> ## 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 May 4, 2026
## Regional Summary
**No Plan for This**
The Hormuz closure has done what years of Chinese military pressure could not: it is forcing governments across the Asia-Pacific to choose between alliance solidarity and economic survival, and several are quietly choosing the latter. Washington's security umbrella was designed for a different era — not for a world in which the oil route that powers Asia can be shut by a country the alliance is fighting. What this week reveals is not a region fracturing dramatically but something more durable: a region improvising, each government on its own, without any shared plan and with little confidence that their American patron will hold.
Japan's response is the starkest. The Self-Defense Forces reportedly fired a Type 88 anti-ship missile on Philippine soil in Ilocos Norte — the first time Japan has fired a combat missile on foreign territory since the Second World War — while Shinjiro Koizumi, the defence minister, watched alongside his Philippine counterpart. Within the same week, Mitsui & Co, Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, and likely Mitsubishi are set to send a business delegation to Moscow on May 26 to open post-war economic talks, and Japan imported Russian crude oil for the first time since the Hormuz closure. As recently as early April, the cabinet had denied any such delegation was planned. The reversal reflects a simple calculation: Japan imports almost all its oil, the strait is closed, and G7 solidarity does not fill a tank. The missile and the Moscow mission are not contradictory — they are two responses to the same emergency, pointing in opposite directions because the emergency has no clean solution.
Taiwan's predicament is different but equally revealing. Its legislature passed a defence bill worth 62% of what the executive had sought — excluding integrated air defence, domestic drone development, and efforts to remove Chinese components from defence manufacturing — after a 162-day standoff in which a Kuomintang–Taiwan People's Party coalition held firm and three Letters of Offer and Acceptance expired. A US intelligence source told reporters that Beijing had worked to suppress the budget and had partly succeeded. Meanwhile, Taiwan watched the summit between the American president and Xi Jinping in Beijing approach — a meeting at which it has no seat — with Tsai Ming-yen, the director-general of the National Security Bureau, publicly warning that Beijing might manoeuvre on Taiwan during the talks. For an intelligence chief to signal publicly that he cannot predict his own patron's behaviour is extraordinary. South Korea felt the same contradiction more quietly: Seoul described the Hormuz strike on the Korean-operated vessel HMM Namu (Hyundai Merchant Marine) as involving an "unidentified aircraft" — not the American president's description of an attack on a Korean vessel — and the gap immediately revived the controversy over US intelligence-sharing. The common thread is not hostility to Washington but the discovery, in real time, that the alliance leaves more room for divergence than anyone advertised.
The further from the front line, the more the improvisation looks like a lasting shift. Australia announced a \$10.7 billion fuel-security package — government reserves, loans, and equity guarantees — after the Hormuz closure exposed its supply vulnerability, while Richard Marles, the deputy prime minister, confirmed that Washington had not asked for Australian naval support in the strait. Penny Wong, the foreign minister, finalised the Vuvale Union with Fiji, the fourth security pact Australia has signed with a Pacific island since 2023; China, meanwhile, is close to finalising a rival deal in Vanuatu, a competition Canberra appears to have lost partly through the bribery of local politicians. Indonesia's Prabowo Subianto, fresh from the ASEAN summit in Cebu, promised his country would soon be self-sufficient in fuel, requiring no more imports — while offering no mechanism and while Pertamina, the state energy company, was selling fuel at a loss with oil above \$110 a barrel.
None of this amounts to Asian realignment. Japan is exercising with the Philippines, Canada, France, and New Zealand; South Korea's balancing act gained legitimacy when both Washington and Beijing accepted Korean soil for their trade talks; Taiwan is embedding itself in European defence supply chains through drone exports that surged more than 40-fold in 2025. But each of these moves is a bilateral hedge, not a shared plan. When the next shock arrives — another closed strait, another summit where Taiwan has no seat — governments will face the same improvisation problem, and the workarounds will still be pointing in different directions. The Hormuz closure has not broken the American alliance system in Asia; it has shown that the system never had a plan for the test it is now running.
## Country Summaries
***
### 
Taiwan
Taiwan's legislature ended a 162-day standoff by passing a NT\$780 billion defense bill — and Washington called it a concession to China.
The bill, passed 59-0 with 48 abstentions on May 8, amounts to 62.4% of the NT\$1.25 trillion the executive had sought. The Kuomintang (KMT)–Taiwan People's Party (TPP) coalition delivered the result. But the bill excluded the Taiwan Dome integrated air defense program, domestic drone industry development, and initiatives to remove Chinese components from defense manufacturing. Three Letters of Offer and Acceptance had already expired during the standoff; the High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) purchase faces cancellation unless Taiwan pays by the end of May. A senior US official told reporters on background that "there was some stuff left on the cutting room floor that we believe still needs to be funded" — and an intelligence source went further, saying the People's Liberation Army's (PLA's) assessment that Washington's "hellscape" deterrence strategy would thwart any invasion had directly shaped Beijing's effort to suppress the budget. China worked to block Taiwan's defense bill and partly succeeded.
That finding arrived as Taiwan braced for the May 14-15 Trump-Xi summit in Beijing — a meeting at which it has no seat. Tsai Ming-yen, the National Security Bureau's director-general, publicly warned that Beijing may attempt "maneuvering" on Taiwan during the talks. The Guardian listed Taiwan, trade and Tehran as the summit's three main danger areas. François Wu, the deputy foreign minister, was blunter: "What we are most afraid of is to put Taiwan on the menu." For an intelligence chief to publicly signal uncertainty about his own patron's behavior at a bilateral summit is extraordinary. China reinforced the pressure from another direction: PLA aircraft crossed the median line into Taiwan's air defense identification zone on both Saturday and Sunday — 8 of 8 sorties on Saturday, 9 of 12 on Sunday — a pattern consistent with Beijing timing military pressure to diplomatic moments.
Even as it watched the summit approach, Taiwan worked to strengthen other relationships. Santiago Peña, Paraguay's president, arrived in Taipei on May 8 for a four-day state visit with a 21-gun salute — one day after China's foreign ministry publicly urged Asunción to "come to the right side of history." Mr Peña went beyond diplomatic formality, calling the Taiwan-Paraguay partnership "structural and long-term," directly invoking Taiwan's right to self-determination, and criticizing its exclusion from the UN as "unfair." The two governments signed an agreement on AI computing investment. He also conveyed his views to Asfura, Honduras's newly elected president, prompting speculation about a potential re-recognition from Tegucigalpa. China applied maximum-visibility pressure; an ally responded with maximum-visibility defiance.
Lai Ching-te, the president, had returned to Taoyuan on May 5 from his Eswatini state visit, having navigated China's airspace denial through a near-maximum-range southern Indian Ocean route and an "arrive then announce" approach that denied Beijing the chance to disrupt his travel. The visit produced a customs agreement, a joint communiqué, and progress on a strategic oil reserve facility and industrial park — Mr Lai described the latter as "the largest and most strategically significant cooperation projects since establishment of diplomatic relations." At the airport he credited Japan explicitly: Tokyo had publicly stated that aviation safety was "a major issue in the common interest of the international community," putting itself on record as a defender of Taiwan's travel rights. Taiwan's drone exports to Europe, meanwhile, had surged more than 40-fold in 2025 according to a Guardian investigation, with Poland and Czechia as the largest markets and most drones intended for onward transfer to Ukraine; exports in the first quarter of 2026 already surpassed the whole of 2025. Taiwan is now embedded in European defense supply chains through a proxy route it never needed to announce.
In the legislature, the defense budget vote exposed fractures in the KMT's coalition. Jaw Shaw-kong, the KMT's former vice-presidential candidate, publicly attacked Cheng Li-wun, the party chair, on Facebook, accusing her of "one-party state" centralization and warning that the NT\$780 billion figure would yield a "small dividend." He claimed to have tried to broker a higher figure by drawing together positions from across the party, but said the establishment had "mobilized various forces to attack from all sides." The South China Morning Post reported deeper tensions between the deep-blue Cheng faction and legislators from more moderate constituencies — the sharpest public split in the party's leadership since Ms Cheng's election as chair in October 2025. A Brookings Institution survey found independent voters — Taiwan's largest and fastest-growing partisan group — split 60-40 in favor of Ms Cheng's recent meeting with Xi Jinping, complicating the Democratic Progressive Party's (DPP's) plan to make November 2026 local elections a referendum on sovereignty. The opposition also voted down Mr Lai's nominee for prosecutor-general, Hsu Hsi-hsiang, continuing the pattern of blocking the president's judicial nominees; an acting appointee will fill the role until Mr Lai nominates again.
TSMC applied for government approval to build an angstrom-class wafer fab at Longtan in Hsinchu Science Park, estimated at NT\$500-600 billion — its next generation beyond the current 2nm node, planned for Taiwan rather than Arizona. The chip maker also signed a non-binding agreement with Sony Semiconductor Solutions for a Japan-based joint venture targeting image sensors for automotive and robotics AI, its second such joint venture in Japan. Reports of a preliminary Apple-Intel chip manufacturing deal circulated, brokered in part by the Trump administration. Taiwan's semiconductor analysts said TSMC's packaging and yield advantages would hold for flagship chips in the near term; Apple, they said, is responding to capacity constraints driven by AI demand, not shifting preference.
* **Opposition-controlled legislature passes NT\$780 billion defense bill, cutting Lai's request by 38%; US expresses disappointment and concern** — Taiwan's Kuomintang (KMT) and Taiwan People's Party (TPP) used their legislative majority to pass a NT\$780 billion (US\$24.8 billion) special defense spending bill on May 8, roughly two-thirds of the NT\$1.25 trillion requested by Lai Ching-te, the president, after a 162-day standoff. The US State Department called the cuts a "concession" to China and said it was "disappointed," while the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) accused the opposition of helping aggressors "demolish Taiwan's defenses"; a separate intelligence source said the People's Liberation Army's assessment that the "hellscape" deterrence strategy would thwart invasion likely informed Beijing's effort to block the budget. *([reuters.com](https://www.reuters.com/business/finance/us-disappointed-taiwans-smaller-defense-budget-official-says-2026-05-10/))*
* **TSMC reports record April revenue up 17.5% year-on-year as AI demand sustains semiconductor boom** — TSMC reported consolidated revenue of NT\$410.73 billion for April 2026, its highest-ever April figure and a 17.5% increase from a year earlier, though down 1.1% from March; cumulative revenue for the first four months of 2026 rose 29.9% year-on-year to NT\$1.54 trillion. Analysts attributed growth to sustained AI chip demand from large cloud computing companies, with TSMC having raised its full-year guidance in April. *([focustaiwan.tw](https://focustaiwan.tw/business/202605080012))*
* **TSMC investment and manufacturing footprint expands in US, with Arizona fab showcased and further expansion signalled** — TSMC remained the largest foreign delegation at the SelectUSA Investment Summit for a third consecutive year and indicated potential further expansion of its US investment beyond the \$165 billion Arizona commitment; the company released rare video footage of its Fab 21 cleanroom operations in Arizona, and US states competed to attract Taiwan-connected semiconductor supply chain investment. A Taiwanese employee's account of working at the Arizona fab went viral, detailing salary disparities and promotion challenges. *([digitimes.com](https://digitimes.com/news/a20260506PD230/tsmc-arizona-expansion-investment.html))*
* **TSMC stock and investment analysis: multiple outlets project continued growth on AI demand** — A cluster of financial analysis and investment commentary published this week examined TSMC's position as an AI infrastructure investment, with multiple outlets projecting the stock could triple by 2030, citing 74% advanced-node wafer revenue share, 72% global foundry market share, and rising AI accelerator demand; one Seeking Alpha piece downgraded to Hold, citing emerging competition from Intel and Samsung. *([tradingkey.com](https://seekingalpha.com/article/4899836-tsmc-stock-early-signs-of-formidable-foundry-competition-downgrade-hold))*
* **National Security Bureau considers deeper Taiwan-Japan security coordination on undersea cables, grey-zone tactics, and cyber threats** — Tsai Ming-yen, director-general of the National Security Bureau (NSB), indicated Taiwan is considering deeper security coordination with Japan on undersea cable protection, grey-zone tactics, and cybersecurity, in response to China's growing regional assertiveness and in line with Japan's new Indo-Pacific Strategy. *([newsable.asianetnews.com](https://newsable.asianetnews.com/world/taiwan-mulls-deeper-security-coordination-with-japan-against-china-articleshow-yqdmrk0))*
* **Danjiang Bridge inaugurated in New Taipei; world's longest single-mast asymmetric cable-stayed bridge** — Lai Ching-te, the president, and Cho Jung-tai, the premier, attended the May 9 inauguration of the Danjiang Bridge in New Taipei City — the world's longest single-mast asymmetric cable-stayed bridge, spanning nearly one kilometre across the Tamsui River mouth, designed by the late Zaha Hadid and connecting the Tamsui and Bali districts after construction began in 2019. *([daily-tribune.com](https://news.ltn.com.tw/news/focus/breakingnews/5431654))*
* **Lai awards top diplomatic honour to former DPP US office director Michael Fonte for Taiwan-US relations work** — Lai Ching-te, the president, conferred the Order of Brilliant Star with Special Grand Cordon on Michael J. Fonte, a New York-born former director of the Democratic Progressive Party's (DPP's) US mission who spent decades advancing Taiwan-US ties, at a Presidential Office ceremony on May 6. *([focustaiwan.tw](https://focustaiwan.tw/politics/202605060011))*
* **Israeli Knesset delegation visits Taiwan; China warns of 'red lines'** — A delegation of Israeli Knesset members including Mickey Levy, Boaz Toporovsky, Ron Katz, and Yonatan Mishraki met with Lai Ching-te, the president, in Taiwan, prompting China to warn Israel to "immediately stop their wrong words and actions" and citing its "determination to defend sovereignty." *([worldisraelnews.com](https://worldisraelnews.com/china-warns-of-red-lines-after-israeli-lawmakers-visit-taiwan-amid-deepening-ties/))*
* **NSB flags Chinese mapping app AMap for sending user data to China servers; nine of fifteen cybersecurity checks failed** — Tsai Ming-yen, the NSB's director-general, disclosed on approximately May 6 that the bureau's security audit of China's AMap found 9 of 15 cybersecurity checks failed, including collection of call content and personal data transmitted to Chinese servers even when the app is closed; the Ministry of Digital Affairs had already banned government agencies from using it. *([inside.com.tw](https://www.inside.com.tw/article/41238-amap-user-data-sent-back-to-china-nsb-says-nine-of-fifteen-cybersecurity-checks-were-failed))*
* **Legislature passes KMT-backed nurse-to-patient ratio bill** — Taiwan's legislature passed amendments establishing mandatory nurse-to-patient ratios, with the KMT and TPP versions prevailing; the DPP had proposed a different consultation mechanism. Ratios will be reviewed every three years, and hospitals violating the rules face fines of NT\$50,000 to NT\$2 million. *([news.ltn.com.tw](https://news.ltn.com.tw/news/focus/breakingnews/5430834))*
* **KMT asks Public Television Service chair to leave legislative committee, citing expired term** — Lo Chih-chiang, the KMT legislative caucus secretary-general, argued at a Legislative Yuan committee meeting that Hu Yuan-hui, the Public Television Service chair, had served beyond his term, which expired in 2025, and asked him to leave; the Culture Ministry and DPP defended Mr Hu. The KMT disputed the legal interpretation. *([taiwannews.com.tw](https://www.taiwannews.com.tw/en/news/6358118))*
* **DPP and KMT clash over Taipei's rodent infestation problem** — Hsu Shu-hua, a DPP Taipei city councillor, accused the KMT-led Taipei city government of being slow to address a significant rodent problem; the KMT countered that the DPP was "aggressively politicizing" the issue and spreading misinformation. *([taipeitimes.com](https://taipeitimes.com/News/taiwan/archives/2026/05/05/2003856783))*
* **TSMC taps offshore wind power to address energy crunch from AI chip manufacturing demand** — TSMC signed a 30-year agreement to purchase more than 1 gigawatt of power capacity from three offshore wind sites off central Taiwan operated by Canada's Northland Power, as the chip maker's AI-driven manufacturing expansion strains Taiwan's energy grid. *([arstechnica.com](https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2026/05/tsmc-taps-wind-power-as-ai-chip-demand-soars-taiwan-feels-energy-crunch))*
* **TSMC panel-level packaging pushed with exclusivity to extend AI semiconductor manufacturing lead** — Industry sources said TSMC is expanding Chip on Wafer on Substrate (CoWoS) advanced packaging capacity while pushing the more technically demanding CoPoS (panel-level packaging) technology, reportedly imposing strict exclusivity requirements on customers to widen its manufacturing lead over rivals in AI semiconductors. *([digitimes.com](https://digitimes.com/news/a20260508PD207/tsmc-packaging-cowos-expansion-capacity.html))*
* **TSMC Global subsidiary acquires US\$42.3 million in fixed-income securities** — TSMC disclosed that its subsidiary TSMC Global Ltd. purchased approximately US\$42.3 million in corporate bonds as part of its investment planning. *([tw.news.yahoo.com](https://tw.news.yahoo.com/%E5%8F%B0%E7%A9%8D%E9%9B%BB%E5%86%8D%E5%87%BA%E6%89%8B-%E5%AD%90%E5%85%AC%E5%8F%B8tsmc-global%E6%96%A5%E8%B3%872000%E8%90%AC%E7%BE%8E%E5%85%83%E8%B2%B7%E9%80%B2%E5%85%AC%E5%8F%B8%E5%82%B5-121252666.html))*
* **TSMC Kumamoto presence exacerbates local traffic congestion; public-private cooperation sought** — Kumamoto Prefecture in Japan has launched a public-private partnership to address worsening traffic congestion near TSMC's Kikuyo-machi fab, establishing an incentive programme since 2025 to encourage enterprises to stagger commute times and increase public transit use. *([ec.ltn.com.tw](https://ec.ltn.com.tw/article/breakingnews/5429679))*
* [US concerned by Taiwan defence delay 'concession' to China — reuters.com](https://www.reuters.com/business/aerospace-defense/us-concerned-by-taiwan-defence-delay-concession-china-2026-05-09/)
* [US disappointed in Taiwan's smaller defense budget, official says — reuters.com](https://www.reuters.com/business/finance/us-disappointed-taiwans-smaller-defense-budget-official-says-2026-05-10/)
* [Taiwan parliament approves extra defence spending but less than government wanted — reuters.com](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/taiwan-parliament-approves-extra-defence-spending-less-than-government-wanted-2026-05-08/)
* [U.S. disappointed as Taiwan parliament trims defense spending package — prismnews.com](https://www.prismnews.com/news/us-disappointed-as-taiwan-parliament-trims-defense-spending)
* [Ahead of US-China summit, Taiwan's opposition leader says island can embrace both powers — edition.cnn.com](https://edition.cnn.com/2026/05/10/asia/taiwan-us-china-kmt-intl-hnk)
* [Ahead of US-China summit, Taiwan's opposition leader says island can embrace both powers — ktvz.com](https://ktvz.com/news/national-world/cnn-world/2026/05/09/ahead-of-us-china-summit-taiwans-opposition-leader-says-island-can-embrace-both-powers)
* [DPP says cuts to budget weakens Taiwan defense (Taipei Times) — news.ltn.com.tw](https://news.ltn.com.tw/news/focus/breakingnews/5430832)
* [DPP regrets defense budget cuts, warns of gap in Taiwan's defensive capabilities — focustaiwan.tw](https://focustaiwan.tw/politics/202605080022)
* [DPP says cuts to budget weakens Taiwan defense — taipeitimes.com](https://taipeitimes.com/News/taiwan/archives/2026/05/09/2003857026)
* [KMT, TPP propose NT\$780 billion Taiwan special defense budget — taiwannews.com.tw](https://www.taiwannews.com.tw/en/news/6357890)
* [Donovan's Deep Dives: The KMT's defense truce — taipeitimes.com](https://www.taipeitimes.com/News/feat/archives/2026/05/09/2003857016)
* [美前國安高層出手了！示警KMT若忽視國防預算「台灣恐付出代價」 — today.line.me](https://today.line.me/tw/v3/article/WB62omg)
* [KMT Risks Missing the Lessons of the Wars in Ukraine and Iran — fdd.org](https://www.fdd.org/analysis/2026/05/07/kmt-risks-missing-the-lessons-of-the-wars-in-ukraine-and-iran/)
* [Notes from Central Taiwan: The KMT's old defense game — taipeitimes.com](https://www.taipeitimes.com/News/feat/archives/2026/05/07/2003856888)
* [The KMT's veterans ought to know better — taipeitimes.com](https://taipeitimes.com/News/editorials/archives/2026/05/06/2003856820)
* [What's behind the KMT's internal splits over Taiwanese defence spending? — scmp.com](https://scmp.com/news/china/politics/article/3352385/whats-behind-kmts-internal-splits-over-taiwanese-defence-spending)
* [Cheng Li-wun defends KMT's NT\$380 billion defense budget plan — taiwannews.com.tw](https://www.taiwannews.com.tw/en/news/6353831)
* [鄭麗文主席：對美軍購立場「3800億+N」從未改變 — kmt.org.tw](https://www.kmt.org.tw/2026/05/3800n.html)
* [KMT fails to find consensus on its defense proposal — taipeitimes.com](https://taipeitimes.com/News/taiwan/archives/2026/05/06/2003856838)
* [Taiwan passes US\$24.8B defense bill after 162-day standoff — news.tvbs.com.tw](https://news.tvbs.com.tw/english/3199273)
* [Taiwan's parliament approves \$25 bn defence spending bill — economictimes.indiatimes.com](https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/taiwans-parliament-approves-25-bn-defence-spending-bill/articleshow/130959068.cms)
* [U.S. Condemns Taiwan's Defense Budget Cuts as Concession — chosun.com](https://www.chosun.com/english/world-en/2026/05/09/6K7NTA3CONHKPCQPSZFKMML2EY/)
* [Legislature passes defense budget bill — news.ltn.com.tw](https://news.ltn.com.tw/news/focus/breakingnews/5430827)
* ['Hellscape' plan unnerves PLA: source — news.ltn.com.tw](https://news.ltn.com.tw/news/focus/breakingnews/5432420)
* [Cheng Li-wun defends KMT's NT\$380 billion defense budget plan (vocab) — taiwannews.com.tw](https://taiwannews.com.tw/news/6353831)
* [KMT head touts peace in CNN interview — taipeitimes.com](https://taipeitimes.com/News/taiwan/archives/2026/05/11/2003857124)
* [Taiwan's Cheng Li-wun on cross-strait peace, meeting Xi Jinping and managing ties with US — scmp.com](https://www.scmp.com/news/china/politics/article/3353052/taiwans-cheng-li-wun-cross-strait-peace-meeting-xi-jinping-and-managing-ties-us)
* [Taiwan won't give in to pressure, president says of Africa trip China denounced — reuters.com](https://www.reuters.com/world/china/taiwan-president-speak-airport-after-arriving-back-eswatini-2026-05-05/)
* [Taiwan President Lai Ching-te arrives at a press conference upon returning from Eswatini (photo) — reutersconnect.com](https://www.reutersconnect.com/item/taiwan-president-lai-ching-te-arrives-at-a-press-conference-upon-returning-from-eswatini-at-taoyuan-international-airport-in-taoyuan/dGFnOnJldXRlcnMuY29tLDIwMjY6bmV3c21sX1JDMlEyTEE2VVNZMQ)
* [Lai's Eswatini return trip a 'southern route breakthrough': Scholars — focustaiwan.tw](https://focustaiwan.tw/politics/202605050023)
* [Taiwanese have right to engage with the world: Lai — focustaiwan.tw](https://focustaiwan.tw/politics/202605050006)
* [State visit not 'breakthrough' but 'basic right': Lai — focustaiwan.tw](https://focustaiwan.tw/politics/202605050013)
* [Lai visits Taiwan-funded projects in Eswatini, urges more private investment — focustaiwan.tw](https://focustaiwan.tw/politics/202605040005)
* [President Lai returns from Eswatini, vows Taiwan will not be intimidated — tcn.tw](https://www.tcn.tw/news/6822599)
* [Taiwan's Lai returns from Eswatini trip amid China objection — dw.com](https://www.dw.com/en/taiwans-lai-returns-from-eswatini-trip-amid-china-objection/a-77046190)
* [Taiwan has 'right to engage with the world' after Eswatini visit — aljazeera.com](https://www.aljazeera.com/video/newsfeed/2026/5/5/taiwan-has-right-to-engage-with-the-world-after-eswatini-visit)
* [Taiwan won't give in to pressure, president says on return from Eswatini — channelnewsasia.com](https://channelnewsasia.com/east-asia/taiwan-lai-ching-te-returns-eswatini-trip-china-6100116)
* [Why the Taiwanese President's 'Arrive Then Announce' Diplomacy Has Infuriated China — time.com](https://time.com/article/2026/05/04/taiwan-china-eswatini-us-tensions-arrive-then-announce-diplomacy/)
* [Lai Ching-te's Africa Trip Highlights China's Efforts to Isolate Taiwan — bloomberg.com](https://bloomberg.com/news/articles/2026-05-04/taiwan-s-lai-defied-china-to-reach-africa-now-he-must-get-home)
* [Taiwan's Lai Insists On Right to Visit Allies After Africa Trip — bloomberg.com](https://bloomberg.com/news/articles/2026-05-05/taiwan-s-lai-insists-on-right-to-visit-allies-after-africa-trip)
* [Lai heads home after visit to Eswatini — taipeitimes.com](https://taipeitimes.com/News/taiwan/archives/2026/05/05/2003856778)
* [Taiwan president says island has 'right to engage with the world' — hongkongfp.com](https://hongkongfp.com/2026/05/05/taiwan-president-says-island-has-right-to-engage-with-the-world)
* [Taiwan's President Reaches Eswatini After Airspace Denials, Vowing Not to Yield to Pressure — chinaglobalsouth.com](https://chinaglobalsouth.com/2026/05/04/taiwan-lai-eswatini-visit-overflight-denials)
* [Lai Ching-te Defies External Pressure as Taiwan–Eswatini State Visit Begins — visiontimes.com](https://www.visiontimes.com/2026/05/05/lai-ching-te-defies-external-pressure-as-taiwan-eswatini-state-visit-begins.html)
* [Taiwan's Lai Ching-te embarks on Eswatini visit, China calls him 'rat' — myind.net](https://myind.net/Home/viewArticle/taiwans-lai-ching-te-embarks-on-eswatini-visit-china-calls-him-rat)
* [What in the World? (quiz referencing Eswatini visit) — foreignpolicy.com](https://foreignpolicy.com/2026/05/08/news-quiz-us-drawdown-germany-taiwan-president-sudan-ethiopia-war/)
* [Lai thanks Japan for its support of Eswatini visit — taipeitimes.com](https://taipeitimes.com/News/taiwan/archives/2026/05/08/2003856967)
* [TSMC reports highest-ever April sales — focustaiwan.tw](https://focustaiwan.tw/business/202605080012)
* [TSMC's Sales Grow Slowest in Months Even as AI Buildout Persists — bloomberg.com](https://bloomberg.com/news/articles/2026-05-08/tsmc-sales-grow-17-5-on-extended-ai-buildout-boom)
* [TSMC's 2026 revenue surges 30% in first four months on AI boom — digitimes.com](https://digitimes.com/news/a20260508VL206/tsmc-revenue-2026-nyse-growth.html)
* [TSMC revenue rise highlights Asia's grip on AI chip supply — digitimes.com](https://digitimes.com/news/a20260508VL208/tsmc-revenue-capacity-asia-ai-chip.html)
* [TSMC reports April revenue of NT\$410.73 billion, up 17.5% year over year — investing.com](https://investing.com/news/sec-filings/tsmc-reports-april-revenue-of-nt41073-billion-up-175-year-over-year-93CH-4671644)
* [TSMC posts 17.5% jump in sales on sustained AI buildout momentum — business-standard.com](https://business-standard.com/world-news/tsmc-posts-17-5-jump-in-sales-on-sustained-ai-buildout-momentum-126050801657_1.html)
* [TSMC April 2026 Revenue Report — pr.tsmc.com](https://pr.tsmc.com/english/news/3305)
* [台積電的股價會在 2030 年前翻三倍嗎？ — tradingkey.com](https://www.tradingkey.com/zh-hant/analysis/stocks/us-stock/261877073-tsmc-stock-price-predictions-will-tsmc-share-price-triple-by-2030-tradingkey)
* [台積電4月營收爆強卻藏貓膩?蔡明彰示警 — msn.com](https://www.msn.com/zh-tw/money/topstories/%E5%8F%B0%E7%A9%8D%E9%9B%BB4%E6%9C%88%E7%87%9F%E6%94%B6%E7%88%86%E5%BC%B7%E5%8D%BB%E8%97%8F%E8%B2%93%E8%86%A9-%E8%94%A1%E6%98%8E%E7%BF%B0%E7%A4%BA%E8%AD%A6%E9%80%99%E6%B3%A2%E9%81%8E%E7%86%B1-%E9%80%99%E6%99%82%E9%96%93-%E6%81%90%E5%9B%9E%E6%AA%94/ar-AA22N1hi)
* [台積電4月營收月減！網激戰5重點 — tw.stock.yahoo.com](https://tw.stock.yahoo.com/news/%E5%8F%B0%E7%A9%8D%E9%9B%BB4%E6%9C%88%E7%87%9F%E6%94%B6%E6%9C%88%E6%B8%9B%EF%BC%81%E7%B6%B2%E6%BF%80%E6%88%B05%E9%87%8D%E9%BB%9E-%E4%BB%96%E7%A5%9E%E5%9B%9E%E3%80%8C1%E5%8E%9F%E5%9B%A0%E3%80%8D%EF%BC%9A%E5%B9%BC%E7%A8%9A%E5%9C%92%E6%B2%92%E6%95%99%E5%97%8E%EF%BC%9F-072624569.html)
* [台積電4月營收開獎前...股價不漲反跌 — tw.stock.yahoo.com](https://tw.stock.yahoo.com/news/%E5%8F%B0%E7%A9%8D%E9%9B%BB4%E6%9C%88%E7%87%9F%E6%94%B6%E9%96%8B%E7%8D%8E%E5%89%8D%E8%82%A1%E5%83%B9%E4%B8%8D%E6%BC%B2%E5%8F%8D%E8%B7%8C15%E5%85%83%EF%BC%81%E5%B0%88%E5%AE%B6%EF%BC%9A%E6%BC%B2%E5%A4%9A%E6%98%AF%E6%9C%80%E5%A4%A7%E5%88%A9%E7%A9%BA-011542582.html)
* [AI熱潮火遍全球，台積電4月營收卻踩下煞車？ — tradingkey.com](https://www.tradingkey.com/zh-hant/analysis/stocks/more/261873285-tsmc-april-revenue-tradingkey)
* [Sony, TSMC plan new Japan joint venture for next-generation image sensors — reuters.com](https://reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/sony-tsmc-plan-new-japan-joint-venture-next-generation-image-sensors-2026-05-08)
* [Sony Semiconductor Solutions and TSMC Enter Preliminary Agreement for Next-Generation Image Sensor Strategic Partnership — pr.tsmc.com](https://pr.tsmc.com/english/news/3308)
* [Sony wants TSMC's help to make image sensors — engadget.com](https://www.engadget.com/2167681/sony-tsmc-image-sensor-joint-venture/)
* [台積電與Sony成立合資公司 研發次世代影像感測器 — 4gamers.com.tw](https://www.4gamers.com.tw/news/detail/79031/tsmc-and-sony-semiconductor-enter-preliminary-agreement-for-next-generation-image-sensor-strategic-partnership)
* [TSMC, Sony Semiconductor Solutions to establish image sensor joint venture in Kumamoto — economictimes.indiatimes.com](https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/tech/technology/tsmc-sony-semiconductor-solutions-to-establish-image-sensor-joint-venture-in-kumamoto/articleshow/130976528.cms)
* [TSMC inks Sony Semiconductor Solutions deal — news.ltn.com.tw](https://news.ltn.com.tw/news/focus/breakingnews/5430836)
* [Sony, TSMC to jointly develop image sensors for AI era — upi.com](https://www.upi.com/Top_News/World-News/2026/05/10/japan-taiwan-companies-next-gen-image-sensor-development/6811778454467)
* [Sony, TSMC plan partnership to develop 'next-gen' image sensors — inshorts.com](https://inshorts.com/en/news/sony--tsmc-plan-partnership-to-develop--next-gen--image-sensors--1778409635235)
* [Sony and TSMC Will Bring Image Sensors to the Era of Physical AI — cloudnews.tech](https://cloudnews.tech/sony-and-tsmc-will-bring-image-sensors-to-the-era-of-physical-ai/)
* [Why Sony just brought TSMC into its most important business — timesofindia.indiatimes.com](https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/technology/tech-news/why-sony-just-brought-tsmc-into-its-most-important-business/articleshow/130988288.cms)
* [Sony與台積公司初步達成下一世代影像感測器策略合作協議 — pr.tsmc.com](https://pr.tsmc.com/chinese/news/3308)
* [Sony Semiconductor Solutions and TSMC Enter Preliminary Agreement for Next-Generation Image Sensor Strategic Partnership — pr.tsmc.com](https://pr.tsmc.com/english/news/3308)
* [TSMC posts 17.5% jump in sales on sustained AI buildout momentum (also references Sony JV) — business-standard.com](https://business-standard.com/world-news/tsmc-posts-17-5-jump-in-sales-on-sustained-ai-buildout-momentum-126050801657_1.html)
* [Paraguay 'deeply values' Taiwan ties, president says in Taipei — reuters.com](https://www.reuters.com/world/china/paraguay-deeply-values-taiwan-ties-president-says-taipei-2026-05-08/)
* [Paraguay and Taiwan reaffirm ties after China sought to lure away another Taipei ally — apnews.com](https://apnews.com/article/taiwan-paraguay-china-pena-president-cea85fcac12619d30cd42a58baebd163)
* [Paraguay President Santiago Pena attends a welcoming ceremony with Taiwan President Lai Ching-te (photo) — reutersconnect.com](https://www.reutersconnect.com/item/paraguay-president-santiago-pena-attends-a-welcoming-ceremony-with-taiwan-president-lai-ching-te-in-taipei/dGFnOnJldXRlcnMuY29tLDIwMjY6bmV3c21sX1JDMlE0TEFYRUZFUQ)
* [Taiwan welcomes Paraguay's leader as China ramps up pressure — manilatimes.net](https://manilatimes.net/2026/05/09/world/asia-oceania/taiwan-welcomes-paraguays-leader-as-china-ramps-up-pressure/2339607)
* [TSMC eyes bigger US investment; Arizona chip expansion accelerates — digitimes.com](https://digitimes.com/news/a20260506PD230/tsmc-arizona-expansion-investment.html)
* [Inside Fab 21: TSMC reveals Arizona chip production site — evertiq.com](https://evertiq.com/design/2026-05-08-inside-fab-21-tsmc-reveals-arizona-chip-production-site)
* [台積電設廠掀風潮 美國各州搶合作台灣 — ctee.com.tw](https://www.ctee.com.tw/news/20260508700064-439901)
* [From China to Arizona: How AI and TSMC are redrawing Taiwan's economic map — digitimes.com](https://digitimes.com/news/a20260505PD224/taiwan-tsmc-arizona-industrial-exports.html)
* [台積電美廠待三年：薪水3倍但開銷也3倍，我想對台灣同仁說7件事 — blocktempo.com](https://www.blocktempo.com/tsmc-arizona-taiwan-expat-three-year-salary-gap-promotion-barrier/)
* [Apple to Produce Chips at Intel Foundry, Cutting TSMC Dependence — chosun.com](https://www.chosun.com/english/industry-en/2026/05/11/DJ5LC7IVKNBB7PYANSBQUWIFHY/)
* [Apple 傳聯手 Intel 生產 iPhone 晶片 擬降低對 TSMC 依賴 — gameapps.hk](https://www.gameapps.hk/news/69591/apple-intel-chip-partnership-iphone-mac/)
* [Apple 與 Intel 達成晶片代工合作協議 台積電獨家地位動搖 — unwire.hk](https://unwire.hk/2026/05/10/apple-intel-foundry-agreement-tsmc-competition/wireless-home/desktop-pc/)
* [蘋果傳轉單英特爾…專家：台積電這些「關鍵優勢」短期無人能取代 — udn.com](https://udn.com/news/story/7240/9493496)
* [台積電受影響？蘋果竟轉單「這大廠」專家揭背後盤算 — tw.stock.yahoo.com](https://tw.stock.yahoo.com/news/%E5%8F%B0%E7%A9%8D%E9%9B%BB%E5%8F%97%E5%BD%B1%E9%9F%BF-%E8%98%8B%E6%9E%9C%E7%AB%9F%E8%BD%89%E5%96%AE-%E9%80%99%E5%A4%A7%E5%BB%A0-%E5%B0%88%E5%AE%B6%E6%8F%AD%E8%83%8C%E5%BE%8C%E7%9B%A4%E7%AE%97-%E6%83%85%E5%8B%A2%E6%9C%89%E8%BD%89%E8%AE%8A-080803493.html)
* [China may try 'manoeuvring' over Taiwan issue at Trump meeting, official says — reuters.com](https://www.reuters.com/world/china/china-may-try-manoeuvring-over-taiwan-issue-trump-meeting-official-says-2026-05-07/)
* [Tehran, Taiwan, trade … what are the hazards facing Trump on Xi summit tightrope? — theguardian.com](https://www.theguardian.com/news/ng-interactive/2026/may/10/tehran-taiwan-trade-donald-trump-xi-jinping-us-china-summit)
* [How do Taiwanese feel about the Cheng-Xi meeting? — brookings.edu](https://www.brookings.edu/articles/how-do-taiwanese-feel-about-the-cheng-xi-meeting/)
* [Taiwan's Cheng Li-wun on cross-strait peace, meeting Xi Jinping and managing ties with US — scmp.com](https://www.scmp.com/news/china/politics/article/3353052/taiwans-cheng-li-wun-cross-strait-peace-meeting-xi-jinping-and-managing-ties-us)
* [Du serment de reconquête au voyage de paix : comment le KMT a changé de camp — insidetaiwan.net](https://insidetaiwan.net/societe/kmt-kuomintang-rapprochement-chine-histoire-basculement)
* [China and KMT target India ties — taipeitimes.com](https://taipeitimes.com/News/editorials/archives/2026/05/06/2003856819)
* [Taiwan detects 12 sorties of Chinese aircraft, 6 vessels, 2 ships around itself — tribuneindia.com](https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/adiz/taiwan-detects-12-sorties-of-chinese-aircraft-6-vessels-2-ships-around-itself)
* [China sends 8 military aircraft, 6 vessels near Taiwan on Saturday — newsable.asianetnews.com](https://newsable.asianetnews.com/world/china-sends-8-military-aircraft-6-vessels-near-taiwan-on-saturday-articleshow-0vrxno0)
* [Taiwan reports 12 Chinese jets, 5 vessels detected near its waters — newsable.asianetnews.com](https://newsable.asianetnews.com/world/taiwan-reports-12-chinese-jets-5-vessels-detected-near-its-waters-articleshow-ehlrz24)
* [Taiwan tracks 12 Chinese aircraft near its air defence zone amid global tensions — mid-day.com](https://www.mid-day.com/amp/news/world-news/article/taiwan-tracks-12-chinese-aircraft-near-its-air-defence-zone-amid-global-tensions-23629760)
* [TSMC Stock Price Predictions: Will TSMC's Share Price Triple by 2030? — tradingkey.com](https://tradingkey.com/analysis/stocks/us-stocks/261876736-tsmc-stock-price-predictions-will-tsmc-share-price-triple-by-2030-tradingkey)
* [Prediction: TSMC Stock Will Jump 3x by 2030 — fool.com](https://fool.com/investing/2026/05/05/prediction-tsmc-stock-will-jump-3x-by-2030)
* [TSMC: Early Signs Of Formidable Foundry Competition (downgrade to Hold) — seekingalpha.com](https://seekingalpha.com/article/4899836-tsmc-stock-early-signs-of-formidable-foundry-competition-downgrade-hold)
* [TSMC Investment Thesis 2026: Why the Foundry Could Be the Quiet Winner of AI — heygotrade.com](https://heygotrade.com/en/blog/tsmc-investment-thesis-2026-quiet-ai-winner)
* [Is Taiwan Semiconductor (TSM) Still The Best AI Chip Stock to Buy? — finance.yahoo.com](https://finance.yahoo.com/markets/stocks/articles/taiwan-semiconductor-tsm-still-best-135519687.html)
* [A Step Forward That TSMC (TSM) Stock Investors Shouldn't Miss — finance.yahoo.com](https://finance.yahoo.com/markets/stocks/articles/step-forward-tsmc-tsm-stock-190210693.html)
* [This Tech Stock Is the Quiet Monopoly Nobody on Wall Street Talks About — finance.yahoo.com](https://finance.yahoo.com/markets/stocks/articles/tech-stock-quiet-monopoly-nobody-104000658.html)
* [Intel vs TSMC: How Manufacturing Models Define the Chip Wars — fourweekmba.com](https://fourweekmba.com/ai-intel-tsmc-manufacturing-models-chip-wars/)
* [Commentary: Intel names TSMC as key partner; insider drives its comeback — digitimes.com](https://digitimes.com/news/a20260504PD221/intel-tsmc-fab-capacity-earnings.html)
* [AMD gains extra TSMC capacity as smartphone chip demand slows — digitalcitizen.life](https://www.digitalcitizen.life/amd-gains-extra-tsmc-capacity-as-smartphone-chip-demand-slows/)
* [AMD's Lisa Su Profits from Smartphone Market Shift and TSMC Changes — rswebsols.com](https://www.rswebsols.com/news/amds-lisa-su-strategically-profits-from-the-smartphone-markets-decline-as-mediatek-and-qualcomm-leave-tsmcs-4nm-and-5nm-production/)
* [TSMC seeks approval for advanced fab in expanded Hsinchu Science Park — focustaiwan.tw](https://focustaiwan.tw/sci-tech/202605040012)
* [Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Limited Stock Jumps as TSMC's Longtan Fab Plan Returns — ts2.tech](https://ts2.tech/en/taiwan-semiconductor-manufacturing-company-limited-stock-jumps-as-tsmcs-longtan-fab-plan-returns)
* [Taiwan: TSMC eyes approval for next-gen fab in Hsinchu Science Park — edexlive.com](https://edexlive.com/news/tsmc-seeks-government-nod-for-advanced-fab-in-hsinchu-science-park-expansion)
* [As Ukraine seeks to edge China out of its drone supply chain, Taiwan emerges as a quiet player — theguardian.com](https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/may/06/ukraine-drone-supply-chain-taiwan)
* [Taiwan mulls deeper security coordination with Japan against China — newsable.asianetnews.com](https://newsable.asianetnews.com/world/taiwan-mulls-deeper-security-coordination-with-japan-against-china-articleshow-yqdmrk0)
* [Taiwan, Japan eye joint push against China's gray zone expansion in Indo-Pacific — sentinelassam.com](https://www.sentinelassam.com/more-news/international/taiwan-japan-eye-joint-push-against-chinas-gray-zone-expansion-in-indo-pacific)
* [Taiwan Launches Danjiang Bridge, Showcasing World-Class Engineering — daily-tribune.com](https://www.daily-tribune.com/online_features/press_releases/taiwan-launches-danjiang-bridge-showcasing-world-class-engineering/article_f25dc47a-ea16-5c50-b80e-90e0e8bbc612.html)
* [Taiwan inaugurates Danjiang Bridge, showcases engineering ambition — news.ltn.com.tw](https://news.ltn.com.tw/news/focus/breakingnews/5431654)
* [Lai awards top honor to Michael Fonte for advancing Taiwan-U.S. ties — focustaiwan.tw](https://focustaiwan.tw/politics/202605060011)
* [Lai awards Fonte for a half-century of advancing Taiwan-US ties — rti.org.tw](https://rti.org.tw/en/news?pid=206859\&uid=3)
* [China warns of 'red lines' after Israeli lawmakers visit Taiwan amid deepening ties — worldisraelnews.com](https://worldisraelnews.com/china-warns-of-red-lines-after-israeli-lawmakers-visit-taiwan-amid-deepening-ties/)
* [高德地圖使用者個資回傳中國，國安局：15 項資安檢測 9 項未過 — inside.com.tw](https://www.inside.com.tw/article/41238-amap-user-data-sent-back-to-china-nsb-says-nine-of-fifteen-cybersecurity-checks-were-failed)
* [Legislature declines to confirm Lai's prosecutor-general nominee — focustaiwan.tw](https://focustaiwan.tw/politics/202605050008)
* [Legislature ratifies nurse-to-patient ratios — news.ltn.com.tw](https://news.ltn.com.tw/news/focus/breakingnews/5430834)
* [KMT lawmaker asks Public Television Service chair to leave committee meeting — taiwannews.com.tw](https://www.taiwannews.com.tw/en/news/6358118)
* [DPP and KMT clash over Taipei's rodent problem — taipeitimes.com](https://taipeitimes.com/News/taiwan/archives/2026/05/05/2003856783)
* [TSMC taps wind power as AI chip demand soars, Taiwan feels energy crunch — arstechnica.com](https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2026/05/tsmc-taps-wind-power-as-ai-chip-demand-soars-taiwan-feels-energy-crunch)
* [TSMC reportedly pushes CoPoS exclusivity to lock in next-gen packaging lead — digitimes.com](https://digitimes.com/news/a20260508PD207/tsmc-packaging-cowos-expansion-capacity.html)
* [台積電再出手！子公司TSMC Global斥資2000萬美元買進公司債 — tw.news.yahoo.com](https://tw.news.yahoo.com/%E5%8F%B0%E7%A9%8D%E9%9B%BB%E5%86%8D%E5%87%BA%E6%89%8B-%E5%AD%90%E5%85%AC%E5%8F%B8tsmc-global%E6%96%A5%E8%B3%872000%E8%90%AC%E7%BE%8E%E5%85%83%E8%B2%B7%E9%80%B2%E5%85%AC%E5%8F%B8%E5%82%B5-121252666.html)
* [TSMC's unit TSMC Global acquires fixed-income securities for \$42.3 mln — marketscreener.com](https://marketscreener.com/news/tsmc-s-unit-tsmc-global-acquires-fixed-income-securities-for-42-3-mln-ce7f58ddde8bf423)
* [台積電進駐後熊本變「塞車地獄」！當地政府出招了 — ec.ltn.com.tw](https://ec.ltn.com.tw/article/breakingnews/5429679)
* [JSR to build Taiwan plant to supply TSMC with photoresist, targeting operations by 2028 — taiwannews.com.tw](https://www.taiwannews.com.tw/news/6354499)
* [Three charged over theft of 4.5km of cable from TSMC's Chiayi advanced packaging construction site — focustaiwan.tw](https://focustaiwan.tw/society/202605050009)
* [Taiwan snail race festival in Fenglin embraces slow living (human interest) — apnews.com](https://apnews.com/article/taiwan-snail-race-fenglin-slow-life-2006b1c887c6c635a7ece2b55940ff57)
* [Jimmy Lai commentary: imprisoned Hong Kong publisher's 'will to do right' analyzed — nationalreview.com](https://nationalreview.com/2026/05/understanding-jimmy-lai)
* [TSMC stock: Samsung joins trillion-dollar club following TSMC, driven by AI memory demand — tradingkey.com](https://www.tradingkey.com/zh-hant/analysis/stocks/more/261861647-following-tsmc-samsung-market-capitalization-joined-the-trillion-dollar-club-tradingkey)
* [Polen International Growth Q1 2026 portfolio adds TSMC among new positions — seekingalpha.com](https://seekingalpha.com/article/4902226-polen-international-growth-q1-2026-portfolio-activity)
***
### 
Japan
Japan fired a combat missile on foreign soil for the first time since the Second World War while preparing to send a business delegation to Moscow — two moves that look contradictory but trace back to the same source: the Hormuz closure that severed Japan's oil supply lines and is forcing choices Tokyo would rather not make.
The missile was deliberate theatre. Inside the Balikatan 2026 exercises, some 1,400 Japanese troops joined American and Philippine forces as the Self-Defense Forces fired a Type 88 anti-ship missile on Philippine soil in Ilocos Norte — targeting a decommissioned Philippine naval vessel — with Shinjiro Koizumi, the defence minister, watching alongside his Philippine counterpart. The missile has a range of roughly 180km. Under the Philippines Reciprocal Access Agreement, now formally in force, the deployment is legally routine; Japan also announced it is considering transferring Abukuma-class destroyers and TC-90 aircraft to Manila. Canadian, French, and New Zealand forces participated for the first time, turning what was once a bilateral drill into a coalition exercise.
The same week, Japan confirmed that the recent Maritime Self-Defense Force transit of the Taiwan Strait was the fifth since September 2024 — faster than before. China responded with "joint readiness patrols" in the East China Sea, and two naval vessels were detected 60km off Yokoate Island on a route that deviated from the usual Miyako Strait passage. Tokyo filed a formal protest over China's installation of a new structure on the equidistance line in the East China Sea. Japan is also weighing whether to formally label China a "threat" in December's security document revision — a step that would go beyond the "unprecedented challenge" language of 2022.
Yet even as it projects military power toward the South China Sea, Japan is reaching toward Moscow. Mitsui & Co, Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, and likely Mitsubishi Corp are set to meet Russia's Ministry of Industry and Trade on May 26 to open post-war economic talks. Japan has also imported Russian crude oil for the first time since the Hormuz closure. As recently as early April, the chief cabinet secretary and Toshimitsu Motegi, the foreign minister, denied any such delegation was planned. The reversal reflects a simple calculation: Japan imports nearly all its oil, the strait is effectively closed, and energy needs are openly overriding G7 solidarity. The logic is familiar — the late Shinzo Abe held 27 meetings with Vladimir Putin — and it is reasserting itself under crisis conditions. Muneo Suzuki, a lawmaker with longstanding Moscow ties, visited and returned with word that Russia would welcome foreign ministerial talks.
This visible break with G7 policy is playing out while Japan tends the other relationships. Scott Bessent, the US Treasury secretary, arrives in Tokyo on May 12 for three days of meetings with Takaichi, Satsuki Katayama, the finance minister, and Kazuo Ueda, the Bank of Japan governor — before flying to Beijing for a summit between the American and Chinese presidents. The sequencing matters: Washington is consulting Tokyo before that meeting, treating Japan as a partner rather than a bystander in US-China economic relations. The agenda covers yen weakness, the war's effect on markets, and critical minerals. Separately, Takaichi is planning a visit to South Korea around May 19-20 — her third meeting with Lee Jae-myung, South Korea's president, since taking office — focused on energy security, critical minerals, and trilateral talks on North Korea and China.
At home, the contradictions are harder to manage. Japan saw its largest anti-war protests in at least a decade — crowds gathering in Tokyo rain, with protesters in their 20s and 30s standing alongside the elderly, opposing arms export liberalisation, missile deployments, and constitutional revision. The BBC, the New York Times, and the Guardian all covered the demonstrations — a sign this is no longer a marginal movement. Many protesters credited Article 9 with keeping Japan out of the US-Iran war. Takaichi, speaking from Vietnam while the protests were underway, defended periodic constitutional updates as necessary to reflect current security demands. Whether the movement sustains or rises and falls as it did before — as the 2015 Students Emergency Action for Liberal Democracy (SEALDs) campaign did — remains open.
Senior Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) figures including Taro Aso, along with former rivals who lost to Takaichi in last year's leadership race — Koizumi and Motegi — are launching the National Power Study Group, with a first meeting set for May 21 with the American ambassador present. The stated aim is to align the prime minister and the party on policy. Tobias Harris, who writes Observing Japan, calls it "a tacit admission that the PM's position in the party is less than firm." It is telling that a prime minister averaging 63% approval over her first six months — the highest sustained level since Abe's return in 2012 — still needs a committee to hold the party together. The LDP lost seven of 13 mayoral races on April 19 and the Ishikawa governorship in March; in Nerima ward, a grassroots independent beat the LDP's cross-party candidate by 33,000 votes. The party's secretary-general acknowledged voters want "a new political approach that differed from conventional paths." The prime minister denied in parliament a Shukan Bunshun report that her camp spread defamatory videos of rivals — Koizumi among them — during last year's leadership race, but the magazine has a consistent record of breaking political scandals before other outlets will touch them.
On currency, the Finance Ministry confirmed it spent roughly ¥5-6 trillion on April 30, pushing the yen from near ¥160 to ¥155 per dollar, its strongest in ten weeks. Mr Ueda signalled rate hikes would continue regardless, despite the government's appointment of two reportedly dovish academics to the bank's board. Nuclear output reached 33.6% of operable reactor capacity in fiscal 2025 — the highest since Fukushima — but no additional restarts are planned for fiscal 2026, and the next possible one is delayed to summer 2027 at the earliest.
* **Japan's largest anti-war protests in decades challenge Takaichi's military buildup and constitutional revision push** — Japan saw its largest anti-war demonstrations in at least a decade on and around May 4–10, with protesters opposing Takaichi's plans to liberalise arms exports, deploy long-range missiles, and revise the pacifist constitution. Takaichi, speaking from Vietnam during the protests, defended periodic constitutional updates as necessary to reflect contemporary security realities. *([bbc.com](https://www.nytimes.com/2026/05/09/world/asia/japan-antiwar-protests-constitution.html))*
* **LDP heavyweights launch pro-Takaichi 'National Power Study Group,' raising questions about return of faction politics** — Senior Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) lawmakers including Taro Aso, Toshimitsu Motegi, the foreign minister, Shinjiro Koizumi, the defence minister, and Kobayashi, the Policy Research Council chair, announced a new parliamentary group aimed at strengthening Takaichi's position within the party ahead of the LDP leadership election next autumn. The formation drew analysis about whether it signals the reconstitution of faction-like structures following the party's post-Abe reform. *([upi.com](https://observingjapan.substack.com/p/ldp-launches-pro-takaichi-study-group))*
* **Takaichi Golden Week diplomatic offensive spans Vietnam and Australia, concluding economic and defence agreements** — Takaichi visited Vietnam and Australia during the Golden Week holiday period (approximately May 1–5), unveiling a revised Free and Open Indo-Pacific strategy in Hanoi and concluding agreements on economic security, energy, defence, minerals, and cyber partnerships in Canberra with Anthony Albanese, the Australian prime minister. The strategic coherence of the compressed tour drew comment. *([japantimes.co.jp](https://www.nytimes.com/2026/05/06/world/asia/japan-takaichi-australia-vietnam.html))*
* **US Treasury Secretary Bessent to visit Japan for talks with Takaichi, Ueda on trade and yen** — Scott Bessent, the US Treasury secretary, is scheduled to make a three-day visit to Japan beginning around May 12, meeting separately with Takaichi, Satsuki Katayama, the finance minister, and Kazuo Ueda, the Bank of Japan governor. The visit is part of Bessent's broader Asia trip that also includes Seoul for trade talks before a Trump–Xi summit in Beijing, with currency intervention and bilateral trade expected to be on the agenda. *([www3.nhk.or.jp](https://www.japantimes.co.jp/business/2026/05/07/economy/us-treasury-secretary-bessent-japan-visit/))*
* **LDP publishes immigration policy document outlining new JESTA system and stricter residence rules** — Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party posted a document on its website detailing policies on foreign nationals, including a new pre-departure immigration screening system called JESTA and stricter enforcement against irregular residents. The document follows immigration emerging as a central issue in Japan's February lower-house election. *([www3.nhk.or.jp](https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20260509_10/))*
* [G7 trade talks target critical minerals as US-EU tariff rift strains unity — reuters.com](https://www.reuters.com/world/china/g7-trade-ministers-discuss-critical-minerals-supply-chain-french-minister-says-2026-05-06/)
* [France convenes G7 on critical minerals to curb China's grip — reuters.com](https://reuters.com/business/energy/france-convenes-g7-critical-minerals-curb-chinas-grip-2026-05-05)
* [Exclusive: G7 in talks to set up permanent unit to oversee critical minerals agenda — reuters.com](https://reuters.com/business/energy/g7-talks-set-up-permanent-unit-oversee-critical-minerals-agenda-2026-05-05)
* [G7 decries 'economic coercion' in swipe at China — today.rtl.lu](https://today.rtl.lu/news/world/g7-decries-economic-coercion-in-swipe-at-china-1075847760)
* [G7 decries 'economic coercion' in swipe at China — economictimes.indiatimes.com](https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/international/global-trends/g7-decries-economic-coercion-in-swipe-at-china/articleshow/130861058.cms)
* [G7 trade ministers meet, not expected to discuss US tariff threat — hindustantimes.com](https://hindustantimes.com/world-news/us-news/g7-trade-ministers-meet-not-expected-to-discuss-us-tariff-threat-101778007323757.html)
* [G7 Critical Minerals Trade Talks: Reshaping Global Supply Chains — discoveryalert.com.au](https://discoveryalert.com.au/g7-critical-minerals-trade-talks-china-supply-chain-2026)
* [Understanding the G7 Critical Minerals Secretariat's Role and Purpose — discoveryalert.com.au](https://discoveryalert.com.au/g7-critical-minerals-secretariat-supply-chain-stockpiling)
* [G7 Considers Permanent Secretariat to Manage Critical Minerals Supply Initiatives — thecsrjournal.in](https://thecsrjournal.in/g7-considers-permanent-secretariat-to-manage-critical-minerals-supply-initiatives)
* [G7 plans permanent secretariat to oversee critical minerals — dawn.com](https://dawn.com/news/1997938/g7-plans-permanent-secretariat-to-oversee-critical-minerals)
* [G7 Plans Permanent Unit for Critical Minerals Oversight — globalbankingandfinance.com](https://globalbankingandfinance.com/exclusive-g7-talks-set-up-permanent-unit-oversee-critical)
* [G7 in talks to set up permanent body to oversee critical minerals supply — indiatoday.in](https://indiatoday.in/business/story/g7-in-talks-to-set-up-permanent-body-to-oversee-critical-minerals-supply-2907239-2026-05-05)
* [Exclusive-G7 in talks to set up permanent unit to oversee critical minerals agenda — investing.com](https://investing.com/news/commodities-news/exclusiveg7-in-talks-to-set-up-permanent-unit-to-oversee-critical-minerals-agenda-4660356)
* [G7 weighs permanent critical minerals secretariat — pakistantoday.com.pk](https://pakistantoday.com.pk/2026/05/06/g7-discusses-permanent-secretariat-for-critical-minerals-coordination)
* [G7 trade talks target critical minerals as U.S.-EU tariff rift strains unity — ctvnews.ca](https://ctvnews.ca/business/article/g7-trade-talks-target-critical-minerals-as-us-eu-tariff-rift-strains-unity)
* [The G7 trade ministers prepared for a summit in France next month — islandernews.com](https://islandernews.com/news/national/the-g7-trade-ministers-prepared-for-a-summit-in-france-next-month/image_ce14aec3-07bc-5093-b329-e0fe4f3a1d76.html)
* [Communiqué de presse des ministres du commerce du G7 — elysee.fr](https://elysee.fr/G7evian/2026/05/07/communique-de-presse-des-ministres-du-commerce-du-g7)
* [Sommet du G7 à Évian — eda.admin.ch](https://www.eda.admin.ch/fr/sommet-du-g7-a-evian)
* [G7 summit in Évian — eda.admin.ch](https://www.eda.admin.ch/en/g7-summit-in-evian)
* [Sommet du G7 : la préfecture ouvre le dialogue avec la coalition No-G7 France — ledauphine.com](https://ledauphine.com/politique/2026/05/09/sommet-du-g7-la-prefecture-ouvre-le-dialogue-avec-la-coalition-no-g7-france)
* [Le Conseil fédéral durcit les contrôles aux frontières à Genève pendant le G7 à Evian — rts.ch](https://www.rts.ch/info/suisse/2026/article/le-g7-a-evian-provoque-un-renforcement-des-controles-aux-frontieres-genevoises-29233729.html)
* [Le G7 à Evian force les frontaliers et les entreprises romandes à se réorganiser — rts.ch](https://www.rts.ch/info/regions/vaud/2026/article/g7-a-evian-frontaliers-et-entreprises-romandes-contraints-de-se-reorganiser-29230918.html)
* [G7 à Évian : la Suisse réintroduit des contrôles aux frontières — 20min.ch](https://www.20min.ch/fr/story/sommet-du-g7-a-evian-ca-va-etre-complique-pour-passer-la-frontiere-durant-le-g7-103558727)
* [G7 à Évian 2026, préparation entre sécurité et mobilité aussi du côté suisse — nosalpes.eu](https://nosalpes.eu/fr/2026/05/06/g7-a-evian-2026-preparation-entre-securite-et-mobilite-aussi-du-cote-suisse)
* [Pourquoi les ministres du Commerce du G7 se réunissent pendant deux jours à Paris — 20minutes.fr](https://20minutes.fr/monde/etats-unis/4221904-20260505-pourquoi-ministres-commerce-g7-reunissent-pendant-deux-jours-paris)
* [De quoi les ministres du Commerce du G7 vont-ils parler lors de leur réunion à Paris ? — tf1info.fr](https://tf1info.fr/international/de-quoi-les-ministres-du-commerce-du-g7-vont-ils-parler-lors-de-leur-reunion-a-paris-2439763.html)
* [Présidence du G7 : la France veut accélérer la réduction des émissions de méthane — atlasinfo.fr](https://atlasinfo.fr/presidence-du-g7-la-france-veut-accelerer-la-reduction-des-emissions-de-methane.html)
* [France Germany And United States Travel Industry Braces For Economic Shock As G7 Trade Rift Threatens Tourism — travelandtourworld.com](https://www.travelandtourworld.com/news/article/france-germany-and-united-states-travel-industry-braces-for-economic-shock-as-g7-trade-rift-threatens-tourism-mobility-and-european-visitor-growth/)
* [G7 nations decry 'economic coercion' in swipe at China — thedailystar.net](https://thedailystar.net/news/world/news/g7-nations-decry-economic-coercion-swipe-china-4169331)
* [Anti-war protests rock Japan as PM Sanae Takaichi pushes for stronger defence — bbc.com](https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c4g93v8jqnyo)
* [Why Antiwar Protesters Are Rallying in Japan — nytimes.com](https://www.nytimes.com/2026/05/09/world/asia/japan-antiwar-protests-constitution.html)
* [Japan sees largest protest in support of pacifist constitution as PM Takaichi pushes revisions — theguardian.com](https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/may/04/japan-sees-largest-protest-in-support-of-pacifist-constitution-as-pm-takaichi-pushes-revisions)
* [Japan May 10: Largest Anti-War Protests Challenge Military Shift — meyka.com](https://meyka.com/blog/japan-may-10-largest-anti-war-protests-challenge-military-shift-0905/)
* [Anti-war protests rock Japan as PM Sanae Takaichi pushes for stronger defence — bbc.co.uk](https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c4g93v8jqnyo)
* [Japan revives debate over pacifism clause — palatinate.org.uk](https://www.palatinate.org.uk/japan-revives-debate-over-pacifism-clause/)
* [EDITORIAL: Conditions for constitutional amendment have still not been met — asahi.com](https://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/16544132)
* [New pro-Takaichi group stirs debate over return of faction politics — upi.com](https://www.upi.com/Top_News/World-News/2026/05/08/japan-new-political-group-pro-takaichi/9631778281471/)
* [Japan ruling LDP lawmakers to form new group to push PM Takaichi's policies — mainichi.jp](https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20260507/p2g/00m/0na/032000c)
* [Aso-Led LDP Group Moves to Shore Up Support for Takaichi — japan-forward.com](https://japan-forward.com/aso-led-ldp-group-moves-to-shore-up-support-for-takaichi/)
* [LDP Group to Be Formed to Support PM Takaichi — nippon.com](https://nippon.com/en/news/yjj2026050700978)
* [LDP launches 'pro-Takaichi' study group — observingjapan.substack.com](https://observingjapan.substack.com/p/ldp-launches-pro-takaichi-study-group)
* [高市支持グループ「国力研究会」発足へ 麻生・小泉氏ら発起人 — japan-forward.com](https://japan-forward.com/ja/aso-led-ldp-group-moves-to-shore-up-support-for-takaichi/)
* [Takaichi moment or Takaichi era? — observingjapan.substack.com](https://observingjapan.substack.com/p/takaichi-moment-or-takaichi-era)
* [Takaichi Planning to Visit S. Korea Later This Month — nippon.com](https://www.nippon.com/en/news/yjj2026050800927/)
* [Japanese PM considering visiting Lee's hometown for summit on May 19 — koreaherald.com](https://www.koreaherald.com/article/10734291)
* [Japanese PM considering visiting Lee's hometown for summit on May 19: Kyodo — koreatimes.co.kr](https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/foreignaffairs/20260509/japanese-pm-considering-visiting-lees-hometown-for-summit-on-may-19-kyodo)
* [Takaichi eyes South Korea visit around May 19-20 for summit talks: sources — japantoday.com](https://japantoday.com/category/politics/update1-japan-pm-eyes-south-korea-visit-around-may-19-20-for-summit-talks-sources)
* [Japanese PM considering visiting South Korean President's hometown for May 19 summit: Report — prokerala.com](https://www.prokerala.com/news/articles/a1760599.html)
* [Japanese Prime Minister Takaichi to Visit Andong — chosun.com](https://www.chosun.com/english/national-en/2026/05/09/XHCYH2MWVBD2ZCH2VDE6HBEI4E/)
* [Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi to visit South Korea in the latter half of this month — khan.co.kr](https://www.khan.co.kr/en/article/202605081530047)
* [Takaichi visits Australia to bolster economic and defense ties — japantimes.co.jp](https://japantimes.co.jp/news/2026/05/04/japan/politics/takaichi-visits-australia)
* [Takaichi Sanae's Canberra Visit — thediplomat.com](https://thediplomat.com/2026/05/sanae-takaichis-canberra-visit/)
* [Japan's Takaichi Pitches Strength and Stability in Visits to Australia and Vietnam — nytimes.com](https://www.nytimes.com/2026/05/06/world/asia/japan-takaichi-australia-vietnam.html)
* [Gas and coal have long tied Japan to Australia. It's time for a new climate and green industry partnership — theconversation.com](https://theconversation.com/gas-and-coal-have-long-tied-japan-to-australia-its-time-for-a-new-climate-and-green-industry-partnership-282052)
* [Grant Newsham explores Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's diplomatic mission to Vietnam and Australia — centerforsecuritypolicy.org](https://centerforsecuritypolicy.org/ster-sanae-takaichis-diplomatic-missiogrant-newsham-explores-prime-minin-to-vietnam-and-australia-to-counter-chinese-aggression/)
* [ASEAN Unity and Japan's Role Amid US-China Tensions — thediplomat.com](https://thediplomat.com/2026/05/asean-unity-and-japans-role-amid-us-china-tensions/)
* [Thủ tướng Nhật thăm Việt Nam và Úc: Tái định hình cục diện Ấn Độ Dương–Thái Bình Dương — trithucvn2.net](https://trithucvn2.net/the-gioi/thu-tuong-nhat-tham-viet-nam-va-uc-tai-dinh-hinh-cuc-dien-an-do-duong-thai-binh-duong.html)
* [Was Japan's recent 'Golden Week' diplomatic offensive effective, let alone 'strategic'? — japantimes.co.jp](https://www.japantimes.co.jp/commentary/2026/05/10/japan/japans-recent-diplomatic-offensive/)
* [US Treasury Secretary Bessent likely to visit Japan next week — www3.nhk.or.jp](https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20260507_10/)
* [U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent to meet Takaichi and others next week — japantimes.co.jp](https://www.japantimes.co.jp/business/2026/05/07/economy/us-treasury-secretary-bessent-japan-visit/)
* [Bessent plans 3-day trip to Japan next week before China visit — japantoday.com](https://japantoday.com/category/politics/bessent-plans-3-day-trip-to-japan-next-week-before-china-visit)
* [China, US confirm Seoul trade talks days before Trump-Xi summit in Beijing — scmp.com](https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3353067/china-us-confirm-seoul-trade-talks-days-trump-xi-summit-beijing)
* [TRT World - China, US to hold trade talks in Seoul ahead of Trump-Xi summit — trtworld.com](https://www.trtworld.com/article/5e821aca2dc5)
* [Macro's got the bends — spectramarkets.com](https://www.spectramarkets.com/amfx/macros-got-the-bends/)
* [Japan-China tensions have no visible off-ramp — japantimes.co.jp](https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2026/05/06/japan/politics/china-japan-security-tensions/)
* [Japan to mull whether to call China 'threat' in key papers — japantimes.co.jp](https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2026/05/10/japan/japan-mull-calling-china-a-threat/)
* [Takaichi and Japan Resist Chinese Pressure — jamestown.substack.com](https://jamestown.substack.com/p/takaichi-and-japan-resist-chinese)
* [Taiwan, Japan eye joint push against China's gray zone expansion in Indo-Pacific — aninews.in](https://aninews.in/news/world/asia/taiwan-japan-eye-joint-push-against-chinas-gray-zone-expansion-in-indo-pacific20260509165814/)
* [Taiwan-Japan Alliance Against China's Gray Zone Expansion — newkerala.com](https://www.newkerala.com/news/a/taiwan-japan-eye-joint-push-against-chinas-gray-511.htm)
* [Taiwan mulls deeper security coordination with Japan against China — newsable.asianetnews.com](https://newsable.asianetnews.com/world/taiwan-mulls-deeper-security-coordination-with-japan-against-china-articleshow-yqdmrk0)
* [Japan Likely Stepped into Forex Market to Prop Up Yen Again — nippon.com](https://nippon.com/en/news/yjj2026050700936)
* [Japan's intervention efforts have not been all too impactful this time around — investinglive.com](https://investinglive.com/forex/japans-intervention-efforts-have-not-been-all-too-impactful-this-time-around-20260508/)
* [Japan pulls out the stops to halt the yen's slide — japantimes.co.jp](https://www.japantimes.co.jp/editorials/2026/05/08/japan-pulls-stops-yen-slide/)
* [Ueda hints at further rate hikes after dovish BoJ appointments — capital-media.mu](https://www.capital-media.mu/2026/05/ueda-hints-at-further-rate-hikes-after-dovish-boj-appointments/)
* [Fed Data Suggest Japan Sold US Debt Amid Intervention — livemint.com](https://www.livemint.com/market/fed-data-suggest-japan-sold-us-debt-amid-intervention-11778419783578.html)
* [Can the Quad Get Moving Again? — japan-forward.com](https://japan-forward.com/can-the-quad-get-moving-again)
* [Quad Foreign Ministers Meeting in New Delhi: 2026 Summit — discoveryalert.com.au](https://discoveryalert.com.au/quad-foreign-ministers-meeting-new-delhi-critical-minerals)
* [BRICS & Quad: India Plays Both Tables At Once — stratnewsglobal.com](https://stratnewsglobal.com/india/brics-quad-india-plays-both-tables-at-once)
* [Beyond the Quad: JAI – A New Indo-Pacific Equation — hindupost.in](https://hindupost.in/geopolitics/beyond-the-quad-jai-a-new-indo-pacific-equation)
* [Japan to send business delegation to Russia in late May amid Ukraine war — japantoday.com](https://japantoday.com/category/business/japan-to-send-business-delegation-to-russia-in-late-may-amid-ukraine-war)
* [The Contradictions Shaping Japan's Russia Policy — thediplomat.com](https://thediplomat.com/2026/05/the-contradictions-shaping-japans-russia-policy/)
* [Japan Fires Missile in Rare Drill with U.S., Philippines, Australia — prismnews.com](https://www.prismnews.com/news/japan-fires-missile-in-rare-drill-with-us-philippines)
* [Japan's Task: Safeguarding Maritime Security in the Indo-Pacific — nippon.com](https://nippon.com/en/in-depth/d01230/japan%E2%80%99s-task-safeguarding-maritime-security-in-the-indo-pacific.html)
* [Japan's LDP posts document about policies on foreign nationals on website — www3.nhk.or.jp](https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20260509_10/)
* [Japão: LDP publica documento sobre políticas para estrangeiros — wp.radioshiga.com](https://wp.radioshiga.com/2026/05/ldp-detalha-novas-politicas-para-estrangeiros-no-japao/)
* [LDP losing local elections despite Takaichi's high national approval ratings — japantimes.co.jp](https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2026/05/05/japan/politics/takaichi-popularity-ldp-local-struggles/)
* [Takaichi denies report her team created and spread defamatory videos during LDP leadership race — nippon.com](https://nippon.com/en/news/yjj2026050800568)
* [Japan faces worst energy crisis since 1970s due to Iran war disruption — asia.nikkei.com](https://asia.nikkei.com/spotlight/comment/japan-energy-crises-and-the-importance-of-having-a-plan-b)
* [Japan FY2025 nuclear output highest since 2011 Fukushima crisis at 34% of capacity — japantoday.com](https://japantoday.com/category/national/japan-fy-2025-nuclear-output-highest-since-2011-crisis-at-34-of-capacity)
* [Japan's new economic model under Takaichi moving toward state-led dirigiste approach — scmp.com](https://www.scmp.com/opinion/asia-opinion/article/3352752/how-japans-new-economic-model-could-inspire-others-look-east)
* [JSDF regiment drops AI-generated logo after public backlash on X over warlike imagery — japantoday.com](https://japantoday.com/category/national/japan-gsdf-regiment-drops-ai-made-logo-after-x-backlash)
* [Emperor Naruhito delivers speech in English at World Veterinary Association Congress in Tokyo — asahi.com](https://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/16516745)
* [Morocco and Japan mark 70 years of diplomatic ties with virtual ministers' meeting — moroccoworldnews.com](https://www.moroccoworldnews.com/2026/05/294045/morocco-japan-mark-70-years-of-diplomatic-ties-with-renewed-partnership/)
* [BJP national president meets LDP delegation led by Kobayashi to strengthen India-Japan party ties — hindustantimes.com](https://hindustantimes.com/india-news/bjp-chief-nitin-nabin-meets-japan-s-ldp-delegation-101777835215849.html)
* [LDP Youth Division delegation visits Taiwan, says Japan-Taiwan cooperation on economic security is possible — rti.org.tw](https://www.rti.org.tw/en/news?uid=3\&pid=206830)
* [Japan MOFA publishes ODA travel guide to showcase development projects worldwide to tourists — travelandtourworld.com](https://www.travelandtourworld.com/news/article/tourists-and-travelers-can-now-discover-japans-oda-projects-worldwide-official-guide-highlights-development-work-that-enhances-local-communities-and-infrastructure/)
* [AI-generated anti-China videos spreading on Japanese platforms, targeting elderly viewers for ad revenue — en.sedaily.com](https://en.sedaily.com/finance/2026/05/09/ai-generated-anti-china-videos-flood-japan-targeting)
* [PM Takaichi's emoji-adorned signature in Australia's Golden Book said to breach diplomatic protocol — meyka.com](https://meyka.com/blog/japan-pm-takaichi-may-9-emoji-signature-sparks-diplomatic-row-0805/)
* [Japan MOFA hosts AI Co-Creation Program with Global South policymakers in Tokyo — singular-perturbations.com](https://www.singular-perturbations.com/post/%E5%A4%96%E5%8B%99%E7%9C%81%E4%B8%BB%E5%82%AC-%E3%82%B0%E3%83%AD%E3%83%BC%E3%83%90%E3%83%AB%E3%82%B5%E3%82%A6%E3%82%B9ai%E6%94%BF%E7%AD%96%E9%96%A2%E4%BF%82%E8%80%85%E5%90%91%E3%81%91%E3%83%97%E3%83%AD%E3%82%B0%E3%83%A9%E3%83%A0%E3%81%AB%E4%BB%A3%E8%A1%A8%E5%8F%96%E7%B7%A0%E5%BD%B9ceo%E3%83%BB%E6%A2%B6%E7%94%B0%E7%9C%9F%E5%AE%9F%E3%81%8C%E7%99%BB%E5%A3%87%E3%81%97%E3%81%BE%E3%81%97%E3%81%9F%E3%80%82)
* [Ex-lawmaker Ichiro Ozawa's new political group Isseikai opens Tokyo office — nippon.com](https://nippon.com/en/news/yjj2026050800924)
* [LDP and Nippon Ishin accelerate talks on Hokuriku Shinkansen extension route — japantimes.co.jp](https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2026/05/07/japan/ldp-jip-hokuriku-shinkansen/)
* [Keidanren chair and Silicon Valley investor debate Japan startup gap at SusHi Tech Tokyo 2026 — asiabiztoday.com](https://www.asiabiztoday.com/2026/05/08/from-manufacturing-might-to-ai-agents-guido-appenzellers-blueprint-for-japanese-startups/)
* [Japanese politics weekly analysis: LDP faction dynamics, energy security, BOJ, yen — langleyesquire.com](https://langleyesquire.com/en/japanesepolitics-updates-20260503/)
* [Jackson School lecture analyzes Japan's defense strategy and AI implications under Takaichi — jsis.washington.edu](https://jsis.washington.edu/news/japan-ai-and-emerging-technologies-april-24-lecture-discusses-the-future-of-international-security/)
* [Japan organized crime: Yakuza gangs declining as fluid tokuryū groups rise — nippon.com](https://nippon.com/en/japan-data/h02765)
***
### 
South Korea
That Washington and Beijing agreed to hold their trade talks on Korean soil — the first time Seoul has served as neutral ground in a direct confrontation between its two largest partners — is the clearest signal yet that Lee Jae-myung's balancing act is working.
The selection matters because both Washington and Beijing agreed to it. Seoul's balancing act has until now been a design choice made in Seoul alone. Having both great powers accept Korean soil as neutral ground transforms it from posture into established fact. Mr Lee built on this through other channels this week: a call with Rob Jetten, the Dutch prime minister, focused on ASML's role in semiconductor supply chains, and a call with Mark Carney, the Canadian prime minister, covering liquefied natural gas, critical minerals, and defence. The South Korea-India joint vision for 2026 to 2030 — released this week following Mr Lee's April state visit — adds annual leader meetings, ministerial commissions, and cooperation across semiconductors, artificial intelligence (AI), and quantum computing. India designated South Korea an "indispensable partner" in its Act East Policy. The diplomacy is turning symbolic outreach into concrete arrangements.
Samsung crossed \$1 trillion in market value, the second Asian firm after Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company to reach that threshold. The Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) broke 7,000 for the first time on May 6 and reached 7,500 by May 8. South Korea's March current account surplus hit a record \$37.33 billion, driven by a 149.8% year-on-year surge in semiconductor exports; total exports reached \$94.32 billion, the highest ever. The travel balance swung into surplus for the first time in 11 years, partly on BTS concert tourism drawing more than 2 million foreign visitors.
The risks arrived alongside the records. Ryoo Sang-dai, senior deputy governor of the Bank of Korea, speaking at the Asian Development Bank annual meeting in Samarkand, said it was "time to stop rate cuts and start thinking about rate hikes," citing inflation above 2.2% despite government fuel price caps. He said guidance at the May 28 meeting under Shin Hyun-song, the governor, would be "more hawkish." Crude oil jumped 45% to \$112.3 per barrel in April — the direct consequence of the Hormuz disruption — which Mr Ryoo warned could act as "downward pressure on the annual current account" if prolonged. Household debt stands at 91.7% of GDP; a rate hike carries weight.
Then there is Samsung's semiconductor union, which announced an 18-day strike from May 21 to June 7 after rejecting management's offer of roughly \$340,000 per worker as a one-time payment. Workers want annual guaranteed payouts comparable to SK Hynix's — around \$900,000 a year, locked in for 10 years. A one-day strike in April caused a 58% drop in production for one shift. Analysts estimate the 18-day strike could cost between \$6.9 billion and \$11.7 billion in direct losses. The consumer division union has not joined, limiting scope — but the chip division is where Samsung competes for AI memory dominance, and that competition does not pause for labour disputes.
The Hormuz attack complicated matters further. A Korean-operated vessel, the HMM Namu, was struck by what Seoul's Foreign Ministry called an "unidentified aircraft" in the Strait of Hormuz — language that diverged from the American president's description of the same event as an attack on a Korean vessel. The gap immediately revived the controversy over US intelligence-sharing restrictions, with a People Power Party (PPP) lawmaker arguing publicly that Seoul's cautious wording reflected different or delayed situational awareness. The government dispatched investigation teams to the UAE and said it was in daily contact with 26 Korean ships anchored inside the Strait, coordinating simultaneously with Washington, Tehran, and all six Gulf states. That is the balancing act working under live pressure — but the row over language with Washington is a real cost.
Domestically, the week was harder than the numbers suggest it should be. The anticipated Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) landslide in the June 3 local elections has narrowed into competitive races. The Daegu mayoral contest — historically solid PPP territory — is within the margin of error. Busan has moved from a double-digit DPK lead to single digits. Seoul is tightening. The driver is the special counsel bill, which would create an independent prosecutor to review criminal cases against Mr Lee that the party says were fabricated under Yoon. The PPP has seized on it as evidence of a "parliamentary dictatorship"
* **Appeals court reduces former Prime Minister Han Duck-soo's insurrection sentence to 15 years** — The Seoul High Court on May 7 reduced Han Duck-soo's prison sentence from 23 years to 15 years for his role as former prime minister in Yoon Suk-yeol's December 2024 martial law declaration. The court upheld most convictions but cited Mr Han's 50-plus years of public service and his comparatively limited role relative to Mr Yoon as mitigating factors; it also found that even a proper cabinet deliberation could not have stopped Mr Yoon from proceeding. *([reuters.com](https://reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/south-korea-appeals-court-cuts-jail-sentence-ex-pm-han-duck-soo-15-years-2026-05-07))*
* **Bank of Korea signals shift toward rate hikes as inflation rises on energy shock** — Ryoo Sang-dai, senior deputy governor of the Bank of Korea, said at the sidelines of the Asian Development Bank annual meeting in Samarkand on May 4 that it is "time to consider stopping rate cuts and thinking about increases," with the next policy meeting set for May 28. Analysts at DBS and ING noted the bank's shift toward hawkish guidance amid April inflation accelerating to a near two-year high of 2.6% year-on-year, driven largely by energy costs linked to the Strait of Hormuz closure. *([bloomberg.com](https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2026-05-04/top-bank-of-korea-official-says-it-s-time-to-consider-rate-hike))*
* **Constitutional amendment bill collapses as PPP filibuster blocks first revision attempt in 39 years** — The ruling Democratic Party of Korea's bid to put a partial constitutional amendment to a national referendum concurrent with the June 3 local elections collapsed on May 8 when National Assembly Speaker Woo Won-shik suspended the process after the People Power Party (PPP) announced it would filibuster all agenda items. The bill, co-sponsored by 187 lawmakers excluding the PPP, sought to toughen conditions for declaring martial law and enshrine democratic movement history in the preamble. The failed vote marks South Korea's first unsuccessful constitutional revision attempt in 39 years. *([koreatimes.co.kr](https://en.sedaily.com/politics/2026/05/08/koreas-first-constitutional-amendment-bid-in-39-years))*
* **DPK pushes special counsel bill on alleged fabricated prosecutions; PPP launches task force to block it** — The ruling Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) advanced legislation to establish an independent special counsel to review multiple criminal cases against Lee Jae-myung that the party alleges were fabricated by prosecutors under the Yoon administration; a parliamentary special committee filed complaints against 31 individuals linked to the alleged fabrications. Mr Lee urged "careful deliberation" and the DPK delayed the bill's final timing ahead of the June 3 elections. The People Power Party (PPP) announced a task force to block the legislation, calling it an attempt to withdraw prosecutions against Mr Lee. *([koreatimes.co.kr](https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/southkorea/politics/20260508/special-committee-files-complaints-against-31-figures-in-alleged-fabrication-by-prosecution))*
* **NIS briefs lawmakers on North Korea's constitutional amendment mandating automatic nuclear strike if Kim Jong Un killed** — South Korea's National Intelligence Service (NIS) disclosed to senior officials that North Korea's Supreme People's Assembly adopted a constitutional amendment on March 22 mandating an automatic nuclear retaliation strike if Kim Jong Un is assassinated or incapacitated. The revision was publicly revealed in an NIS briefing to senior South Korean officials during the week of May 8. The change reportedly reflects Mr Kim's concerns after observing how US and Israeli forces neutralised Iranian leadership. *([ibtimes.co.uk](https://www.firstpost.com/world/north-korea-amends-constitution-to-mandate-nuclear-strike-if-kim-jong-un-is-assassinated-report-14009657.html))*
* **KOSPI bull run drives debt-fuelled investing surge, BOK study shows weak wealth-to-consumption link** — As the Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) continued setting record highs through early May, a Bank of Korea study found that South Korean households spend only about 130 won per 10,000 won of stock gains — far below international norms — with profits typically flowing into real estate rather than consumption. Separately, overdraft balances at the five largest banks reached their highest level in over three years as retail investors piled into leveraged stock positions, with investors in their 50s and 60s notably increasing their exposure. *([koreaherald.com](https://koreaherald.com/article/10733256))*
* **South Korea's March current account surplus hits record \$37.3 billion on semiconductor export boom** — The Bank of Korea reported on May 8 that South Korea's current account surplus reached a record \$37.33 billion in March, driven by a 149.8% year-on-year surge in semiconductor exports and a travel account surplus — the first in 11 years — attributed partly to BTS concert tourism. Analysts noted rising crude oil import costs at \$112 per barrel could compress the annual current account outlook if the Strait of Hormuz closure persists. *([en.sedaily.com](https://bloomberg.com/news/articles/2026-05-08/south-korea-s-current-account-surplus-surges-to-record-on-chips))*
* **South Korea launches Korean-won stablecoin proof-of-concept and tightens overseas crypto transfer rules** — South Korea passed legislation bringing offshore cryptocurrency transfers under foreign exchange regulations, while iM Bank partnered with BTQ Technologies and Finger to launch the country's first bank-led Korean-won stablecoin proof-of-concept on the Kaia blockchain. Separately, a People Power Party lawmaker criticised the National Tax Service for being unprepared to implement virtual asset taxation. A separate earlier initiative (TokenSquare/KRWQ with the Bitcoin SV Association) also launched Korean-won stablecoin infrastructure. *([banklesstimes.com](https://banklesstimes.com/articles/2026/05/08/south-korea-tightens-grip-on-overseas-crypto-transfers-with-new-registration-law))*
* **Samsung exits China consumer electronics market, withdrawing all home appliance sales** — Samsung Electronics announced on May 7 that it would discontinue sales of all home appliance products in mainland China, citing intensifying competition from domestic rivals; the company's smartphone products remained on sale in China. The withdrawal represents a further retreat from a market Samsung has struggled in for years and
* [Appeals court reduces sentence for ex-PM Han to 15 yrs in insurrection trial — upi.com](https://www.upi.com/Top_News/World-News/2026/05/07/korea-Han-Duck-soo-sentence-reduced-15-years-appeals-court/9311778138598/)
* [South Korean court reduces Han Duck-soo's prison term in martial law case — aljazeera.com](https://aljazeera.com/news/2026/5/7/south-korean-court-reduces-han-duck-soos-prison-term-in-martial-law-case)
* [South Korean court reduces Han Duck-soo's prison term in martial law case — aljazeera.com](https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2026/5/7/south-korean-court-reduces-han-duck-soos-prison-term-in-martial-law-case)
* [South Korean court cuts former prime minister Han Duck-soo's jail term to 15 years — scmp.com](https://scmp.com/news/asia/east-asia/article/3352689/south-korean-court-cuts-former-prime-minister-han-duck-soos-jail-term-15-years)
* [South Korean court reduces prison sentence for ex-prime minister in martial law case — abcnews.com](https://abcnews.com/International/wireStory/south-korean-court-reduces-prison-sentence-prime-minister-132734163)
* [South Korean court reduces prison sentence for ex-prime minister in martial law case — apnews.com](https://apnews.com/article/south-korea-yoon-martial-law-sentence-han-76201e4dd5322e645d4efe717d7f628b)
* [South Korean court reduces prison sentence for ex-prime minister in martial law case — washingtonpost.com](https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2026/05/07/south-korea-yoon-martial-law-sentence-han/dcf53bfe-49cf-11f1-a119-857cd2bf4fd4_story.html)
* [South Korea ex-PM's martial law sentence cut to 15 years on appeal — channelnewsasia.com](https://channelnewsasia.com/east-asia/south-korea-han-duck-soo-sentence-appeal-martial-law-6105741)
* [S. Korea's former PM Han Duck-soo's martial law sentence cut to 15 years on appeal — straitstimes.com](https://straitstimes.com/asia/east-asia/s-koreas-former-pm-han-duck-soos-martial-law-sentence-cut-to-15-years-on-appeal)
* [Ex-Prime Minister Han Duck-soo sentenced to 15 years in prison on appeal for role in insurrection — koreajoongangdaily.joins.com](https://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/news/2026-05-07/national/politics/ExPrime-Minister-Han-Ducksoo-sentenced-to-15-years-in-prison-on-appeal-for-role-in-insurrection/2586603)
* [(LEAD) Appeals court reduces sentence for ex-PM Han to 15 yrs in insurrection trial — en.yna.co.kr](https://en.yna.co.kr/view/AEN20260507004951315)
* [Court to broadcast live appeals trial of ex-PM Han this week — en.yna.co.kr](https://en.yna.co.kr/view/AEN20260504009900315)
* [Court to broadcast former Prime Minister Han Duck-soo's appellate trial over martial law involvement — koreajoongangdaily.joins.com](https://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/news/2026-05-04/national/socialAffairs/Court-to-broadcast-former-Prime-Minister-Han-Ducksoos-appellate-trial-over-martial-law-involvement/2584358)
* [South Korea appeals court cuts jail sentence for ex-PM Han to 15 years in martial law case — reuters.com](https://reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/south-korea-appeals-court-cuts-jail-sentence-ex-pm-han-duck-soo-15-years-2026-05-07)
* [South Korean ex-PM's martial-law sentence cut to 15 years on appeal — manilatimes.net](https://manilatimes.net/2026/05/08/world/asia-oceania/south-korean-ex-pms-martial-law-sentence-cut-to-15-years-on-appeal/2338710)
* [South Korea cuts ex-PM Han Duck-soo's martial law-linked sentence to 15 years on appeal — malaymail.com](https://malaymail.com/news/world/2026/05/07/south-korea-cuts-ex-pm-han-duck-soos-martial-law-linked-sentence-to-15-years-on-appeal/219006)
* [\[Breaking\] Han Duck-soo's sentence reduced by 8 years to 15 years in second trial from 23 years — asiae.co.kr](https://asiae.co.kr/en/article/2026050710530152912)
* [Former Prime Minister Han Deok-soo, who was accused of participating in the December 3 emergency martial law, was sentenced to 15 years in prison in the second trial — mk.co.kr](https://mk.co.kr/en/society/12042235)
* [Letting out deep sighs, he sprang to his feet when the bench said 'The sentence has been set'... The moment of the appellate verdict for Han Duck-soo — khan.co.kr](https://khan.co.kr/en/article/202605071544007)
* [Why Han Deok-su saw his sentence reduced by 8 years… The appellate court — khan.co.kr](https://khan.co.kr/en/article/202605091032007)
* [Jail term for ex-S Korean PM Han cut to 15 years — innereastreview.com.au](https://innereastreview.com.au/story/9241664/jail-term-for-ex-s-korean-pm-han-cut-to-15-years)
* [Appellate Court Reduces Former Korean PM's Sedition Sentence to 15 Years — barlamantoday.com](https://barlamantoday.com/2026/05/07/appellate-court-reduces-former-korean-republic-pms-sedition-sentence-to-15-years/)
* [Seoul Court Reduces Han Duck-soo Prison Sentence in Major Ruling — orbitalaffairs.com](https://orbitalaffairs.com/seoul-court-reduces-han-duck-soo-prison-sentence-in-major-ruling)
* [South Korean court reduces Han Duck-soo's prison term in martial law case — dominicanrepublicpost.com](https://dominicanrepublicpost.com/south-korean-court-reduces-han-duck-soos-prison-term-in-martial-law-case)
* [A South Korean appeals court has reduced the prison sentence of former Prime Minister Han Duck-soo — tmv.in](https://tmv.in/article/south-korea-appeals-court-cuts-jail-term-for-ex-pm-han-to-15-years-in-martial-law-case-date=2026-05-08)
* [Hàn Quốc: Cựu Thủ tướng Han Duck Soo được giảm án trong vụ thiết quân luật — lsvn.vn](https://lsvn.vn/han-quoc-cuu-thu-tuong-han-duck-soo-duoc-giam-an-trong-vu-thiet-quan-luat-a172465.html)
* [दक्षिण कोरियाली अदालतले घटायो पूर्वप्रधानमन्त्री सूको जेल सजाय — ratopati.com](https://ratopati.com/story/561541/south-korean-court-reduces-former-prime-minister-suu-kyis-prison-sentence)
* [Former South Korean Prime Minister Han Tak-soo's sentence reduced — iftamil.com](https://iftamil.com/former-south-korean-prime-minister-han-tak-soos-sentence-reduced)
* [Séoul: Han Duck-soo voit sa peine ramenée à 15 ans en appel — blick.ch](https://blick.ch/fr/monde/seoul-han-duck-soo-voit-sa-peine-ramenee-a-15-ans-en-appel-id21928420.html)
* [Corée du Sud | La peine de l'ex-premier ministre Han Duck-soo ramenée à 15 ans de prison — lapresse.ca](https://www.lapresse.ca/international/asie-et-oceanie/2026-05-06/coree-du-sud/la-peine-de-l-ex-premier-ministre-han-duck-soo-ramenee-a-15-ans-de-prison.php)
* [Corée du Sud : l'ex-premier ministre Han Duck-soo voit sa peine réduite à 15 ans de prison — lefigaro.fr](https://www.lefigaro.fr/international/coree-du-sud-l-ex-premier-ministre-han-duck-soo-voit-sa-peine-reduite-a-15-ans-de-prison-20260507)
* [Corea del Sur reduce a 15 años la pena a Han Duck Soo — democrata.es](https://www.democrata.es/internacional/rebajan-a-15-anos-la-pena-al-ex-primer-ministro-surcoreano-aliado-de-yoon/)
* [Reducen a 15 años la condena del ex primer ministro de Corea del Sur por la fallida imposición de la ley marcial — latinus.us](https://latinus.us/mundo/2026/5/7/reducen-15-anios-la-condena-del-ex-primer-ministro-de-corea-del-sur-por-la-fallida-imposicion-ley-marcial-172712.html)
* [Hukuman penjara bekas PM Korea Selatan dikurang kepada 15 tahun — freemalaysiatoday.com](https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/bahasa/dunia/2026/05/07/hukuman-penjara-bekas-pm-korea-selatan-dikurang-kepada-15-tahun)
* [South Korea heads to local elections under shadow of disgraced former president — reuters.com](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/south-korea-heads-local-elections-under-shadow-disgraced-former-president-2026-05-08/)
* [Bank of Korea Official Says It's Time to Consider Interest Rate Hike — bloomberg.com](https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2026-05-04/top-bank-of-korea-official-says-it-s-time-to-consider-rate-hike)
* [Bank of Korea deputy chief says time to consider rate hikes — reuters.com](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/bank-korea-deputy-chief-says-time-consider-rate-hikes-2026-05-04/)
* [BOK senior official hints at rate hike pivot amid inflation fears — koreaherald.com](https://www.koreaherald.com/article/10730840)
* [Bank of Korea official's rate-hike hint sparks controversy and market reaction — koreapro.org](https://koreapro.org/2026/05/bank-of-korea-officials-rate-hike-hint-sparks-controversy-and-market-reaction/)
* [South Korea's central bank ready to turn hawkish as chip boom masks inflation pressure — investinglive.com](https://investinglive.com/centralbank/south-koreas-central-bank-ready-to-turn-hawkish-as-chip-boom-masks-inflation-pressure-20260504/)
* [South Korea: Modest tightening prospects – DBS — fxstreet.com](https://www.fxstreet.com/news/south-korea-modest-tightening-prospects-dbs-202605072001)
* [South Korea: Gradual CPI rise keeps BoK cautious – ING — fxstreet.com](https://www.fxstreet.com/news/south-korea-gradual-cpi-rise-keeps-bok-cautious-ing-202605061736)
* [South Korea inflation near two-year high, raising likelihood of rate hikes — marketscreener.com](https://www.marketscreener.com/news/south-korea-inflation-near-two-year-high-raising-likelihood-of-rate-hikes-ce7f58dddb88fe2c)
* [Oil Prices Rise, South Korea's Inflation Forecast to Rise — voi.id](https://voi.id/en/economy/573984)
* [BOK chief to attend BIS governors' meeting in Switzerland — en.yna.co.kr](https://en.yna.co.kr/view/AEN20260508003900320)
* [South Korea heads to local elections under shadow of disgraced former president — reuters.com](https://reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/south-korea-heads-local-elections-under-shadow-disgraced-former-president-2026-05-08)
* [Landslide outlook fades for DPK as races in PPP base tighten — koreatimes.co.kr](https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/southkorea/2026localelections/20260510/landslide-outlook-fades-for-dpk-as-races-in-ppp-base-tighten)
* [DPK 지지층 확산 경색으로 산사태 가능성 전망 약화, PPP 본선 경쟁 강화 — southkoreannetwork.com](https://www.southkoreannetwork.com/2026/05/dpk-ppp-landslide-prospect-diminishes.html)
* [June 3 elections take shape: DPK's presidential aides vs. PPP's incumbents — petertheil.com](https://www.petertheil.com/138831/)
* [Lee's approval rating falls below 60%: poll — koreaherald.com](https://koreaherald.com/article/10730630)
* [PPP leader claims Lee government's foreign policy could weaken US alliance — koreaherald.com](https://koreaherald.com/article/10734080)
* [People Power Party Warns Against 'Parliamentary Dictatorship' Over Committee Chair Monopoly — en.sedaily.com](https://en.sedaily.com/finance/2026/05/06/people-power-party-warns-against-parliamentary-dictatorship)
* [DPK Elects Byungdo Han as New Parliamentary Leader — asiae.co.kr](https://asiae.co.kr/en/article/2026050615335091950)
* [1,325 People Power Party Members Defect, Endorse Kim Boo-kyum — en.sedaily.com](https://en.sedaily.com/politics/2026/05/10/1325-people-power-party-members-defect-endorse-kim-boo-kyum)
* ['Involved in insurrection' Kim Hyun-tae of the 707th, to run in the Gyeyang B by-election — khan.co.kr](https://khan.co.kr/en/article/202605081919017)
* [President Lee Jae Myung Urges Partial Constitutional Amendment Vote — chosun.com](https://www.chosun.com/english/national-en/2026/05/06/TPML5FPZNNAN3FMX4WJ4HPWBOY/)
* [Lee pushes constitutional reform centered on curbing martial law — koreatimes.co.kr](https://koreatimes.co.kr/southkorea/politics/20260506/lee-pushes-constitutional-reform-centered-on-curbing-martial-law)
* [Lee pushes constitutional reform centered on curbing martial law — koreatimes.co.kr](https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/southkorea/politics/20260506/lee-pushes-constitutional-reform-centered-on-curbing-martial-law)
* [Lee says 'partial, phased' constitutional revision would be 'realistic' — koreatimes.co.kr](https://koreatimes.co.kr/southkorea/politics/20260506/lee-says-partial-phased-constitutional-revision-would-be-realistic)
* ['No-reason-to-oppose' constitutional revision bill, Lee tells Assembly — koreaherald.com](https://koreaherald.com/article/10732034)
* [Korea's First Constitutional Amendment Bid in 39 Years Collapses Amid Partisan Clash — en.sedaily.com](https://en.sedaily.com/politics/2026/05/08/koreas-first-constitutional-amendment-bid-in-39-years)
* [Ruling party fails to push through constitutional amendment bill amid opposition boycott — koreatimes.co.kr](https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/southkorea/politics/20260508/ruling-party-fails-to-push-through-constitutional-amendment-bill-amid-opposition-boycott)
* [Speaker blasts PPP as Assembly suspends push for constitutional amendment — koreaherald.com](https://koreaherald.com/article/10734028)
* [People Power Party to Launch Filibuster Against Constitutional Amendment Revote — en.sedaily.com](https://en.sedaily.com/finance/2026/05/07/people-power-party-to-launch-filibuster-against)
* [Korea's KOSPI breaks 7,000 as AI rally catapults Samsung into \$1 trillion club — reuters.com](https://reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/south-koreas-kospi-share-index-tops-7000-first-time-2026-05-06)
* [Samsung Hits \$1 Trillion Market Valuation as Stock More Than Quadruples on AI — bloomberg.com](https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2026-05-06/samsung-hits-1-trillion-valuation-joining-tsmc-in-elite-club)
* [Samsung crosses \$1 trillion valuation as AI frenzy drives historic rally, lifting shares over 15% — cnbc.com](https://www.cnbc.com/2026/05/06/samsung-electronics-ai-chip-rally-kospi-record-1-trillion.html)
* [KOSPI Closes at an All-Time High for the Fourth Straight Day… Just Below the 7500 Mark — khan.co.kr](https://khan.co.kr/en/article/202605081640017)
* [Despite Foreign Investors' 5 Trillion Won Sell-Off, KOSPI Closes at All-Time High — asiae.co.kr](https://asiae.co.kr/en/article/2026050816035451783)
* [Samsung Hits \$1 Trillion Valuation Amid Apple Chip Diversification Talks — macrumors.com](https://www.macrumors.com/2026/05/06/samsung-1-trillion-valuation/)
* [Apple Explores Using Intel and Samsung to Build Main Device Chips in the US — bloomberg.com](https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2026-05-05/apple-explores-using-intel-and-samsung-to-build-main-device-chips-in-the-us)
* [Korea Chip Boom May Be Understated in GDP as Nominal Growth Eyes Double Digits — en.bloomingbit.io](https://en.bloomingbit.io/feed/news/111731)
* [Lee urges careful deliberation on special probe over 'fabricated' charges against him under Yoon — koreatimes.co.kr](https://koreatimes.co.kr/southkorea/law-crime/20260504/lee-urges-careful-deliberation-on-special-probe-over-fabricated-charges-against-him-under-yoon)
* [South Korean President Lee Jae Myung Urges Careful Deliberation on Special Probe in Fabricated Evidence Against Him — easternmirrornagaland.com](https://www.easternmirrornagaland.com/south-korean-president-lee-jae-myung-urges-careful-deliberation-on-special-probe-in-fabricated-evidence-against-him)
* [President Lee lacks loyal advisers willing to speak bluntly — koreajoongangdaily.joins.com](https://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/news/2026-05-08/englishStudy/bilingualNews/President-Lee-lacks-loyal-advisers-willing-to-speak-bluntly-KOR/2587643)
* [Special committee files complaints against 31 figures in alleged fabrication by prosecution — koreatimes.co.kr](https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/southkorea/politics/20260508/special-committee-files-complaints-against-31-figures-in-alleged-fabrication-by-prosecution)
* [President Lee Jae Myung Delays Special Counsel Bill to Avoid Election Backlash — chosun.com](https://chosun.com/english/national-en/2026/05/05/CWWKP4OCB5ARLABFDF5LDRJEIY)
* [People Power Party to Launch Task Force Against Prosecution Withdrawal Bill — en.sedaily.com](https://en.sedaily.com/finance/2026/05/09/people-power-party-to-launch-task-force-against-prosecution)
* ['Yoon Seok-yeol inspection allegations' Park Eun-jung wins lawsuit to overturn dismissal from her time as a prosecutor — khan.co.kr](https://khan.co.kr/en/article/202605081920017)
* [Samsung chip workers reject \$340,000 one-time bonus, demand annual payouts like SK hynix's \$900,000 — tomshardware.com](https://www.tomshardware.com/tech-industry/big-tech/samsung-chip-workers-reject-usd340-000-one-time-bonus-demand-annual-payouts-like-sk-hynixs-usd900-000-workers-want-share-of-ai-windfall-impending-18-day-strike-could-cost-samsung-up-to-usd11-7-billion)
* [A \$340,000 bonus isn't enough — Samsung workers strike for nearly \$1 million because of the AI boom — tomsguide.com](https://www.tomsguide.com/ai/a-usd340-000-bonus-isnt-enough-samsung-workers-strike-for-nearly-usd1-million-because-of-the-ai-boom)
* [Samsung strike may inflate memory prices, as union dispute over profits intensifies — notebookcheck.net](https://www.notebookcheck.net/Samsung-strike-may-inflate-memory-prices-as-union-dispute-over-profits-intensifies.1291775.0.html)
* [Samsung faces chip worker revolt — fudzilla.com](https://fudzilla.com/116047-2/)
* [Samsung Workers Reject \$340K Bonus, Want Annual Payouts — gadgetreview.com](https://www.gadgetreview.com/samsung-workers-reject-340k-bonus-want-annual-payouts)
* [Samsung chip workers reject \$340,000 one-time bonus and demand annual payouts like SK hynix — technobezz.com](https://www.technobezz.com/news/samsung-chip-workers-reject-340000-one-time-bonus-and-demand-annual-payouts-like-sk-hynix)
* [Launch to Whom? North Korea Threatens Automatic Nuclear Strike If Kim Jong Un Dies — ibtimes.co.uk](https://www.ibtimes.co.uk/north-korea-nuclear-policy-automatic-strike-kim-jong-un-1796050)
* [North Korea amends constitution to mandate nuclear strike if Kim Jong Un is assassinated: Report — firstpost.com](https://www.firstpost.com/world/north-korea-amends-constitution-to-mandate-nuclear-strike-if-kim-jong-un-is-assassinated-report-14009657.html)
* [North Korea Takes Major Nuclear Step, Approves Automatic Nuclear Strike Policy If Kim Jong-un Is Assassinated — newsx.com](https://www.newsx.com/world/north-korea-takes-major-nuclear-step-approves-automatic-nuclear-strike-policy-if-kim-jong-un-is-assassinated-216694/)
* [North Korea Changes Constitution, Will Launch Nuclear Strike if Kim Jong Un Is Killed or Incapacitated by a Foreign Attack — thegatewaypundit.com](https://www.thegatewaypundit.com/2026/05/north-korea-changes-constitution-will-launch-nuclear-strike/)
* [Corea del Norte cambia la Constitución para lanzar un ataque nuclear automático si matan a Kim Jong-un — elnacional.cat](https://www.elnacional.cat/es/internacional/corea-norte-cambia-constitucion-lanzar-ataque-nuclear-automatico-si-matan-kim-jong-un-disuasion_1637545_102.html)
* [S. Korea's Lee says people saved him from 2024 stabbing, vows to serve country — qazinform.com](https://qazinform.com/news/s-koreas-lee-says-people-saved-him-from-2024-stabbing-vows-to-serve-country-841c79)
* [Lee says people saved him from 2024 knife attack, vows to devote himself to country — koreaherald.com](https://koreaherald.com/article/10734274)
* [President Lee: 'The people saved me from the threats of judicial murder, knife murder, and character assassination' — khan.co.kr](https://khan.co.kr/en/article/202605090852007)
* [Lee Vows to Serve Country After 2024 Knife Attack — newkerala.com](https://newkerala.com/news/a/south-korea-lee-says-people-saved-him-from-593.htm)
* [Lee Jae Myung: People Saved Me from 2024 Knife Attack — newkerala.com](https://newkerala.com/news/a/people-saved-me-from-2024-knife-attack-south-154.htm)
* [Korean households spend just 130 won per 10,000 won in stock gains — koreaherald.com](https://koreaherald.com/article/10733256)
* ['Even if stock prices rise by 10,000 won, only 130 won goes to consumption' — khan.co.kr](https://www.khan.co.kr/en/article/202605071731007/)
* [South Korea's Stock Asset Effect Lags Major Economies — chosun.com](https://www.chosun.com/english/market-money-en/2026/05/07/NC6WIL5PSBA27N3DYAVDLX4NKI/)
* [Korean Investors Pile Into Credit-Line Borrowing as Kospi Hits Records — en.bloomingbit.io](https://en.bloomingbit.io/feed/news/111736)
* [Seniors Join Debt-Fueled Stock Rush as KOSPI Hits Record Highs — en.sedaily.com](https://en.sedaily.com/finance/2026/05/10/seniors-join-debt-fueled-stock-rush-as-kospi-hits-record)
* [Local brokerages beef up preparations for omnibus accounts amid KOSPI surge — koreaherald.com](https://koreaherald.com/article/10734257)
* [South Korea begins probe into ship fire in Strait of Hormuz amid Iran dispute — reuters.com](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/south-korea-begins-probe-into-ship-fire-strait-hormuz-amid-iran-dispute-2026-05-08/)
* [Opposition Lawmaker Demands Lee's Response to HMM Namu Attack — en.sedaily.com](https://en.sedaily.com/finance/2026/05/10/opposition-lawmaker-demands-lees-response-to-hmm-namu-attack)
* [Confirmed Vessel Strike in Strait of Hormuz: Will Seoul Reshape Its Stance on US-led Maritime Missions? — missionkiawaaz.com](https://www.missionkiawaaz.com/south-korea-hormuz-us-mission-strike/)
* [Korea's March Current Account Surplus Hits Record \$37.3 Billion on Chips, BTS — en.sedaily.com](https://en.sedaily.com/finance/2026/05/08/koreas-march-current-account-surplus-hits-record-373)
* [South Korea Current-Account Surplus Hits Record on Chip Export Boom — bloomberg.com](https://bloomberg.com/news/articles/2026-05-08/south-korea-s-current-account-surplus-surges-to-record-on-chips)
* [China's He to hold trade talks with US delegation in South Korea — reuters.com](https://www.reuters.com/world/china/chinas-he-hold-trade-talks-with-us-delegation-south-korea-2026-05-10/)
* [South Korea, Dutch leaders discuss chips, AI cooperation — reuters.com](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/south-korea-dutch-leaders-discuss-chips-ai-cooperation-2026-05-07/)
* [Lee calls for closer cooperation with Netherlands in call with Dutch PM — koreaherald.com](https://koreaherald.com/article/10733306)
* [Readout – Prime Minister Carney speaks with President of the Republic of Korea Lee Jae Myung — weeklyvoice.com](https://weeklyvoice.com/readout-prime-minister-carney-speaks-with-president-of-the-republic-of-korea-lee-jae-myung/)
* [Readout - Prime Minister Carney speaks with President of the Republic of Korea Lee Jae Myung — newswire.ca](https://www.newswire.ca/news-releases/readout-prime-minister-carney-speaks-with-president-of-the-republic-of-korea-lee-jae-myung-815297134.html)
* [South Korea Tightens Grip on Overseas Crypto Transfers With New Registration Law — banklesstimes.com](https://banklesstimes.com/articles/2026/05/08/south-korea-tightens-grip-on-overseas-crypto-transfers-with-new-registration-law)
* [PPP Lawmaker Says South Korea's Crypto Tax Infrastructure Falls Short, Calls for Legislative Review — en.bloomingbit.io](https://en.bloomingbit.io/feed/news/111569)
* [BTQ selected for Korea bank-led KRW stablecoin security — stocktitan.net](https://www.stocktitan.net/news/BTQ/btq-technologies-qssn-selected-as-core-security-infrastructure-for-2d327gea0ops.html)
* [BTQ Technologies' QSSN Selected as Core Security Infrastructure for South Korea's First Bank-Led KRW Stablecoin Proof-of-Concept — aijourn.com](https://aijourn.com/btq-technologies-qssn-selected-as-core-security-infrastructure-for-south-koreas-first-bank-led-krw-stablecoin-proof-of-concept/)
* [BTQ selected for South Korea bank stablecoin security project — investing.com](https://www.investing.com/news/company-news/btq-selected-for-south-korea-bank-stablecoin-security-project-93CH-4662872)
* [KRW Stablecoin Infrastructure Launch: TokenSquare and BSV Association Power South Korea's Digital Won Revolution — bitcoinworld.co.in](https://bitcoinworld.co.in/krw-stablecoin-infrastructure-south-korea)
***
### 
Australia
A rural New South Wales electorate that the Coalition had held for 77 years flipped to One Nation on Saturday, and Angus Taylor, the Liberal leader, called it existential.
David Farley, the One Nation candidate, won Farrer after the seat was vacated by former Liberal leader Sussan Ley. One Nation is now polling second nationally, above the Coalition. Mr Taylor responded by making the contest about the economy, not culture — acknowledging that he cannot beat One Nation on immigration and identity. But Mr Taylor also backed Tony Abbott, the former prime minister, to become Liberal Party federal president, a position Mr Abbott is now all but certain to win given the conservative faction's hold on roughly 70 of the 113 federal council votes. Mr Abbott's control of the party organisation will pull it in a cultural-conservative direction, directly at odds with Mr Taylor's stated strategy.
The Cabinet had been watching One Nation's rise more carefully than it let on. An investigation by the Sydney Morning Herald revealed that Anthony Albanese, the prime minister, Jim Chalmers, the treasurer, and Katy Gallagher, the finance minister, had been meeting in secret since November 2025 — months before the fuel crisis — planning to scrap the government's pre-election pledge not to touch negative gearing and capital gains tax concessions. One in ten Labor voters had been drifting to One Nation. The Budget, due May 12, will cap or abolish negative gearing, reduce the capital gains tax discount, and reform trust taxation. The government framed it as addressing intergenerational inequality; it was also clearly defensive politics.
The economic backdrop made none of this easier. The Reserve Bank of Australia raised the cash rate a third consecutive time on May 5, lifting it 25 basis points to 4.35% in an 8-1 board vote — back to 2011 levels and unwinding all of last year's easing. Michele Bullock, the governor, signalled a pause, but the bank's own forecasts point to a terminal rate near 4.7% by year-end, and Westpac and Bendigo Bank now expect further hikes in August and September. Bloomberg described Australia as an outlier among global central banks; the Federal Reserve, the Bank of Japan, and most peers are holding.
The government's answer to the fuel vulnerability exposed by the Iran conflict is a \$10.7 billion package — \$3.2 billion for a government-owned reserve targeting more than 50 days of diesel and aviation fuel by 2030, and \$7.5 billion in loans, equity guarantees, and insurance through a Fuel and Fertiliser Security Facility. From July 2027, energy companies will be required to reserve gas for the east coast domestic market. The package is financed off-budget. Tony Wood of the Grattan Institute called the feasibility studies for new refining capacity pointless given that Australia produces no oil to refine. Richard Marles, the deputy prime minister, also confirmed that Washington had not asked for Australian naval support in the Strait of Hormuz, though he said talks were continuing.
Australia's Pacific diplomacy produced a clear win and a loss in the same week. Penny Wong, the foreign minister, and Pat Conroy, the Pacific minister, flew to Suva and finalised the Vuvale Union, a treaty-level agreement with Fiji covering security, policing, transnational crime, economic ties, and people-to-people links, alongside a pledge of A\$30 million to help Fiji manage fuel price shocks. Fiji is the fourth country — after Papua New Guinea, Nauru, and Tuvalu — to sign a security pact with Australia since 2023, each designed to limit Chinese security access in the Pacific. But in Vanuatu, China is close to finalising its own rival deal. Mihai Sora of the Lowy Institute described the tactics as diplomatic intellectual property theft, with China allegedly bribing Vanuatuan politicians to block a parallel A\$500 million Australian treaty. Australia is winning in Fiji; it appears to have lost in Vanuatu, at least for now.
At home, the government moved quickly on a different security matter. Police arrested three women on arrival after they returned from the Islamic State camp at Roj, Syria. Kawsar Abbas and her daughter Zeinab Ahmed face crimes-against-humanity charges for allegedly owning a Yazidi slave; Janai Safar faces terrorism membership and travel charges. All three were denied bail. Twenty-one Australians remain in Syrian camps. Mr Albanese said he had no sympathy for the women but sympathised with the children, calling them victims of their parents' decisions. Mike Burgess, the director-general of the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation, said the national terrorism threat level was unchanged.
* **Australia-Japan summit: Albanese and Takaichi sign economic security declaration covering energy, defence, critical minerals** — Sanae Takaichi, Japan's prime minister, visited Australia on May 4–6, signing a joint declaration on Economic Security Cooperation with Mr Albanese covering energy security, critical minerals (including an A\$1.3bn project), and defence, as both countries navigate supply chain disruptions from the Iran conflict. Ms Wong dismissed suggestions that Japan could serve as a backup for Australia's Australia-UK-US submarine deal. *([reuters.com](https://www.reuters.com/business/energy/japan-pm-takaichi-set-talks-with-australias-albanese-energy-security-2026-05-04/))*
* **Inland Rail Melbourne-Brisbane link abandoned as cost blows out beyond \$45 billion** — The Albanese government announced it would drastically scale back the Inland Rail project, abandoning plans to connect country New South Wales and Queensland by rail and limiting the project to a shorter Beveridge (Victoria) to Parkes (NSW) corridor, as the project's cost estimate exceeded \$45 billion. *([abc.net.au](https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-05-05/albanese-government-slashes-funding-inland-rail-project/106644902))*
* **Hantavirus outbreak on cruise ship: Australia charters flight to repatriate nationals** — Australia's government chartered a flight via Perth to repatriate four Australian citizens and one permanent resident from the MV Hondius, a luxury cruise ship struck by a hantavirus outbreak. Murray Watt, the federal environment minister, confirmed quarantine arrangements were being finalised with state governments. *([theguardian.com](https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2026/may/11/australia-charters-flight-to-bring-nationals-home-from-hantavirus-stricken-luxury-cruise))*
* **Australian Gaza flotilla activist returns home after Israeli detention** — An Australian activist who attempted to break Israel's naval blockade of Gaza as part of a flotilla returned home after being detained by Israeli authorities, while two other non-Australian participants remained in Israeli custody. Critics accused Mr Albanese and Ms Wong of failing to secure consular support for the detained Australians. *([sbs.com.au](https://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/australian-gaza-aid-flotilla-activist-returns-home-following-israeli-detention/1bewgp5xx))*
* **Australia's antisemitism royal commission hears personal testimonies on growing hostility** — An antisemitism royal commission held hearings in which Jewish Australians provided personal testimonies about increased hostility, discrimination, and the impact of the Bondi terror attack, amid debate over the difficulty of separating criticism of Israel's government from antisemitism. *([theguardian.com](https://www.theguardian.com/news/ng-interactive/2026/may/09/australia-rise-in-antisemitism-bondi-terror-attack-royal-commission-ntwnfb))*
* **Australia's petro-diplomacy: Wong visits China to push resumption of fuel exports** — Penny Wong, the foreign minister, flew to China to press for the resumption of jet fuel sales to Australian businesses, drawing on Australia's status as a major liquefied natural gas and coal exporter to encourage Beijing to relax export curbs imposed after the US-Iran conflict disrupted global supply chains. *([ft.com](https://www.ft.com/content/b824ef26-75aa-43b9-8cb2-5ac25bd51895))*
* [Australia's Trump-aligned populists vow to fight mass migration after winning first lower house seat — reuters.com](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/australias-trump-aligned-populists-vow-fight-mass-migration-after-winning-first-2026-05-10/)
* [Australia's right-wing One Nation party scores historic parliamentary win — bbc.com](https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cwy2e4z4npro)
* [Australia has been a sanctuary from the populist right's onslaught. Is it now living on borrowed time? — theguardian.com](https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2026/may/08/australia-has-been-a-sanctuary-from-the-populist-rights-onslaught-is-it-now-living-on-borrowed-time)
* [As Trump-adjacent populism surges in Australia, Pauline Hanson cashes in — reuters.com](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/trump-adjacent-populism-surges-australia-wealthy-donors-join-2026-05-07/)
* [Australia news LIVE: Polling data shows scale of One Nation's win in Farrer; Government gears up to deliver federal budget — smh.com.au](https://www.smh.com.au/national/australia-news-live-polling-data-shows-scale-of-one-nation-s-win-in-farrer-government-gears-up-to-deliver-federal-budget-iran-responds-to-us-newest-ceasefire-proposal-20260511-p5zvj3.html)
* [Federal politics live: Anthony Albanese says Liberals and Nationals legitimised One Nation at Farrer by-election — abc.net.au](https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-05-11/federal-politics-live-blog-one-nation/106664438)
* [Angus Taylor: party of convenience, not conviction — spectator.com.au](https://www.spectator.com.au/2026/05/angus-taylor-party-of-convenience-not-conviction/)
* [Farrer by-election looms as crucial test for Angus Taylor's Liberal leadership as One Nation surges — 7news.com.au](https://7news.com.au/news/farrer-by-election-looms-as-crucial-test-for-angus-taylors-liberal-leadership-as-one-nation-surges-c-22256926)
* [Opposition Leader Angus Taylor looks to budget after Farrer byelection thrashing — afr.com](https://www.afr.com/politics/federal/one-nation-surges-to-victory-in-farrer-byelection-20260509-p5zvb9)
* [Federal budget 2026 reply is crucial for Angus Taylor, Coalition opposition — afr.com](https://www.afr.com/politics/federal/it-s-a-big-budget-for-the-government-but-also-for-angus-taylor-20260506-p5zuef)
* [Coalition plans to cut migration in move Angus Taylor vows will ease housing crisis — abc.net.au](https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-05-08/coalition-migration-cut-tied-to-housing-availability/106629120)
* [Could One Nation's Farrer victory be the 'beginning of the end' for the Coalition? — sbs.com.au](https://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/one-nation-wins-farrer-analysis-future-of-australian-politics/didkm64dc)
* [Pauline Hanson declares One Nation 'here for the long haul' after massive Farrer victory — thenightly.com.au](https://thenightly.com.au/politics/australia/pauline-hanson-declares-one-nation-here-for-the-long-haul-after-massive-farrer-victory-c-22261669)
* ['Validated': One Nation eyes cities after historic win — northweststar.com.au](https://www.northweststar.com.au/story/9243440/validated-one-nation-eyes-cities-after-historic-win/)
* ['Validated': One Nation eyes cities after historic win — illawarramercury.com.au](https://www.illawarramercury.com.au/story/9243440/validated-one-nation-eyes-cities-after-historic-win/)
* ['Validated': One Nation eyes cities after historic win — theleader.com.au](https://www.theleader.com.au/story/9243440/validated-one-nation-eyes-cities-after-historic-win/)
* [David Farley's Farrer win shakes Australian politics — canberratimes.com.au](https://www.canberratimes.com.au/story/9243109/david-farleys-farrer-win-shakes-australian-politics/)
* [Farrer result shows same old Liberal lines no longer cut it — thenightly.com.au](https://thenightly.com.au/politics/one-nation-wins-farrer-liberals-need-to-deal-with-the-burn-it-all-down-crew-c-22261957)
* [Australia's far-right party wins first lower house seat — japantoday.com](https://japantoday.com/category/world/australia's-far-right-party-wins-first-lower-house-seat1)
* [Australia's conservatives reel from by-election loss to far right — manilatimes.net](https://www.manilatimes.net/2026/05/11/world/asia-oceania/australias-conservatives-reel-from-by-election-loss-to-far-right/2340169)
* [Farrer byelection 2026 results: The existential crisis facing the Liberal Party — 9news.com.au](https://www.9news.com.au/national/farrer-byelection-2026-results-existential-crisis-liberal-party-coalition-one-nation/cfb453bc-599a-4991-88cc-3fe74f8a7749)
* [The Liberal Party needs to go back to where it came from — echo.net.au](https://echo.net.au/2026/05/the-liberal-party-needs-to-go-back-to-where-it-came-from)
* [Australia's central bank set to cool its heels after rapid-fire rate hikes — reuters.com](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/australia-central-bank-hikes-rates-third-time-this-year-battle-with-inflation-2026-05-05/)
* [RBA Hikes Interest Rates for Third Time, Reinforcing Its Outlier Stance Globally — bloomberg.com](https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2026-05-05/rba-delivers-third-straight-rate-hike-cementing-outlier-status)
* [Statement by the Monetary Policy Board: Monetary Policy Decision — rba.gov.au](https://www.rba.gov.au/media-releases/2026/mr-26-12.html)
* [Statement by the Monetary Policy Board: Monetary Policy Decision (media page) — rba.gov.au](https://rba.gov.au/media-releases/2026/mr-26-12.html)
* ['This is disastrous': How much will the RBA interest rate hike cost you — 9news.com.au](https://www.9news.com.au/national/how-much-will-the-rba-interest-rate-hike-cost-you/6568da42-5c43-4c97-a70d-79d03330cfc5)
* [Australia hikes rates again and warns inflation will stay higher for longer — cnbc.com](https://cnbc.com/2026/05/05/australia-central-bank-rate-hike-inflation-rba.html)
* [RBA interest rates: Why the Reserve Bank raised rates amid energy crisis and inflation concerns — afr.com](https://www.afr.com/policy/economy/a-rate-rise-was-inevitable-the-real-story-is-how-the-rba-got-there-20260504-p5ztm9)
* [RBA hiked interest rates and willing to pause now, but anxious about 2026 federal budgets — afr.com](https://afr.com/policy/economy/rba-willing-to-pause-but-anxious-about-budgets-20260504-p5ztdf)
* [Chanticleer podcast: RBA's ugly message for households and pay lessons from Macquarie — afr.com](https://www.afr.com/policy/economy/rba-s-ugly-message-for-households-and-pay-lessons-from-macquarie-20260503-p5zt9r)
* [Booming household wealth makes the RBA's inflation fight harder as rich Australians spend through rate hikes — afr.com](https://www.afr.com/politics/federal/the-rba-s-problem-is-we-re-all-too-rich-20260507-p5zura)
* [Australian property market sees auction clearance rates fall amid RBA interest rate rise — afr.com](https://www.afr.com/property/residential/interest-rate-rises-budget-fears-sink-auction-market-20260510-p5zven)
* [ASX 200: As RBA raises rates, Australia's sharemarket is in the midst of a tough lesson — afr.com](https://www.afr.com/markets/equity-markets/australia-s-sharemarket-is-in-the-midst-of-a-tough-lesson-20260430-p5zsip)
* [Bendigo Bank expects another RBA rate hike this year — mpamag.com](https://www.mpamag.com/au/news/general/bendigo-bank-expects-another-rba-rate-hike-this-year/574406)
* [Westpac revises RBA rate forecast — mpamag.com](https://www.mpamag.com/au/news/general/westpac-revises-rba-rate-forecast/574552)
* [RBA pause tips next rate hikes to August and September — brokernews.com.au](https://www.brokernews.com.au/news/breaking-news/rba-pause-tips-next-rate-hikes-to-august-and-september-289322.aspx)
* [Rate call tweak: August and September not June and August — westpaciq.com.au](https://www.westpaciq.com.au/economics/2026/05/rba-call-8-may-2026)
* [AUD/USD: Unilateral RBA tightening supports currency – TD Securities — fxstreet.com](https://www.fxstreet.com/news/aud-usd-unilateral-rba-tightening-supports-currency-td-securities-202605071000)
* [AUD/USD Forecast: Bullish near multi-year top amid Iran peace hopes — fxstreet.com](https://www.fxstreet.com/analysis/aud-usd-price-forecast-bullish-near-multi-year-top-amid-iran-peace-deal-hopes-hawkish-rba-202605070859)
* [AUD/USD: Consolidation risk after RBA pause – Societe Generale — fxstreet.com](https://www.fxstreet.com/news/aud-usd-consolidation-risk-after-rba-pause-societe-generale-202605050906)
* [RBA Interest Rate Forecast: Oil, Inflation and China Shape AUDUSD and ASX 200 — fxempire.com](https://www.fxempire.com/forecasts/article/rba-interest-rate-forecast-oil-inflation-and-china-shape-audusd-and-asx-200-1596873)
* [RBA Hikes Interest Rate to 4.35%, Signals It's Not Done Yet — actionforex.com](https://actionforex.com/live-comments/639423-rba-hikes-interest-rate-to-4-35-signals-its-not-done-yet)
* [RBA May 2026 Meeting: Cash Rate up 25bp to 4.35% — actionforex.com](https://actionforex.com/contributors/fundamental-analysis/639538-rba-may-2026-meeting-cash-rate-up-25bp-to-4-35-to-head-off-rising-inflation-expectations)
* [Forex Today: RBA Hikes Rates to 4.35% — dailyforex.com](https://dailyforex.com/forex-news/2026/05/forex-today-05-may-2026/244797)
* [Residential Property Prices Since the RBA Interest Rate Rise — thetimes.com.au](https://thetimes.com.au/world/50112-residential-property-prices-since-the-rba-interest-rate-rise)
* [The RBA Interest Rate Decision and How Our Lives Will Be Affected — thetimes.com.au](https://thetimes.com.au/world/50029-the-rba-interest-rate-decision-and-how-our-lives-will-be-affected)
* [RBA Interest Rate Hikes May 10: Australians Work More — meyka.com](https://meyka.com/blog/rba-interest-rate-hikes-may-10-australians-work-more-1005/)
* [RBA Interest Rate Decision Today: Live Tracker (May, 2026) — forbes.com.au](https://forbes.com.au/news/investing/rba-interest-rate-decision-live-tracker)
* [More pain coming as RBA hikes interest rates again — australiainstitute.org.au](https://australiainstitute.org.au/post/more-pain-coming-as-rba-hikes-interest-rates-again/)
* [Asia FX subdued as Middle East tensions intensify; RBA hikes rates as expected — za.investing.com](https://za.investing.com/news/forex-news/asia-fx-subdued-as-middle-east-tensions-intensify-rba-hikes-rates-as-expected-4251519)
* [US-Iran tensions rise, RBA hikes rates to counter inflation — fxstreet.com](https://fxstreet.com/analysis/us-iran-tensions-rise-rba-hikes-rates-to-counter-inflation-202605050554)
* [Iran retaliation falls short of rhetoric – RBA hikes again as expected — fxstreet.com](https://fxstreet.com/analysis/iran-retaliation-falls-short-of-rhetoric-rba-hikes-again-as-expected-202605050622)
* [RBA's latest rate hike forces businesses into defensive mode — hcamag.com](https://hcamag.com/au/specialisation/financial-wellness/rbas-latest-rate-hike-forces-businesses-into-defensive-mode/574147)
* [With no easy options, RBA raises interest rates for the third time to quell inflation — home.nzcity.co.nz](https://home.nzcity.co.nz/news/article.aspx?id=445303)
* [Bank of Sydney lifts rates for borrowers and savers after RBA move — neoskosmos.com](https://neoskosmos.com/en/2026/05/08/news/australia/bank-of-sydney-lifts-rates-for-borrowers-and-savers-after-rba-move/)
* [The cash rate is back at 2011 levels. The economy is not — livewiremarkets.com](https://www.livewiremarkets.com/wires/the-cash-rate-is-back-at-2011-levels-the-economy-is-not)
* [Newsquawk Week in Focus: US Inflation and Retail Sales, Chinese inflation, Trump-Xi meet — investinglive.com](https://investinglive.com/centralbank/newsquawk-week-in-focus-us-inflation-and-retail-sales-chinese-inflation-trump-xi-meet-20260510/)
* [Confounding bankers' assumptions, the RBA's post-COVID rate hikes caused Australians to work more, not less — abc.net.au](https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-05-10/rba-rapid-rate-hikes-increase-labour-supply-imf/106652558)
* [Funds Pile into Defensives Ahead of RBA Hike — finnewsnetwork.com.au](https://finnewsnetwork.com.au/archives/finance_news_network4713019.html)
* [Westpac Banking Corporation's New RBA Call Points to Two More Rate Hikes — bez-kabli.pl](https://www.bez-kabli.pl/westpac-banking-corporations-new-rba-call-points-to-two-more-rate-hikes/)
* [Here's what Westpac says the RBA will do with interest rates next — fool.com.au](https://www.fool.com.au/2026/05/09/heres-what-westpac-says-the-rba-will-do-with-interest-rates-next/)
* ['Unfair, unacceptable': Jim Chalmers flags major tax changes in upcoming budget (mentions RBA hike) — sbs.com.au](https://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/jim-chalmers-budget-tax-changes-cgt-negative-gearing/12t34ku8j)
* [RBA, rates, Trump, Iran, Anthropic: Australia Briefing — bloomberg.com](https://bloomberg.com/news/newsletters/2026-05-05/rba-rates-trump-iran-anthropic-australia-briefing)
* [Mark Kenny | When interest rates become too interesting (Junee Southern Cross) — juneesoutherncross.com.au](https://www.juneesoutherncross.com.au/story/9242868/mark-kenny-when-interest-rates-become-too-interesting/)
* [Mark Kenny | When interest rates become too interesting (North West Star) — northweststar.com.au](https://www.northweststar.com.au/story/9242868/mark-kenny-when-interest-rates-become-too-interesting/)
* [Mark Kenny | When interest rates become too interesting (Newcastle Herald) — newcastleherald.com.au](https://www.newcastleherald.com.au/story/9242868/mark-kenny-when-interest-rates-become-too-interesting/)
* [Mark Kenny | When interest rates become too interesting (Maitland Mercury) — maitlandmercury.com.au](https://www.maitlandmercury.com.au/story/9242868/mark-kenny-when-interest-rates-become-too-interesting/)
* [Mark Kenny | When interest rates become too interesting (Border Mail) — bordermail.com.au](https://www.bordermail.com.au/story/9242868/mark-kenny-when-interest-rates-become-too-interesting/)
* [Mark Kenny | When interest rates become too interesting (Eastern Riverina Chronicle) — easternriverinachronicle.com.au](https://www.easternriverinachronicle.com.au/story/9242868/mark-kenny-when-interest-rates-become-too-interesting/)
* [Mark Kenny | When interest rates become too interesting (Redland City Bulletin) — redlandcitybulletin.com.au](https://www.redlandcitybulletin.com.au/story/9242868/mark-kenny-when-interest-rates-become-too-interesting/)
* [Mark Kenny | When interest rates become too interesting (Armidale Express) — armidaleexpress.com.au](https://www.armidaleexpress.com.au/story/9242868/mark-kenny-when-interest-rates-become-too-interesting/)
* [Mark Kenny | When interest rates become too interesting (Daily Advertiser) — dailyadvertiser.com.au](https://www.dailyadvertiser.com.au/story/9242868/mark-kenny-when-interest-rates-become-too-interesting/)
* [RBA Interest Rate Forecast: Oil, Inflation and China (Spanish version) — fxempire.com](https://www.fxempire.es/forecasts/article/prevision-de-tipos-del-rba-petroleo-inflacion-y-china-moldean-al-audusd-y-al-asx-200-298651)
* [Government to save billions if it listens to former RBA banker — afr.com](https://afr.com/markets/debt-markets/government-to-save-billions-if-it-listens-to-former-rba-banker-20260428-p5zrrw)
* [Australia news headlines from Wednesday 6th May 2026: RBA hikes interest rates; fuel security announced — smh.com.au](https://www.smh.com.au/national/australia-news-live-rba-hikes-interest-rates-to-4-35-per-cent-human-to-human-transmission-of-hantavirus-suspected-on-cruise-ship-says-who-20260505-p5zu3v.html)
* [Australia news headlines from Wednesday 6th May 2026: RBA hikes interest rates (The Age) — theage.com.au](https://theage.com.au/national/australia-news-live-rba-hikes-interest-rates-to-4-35-per-cent-human-to-human-transmission-of-hantavirus-suspected-on-cruise-ship-says-who-20260505-p5zu3v.html)
* [RBA Media page listing — rba.gov.au](https://rba.gov.au/media)
* [Return of IS-linked families sparks debate in terror-traumatised Australia — bbc.com](https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cedplx04ew0o)
* [3 Australian women back from Syria face slavery and terrorism charges over alleged IS links — apnews.com](https://apnews.com/article/isis-brides-australia-syria-charged-repatriate-bbb757dcc2066788d3e44c956eeb7259)
* [Two Islamic-State linked Australian women charged with crimes against humanity — bbc.com](https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cdrpx8pl36vo)
* [Islamic State-linked women arrested in Australia on return from Syria — bbc.com](https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/czj2emlv2kjo)
* [Australia charges two women linked to ISIS with slavery after return from Syria — reuters.com](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/australia-charges-two-women-linked-isis-with-slavery-after-return-syria-2026-05-07/)
* [Australian woman accused of joining Islamic State in Syria refused bail — theguardian.com](https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2026/may/08/is-linked-mother-daughter-charged-crimes-against-humanity-court-ntwnfb)
* [3 Australian women returning from Syria are arrested on suspicion of slavery and terrorism offenses — apnews.com](https://apnews.com/article/isis-brides-australia-syria-islamic-state-b9d0a50bf12aea039becc08dd8c4c6bc)
* [IS families in Syria have booked tickets home to Australia, minister says — bbc.com](https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cn0pyny6jk0o)
* [Meet the ISIS brides arriving in Australia TODAY - as Anthony Albanese tries to have it both ways — dailymail.com](https://www.dailymail.com/news/article-15793603/Meet-ISIS-brides-arriving-Australia-TODAY-Anthony-Albanese-does-not-want-you-know.html)
* [Albanese declares 'zero sympathy' for ISIS brides as Yazidi community lives in fear — smh.com.au](https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/albanese-declares-zero-sympathy-for-isis-brides-as-yazidi-community-lives-in-fear-20260508-p5zv4n.html)
* [This Is How Terror Spreads: 3 Australian Women Back from Syria Face Slavery, Terrorism Charges — westernjournal.com](https://www.westernjournal.com/ap-terror-spreads-3-australian-women-back-syria-face-slavery-terrorism-charges/)
* [Anthony Albanese issues a blunt message to ISIS brides as they return to Australia — dailymail.com](https://dailymail.com/news/article-15800489/anthony-albanese-ISIS-brides.html)
* ['Stressed and worried': Uneasy feelings after IS-linked cohort returns (Yazidi community, ASIO) — sbs.com.au](https://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/yazidi-community-reacts-to-return-of-is-brides-to-australia/e21c4j7an)
* [What Australia and Fiji's New Treaty Means for the Pacific — csis.org](https://csis.org/analysis/what-australia-and-fijis-new-treaty-means-pacific-state-play)
* [Wong strengthens regional cooperation talks — fijitimes.com.fj](https://www.fijitimes.com.fj/wong-strengthens-regional-cooperation-talks/)
* [Fiji cabinet approves new treaty with Australia — rnz.co.nz](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/pacific_fiji/594661/fiji-cabinet-approves-new-treaty-with-australia)
* [Penny Wong and Pat Conroy in Fiji to boost energy security and Vuvale Union — theaustraliatoday.com.au](https://www.theaustraliatoday.com.au/penny-wong-and-pat-conroy-in-fiji-to-boost-energy-security-and-vuvale-union/)
* [Australia to give \$30 million to Fiji to combat rising fuel prices in Pacific nation — abc.net.au](https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-05-06/australia-gives-30-million-to-fiji-to-help-rising-fuel-prices/106647810)
* [Australia-Vanuatu relations: China accused of undermining \$500m treaty deal — smh.com.au](https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/china-accused-of-using-diplomatic-theft-to-freeze-australia-out-in-pacific-20260505-p5ztv2.html)
* [China accused of using diplomatic theft to freeze Australia out in Pacific — dailypost.vu](https://www.dailypost.vu/news/china-accused-of-using-diplomatic-theft-to-freeze-australia-out-in-pacific/article_bf0c511c-2cb7-5234-ae1b-76d5f6982a45.html)
* [Wong heads to Fiji to finalise security agreement amid competition with China for strategic influence — thenightly.com.au](https://thenightly.com.au/politics/wong-heads-to-fiji-to-finalise-security-agreement-amid-competition-with-china-for-strategic-influence--c-22235717)
* [Australia seeks Fiji security deal despite China fears — canberratimes.com.au](https://www.canberratimes.com.au/story/9240900/australia-seeks-fiji-security-deal-despite-china-fears/)
* [Australia moves to secure Pacific fuel — fbcnews.com.fj](https://fbcnews.com.fj/news/australia-moves-to-secure-pacific-fuel)
* [Australia eyes security pact with Fiji — islandsbusiness.com](https://islandsbusiness.com/news-break/australia-eyes-security-pact-with-fiji/)
* [Australia steps in to support Fiji amid fuel crisis — islandsbusiness.com](https://islandsbusiness.com/news-break/australia-steps-in-to-support-fiji-amid-fuel-crisis/)
* [PRF agreement marks collaboration milestone — islandsbusiness.com](https://islandsbusiness.com/news-break/prf-agreement-marks-collaboration-milestone/)
* [Pacific Resilience Facility Treaty comes into force after Fiji and Australia ratify treaty — matangitonga.to](https://matangitonga.to/2026/05/07/pacific-resilience-facility-treaty-comes-force-after-fiji-and-australia-ratify-treaty)
* [Security deal between Fiji and Australia appears close — rnz.co.nz](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/pacific/594418/security-deal-between-fiji-and-australia-appears-close)
* [Japan's 'Iron Lady' lands in Australia to shore up ties (Wong dismisses AUKUS/Japan submarine backup) — islandtimes.org](https://islandtimes.org/japans-iron-lady-lands-in-australia-to-shore-up-ties/)
* [Albanese met in secret to plot a budget bombshell. The final decision came weeks ago — smh.com.au](https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/albanese-met-in-secret-to-plot-a-budget-bombshell-the-final-decision-came-weeks-ago-20260510-p5zved.html)
* [Albanese's broken promises: How Labor's secret committee plotted tax U-turn — theage.com.au](https://www.theage.com.au/politics/federal/albanese-met-in-secret-to-plot-a-budget-bombshell-the-final-decision-came-weeks-ago-20260510-p5zved.html)
* [When is the 2026–27 federal budget? Here's what you need to know before tomorrow — abc.net.au](https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-05-11/when-is-the-2026-federal-budget/106656890)
* [House prices are in decline. Is there a reason for the Albanese government to flat-out break a promise? — smh.com.au](https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/house-prices-are-in-decline-is-there-a-reason-for-the-albanese-government-to-flat-out-break-a-promise-20260507-p5zup5.html)
* [I'm a landlord - and I'll slug my tenant with a massive rent hike next week if Anthony Albanese goes ahead with this — dailymail.com](https://www.dailymail.com/news/article-15796575/negative-gearing-budget.html)
* ['Need to do more': PM flags housing changes in budget — illawarramercury.com.au](https://www.illawarramercury.com.au/story/9243435/need-to-do-more-pm-flags-housing-changes-in-budget/)
* ['They're like Pyongyang': How Albanese controls Labor's biggest caucus — thesaturdaypaper.com.au](https://www.thesaturdaypaper.com.au/news/politics/2026/05/09/theyre-pyongyang-how-albanese-controls-labors-biggest-caucus)
* [Following the Farrer earthquake, there's a bigger political event to come — smh.com.au](https://www.smh.com.au/national/following-the-farrer-earthquake-there-s-a-bigger-political-event-to-come-20260510-p5zvgu.html)
* [Albanese government to deliver tax relief to struggling businesses - what you need to know — dailymail.com](https://dailymail.com/news/article-15796569/Albanese-government-tax-relief-business.html)
* [Joe Spagnolo: Anthony Albanese's GST word must be his bond as he comes under pressure — thewest.com.au](https://thewest.com.au/opinion/joe-spagnolo-anthony-albaneses-gst-word-must-be-his-bond-c-22253222)
* [LIVE updates: Donald Trump rejects Iran peace deal... Albanese says broken promises on tax will be explained — afr.com](https://www.afr.com/politics/federal/trump-rejects-iran-s-peace-deal-20260511-p5zvih)
* [Australia and Japan sign agreements on energy and critical minerals — reuters.com](https://www.reuters.com/business/energy/japan-pm-takaichi-set-talks-with-australias-albanese-energy-security-2026-05-04/)
* [Japan and Australia agree to deepen cooperation on energy, defense and critical minerals — washingtonpost.com](https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2026/05/04/japan-australia-cooperation-takaichi-albanese-energy-agreements/220cc08a-477e-11f1-a119-857cd2bf4fd4_story.html)
* [Albanese strikes deal with Japan on defence, minerals and fuel security — sbs.com.au](https://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/albanese-strikes-deal-with-japan-on-defence-minerals-and-fuel-security/t7sbjcx2v)
* [Japan, Australia discuss energy, critical minerals — themercury.com](https://themercury.com/news/national/japan-australia-discuss-energy-critical-minerals/article_706f6ece-6ee4-51e2-aa4a-ab6aa3504d6a.html)
* [Australia and Japan shake hands over \$1.3bn critical minerals project — bulkhandlingreview.com.au](https://www.bulkhandlingreview.com.au/australia-and-japan-shake-hands-over-1-3bn-critical-minerals-project)
* [Rubio to visit India for bilateral talks; Quad Foreign Ministers' meeting May-end (mentions Wong) — thehindu.com](https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/rubio-to-visit-india-for-bilateral-talks-quad-foreign-ministers-meeting-may-end/article70948359.ece)
* [Albanese announces \$10.7 billion fuel security package, including government-owned reserve — theconversation.com](https://theconversation.com/albanese-announces-10-7-billion-fuel-security-package-including-government-owned-reserve-281640)
* [Anthony Albanese's huge fuel announcement for Australia — dailymail.com](https://www.dailymail.com/news/article-15793713/australia-fuel-prices-albanese-supply.html)
* [Federal politics: Albanese announces \$10b fuel package, including government-owned reserve — as it happened — abc.net.au](https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-05-06/federal-politics-live-blog-rates-reaction/106645282)
* [Federal politics: Energy giants to reserve gas for Australians under east coast gas policy — as it happened — abc.net.au](https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-05-07/federal-politics-live-blog-early-childcare-commission/106651090)
* [Trump's words won't send the Albanese government back to the budget drawing board — abc.net.au](https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-05-07/albanese-budget-donald-trump-fuel-sovereignty-oil-stockpile/106639806)
* [AUKUS Alliance May 6: Submarine Production Debate Intensifies (mentions fuel/energy security context) — meyka.com](https://meyka.com/blog/aukus-alliance-may-6-submarine-production-debate-intensifies-0605/)
* [Angus Taylor backs Tony Abbott for Liberal presidency amid party upheaval and leadership questions — smh.com.au](https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/downer-has-whack-at-abbott-as-pair-square-off-for-plum-liberal-party-role-20260507-p5zuq0.html)
* [Angus Taylor weighs Tony Abbott backing for Liberal presidency — el-balad.com](https://el-balad.com/17006672)
* [Tony Abbott in frame for Liberal Party's top job — smh.com.au](https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/tony-abbott-in-frame-for-top-liberal-party-job-20260506-p5zu85.html)
* [Tony Abbott speaks in support of Liberal Party reform — spectator.com.au](https://spectator.com.au/2026/05/tony-abbott-speaks-in-support-of-liberal-party-reform)
* [Liberal party leadership: My crossing with Tony Abbott rankled, but the Libs need his special talents — smh.com.au](https://smh.com.au/politics/federal/my-crossing-with-tony-abbott-rankled-but-the-libs-need-his-special-talents-20260508-p5zuzk.html)
* [Albanese government axes funding for \$45 billion Inland Rail project linking Melbourne to Brisbane — abc.net.au](https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-05-05/albanese-government-slashes-funding-inland-rail-project/106644902)
* [Albanese government abandons beleaguered inland rail project connecting NSW with Queensland — theguardian.com](https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2026/may/05/albanese-government-abandons-beleaguered-inland-rail-project-connecting-nsw-with-queensland)
* [After dumping Inland Rail, Australia has no plan to stop relying on diesel trucks for freight — theconversation.com](https://theconversation.com/after-dumping-inland-rail-australia-has-no-plan-to-stop-relying-on-diesel-trucks-for-freight-282276)
* [Budget provides for new counter-terrorism centre to fight online threat — theconversation.com](https://theconversation.com/budget-provides-for-new-counter-terrorism-centre-to-fight-online-threat-282154)
* [Labor's amended ASIO laws allow social media spying and five years jail for refusing to answer questions — cairnsnews.org](https://cairnsnews.org/2026/05/08/labors-new-asio-laws-allow-social-media-spying-and-five-years-jail-for-refusing-to-answer-questions/)
* [James King: Tony Burke intelligence funding blunder — canberratimes.com.au](https://www.canberratimes.com.au/story/9241981/james-king-tony-burke-intelligence-funding-blunder/)
* [ASIO insists preventing deadly attacks is priority despite a greater portion of budget being used elsewhere — thewest.com.au](https://thewest.com.au/politics/federal-politics/asio-insists-preventing-deadly-attacks-is-priority-despite-a-greater-portion-of-budget-being-used-elsewhere-c-22245874)
* [Australia's foreign interference unit to rank communities by threat (Bega) — begadistrictnews.com.au](https://begadistrictnews.com.au/story/9237620/australias-foreign-interference-unit-to-rank-communities-by-threat)
* [Australia's foreign interference unit to rank communities by threat (Braidwood) — braidwoodtimes.com.au](https://braidwoodtimes.com.au/story/9237620/australias-foreign-interference-unit-to-rank-communities-by-threat)
* [Alleged threat against ASIO boss leads to arrest of university student — theaustraliatoday.com.au](https://theaustraliatoday.com.au/alleged-threat-against-asio-boss-leads-to-arrest-of-university-student)
* [What did they know? Secrets, silence and the Bondi failures — newpolitics.com.au](https://www.newpolitics.com.au/p/what-did-they-know-secrets-silence)
* [Albanese backs in UK PM amid calls for his resignation (Illawarra Mercury) — illawarramercury.com.au](https://www.illawarramercury.com.au/story/9243522/albanese-backs-in-uk-pm-amid-calls-for-his-resignation/)
* [Albanese backs in UK PM amid calls for his resignation (Daily Liberal) — dailyliberal.com.au](https://www.dailyliberal.com.au/story/9243522/albanese-backs-in-uk-pm-amid-calls-for-his-resignation/)
* [Albanese backs in UK PM amid calls for his resignation (Redland City Bulletin) — redlandcitybulletin.com.au](https://www.redlandcitybulletin.com.au/story/9243522/albanese-backs-in-uk-pm-amid-calls-for-his-resignation/)
* [Albanese backs in UK PM amid calls for his resignation (The Leader) — theleader.com.au](https://www.theleader.com.au/story/9243522/albanese-backs-in-uk-pm-amid-calls-for-his-resignation/)
* [Albanese backs in UK PM amid calls for his resignation (Macleay Argus) — macleayargus.com.au](https://www.macleayargus.com.au/story/9243522/albanese-backs-in-uk-pm-amid-calls-for-his-resignation/)
* [Five Eyes warn agentic AI is too dangerous for rapid rollout — theregister.com](https://www.theregister.com/security/2026/05/04/five-eyes-warn-agentic-ai-is-too-dangerous-for-rapid-rollout/5229103)
* [Five Eyes Spook Shops Warn Rapid Rollouts Of Agentic AI Are Too Risky — redpacketsecurity.com](https://www.redpacketsecurity.com/five-eyes-spook-shops-warn-rapid-rollouts-of-agentic-ai-are-too-risky/)
* [Five Eyes Publish Agentic AI Security Guidance — letsdatascience.com](https://letsdatascience.com/news/five-eyes-publish-agentic-ai-security-guidance-185d7249)
* [Five Eyes Sound Alarm on Autonomous AI Security Risks — bankinfosecurity.com](https://www.bankinfosecurity.com/five-eyes-sound-alarm-on-autonomous-ai-security-risks-a-31590)
* [Pacific Islands Forum leaders officially invoke Biketawa over fuel crisis — rnz.co.nz](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/pacific/594676/pacific-islands-forum-leaders-officially-invoke-biketawa-over-fuel-crisis)
* [Fiji urged to back community-led HIV and drug response (Wong at Suva roundtable) — islandsbusiness.com](https://islandsbusiness.com/news-break/fiji-urged-to-back-community-led-hiv-and-drug-response/)
* [Australia charters flight to bring nationals home from hantavirus-stricken luxury cruise — theguardian.com](https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2026/may/11/australia-charters-flight-to-bring-nationals-home-from-hantavirus-stricken-luxury-cruise)
* [Australian Gaza aid flotilla activist returns home following Israeli detention — sbs.com.au](https://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/australian-gaza-aid-flotilla-activist-returns-home-following-israeli-detention/1bewgp5xx)
* [Flotilla ordeal ends with tearful mother embracing son (Junee Southern Cross) — juneesoutherncross.com.au](https://www.juneesoutherncross.com.au/story/9239259/flotilla-ordeal-ends-with-tearful-mother-embracing-son/)
* [Flotilla ordeal ends with tearful mother embracing son (Redland City Bulletin) — redlandcitybulletin.com.au](https://www.redlandcitybulletin.com.au/story/9239259/flotilla-ordeal-ends-with-tearful-mother-embracing-son/)
* [In a hushed room, personal testimonies reveal Australia's troubling rise in antisemitism — theguardian.com](https://www.theguardian.com/news/ng-interactive/2026/may/09/australia-rise-in-antisemitism-bondi-terror-attack-royal-commission-ntwnfb)
* [Australia's 'petro-diplomacy' eases fuel shortage fears — ft.com](https://www.ft.com/content/b824ef26-75aa-43b9-8cb2-5ac25bd51895)
* [New Zealand begins discussion with Australia, Britain on replacing frigates — reuters.com](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/new-zealand-begins-discussion-with-australia-britain-replacing-frigates-2026-05-06/)
* [Big tech threatens Australia over News Bargaining Incentive; Trump's contempt for media a factor — theguardian.com](https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2026/may/05/big-tech-wants-to-punish-australia-over-albaneses-media-bargaining-code-and-trump-might-be-inclined-to-listen)
* [Australia sanctions Balochistan Liberation Army for terrorism financing — arabnews.com](https://www.arabnews.com/node/2642844/pakistan)
* [Grubsheet: Penny Wong and Conroy silent on alleged extrajudicial killing during Fiji visit — grubsheet.com.au](https://www.grubsheet.com.au/this-article-contains-images-that-are-unsuitable-for-children-and-may-be-distressing-for-others-reader-discretion-advised/)
* [Charlotte Mortlock launches new political movement aimed at bridging left-right divide — abc.net.au](https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-05-10/charlotte-mortlock-something-better-liberals-greens-one-nation/106658632)
* [EV charging infrastructure struggling to keep up with Australian demand amid fuel crisis — theguardian.com](https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2026/may/09/australia-ev-electric-vehicle-car-charging)
* Angus Taylor meets farmer tax concerns at Agfest, hears wool industry concerns — examiner.com.au
***
### 
Indonesia
Prabowo Subianto flew from the ASEAN Summit in Cebu directly to Indonesia's northernmost inhabited island, and within 24 hours he had recycled his summit-podium claims about food self-sufficiency into anti-Jakarta rhetoric at a fishing village near the Philippine border.
The summit confirmed Indonesia's continued, if instrumental, engagement with ASEAN. Mr Subianto pushed the Five-Point Consensus on Myanmar, urged faster progress on the Trans-Borneo Power Grid, and declared Indonesia "very respected" for food self-sufficiency — a claim others dispute. ASEAN leaders adopted the Cebu Protocol on May 8, the first amendment to the ASEAN Charter since 2007. His domestically built Maung MV3 tactical vehicle came to Cebu as his presidential transport; the Presidential Secretariat made a point of noting it drew interest from regional delegations. Indonesia's policy of keeping ties with all sides is unchanged; the summit confirms continued ASEAN engagement, though partly staged for audiences at home.
At Miangas — only the second sitting president to visit the island after Joko Widodo in 2016 — Mr Subianto met soldiers from the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) at their border post, pledged to build a fishermen's village within five months, and told residents that "smart people in Jakarta don't care about fishermen." The following day in Gorontalo, he promised 1,386 fishermen's villages completed by December 2026 and announced that Indonesia would "soon" be self-sufficient in fuel, requiring no more imports. He offered no mechanism for achieving it. Pertamina, the state energy company, is already selling fuel at a loss, with oil above \$110 a barrel.
The more important story this week, though, comes from party branch elections. The Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P), the only party outside Mr Subianto's coalition, completed branch-level elections across 666 sub-districts in 38 regencies and cities in East Java alone — 341 local chairs sworn in simultaneously, with more than 20% of new leadership positions going to Gen Z and millennial candidates and over 30% to women. The party is running the same process in Central Kalimantan, Jambi, and Jakarta. The party secretary called it "major consolidation to ensure the entire structure moves solidly with the people toward the 2029 elections." PDI-P holds only 110 of 580 seats in the legislature and cannot block government legislation. But the scale of this week's rebuild — 666 sub-districts in a single province — challenges the assumption that Indonesia's opposition is organisationally weak. Legislatively, it remains irrelevant; at the grassroots, it is building at a pace that routine party maintenance does not explain.
Gibran Rakabuming Raka, the vice president, attended the 55th death commemoration of Nahdlatul Ulama co-founder KH Abdul Wahab Chasbullah in Jombang, distributed bicycles to students, promoted the government's Kampung Haji pilgrimage-village programme, and asked Islamic scholars directly to "support priority presidential programs" — specifically the free-meals scheme and the fishermen's village network. The pesantren council chairman said afterwards that he hoped Mr Rakabuming would "bridge communication between clerics and the government." The Jombang visit confirms the vice president remains a liaison, not a policymaker.
Two accountability questions that drew international attention in recent weeks — the rules-of-engagement review following four Indonesian soldiers' deaths in Lebanon, and the trial of armed forces officers accused in an acid attack on an activist — produced no new public developments. Military courts are processing the acid attack case at an undisclosed pace. The legislature's defence committee has taken no formal action on the Lebanon question. In both cases, inaction is now the pattern.
* **Golkar faces dual internal crises: contested Wonosobo regional congress and Bengkulu office land dispute** — Golkar dealt with two separate internal disputes in the same week: in Wonosobo (Central Java), provincial leadership declared illegal a regional congress (Musda) that had re-elected Triana Widodo as chairwoman; in Bengkulu city, an heir claimant fenced off Golkar's office over unresolved land ownership, party cadres forcibly tore down the fence, and both sides filed police reports. *([suaramerdeka.com](https://www.suaramerdeka.com/jawa-tengah/0417110061/dpd-partai-golkar-jateng-sesalkan-terjadinya-musda-ilegal-di-dpd-ii-wonosobo))*
* **Mount Dukono eruption kills three hikers including two Singaporeans, armed forces assist recovery** — Mount Dukono volcano on Halmahera Island erupted around May 8th, killing three hikers — one Indonesian woman and two Singaporean nationals — who had entered a closed zone. Indonesian authorities including the National Search and Rescue Agency (Basarnas) and the armed forces deployed additional personnel for search and evacuation; 17 other hikers were safely evacuated. Authorities noted possible negligence by operators for allowing the climb despite an official closure since April 17th. *([reuters.com](https://www.reuters.com/business/environment/search-two-singaporeans-mount-dukono-hampered-by-eruptions-rain-2026-05-10/))*
* **Bank Indonesia intervenes in forex markets as rupiah weakens toward Rp17,300 per dollar, reserves decline** — Perry Warjiyo, Bank Indonesia's governor, announced large-scale intervention in both domestic and offshore foreign-exchange markets to support the rupiah, which had weakened to around Rp17,300–17,415 per dollar in early May 2026. Foreign-exchange reserves fell to \$146.2bn at end-April (down \$2bn from March), while the Financial System Stability Committee (KSSK) said the system remained stable. The central bank also tightened documentary requirements for dollar purchases.
* [Prabowo: Smart People in Jakarta Don't Care About Fishermen — en.tempo.co](https://en.tempo.co/read/2102905/prabowo-smart-people-in-jakarta-dont-care-about-fishermen)
* [Janji Prabowo untuk Pulau di Ujung Utara Negara — nasional.kompas.com](https://nasional.kompas.com/read/2026/05/11/05090321/janji-prabowo-untuk-pulau-di-ujung-utara-negara)
* [Prabowo apresiasi nelayan bertaruh nyawa di laut demi keluarga — antaranews.com](https://antaranews.com/berita/5561829/prabowo-apresiasi-nelayan-bertaruh-nyawa-di-laut-demi-keluarga)
* [Serukan Tritura Nelayan, Gus Lilur Desak Prabowo Bentuk Satgas untuk Berantas Penyelundupan BBL — jpnn.com](https://www.jpnn.com/news/serukan-tritura-nelayan-gus-lilur-desak-prabowo-bentuk-satgas-untuk-berantas-penyelundupan-bbl)
* [Prabowo Tegaskan Laut Indonesia Harus Dimanfaatkan Nelayan, Bukan Kapal Asing — jakarta.jpnn.com](https://jakarta.jpnn.com/politik/2809/prabowo-tegaskan-laut-indonesia-harus-dimanfaatkan-nelayan-bukan-kapal-asing)
* [Prabowo Ingin Nelayan Indonesia Tak Lagi Sulit Hidup, Ini Strateginya — liputan6.com](https://liputan6.com/news/read/6407118/prabowo-ingin-nelayan-indonesia-tak-lagi-sulit-hidup-ini-strateginya)
* [Prabowo Perkuat Perikanan untuk Sejahterakan Nelayan Gorontalo — sumbarbisnis.com](https://www.sumbarbisnis.com/prabowo-perkuat-perikanan-untuk-sejahterakan-nelayan-gorontalo/)
* [Prabowo: Orang Pintar di Jakarta Tak Peduli Nasib Nelayan — tempo.co](https://www.tempo.co/politik/prabowo-orang-pintar-di-jakarta-tak-peduli-nasib-nelayan-2134949)
* [Ini daftar oleh-oleh Presiden Prabowo untuk warga Miangas — antaranews.com](https://antaranews.com/berita/5561439/ini-daftar-oleh-oleh-presiden-prabowo-untuk-warga-miangas)
* [Prabowo spontan temui prajurit penjaga ujung utara RI di Miangas — antaranews.com](https://antaranews.com/berita/5561381/prabowo-spontan-temui-prajurit-penjaga-ujung-utara-ri-di-miangas)
* [Facts About Prabowo's Visit to Miangas and Gorontalo — en.tempo.co](https://en.tempo.co/read/2102817/facts-about-prabowos-visit-to-miangas-and-gorontalo)
* [Prabowo ke Pulau Miangas, Salah Satu Wilayah Terluar RI yang Lebih Dekat ke Filipina — travel.kompas.com](https://travel.kompas.com/read/2026/05/10/145640227/prabowo-ke-pulau-miangas-salah-satu-wilayah-terluar-ri-yang-lebih-dekat-ke)
* [Prabowo jadi Presiden kedua yang kunjungi Miangas — antaranews.com](https://antaranews.com/berita/5560989/prabowo-jadi-presiden-kedua-yang-kunjungi-miangas)
* [Presiden Prabowo dorong ekonomi biru lewat kampung nelayan — antaranews.com](https://antaranews.com/berita/5561504/presiden-prabowo-dorong-ekonomi-biru-lewat-kampung-nelayan)
* [Prabowo: Saya Mengerti Nelayan Hadapi Risiko Besar — jpnn.com](https://jpnn.com/news/prabowo-saya-mengerti-nelayan-hadapi-risiko-besar)
* [Momen Prabowo Singkirkan Paspampres Saat Salaman dengan Warga di Gorontalo — news.detik.com](https://news.detik.com/berita/d-8482361/momen-prabowo-singkirkan-paspampres-saat-salaman-dengan-warga-di-gorontalo)
* [Presiden Prabowo Tinjau Kampung Nelayan Merah Putih Leato Selatan, Bangun Ekosistem Perikanan Modern dari Pesisir — indonesiacerdasnews.com](https://www.indonesiacerdasnews.com/nasional/presiden-prabowo-tinjau-kampung-nelayan-merah-putih-leato-selatan-bangun-ekosistem-perikanan-modern-dari-pesisir/)
* [Prabowo Soroti Risiko Pekerjaan Nelayan — tempo.co](https://tempo.co/politik/prabowo-soroti-risiko-pekerjaan-nelayan-2134875)
* [Prabowo Eyes Fisherfolk Village in Indonesia's Northernmost Island — en.tempo.co](https://en.tempo.co/read/2102744/prabowo-eyes-fisherfolk-village-in-indonesias-northernmost-island)
* [Prabowo Visits Miangas Island Following ASEAN Summit — en.tempo.co](https://en.tempo.co/read/2102720/prabowo-visits-miangas-island-following-asean-summit)
* [Prabowo Tinjau Kampung Nelayan Merah Putih di Gorontalo — tempo.co](https://www.tempo.co/politik/prabowo-tinjau-kampung-nelayan-merah-putih-di-gorontalo-2134806)
* [Hasil Kunjungan Prabowo ke Miangas dan Gorontalo — tempo.co](https://www.tempo.co/politik/hasil-kunjungan-prabowo-ke-miangas-dan-gorontalo-2134851)
* [5 Berita Terpopuler: Prabowo Buka-bukaan, Kepala BKN Minta Calon Pegawai KDKMP & KNMP Jangan Panik — jpnn.com](https://www.jpnn.com/news/5-berita-terpopuler-prabowo-buka-bukaan-kepala-bkn-minta-calon-pegawai-kdkmp-knmp-jangan-panik-mohon-doanya-saja)
* [Prabowo: Kalau Anak Orang Kaya Tak Perlu MBG, Enggak Apa-apa — tempo.co](https://www.tempo.co/politik/prabowo-kalau-anak-orang-kaya-tak-perlu-mbg-enggak-apa-apa-2134820)
* [Prabowo: Akan Ada Tambahan 3 Smart Board di Setiap Sekolah — tempo.co](https://www.tempo.co/politik/prabowo-akan-ada-tambahan-3-smart-board-di-setiap-sekolah-2134808)
* [Apresiasi Presiden Prabowo Kunjungi Pulau Miangas, Ketua DPD RI Sultan — jpnn.com](https://www.jpnn.com/news/apresiasi-presiden-prabowo-kunjungi-pulau-miangas-ketua-dpd-ri-sultan-daerah-terdepan-sebagai-wajah-indonesia)
* [Prabowo Klaim Indonesia Sudah Swasembada Pangan, Legislator Gerindra Beberkan Faktanya — jawapos.com](https://www.jawapos.com/ekonomi/2605100157/prabowo-klaim-indonesia-sudah-swasembada-pangan-legislator-gerindra-beberkan-faktanya)
* [Prabowo: Indonesia Soon Self-Sufficient in Fuel, No Imports — en.tempo.co](https://en.tempo.co/read/2102808/prabowo-indonesia-soon-self-sufficient-in-fuel-no-imports)
* [Gibran Beri Kuis dan Bagi-bagi Hadiah Sepeda untuk Santri di Haul KH Wahab Chasbullah — nasional.kompas.com](https://nasional.kompas.com/read/2026/05/10/13480851/gibran-beri-kuis-dan-bagi-bagi-hadiah-sepeda-untuk-santri-di-haul-kh-wahab)
* [Gibran Minta Kiai Ikut Kawal Program MBG hingga Kampung Nelayan — nasional.kompas.com](https://nasional.kompas.com/read/2026/05/10/14515551/gibran-minta-kiai-ikut-kawal-program-mbg-hingga-kampung-nelayan)
* [Sapa Santri, Wapres Gibran Hadiri Haul ke-55 KH Wahab Chasbullah di Jombang — nasional.kompas.com](https://nasional.kompas.com/read/2026/05/10/12553611/sapa-santri-wapres-gibran-hadiri-haul-ke-55-kh-wahab-chasbullah-di-jombang)
* [Wapres Gibran bagi-bagi sepeda kepada santri — bali.antaranews.com](https://bali.antaranews.com/berita/405201/wapres-gibran-bagi-bagi-sepeda-kepada-santri)
* [Bupati Warsubi Dampingi Wapres Gibran Hadiri Haul ke-55 KH Abdul Wahab Chasbullah di Jombang — beritajatim.com](https://beritajatim.com/bupati-warsubi-dampingi-wapres-gibran-hadiri-haul-ke-55-kh-abdul-wahab-chasbullah-di-jombang)
* [Jawaban Santri Ini Bikin Wapres Gibran Langsung Terperangah: Kayak Debat Capres — berita.liputan6.com](https://berita.liputan6.com/peristiwa/read/6407123/jawaban-santri-ini-bikin-wapres-gibran-langsung-terperangah-kayak-debat-capres)
* [Gibran keliling daerah pastikan program Presiden berjalan — jatim.antaranews.com](https://jatim.antaranews.com/berita/1064612/wapres-gibran-berkeliling-daerah-pastikan-program-presiden-prabowo-berjalan)
* [Gibran berkeliling daerah pastikan program Presiden Prabowo berjalan — jogja.antaranews.com](https://jogja.antaranews.com/berita/827548/gibran-berkeliling-daerah-pastikan-program-presiden-prabowo-berjalan)
* [Wapres Gibran hadiri Haul Ke-55 K.H Abd. Wahab Chasbullah di Jombang — antaranews.com](https://www.antaranews.com/berita/5561909/wapres-gibran-hadiri-haul-ke-55-kh-abd-wahab-chasbullah-di-jombang)
* [Wapres Gibran Sebut Mbah Wahab Penggerak yang Mewarisi Semangat Persatuan — jombang.nu.or.id](https://jombang.nu.or.id/nasional/wapres-gibran-sebut-mbah-wahab-penggerak-yang-mewarisi-semangat-persatuan-ajak-santri-meneladaninya-Zk0gK)
* [Gibran Sebut Santri Harus Adaptif Hadapi Perang Dagang dan Iklim — surabaya.kompas.com](https://surabaya.kompas.com/read/2026/05/11/064635078/gibran-sebut-santri-harus-adaptif-hadapi-perang-dagang-dan-iklim)
* [Hadiri Haul ke-55 KH Wahab Chasbullah, Gibran Perkenalkan Program Kampung Haji Prabowo — nasional.kompas.com](https://nasional.kompas.com/read/2026/05/10/13124521/hadiri-haul-ke-55-kh-wahab-chasbullah-gibran-perkenalkan-program-kampung)
* [Wapres Gibran Sosialisasikan Program Kampung Haji saat Hadiri Haul Pendiri NU — nasional.sindonews.com](https://nasional.sindonews.com/read/1705369/15/wapres-gibran-sosialisasikan-program-kampung-haji-saat-hadiri-haul-pendiri-nu-1778429146)
* [Hadiri Haul KH Wahab Chasbullah, Gibran Bicara Perang Dagang dan Teknologi — jatim.jpnn.com](https://jatim.jpnn.com/jatim-terkini/45528/hadiri-haul-kh-wahab-chasbullah-gibran-bicara-perang-dagang-dan-teknologi)
* [Wapres Gibran soal Program Kampung Haji: Bisa Tekan Biaya — ekonomi.bisnis.com](https://ekonomi.bisnis.com/read/20260511/12/1972765/wapres-gibran-soal-program-kampung-haji-bisa-tekan-biaya)
* [Di Haul Kiai Wahab, Gibran Sebut Akan Tekan Biaya Haji Lewat Program Ini — surabaya.kompas.com](https://surabaya.kompas.com/read/2026/05/10/152326578/di-haul-kiai-wahab-gibran-sebut-akan-tekan-biaya-haji-lewat-program-ini)
* [Gibran Titip Pesan Khusus ke Kiai di Jombang, Berkaitan dengan Program Prabowo — liputan6.com](https://www.liputan6.com/news/read/6407676/gibran-titip-pesan-khusus-ke-kiai-di-jombang-berkaitan-dengan-program-prabowo)
* [Gibran bagi-bagi sepeda ke santri di haul KH. Abd. Wahab Chasbullah — jogja.antaranews.com](https://jogja.antaranews.com/berita/827563/gibran-bagi-bagi-sepeda-ke-santri-di-haul-kh-abd-wahab-chasbullah)
* [Relawan JPKP Jatim Hadiri Kunjungan Kerja Wapres Gibran di Jombang — teropongindonesianews.com](https://www.teropongindonesianews.com/2026/05/10/relawan-jpkp-jatim-hadiri-kunjungan-kerja-wapres-gibran-di-jombang/)
* [VP Gibran receives pesantren leaders to boost national synergy — en.antaranews.com](https://en.antaranews.com/news/414875/vp-gibran-receives-pesantren-leaders-to-boost-national-synergy)
* [Prabowo urges dialogue on Myanmar, regional border tensions — thejakartapost.com](https://www.thejakartapost.com/world/2026/05/10/prabowo-urges-dialogue-on-myanmar-regional-border-tensions.html)
* [Prabowo urges ASEAN to fast-track renewable energy, Borneo power grid — thejakartapost.com](https://www.thejakartapost.com/business/2026/05/10/prabowo-urges-asean-to-fast-track-renewable-energy-borneo-power-grid.html)
* [Indonesian FM: ASEAN Summit Highlights Food, Energy Security — en.tempo.co](https://en.tempo.co/read/2102877/indonesian-fm-asean-summit-highlights-food-energy-security)
* [Prabowo dari Cebu, El Nino, La Nina dan Cincin Api — news.detik.com](https://news.detik.com/kolom/d-8483438/prabowo-dari-cebu-el-nino-la-nina-dan-cincin-api)
* [Prabowo at ASEAN Summit: Brings Maung, Focuses on Food Security — en.tempo.co](https://en.tempo.co/read/2102707/prabowo-at-asean-summit-brings-maung-focuses-on-food-security)
* [Prabowo Attends 48th ASEAN Summit Retreat Session — en.tempo.co](https://en.tempo.co/read/2102607/prabowo-attends-48th-asean-summit-retreat-session)
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