China auto show, India state elections, TSMC tech event

Welcome to Your Week in Asia.

China's emergence as an electric vehicle powerhouse has rattled carmakers globally, but particularly those in Japan. These gains mean moves by the likes of BYD are closely watched by the industry, making the biennial Auto China Show an even more important event. But this year it has added significance, with the energy crisis stemming from the Iran war adding to the appeal of EVs .

Two Indian states head to the polls following votes in other states marked by generous promises of cash handouts , with results in all the elections due to be announced on May 4. Prime Minister Narendra Modi added a twist to the upcoming elections in Tamil Nadu and West Bengal by tying an attempt to overhaul the composition of parliament with a proposal to bring forward a plan to implement a seat quota for female lawmakers.

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SUNDAY

Lee visits Vietnam and India

South Korean President Lee Jae Myung will make his first visits as leader to India and Vietnam through Friday. Lee, who is expected to be joined by a business delegation, will meet with his counterparts for talks, which are likely to focus on energy and supply chain cooperation.

MONDAY

Philippines war games

The Philippines and the U.S. are set to commence their annual weekslong war games. Japan will make its debut as an active participant in the exercises, after Tokyo and Manila's reciprocal access agreement came into effect last year.

WEDNESDAY

Duterte defense team appeal decision

The International Criminal Court is set to release its decision on whether the case of former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte falls within its jurisdiction, after his defense team filed an appeal. Duterte is currently in detention in the Netherlands on charges related to crimes against humanity for his role in masterminding a bloody campaign against the illegal drug trade in his country.

TSMC tech symposium

At the TSMC 2026 Technology Symposium in Santa Clara, California, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. will provide updates on its latest technological progress and breakthroughs, with a heavy focus on artificial intelligence. Of particular interest will be the Taiwanese chip titan's comments on the state of cutting-edge chip production processes, including 3-nanometer, 2-nm, A16, A14 and beyond.

Monetary policy: Indonesia, Turkey

Data: Japan trade

THURSDAY

Indian state elections

Two of India's politically crucial states -- West Bengal and Tamil Nadu -- hold elections at a time when the country is grappling with a cooking gas shortage driven by supply chain disruptions owing to the Middle East conflict, an issue that is expected to weigh on voters' minds. While Tamil Nadu in India's south is going to the polls in a single stage, West Bengal in the country's east will hold its second and final phase on April 29.

South Korea GDP

The Bank of Korea will release an advance estimate of first-quarter gross domestic product, marking the first measure of growth in Asia's fourth-largest economy since the start of the Iran war. South Korean policymakers are scrambling to seek alternate energy supplies and mitigate the impact of the crisis on the manufacturing-heavy economy.

Monetary policy: Philippines

Earnings: Infosys

Data: Singapore inflation, India purchasing managers index

FRIDAY

Auto China Show

One of the world's largest auto shows opens in Beijing, spotlighting China's emergence as a major EV player at a time when the Iran war has made alternatives to pricey gasoline more attractive. Thousands of exhibitors and visitors will descend on the venue for 10 days. Chinese EV makers will be looking to set themselves apart with new innovations, aiming to leave behind a bruising domestic price war and ramp up exports.

Data: Japan inflation