This Week in Asia /
Politics
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Asean
South China Sea
the Asian angle
The Philippines
Anti-dynasty bill in Philippines slammed as ‘ridiculous’ and weak
A proposal co-filed by one of President Marcos Jnr’s sons could allow 10 family members to hold office at once, critics warn.
4 hours ago
South Korea
Martial law plot was Yoon’s plan all along, South Korean prosecutors say
15 Dec 2025 - 1:44PM
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Japan
Japan’s retreat from global health funding hands China diplomatic opening
6 hours ago
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The Philippines
Could a plunder probe weaken Philippine VP Sara Duterte’s 2028 prospects?
An insider said the filing is less about getting a conviction than opening the door to financial scrutiny that could damage her politically.
14 Dec 2025 - 5:36PM
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Philippine Vice-President Sara Duterte listens to questions from journalists during an event marking the 90th anniversary of the Office of the Vice President in Makati City, Metro Manila, on November 14. Duterte is facing a plunder complaint linked to her use of confidential funds. Photo: EPA-EFE
US-Asean relations
Southeast Asia barely features in America’s new security strategy
The region appears just twice in the new 32-page US National Security Strategy, raising fears it is being relegated to a ‘bargaining chip’.
14 Dec 2025 - 12:00PM
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Japan
Security or freedom? Japan’s proposed anti-spy laws raise human rights concerns
Prime Minister Takaichi’s plans to tighten spying and secrecy rules could be used to stifle free speech and media freedom, analysts say.
14 Dec 2025 - 10:01AM
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Donald Trump
Syria’s year of ‘epic’ transformation earns it Trump’s protection
Washington is lifting sanctions and has rebuked Israel for its attacks, as the US throws its weight behind Ahmed al-Sharaa’s administration.
13 Dec 2025 - 4:00PM
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US President Donald Trump (left) shakes hands with Syria’s President Ahmad al-Sharaa at the White House in Washington last month. Photo: AP
The Philippines
Will Philippines favour Eurofighter Typhoon for its military upgrade?
The Eurofighter, which is estimated to cost US$117 million each, has drawn buying interest from Bangladesh and other countries.
13 Dec 2025 - 1:00PM
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Indonesia
Indonesia weighs costs of closer Russia engagement after Prabowo’s Moscow visit
Analysts said Putin’s offers may align with Jakarta’s ambitions but would carry diplomatic costs and the risk of sanctions from Washington.
12 Dec 2025 - 6:37PM
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Australia
Why US review of Aukus submarine deal for Australia is kept secret
One reason is to maintain public support for the alliance by preventing any shortfalls of the deal from being made known, analysts say.
12 Dec 2025 - 6:17PM
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Malaysia
Malaysian religious leaders urged to provide evidence of South Korean ‘cult’
Perlis state’s senior Islamic scholar alleged Muslim political elites were linked to the ‘deviant’ cult movement.
12 Dec 2025 - 2:40PM
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Perlis mufti Mohd Asri Zainul Abidin, the state’s most senior Islamic scholar, claimed a mysterious South Korean Christian “cult movement” has been attempting to spread its teachings among Malaysian Muslims. Photo: Facebook / Dr MAZA Channel
Thailand
Thai PM says he will return ‘power to the people’, setting stage for election
Thailand’s military said the coming election would not affect its operations against Cambodia amid a renewed border conflict.
12 Dec 2025 - 5:44PM
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India
Are India and Bangladesh sidestepping Hasina’s exile to improve frayed ties?
A national security bilateral meeting and Narendra Modi’s message of support for Khaleda Zia signal that ties are on the mend.
12 Dec 2025 - 6:03PM
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India
Rupee slump ‘a little relief’ for Indian exporters amid US trade talks
The lower rupee is helping Indian industries that have been absorbing tariff losses in the hopes of a US-India trade deal, analysts say.
11 Dec 2025 - 6:24PM
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Asean
‘Credible mediation’: Asean urged to help halt deadly Thailand-Cambodia clashes
Analysts urge Asean to take ‘urgent, coordinated action’ if it hopes to mediate an end to the Thailand-Cambodia conflict.
11 Dec 2025 - 5:50PM
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A Thai villager inspects his house damaged during clashes between Thai and Cambodian troops, at a village in Surin province, Thailand, on Tuesday. Photo: EPA
South Korea
South Korea’s threat to dissolve corrupt religious groups risks blowback
President Lee’s move comes as a widening Unification Church bribery scandal implicates lawmakers from both major parties.
11 Dec 2025 - 6:03PM
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South Korea
South Korea vows ‘stern response’ in Liancourt Rocks dispute with Japan
A senior South Korean official says the islets are an ‘integral part of Korean territory historically, geographically and under international law’.
10 Dec 2025 - 6:45PM
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Indonesia
Prabowo’s push to end direct election for Indonesian regional heads stirs debate
The president says the move is to stop wasteful spending and vote buying, but critics warn that it risks a return to Suharto-era politics.
10 Dec 2025 - 6:30PM
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Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto greets flood survivors during his visit to Southeast Aceh on December 1. Photo: Indonesian Presidential Palace/AP
India
India-EU trade pact nears finish line despite carbon tax dispute and Russia
Brussels is looking past India’s ties with Moscow to secure a vital economic win, with analysts predicting a deal within months.
10 Dec 2025 - 5:00PM
Cambodia
Cambodia quits SEA Games in Thailand amid deadly border clashes
The national team had attended the opening ceremony in Bangkok on Tuesday, but was ordered home less than 24 hours later as fighting surged.
10 Dec 2025 - 4:15PM
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South Korea
Why South Korea is powerless to revive Trump-Kim nuclear talks
Pyongyang wants nuclear recognition and analysts say Kim Jong-un is waiting on a Ukraine peace deal to boost his leverage with Washington.
10 Dec 2025 - 11:42AM
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South Korea
Shaman rumours resurface as South Korea returns to Blue House
After Yoon Suk-yeol wasted millions on a move critics linked to fortune-tellers, the presidential office is returning to its historic home.
10 Dec 2025 - 8:22AM
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People visit the Blue House in Seoul in 2022. Photo: AP
The Philippines
Philippines ‘flood control queen’ faces arrest over corruption scandal
Prosecutors accuse Cezarah ‘Sarah’ Discaya of pocketing millions for a government-funded flood control project that was never built.
9 Dec 2025 - 5:00PM
Nepal
Nepal charges Chinese contractor with corruption over airport deal
A watchdog alleges the company colluded with ex-ministers to inflate costs and siphon off US$74 million from the Pokhara airport project.
9 Dec 2025 - 4:00PM
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Thailand
Fighting rages across Thai-Cambodian border as US calls for calm
Tens of thousands have fled their homes for the second time this year as Thailand and Cambodia trade heavy fire, leaving at least 10 dead.
9 Dec 2025 - 10:40PM
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