbs.com.au](https://sbs.com.au/news/article/opposition-leader-angus-taylor-unveils-fresh-shadow-ministry/411rnsatg)
      * [View from The Hill: Angus Taylor appoints Tim Wilson as part of a new-look Liberal economic team — theconversation.com](https://theconversation.com/view-from-the-hill-angus-taylor-appoints-tim-wilson-as-part-of-a-new-look-liberal-economic-team-274831)
      * [100% Angus. No bull — spectator.com.au](https://spectator.com.au/2026/02/100-angus-no-bull)
      * [Angus Taylor's shadow cabinet: The full list — capitalbrief.com](https://capitalbrief.com/briefing/tim-wilson-appointed-shadow-treasurer-in-taylors-revamped-frontbench-9e92d825-bbbb-48bf-9170-e8071a1b547e)
      * [Should Labor do its own refresh after Angus Taylor's Liberal 'rebrand'? — abc.net.au](https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-02-21/angus-taylor-shadow-cabinet-albanese-government/106337018)
      * [Moderate Liberals warn Angus Taylor against adopting Trump-style immigration policies — theguardian.com](https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2026/feb/17/moderate-liberals-warn-angus-taylor-against-adopting-trump-style-immigration-policies)
      * [Can Angus Taylor get beyond slogans to craft a sound immigration policy? — abc.net.au](https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-02-20/angus-taylor-immigration-pauline-hanson/106349268)
      * [Will Angus Taylor look to his grandfather for guidance on immigration? — smh.com.au](https://www.smh.com.au/national/will-angus-taylor-look-to-his-grandfather-for-guidance-on-immigration-20260218-p5o3bs.html)
      * [Angus Taylor: Liberal leader must address opposition's failings — smh.com.au](https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/taylor-may-shoot-for-the-summit-even-his-backers-will-settle-for-base-camp-20260218-p5o3i3.html)
      * [John Howard used nostalgia successfully as a political weapon. Angus Taylor will find it tougher — smh.com.au](https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/john-howard-used-nostalgia-successfully-as-a-political-weapon-angus-taylor-will-find-it-tougher-20260222-p5o4d4.html)
      * [Liberal leadership: The rise of Taylor and Hume is improbable. It's also farcical — smh.com.au](https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/the-rise-of-taylor-and-hume-is-improbable-it-s-also-farcical-20260217-p5o336.html)
      * [The right wing has seized control of the Liberals, but the fight has just begun — abc.net.au](https://abc.net.au/news/2026-02-16/liberal-party-right-wing-division-realignment-four-corners/106331358)
      * [Men flock back to the Coalition now that it's Taylor time — and bad lady go away — crikey.com.au](https://crikey.com.au/2026/02/17/sussan-ley-angus-taylor-liberal-leadership-men-one-nation)
      * [The Liberals' comeback plan: Angus Taylor to put economic policy at centre of the agenda — capitalbrief.com](https://www.capitalbrief.com/article/the-liberals-comeback-plan-angus-taylor-to-put-economic-policy-at-centre-of-the-agenda-c989e6cc-0108-4bec-ae3c-1c82bd6c9502/)
      * [Angus Taylor made three great calls when he unveiled his shadow ministry... but one decision could ruin him — dailymail.co.uk](https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-15568605/Angus-Taylor-shadow-ministry-peter-van-onselen.html)
      * [Angus Taylor just broke an old rule of political management by giving Tim Wilson the Treasury portfolio — thenightly.com.au](https://thenightly.com.au/politics/angus-taylor-just-broke-an-old-rule-of-political-management-c-21667637)
      * [Angus Taylor faces the challenge of embracing rational economics — afr.com](https://www.afr.com/opinion/albanese-v-taylor-could-be-socialism-versus-capitalism-20260218-p5o39e)
      * [Angus Taylor's new chief of staff set to be oil and gas lobbyist Sam Riordan — afr.com](https://www.afr.com/rear-window/oil-and-gas-lobbyist-in-line-for-angus-taylor-s-lead-role-20260219-p5o3lc)
      * [Angus Taylor bets on migration politics amid global rightward shift — abc.net.au](https://abc.net.au/news/2026-02-17/migration-social-cohesion-language-support-division-policy/106348608)
      * [The three big challenges facing Angus Taylor — johnmenadue.com](https://johnmenadue.com/post/2026/02/the-three-big-challenges-facing-angus-taylor)
      * [To survive, the Liberal party needs to win back women and young people. It's going about this the wrong way — theguardian.com](https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2026/feb/18/angus-taylor-liberal-party-coalition-survival-women-youth-vote-strategy)
      * [Angus Taylor has a tightrope to walk on tougher immigration policies — afr.com](https://www.afr.com/politics/federal/taylor-walks-a-tightrope-on-new-immigration-policy-20260216-p5o2m8)
      * [Forget Hanson's Muslim comments. The real story is Angus Taylor — crikey.com.au](https://www.crikey.com.au/2026/02/20/pauline-hanson-no-good-muslims-comments-angus-taylor-australian-values/)
      * [Liberals' new leader stuck with same problems as One Nation gains at their expense — solidarity.net.au](https://solidarity.net.au/mag/current/204/liberals-new-leader-stuck-with-same-problems-as-one-nation-gains-at-their-expense/)
      * [Angus Taylor, the clock is ticking — macrobusiness.com.au](https://macrobusiness.com.au/2026/02/angus-taylor-the-clock-is-ticking)
      * [The crowd can smell when you're bothered: A lesson for Angus Taylor — mumbrella.com.au](https://mumbrella.com.au/the-crowd-can-smell-when-youre-bothered-a-lesson-for-angus-taylor-915485)
      * [Migrants already sign on to Australian values, so what is Angus Taylor actually proposing? — brisbanetimes.com.au](https://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/politics/federal/migrants-already-sign-on-to-australian-values-so-what-exactly-is-angus-taylor-proposing-20260220-p5o421.html)
      * [New Liberal Leader Angus Taylor Unveils Shadow Cabinet — cityhub.com.au](https://cityhub.com.au/angus-taylor-shadow-cabinet/)
      * [The Pivotal Error: Angus Taylor's First Speech and the Centre He Walked Past — snarkygherkin.substack.com](https://snarkygherkin.substack.com/p/the-pivotal-error-angus-taylors-first)
      * [Liberal leader Angus Taylor: Of three elements for political success, he may need only one — smh.com.au](https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/if-the-liberals-stand-any-chance-taylor-must-learn-which-fights-not-to-pick-20260215-p5o2fm.html)
      * [Federal politics: Ley backers demoted from shadow cabinet as Taylor unveils new front bench — abc.net.au](https://abc.net.au/news/2026-02-17/federal-politics-live-blog-feb-17/106352202)
      * [Federal politics: Taylor expected to reward allies with shadow cabinet positions within days — abc.net.au](https://abc.net.au/news/2026-02-16/federal-politics-taylor-albanese-chalmers-hume/106347964)
      * [New Coalition leader Angus Taylor denies knowledge of Ley immigration policy — abc.net.au](https://abc.net.au/news/2026-02-16/angus-taylor-denies-knowledge-of-immigration-policy/106351264)
      * [Opposition draws battlelines on nuclear and capital gains tax changes — abc.net.au](https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-02-15/jane-hume-nuclear-angus-taylor-capital-tax-childcare-migration/106346434)
      * [Grattan on Friday: Can Angus Taylor get beyond slogans to craft a sound immigration policy? — theconversation.com](https://theconversation.com/grattan-on-friday-can-angus-taylor-get-beyond-slogans-to-craft-a-sound-immigration-policy-275911)
      * [Federal politics: Coalition's approach to IS-linked families 'extraordinary', NGO says — abc.net.au](https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-02-23/federal-politics-albanese-taylor-labor-coalition-february-23/106368876)
      * [Federal politics: Coalition to help strengthen powers to refuse passports to IS-linked women — abc.net.au](https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-02-20/federal-politics-live-albanese-taylor-labor-coalition/106363700)
      * [Labor vs Liberal: Key ministerial match-ups that will determine the success or failure of Angus Taylor's opposition — smh.com.au](https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/the-toughest-head-to-head-battles-between-albanese-s-ministry-and-taylor-s-new-front-bench-20260217-p5o2wp.html)
      * [Anthony Albanese now wants YOUR money to help fight his new rival — dailymail.co.uk](https://dailymail.co.uk/news/article-15565691/albanese-donations-angus-taylor-sms-labor.html)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Albanese government refuses to help ISIS families return to Australia from Syria" type="February 16–22, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (8)">
      * [Anthony Albanese delivers ominous warning to ISIS brides attempting to return to Australia — dailymail.co.uk](https://dailymail.co.uk/news/article-15565663/Anthony-Albanese-ISIS-brides.html)
      * [Fiery moment Liberal senator Michaelia Cash calls 'bulls\*\*\*' on Anthony Albanese after the Prime Minister insisted his government would not help repatriate ISIS brides — dailymail.co.uk](https://dailymail.co.uk/news/article-15573329/Albanese-ISIS-brides-Australia.html)
      * [Albanese on ex-prince Andrew, Hanson and Islamic state families — theguardian.com](https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/video/2026/feb/20/albanese-on-ex-prince-andrew-hanson-and-islamic-state-families-australian-politics-podcast-ntwnfb)
      * [ISIS brides history: Why won't Anthony Albanese, Labor repatriate Islamic State wives, children? — smh.com.au](https://smh.com.au/politics/federal/how-pm-s-tough-line-on-is-brides-has-left-34-women-and-children-in-no-man-s-land-20260219-p5o3ll.html)
      * [Australia news as it happened: Liberal leader Angus Taylor unveils new shadow cabinet; Government won't repatriate IS brides — smh.com.au](https://smh.com.au/national/australia-news-live-australian-is-brides-turned-back-after-leaving-syrian-camp-government-should-consider-changes-to-tobacco-excise-experts-say-20260217-p5o2un.html)
      * [No advice from ASIO to block passports of women with alleged IS links, Burke says — sbs.com.au](https://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/no-advice-from-asio-to-block-passports-of-women-with-alleged-is-links-burke-says/dzan5s9gi)
      * [Federal politics: Coalition's approach to IS-linked families 'extraordinary', NGO says — abc.net.au](https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-02-23/federal-politics-albanese-taylor-labor-coalition-february-23/106368876)
      * [Federal politics: Coalition to help strengthen powers to refuse passports to IS-linked women — abc.net.au](https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-02-20/federal-politics-live-albanese-taylor-labor-coalition/106363700)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="RBA under pressure as strong labour data fuels expectations of further rate hikes" type="February 15–22, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (18)">
      * [AUD: RBA under pressure from strong labour data – Rabobank — fxstreet.com](https://fxstreet.com/news/aud-rba-under-pressure-from-strong-labour-data-rabobank-202602191212)
      * [Former RBA boss Phil Lowe says what he really thinks about Albanese government — smh.com.au](https://www.smh.com.au/business/the-economy/former-rba-boss-says-what-he-really-thinks-about-the-government-20260218-p5o3ca.html)
      * [RBA's former governor Philip Lowe warns Labor handouts have condemned country to high rates, low wages — afr.com](https://afr.com/policy/economy/lowe-s-stark-warning-to-labor-on-spending-growth-20260217-p5o2zx)
      * [RBA Saw 'Material' Shift in Economic Outlook in Rate U-Turn — bloomberg.com](https://bloomberg.com/news/articles/2026-02-17/rba-says-material-shift-in-economic-outlook-drove-rate-hike)
      * [RBA Faces Ongoing Inflation Challenge as Australia Wage Growth Stays Elevated — bloomberg.com](https://bloomberg.com/news/articles/2026-02-18/australia-s-high-wage-growth-reinforce-rba-s-inflation-challenge)
      * [Interest rate hike worries? Here's some good news — abc.net.au](https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-02-17/why-the-reserve-bank-interest-rate-hike-may-be-a-one-off/106350914)
      * [Latest labour data increases chance of a rate rise, experts warn — sbs.com.au](https://sbs.com.au/news/article/labour-data-rate-rise-rba/if516z32w)
      * [Don't panic RBA – low unemployment is a good thing — thenewdaily.com.au](https://www.thenewdaily.com.au/opinion/2026/02/20/low-unemployment-rba)
      * [January jobless rate of 4.1 per cent keeps pressure on RBA — afr.com](https://afr.com/policy/economy/tight-jobs-numbers-keep-rates-pressure-on-rba-20260219-p5o3mp)
      * [Is Tim Wilson an 'inflation nutter'? Why the new shadow treasurer's RBA comments are making waves — theguardian.com](https://theguardian.com/business/2026/feb/19/tim-wilson-inflation-rba-jobs-unemployment-reserve-bank)
      * [Tim Wilson walks back suggestion Liberals would rethink RBA full employment mandate — theguardian.com](https://theguardian.com/australia-news/2026/feb/19/tim-wilson-walks-back-suggestion-liberals-would-rethink-rba-full-employment-mandate)
      * [Shoppers should 'vote with their feet' when companies are 'taking the p', RBA deputy says — theguardian.com](https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2026/feb/23/shoppers-should-vote-with-their-feet-when-companies-are-taking-the-p-rba-deputy-says)
      * [RBA Minutes: never mind the greenbacks — westpaciq.com.au](https://westpaciq.com.au/economics/2026/02/lucis-rba-minutes-note-17-february-2026)
      * [RBA flags hotter economy as majors broadly tip May hike — theadviser.com.au](https://www.theadviser.com.au/borrower/48098-rba-flags-hotter-economy-as-majors-broadly-tip-may-hike)
      * [AUD/USD Forecast: Labour Data May Force RBA Rate Rethink — investing.com](https://investing.com/analysis/audusd-forecast-labour-data-may-force-rba-rate-rethink-200675190)
      * [Students and Graduates | Careers — rba.gov.au](https://rba.gov.au/careers/careers-at-the-rba/students-and-graduates)
      * [Laurence Bristow: The Australian dollar's significant misalignment with fundamentals, RBA's flexible inflation targeting — cryptobriefing.com](https://cryptobriefing.com/laurence-bristow-the-australian-dollars-significant-misalignment-with-fundamentals-rbas-flexible-inflation-targeting-between-2-to-3-and-the-shift-to-a-demand-driven-reserve-system-macro-musin)
      * [What Is the Current RBA Cash Rate? — fxcurrencyconverter.com](https://fxcurrencyconverter.com/archives/59565)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Australia commits \$3.9 billion for AUKUS submarine facility in Adelaide" type="February 15–22, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (6)">
      * [Albanese dismisses Aukus concerns as submarine shipyard cost revealed to be \$30bn — theguardian.com](https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2026/feb/15/albanese-dismisses-aukus-concerns-as-submarine-shipyard-cost-revealed-to-be-30bn)
      * [AUKUS pact: UK sends nuclear submarine HMS Anson to Perth, Australia, despite navy readiness concerns — smh.com.au](https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/british-submarine-arrives-for-extraordinary-aukus-visit-20260222-p5o4d8.html)
      * [Australia unveils billions for new nuclear submarines under Aukus security pact — scmp.com](https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/australasia/article/3343637/australia-unveils-billions-new-nuclear-submarines-under-aukus-security-pact)
      * [Australia invests \$2.75 billion in AUKUS submarine yard — breakingdefense.com](https://breakingdefense.com/2026/02/australia-invests-2-75-billion-in-aukus-submarine-yard/)
      * [Royal Navy submarine HMS Anson makes historic first visit to Australia in support of AUKUS partnership — defence-industry.eu](https://defence-industry.eu/royal-navy-submarine-hms-anson-makes-historic-first-visit-to-australia-in-support-of-aukus-partnership)
      * [Osborne production facility announced for future AUKUS submarines — australiandefence.com.au](https://www.australiandefence.com.au/news/news/osborne-production-facility-announced-for-future-aukus-submarines)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Anthony Albanese comments on Prince Andrew arrest as 'extraordinary fall from grace'" type="February 20, 2026">
    <Expandable title="Sources (3)">
      * [Anthony Albanese breaks his silence on Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor's 'extraordinary fall from grace' — dailymail.co.uk](https://dailymail.co.uk/news/article-15576279/Anthony-Albanese-Andrew-Mountbatten-Windsor.html)
      * [Albanese on ex-prince Andrew, Hanson and Islamic state families — theguardian.com](https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/video/2026/feb/20/albanese-on-ex-prince-andrew-hanson-and-islamic-state-families-australian-politics-podcast-ntwnfb)
      * [From his wild eyes to his tented hands, you can see the penny has finally dropped for Andrew — smh.com.au](https://smh.com.au/culture/celebrity/from-his-wild-eyes-to-his-tented-hands-you-can-see-the-penny-has-finally-dropped-for-andrew-20260220-p5o41p.html)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>

  <ResponseField name="Other" type="">
    <Expandable title="Sources (3)">
      * [Anthony Albanese under fire over immigration comment claiming current checks sufficient — dailymail.co.uk](https://dailymail.co.uk/news/article-15581115/Anthony-Albanese-Islam-immigration.html)
      * [Penny Wong to visit Samoa for 28-hour diplomatic trip starting February 24 — samoaglobalnews.com](https://samoaglobalnews.com/samoa-to-welcome-back-hon-penny-wong)
      * [New Zealand's Peters criticizes Australia's 'ego-driven politics' and ministerial churn — 1news.co.nz](https://www.1news.co.nz/2026/02/19/peters-nz-aghast-at-australias-ego-driven-politics/)
    </Expandable>
  </ResponseField>
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