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SCMP

We have selected seven stories from the SCMP’s coverage of Asia over the past week that resonated with our readers and shed light on topical issues. If you would like to see more of our reporting, please consider subscribing.
1. Russia’s military activity has Japan fearing a dual-front war
Japan’s call to maintain “impeccable” defences on its northern frontier reflects Tokyo’s deepening concern over growing Russian military activity in the region, analysts say.
2. Rising costs in Singapore spur business migration as regional alternatives rise

Recent moves by companies such as Gardenia and H&M to shift some operations from Singapore across the Causeway have put the spotlight on Malaysia’s growing appeal as a more affordable base for businesses facing high costs and a tight labour market in the city state.
3. After years in tiny cages, 27 moon bears finally taste freedom in Laos

The raid on a brutal bile extraction facility disguised as a zoo was believed to be the largest in Southeast Asian history.
4. Policy pivot? India watchful as Bangladesh engages Pakistan
For many years, India was a key training ground for many of Bangladesh’s senior officials, as well as a source of support and regional guidance. Now, some are being trained in Pakistan, a symbolic shift that has unsettled New Delhi and offered an early clue to how Dhaka’s new government wants to deal with its neighbours.
5. 17 nations launch pact to protect vital undersea cables amid US, China absence
Seventeen countries have agreed to collaborate on defence strategies for critical marine infrastructure such as undersea cables, an effort that analysts warn may be undermined by the absence of superpower involvement.
6. Reel politik: India tells filmmakers to drop ‘China-bashing’ as ties warm
As India and China work to steady their relationship after years of border tension, Indian filmmakers say projects inspired by the 2020 Galwan Valley clashes are being reworked, delayed or shelved following official warnings against “China-bashing”.
7. Shotgun sacrifice: anger as Malaysian state leader shoots Eid cow

A Malaysian state chief minister is under police investigation after a viral video showed him shooting a sacrificial cow with a shotgun at an Eid ul-Adha event, triggering public anger and questions over gun use, animal welfare and Islamic slaughter rules.


Japan’s Russia concern, businesses choose Malaysia over Singapore: 7 Asia highlights

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SCMP Highlights

F-15J Eagle fighter aircraft of the Japan Air Self-Defence Force prepare for take-off at Chitose Air Base, Hokkaido prefecture, in 2017. Photo: AFP

The Kuala Lumpur city skyline in Malaysia. Analysts say Kuala Lumpur is a “highly complementary partner” to Singapore. Photo: Shutterstock

A moon bear rescued from an illegal bear bile farm in Laos. Photo: Free the Bears

A still from the 38-second clip showing Perlis chief minister Abu Bakar Hamzah shooting at a cow with a shotgun at an Eid ul-Adha event. Photo: X

‘Reality check’ for Japan as Britain’s funding shortfall threatens fighter jet project

The Global Combat Air Programme booth seen at the DSEI Japan 2025, a biennial, large-scale defence and security exhibition held in Japan. Photo: SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images

Delegates look at the Global Combat Air Programme sixth-generation fighter jet concept design at an air show in Britain in 2024. Photo: AFP

An F-2 fighter jet takes part in a live-fire exercise conducted by the Japan Ground Self-Defence Force in Gotemba in 2022. Photo: AFP

A F-35 fighter jet lands during an exercise at Schiphol Airport, the Netherlands, in January. Japan has agreed to buy a total of 147 F-35s. Photo: EPA

The photo circulating online showing a teacher carrying a female student in his arms. Photo: Threads

The archaeological ruins of Liangzhu city park in Hangzhou, capital city of east China’s Zhejiang Province. Photo: Xinhua

Chinese archaeologist Liu Bin, who discovered a 5,000-year-old vast prehistoric city that rewrote the history of Chinese civilisation, has pleaded guilty to taking bribes and embezzlement. Photo: Caixin

US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth delivers a keynote speech at the IISS Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore on Saturday. Photo: Reuters

A woman from China had double eyelid surgery five years ago which led to severe complications and a bitter legal battle. Photo: Weibo

News

Asia

From Japan’s concerns about Russian military activity to moon bears freed in Laos, here are a few highlights from SCMP’s recent Asia reporting


From Japan’s concerns about Russian military activity to moon bears freed in Laos, here are a few highlights from SCMP’s recent Asia reporting.


Japan’s Russia concern, businesses choose Malaysia over Singapore: 7 Asia highlights

.css-1c6uqr6{color:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;line-height:inherit;overflow-wrap:break-word;}From Japan’s concerns about Russian military activity to moon bears freed in Laos, here are a few highlights from SCMP’s recent Asia reporting

1. Russia’s military activity has Japan fearing a dual-front war

From Japan’s concerns about Russian military activity to moon bears freed in Laos, here are a few highlights from SCMP’s recent Asia reporting