Asia Intelligence Brief — Monday, July 20, 2026

Rio Times · Asia Intelligence Brief July 20 —Missile test A Chinese nuclear submarine launched a ballistic missile in the Pacific, prompting criticism from Japan, New Zealand, and Australia. —Gulf strikes US forces hit Iran for the ninth day in a row, driving oil prices higher and fuelling inflation worries across Asia. —ASEAN meets Foreign ministers gathered in Manila with the Myanmar crisis, Iran war, and South China Sea rifts dominating the agenda. —Vietnam floods A flash flood in Vietnam killed four people and left four others missing, highlighting the country’s climate vulnerability. —Tech slump Asian technology stocks fell sharply after a report that Nvidia’s next-generation AI server system faces a year-long delay. —Japan milestone A small-city mayor in Japan became the country’s fi