Asia Daily: February 18, 2026

Summary

The episode reviews key developments across Asia, highlighting China's 2026 economic agenda focused on domestic demand and tech self‑reliance, U.S. accusations of a secret Chinese nuclear test, and the PLA's push to overhaul English training. It also covers political shifts in Japan, Bangladesh, and Thailand, strategic infrastructure and energy projects in Kazakhstan, and heightened security cooperation in the Indo‑Pacific, including U.S., Philippines, and Australian maritime drills. Analysts note Trump's new "America First" arms export rules and the evolving U.S.–China strategic framing, while economic concerns surface over China's shrinking auto market.