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This Week in Asia /

Politics

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Asean
South China Sea
the Asian angle
India’s Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar (right) shakes hands with his Iranian counterpart Abbas Araghchi during the Brics meeting in New Delhi on Thursday. Photo: Reuters
India

Iran’s ‘anti-American’ rhetoric tests India’s balancing act at Brics meeting

Foreign Minister Araghchi seeks the bloc’s backing against US pressure in New Delhi, but India likely to prioritise de-escalation and trade.

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The Philippines

A year after USAID cuts, Philippine development groups struggle as anger lingers

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Japan

Japan-South Korea ‘comfort women’ row stoked by statues abroad

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Malaysia

Malaysia weighs legal action after Norway blocks missile exports

The missiles are central to Malaysia’s troubled littoral combat ship programme as Putrajaya says it will seek an explanation from Oslo.

The Naval Strike Missiles produced by Kongsberg Defence and Aerospace are meant for the Malaysian navy’s littoral combat ships and two guided missile frigates. Photo: Kongsberg
The Naval Strike Missiles produced by Kongsberg Defence and Aerospace are meant for the Malaysian navy’s littoral combat ships and two guided missile frigates. Photo: Kongsberg
Singapore

Strong international sea laws ‘vital’ for small nations like Singapore: Wong

The prime minister warns of a direct impact on Singapore’s trade if the international law framework is weakened.

South China Sea

Philippines pitches Asean maritime hub despite ‘big red elephant in the room’

Can a Philippine-led maritime hub succeed? Observers say the plan touches on a dispute other members are loath to broach.

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Malaysia

‘Low profile’ ex-judge takes over Malaysia’s anti-corruption agency

Abdul Halim Aman, 69, takes the reins at a turbulent time for the MACC. ‘He has a difficult job ahead’, one analyst says.

Malaysia’s new MACC chief commissioner Abdul Halim Aman. Photo: Handout
Malaysia’s new MACC chief commissioner Abdul Halim Aman. Photo: Handout
Japan

Japan’s Takaichi backs aide over smear claims against LDP rivals

Analysts say Japan’s prime minister used an ‘excellent non-answer’ to shield an aide against claims of orchestrating a smear campaign.

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The Philippines

‘Accountability is coming’: dela Rosa flight piles pressure on Duterte camp

Dela Rosa evading the ICC arrest and the Senate leadership coup could mark a turning point for a Duterte camp under siege, analysts say.

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Indonesia

Police raids reveal Indonesia as new hub for scam, gambling syndicates

Hundreds of foreigners have been arrested in Indonesia recently following crackdowns against crime groups in Cambodia and Myanmar.

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Foreign nationals suspected of running an online gambling operation at an office building in Jakarta await transport after being arrested in the Indonesian capital on Sunday. Photo: Reuters
Myanmar

‘Tentative step’: Asean weighs bringing Myanmar back into the fold

Virtual talks may offer a ‘sensible middle ground’ for reconciliation after Myanmar’s years in the political wilderness, analysts say.

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Myanmar’s newly elected President Min Aung Hlaing waves as he leaves after a swearing-in ceremony in Naypyidaw on April 10. Photo: AP
Myanmar’s newly elected President Min Aung Hlaing waves as he leaves after a swearing-in ceremony in Naypyidaw on April 10. Photo: AP
Malaysia

Malaysia’s top anti-corruption enforcer exits with legacy in doubt

Malaysia has a new anti-corruption chief. What it doesn’t have yet is a clear answer to the questions that dogged the old one.

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South Korea

South Korea cautious on blaming Iran for ship strike ahead of US-China summit

Seoul has footage of the May 4 attack on the HMM Namu but analysts say it is biding its time, hoping ‘the dust will settle’.

Singapore

Why flood of AI deepfakes is accusing Singapore of being ‘ungrateful’ to China

Clips on Chinese social media showing speakers disparaging the city state are likely to be deepfakes, experts say.

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A WeChat video saying Singapore is the most miserable country in the world. Photo: WeChat
Japan

Japan’s new spy agency: a shield against China or ‘militarist surveillance’?

Japan has not had a centralised intelligence service since World War II. Sanae Takaichi wants to change that.

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Japan’s Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi waves as she departs from Canberra on May 5 after a three-day official visit to Australia. Photo: AFP
Japan’s Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi waves as she departs from Canberra on May 5 after a three-day official visit to Australia. Photo: AFP
The Philippines

Philippine VP’s impeachment trial delayed after Senate leadership coup

The leadership change could prove critical as the Senate leader presides over the trial of an impeached vice-president.

Malaysia

Malaysia’s Umno marks 80th anniversary with show of Malay political power

The party held its celebrations in the Johor palace where it was founded, signalling it is back on track ahead of coming state polls.

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India

Canada’s spy report hints at India reset despite meddling claims

A Canadian spy report validates New Delhi’s concerns about Sikh extremism, even as it accuses India of foreign interference and espionage.

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India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Canada’s Prime Minister Mark Carney speak before a meeting at last year’s G7 Summit in Alberta. Photo: The Canadian Press/AP
India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Canada’s Prime Minister Mark Carney speak before a meeting at last year’s G7 Summit in Alberta. Photo: The Canadian Press/AP
Thailand

Thaksin exits jail to a Thailand that seems to have moved on from Shinawatra era

The former prime minister’s once unassailable Pheu Thai party is now just a minor player in Anutin Charnvirakul’s government.

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Israel

Israel’s election may end the Netanyahu era but not the ‘forever wars’

After nearly two decades and six terms in office, Israel’s prime minister could be on his way out. But little looks likely to change.

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India

Vietnam joins rush for India’s battle-tested ‘strong, non-Western’ BrahMos

As a joint Indo-Russian venture, BrahMos offers a supersonic, non-Western alternative to US hardware with no Nato-linked conditions.

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A man waves India’s national flag in front of a replica of the BrahMos missile system in Ahmedabad last year. Photo: AFP
The Philippines

Decoding this year’s US-Japan-Philippines Balikatan drills

Analysts say this year’s drills, which stress tested a new generation of mobile strike capabilities, were a pointed display of resolve.

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US soldiers fire a HIMARS projectile during a counter-landing live-fire exercise on Monday as part of Balikatan 2026 at La Paz Sand Dunes, Laoag City, the Philippines. Photo: US Army
US soldiers fire a HIMARS projectile during a counter-landing live-fire exercise on Monday as part of Balikatan 2026 at La Paz Sand Dunes, Laoag City, the Philippines. Photo: US Army
Japan

Mogami momentum: why Japan’s warship is winning over New Zealand

Japan’s Mogami and Britain’s Type 31 are the top two contenders, but Australia may have already tipped the scales.

Asean

Asean to step up push for South China Sea code, energy security

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jnr says the code of conduct is key to unlocking deeper China-Asean economic cooperation.

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The Philippines

Philippines shifts defence strategy with Japan, eyes wider security focus

Defence chief Gilberto Teodoro says the Diaoyu Islands are now considered a ‘serious concern’ and the Balikatan drills will also be expanded.

Philippine troops take part in counter-landing live‑fire exercises during the Balikatan joint military exercises at Long Point Beach in Palawan, the Philippines, on April 27. Photo: Reuters
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