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This Week in Asia /
Politics
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Asean
South China Sea
the Asian angle
North Korea
Kim’s new warship signals North Korea’s push for nuclear strike options at sea
Experts say the US strikes on Iran are sharpening Pyongyang’s resolve to diversify nuclear-capable forces, including new naval platforms.
7 minutes ago
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Malaysia
‘I am not Jho Low 2.0’: Malaysia Arm chip deal probe turns political
1 hour ago
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Pakistan
Pakistan aims to walk tightrope between Saudi Arabia and Iran as war flares
4 Mar 2026 - 9:22PM
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The Philippines
Philippine lawmaker slammed for ‘sexist’ remarks in defence of VP Sara
Analysts say lawmaker Angel Suntay’s comments have become an ‘effective distraction’ against the vice-president’s impeachment proceedings.
4 Mar 2026 - 7:50PM
Philippine Vice-President Sara Duterte once admitted imagining herself beheading President Ferdinand Marcos Jnr. Photo: Kyodo
Malaysia
Reality check for Anwar’s reform push after Malaysian parliamentary setback
The failure to pass key reforms reflects ‘looser’ discipline in the ruling bloc and complex political negotiations facing Anwar, analysts say.
4 Mar 2026 - 5:37PM
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North Korea
North Korea’s hostage strategy packs more bite in post-Iran US shake-up
The Pentagon wants Seoul to shoulder more of its defence burden. Analysts say it may have strengthened Kim Jong-un’s hand instead.
4 Mar 2026 - 5:25PM
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The Philippines
Duterte allies use Iran war threat to attack Philippines’ US ties
Social media posts claim US bases in the Philippines are like ‘bullseyes on Filipino soil’, prompting the military to debunk the disinformation.
4 Mar 2026 - 9:00AM
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A naval base in Cagayan province, the Philippines. The Enhanced Defence Cooperation Agreement, or EDCA, allows US forces rotational access to selected Philippine military bases. Photo: EPA-EFE
Indonesia
‘Nothing to them’: Indonesia’s US-Iran peace broker bid faces long odds
Indonesia’s president offered to fly to Tehran in person, but critics say joining Trump’s ‘Board of Peace’ cost Jakarta its neutrality.
3 Mar 2026 - 5:55PM
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US, Israel war on Iran
Gulf states take the fight to Iran as missiles target oil, gas and trade
The UAE, Qatar and others had a plan for staying out of a US-Iran war. It relied on the assumption that Iran would leave them out of it too.
3 Mar 2026 - 3:53PM
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India
India’s 100GW nuclear push was missing one thing. Canada just provided it
India needs to triple its uranium supply to meet its nuclear targets. Canada, with mines already in the pipeline, is well placed to deliver.
3 Mar 2026 - 4:29PM
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Nepal
‘This is our moment’: Nepal’s Gen Z voters hope for ‘turning point’ in election
While all the parties have pledged economic growth and job creation, thousands are leaving Nepal each day in search of a better life.
3 Mar 2026 - 5:09PM
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An art exhibition in Kathmandu displays slogans used in the Gen Z protest in September last year. Photo: Bibek Bhandari
The Philippines
‘Deliberate signal’: Philippines elevates officer amid South China Sea tensions
Analysts say Marcos is doubling down on the country’s ‘transparency initiative’ while engaging Beijing diplomatically behind closed doors.
2 Mar 2026 - 9:17PM
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Singapore
Singapore strives to stay non-aligned amid US-China rivalry, new conflicts
Foreign minister says the city state must assert its distinctiveness to remain relevant and will not act as a proxy for any major power.
2 Mar 2026 - 7:00PM
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India
Friend to all, foe to none: Iran war tests India’s Middle East balancing act
New Delhi has long prided itself on being friends with everyone in the Middle East. The killing of Khamenei just made that much harder.
2 Mar 2026 - 5:26PM
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Iran
Why US strikes on Iran just made North Korea less likely to play ball
Iran’s nuclear programme was aspirational. North Korea’s is not. That distinction explains everything, analysts say.
2 Mar 2026 - 12:14PM
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Smoke rises over Tehran following missile strikes on Sunday. The US and Israel launched strikes against Iran on Saturday, killing the country’s supreme leader and top military leaders. Photo: AFP
Iran
Will Iran collapse without Khamenei or can its regime endure?
Experts see short-term stability, but warn that deeper structural strains could emerge once the immediate shock subsides.
1 Mar 2026 - 8:40PM
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Iran
Death of Iran’s Khamenei sparks outrage and calls for restraint in Asia
Protesters stormed the US consulate in Karachi as leaders, including Malaysia’s Anwar Ibrahim, condemned the killing and appealed for dialogue.
1 Mar 2026 - 4:51PM
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The Philippines
Indonesia is getting an aircraft carrier. The Philippines isn’t. Does it matter?
Indonesia wants to project power. The Philippines wants to deny it. In the South China Sea, one approach may matter more than the other.
1 Mar 2026 - 10:00AM
The Italian aircraft carrier Giuseppe Garibaldi pictured in 2016. Photo: AFP
Vietnam
Build fast, grow rich: To Lam’s blueprint for a rising Vietnam
Vietnam’s Communist Party chief is staking his legacy on 10 per cent growth, domestic megaprojects and an overseas charm offensive.
1 Mar 2026 - 8:00AM
Pakistan
‘Managed escalation’: Pakistan-Taliban stand-off enters dangerous new phase
With positions entrenched, mediation efforts by regional powers are unlikely to deliver a swift breakthrough, observers say.
28 Feb 2026 - 4:03PM
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Central Asia
Trains through the Taliban: Central Asia’s plan to bypass Russia and Iran
The Soviet Union severed Central Asia’s ancient trade routes to the Indian subcontinent. The region’s modern-day leaders want them back.
2 Mar 2026 - 11:21AM
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North Korea
Dress for succession? Why ‘twin look’ of Kim Jong-un, daughter is sparking talk
The appearance of the Kims in near-identical leather coats at a military parade is seen by some that Pyongyang’s succession plan is in place.
1 Mar 2026 - 10:09AM
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North Korean leader Kim Jong-un and his daughter, Ju-ae, attend a military parade at Kim Il-sung Square in Pyongyang, to mark the ninth congress of the ruling Workers’ Party. Photo: KCNA/YNA/dpa
Malaysia
Malaysia considers royal commission to probe anti-corruption agency allegations
The cabinet said it would decide after reviewing a taskforce report, as pressure mounts for MACC chief Azam Baki to step down.
27 Feb 2026 - 7:24PM
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Malaysia
Anti-corruption agency seeks Malaysians’ help to find Daim’s 4 children
A source from the agency says the late ex-finance minister’s children are under investigation for failing to declare their assets.
27 Feb 2026 - 4:52PM
Malaysia
Malaysia’s ‘ridiculous’ push to curb LGBTQ apps tests limits of digital control
Officials are examining legislative steps to curb apps like Grindr, though removal from global stores is beyond direct state control.
27 Feb 2026 - 8:30AM
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