Nikkei Asia

Unauthorized access to Nichirei systems was detected, disrupting operations at Nichirei Logistics Group and affecting frozen food shipments including chicken deliveries to KFC stores. KFC suspended mobile orders and delivery services temporarily while other Japanese firms including Asahi Group Holdings and Ezaki Glico reported recent cyberattacks. Nichirei shares fell 5 percent following the incident.

Barisan Nasional secured victory in the Johor state election on July 11, increasing its seats from 40 to 48 while Pakatan Harapan fell from 12 to 8. The outcome occurs within Malaysia's unity federal government formed by the two coalitions after the 2022 general election. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim leads the arrangement, with Barisan Nasional chairman Ahmad Zahid Hamidi serving as deputy prime minister.

Official data show China's GDP expanded 4.3 percent year-over-year in Q2 after 5 percent growth in Q1. Retail sales rose 1 percent in June following a 0.6 percent decline in May. The full-year official target range stands at 4.5-5 percent.

Chinese customs data released July 14, 2026 showed exports rising 27% year-on-year and imports rising 36% year-on-year in June, both exceeding economist forecasts. Total trade expanded 21% in the first half of 2026. The figures were reported in US dollar terms by CNA and Nikkei Asia.

Official data show China's GDP expanded 4.3 percent year-on-year in the second quarter, the slowest pace in more than three years, while industrial production rose 5.4 percent in the first half. Growth cooled more than expected amid slower momentum in the second quarter. The figures were reported by Nikkei Asia on July 15, 2026.

The Bank of Korea increased its policy rate by 0.25 percentage points to 2.75% on July 16, 2026, marking the first hike since January 2023 after prior easing. June consumer prices rose 3.2% year-over-year. The decision follows a period of rate stability and currency movements against the US dollar.

Japan joined 13 other countries in a joint statement reaffirming the 2016 Permanent Court of Arbitration ruling that rejected China's expansive claims in the South China Sea. The statement coincides with the ruling's tenth anniversary and notes China's continued assertion of rights over approximately 90 percent of the waters. Multiple verified reports confirm the ruling's rejection of the nine-dash line and the overlap of claims with five Southeast Asian nations' exclusive economic zones.

Singapore's economy expanded 5.7 percent year-on-year in Q2 2026 according to advance estimates released July 14 by the Ministry of Trade and Industry. Growth moderated from 6.3 percent in Q1 while manufacturing output accelerated to 12.2 percent year-on-year. The figures are based on partial April-May data and remain subject to revision.