This Week in Asia /
Politics
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the Asian angle
South Korea
Will ‘Made in Europe’ threaten South Korea’s arms export boom?
Observers urge South Korea to integrate itself into European supply chains by increasing production localisation to maintain competitiveness.
1 Jan 2026 - 8:00AM
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The Philippines
Singapore PM excited about Jessica Sanchez’s show in Cebu, Marcos’ wife says
31 Dec 2025 - 6:27PM
The Philippines
As commissioners quit, Philippines’ flood-control probe faces credibility crisis
31 Dec 2025 - 7:26PM
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Bangladesh
‘Clear advantage’: why return of Zia’s son may influence Bangladesh’s election
The death of ex-prime minister Khaleda Zia may have boosted voter support for her son Tarique Rahman, who is contesting in the election.
31 Dec 2025 - 6:53PM
Then acting Bangladesh Nationalist Party chairman Tarique Rahman addresses his supporters after his return from London in Dhaka on December 25. Photo: Reuters
Japan
Takaichi is shaping up as Japan’s Thatcher. How long can she last?
The prime minister has defied the odds by winning back LDP voters with sweeping immigration, economic policies and a tough stance on Beijing.
31 Dec 2025 - 4:35PM
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Malaysia
Malaysia’s opposition thrown into uncertainty as Muhyiddin quits as PN chairman
The former prime minister’s exit follows months of infighting within Perikatan Nasional and a bitter power struggle between Bersatu and PAS.
30 Dec 2025 - 5:57PM
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The Philippines
Philippines flood-control probe ‘in peril’ after death of public works official
Analysts said the death removes a pivotal witness and exposes weaknesses in how authorities have handled evidence and testimony.
30 Dec 2025 - 5:53PM
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Official portrait of Department of Public Works and Highways Undersecretary Maria Catalina Cabral, who died on December 19. Photo: Facebook / Department of Public Works and Highways
Thailand
Border row aids Anutin as Shinawatras play catch up in Thai election
Caretaker PM Anutin rides nationalist wave over Cambodia; Pheu Thai taps Thaksin’s nephew to revive brand; reformists drop key vows to stay relevant.
30 Dec 2025 - 3:47PM
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South Korea
Probe into South Korea’s Kim Keon-hee ends with ‘unresolved issues’
Analysts say the findings have raised questions about whether South Korea’s laws can deal with alleged abuses of power by a president’s spouse.
30 Dec 2025 - 10:08AM
Bangladesh
Will Tarique Rahman’s return to Bangladesh ease tensions, restore stability?
Rahman could help consolidate the BNP’s position as the dominant electoral force, while tempering a volatile political climate, analysts say.
29 Dec 2025 - 6:50PM
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Malaysia
Najib’s new 1MDB verdict deepens Umno rifts, testing Malaysia’s unity government
The jail term for the former prime minister has reignited grass roots anger and raised questions over Umno’s future inside Anwar’s coalition.
29 Dec 2025 - 5:04PM
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Supporters of former Malaysian prime minister Najib Razak gather outside the Palace of Justice in Putrajaya on December 26, ahead of a High Court verdict in his 1MDB-linked corruption and money laundering case. Photo: Reuters
Myanmar
Why Myanmar’s junta election cannot hide a collapsing economy
Analysts warn that conflict, power shortages and resource extraction under military rule are pushing Myanmar’s economy further into reverse.
29 Dec 2025 - 5:20PM
The Philippines
Corruption, floods and clan wars rock Philippines in 2025
Deepening political feuds, ex-president Duterte’s ICC arrest and the South China Sea dispute have reshaped the Philippine landscape.
28 Dec 2025 - 4:00PM
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Thailand
From PM purge to border bombs: Thailand’s year of upheaval
As the country mourns the loss of Queen Mother Sirikit amid political chaos and a sluggish economy, Lisa’s global reign lights up Thai public.
28 Dec 2025 - 1:30PM
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Myanmar
‘Military has destroyed our lives’: Myanmar votes in election amid civil war
The multiphase election, which the junta insists is ‘free and fair’, comes nearly four years after it took power in a coup.
29 Dec 2025 - 8:53AM
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A voter shows her inked finger after casting a ballot in Yangon, Myanmar, on Sunday. Photo: EPA
Malaysia
Trump’s dance, Najib’s 1MDB saga, influencer case: Malaysia leads Asean in 2025
The country hosts the region’s biggest event, sees a new twist in the 1MDB scandal and is at a critical political juncture.
27 Dec 2025 - 1:00PM
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Singapore
Singapore in 2025: election fever, courtroom drama, pickleball mania
Local politics, tariff concerns, a horrific child abuse case and noise disputes dominate the headlines this year.
27 Dec 2025 - 11:00AM
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Myanmar
‘Lost my future’: Myanmar’s ‘charade’ election dims hopes of diaspora
The junta’s phased election starting on Sunday has been slammed as a ploy for its generals to stay in power.
27 Dec 2025 - 12:50PM
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A Myanmar police officer stands guard during the Union Solidarity and Development Party’s election campaign on the final day of campaigning in Naypyitaw on Friday. Photo: EPA
Indonesia
Power, protests and policy shake-ups shape Indonesia’s 2025
President Prabowo Subianto asserts his authority as he navigates the global stage and domestic challenges in his first full year in office.
26 Dec 2025 - 4:00PM
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Malaysia
Malaysia’s Najib sentenced to 15 years in jail for abuse of power in 1MDB saga
The ruling comes after a years-long trial in the financial fraud that saw more than US$4.5 billion plundered from the state fund.
26 Dec 2025 - 11:31PM
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South Korea
Yoon faces 10-year jail term in South Korea over first of 4 failed coup trials
During a hearing, Yoon appears tense and laughs in disbelief as special prosecutors present the charges in his first trial.
26 Dec 2025 - 6:26PM
Israel
Israel’s rising air defence sales become its ‘most potent’ foreign policy weapon
With more countries increasingly turning to Israel for their air defence systems, they cannot afford to isolate the Middle East power.
26 Dec 2025 - 2:34PM
Flags flutter in front of the Arrow 3 air defence system in Annaburg, Germany. Photo: Reuters
North Korea
‘Maximum deterrence’: why North Korea just revealed its new nuclear submarine
The unprecedented transparency from the normally secretive country shows a shift in North Korean defence strategy, analysts say.
26 Dec 2025 - 8:00AM
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Malaysia
With 1MDB verdict due, will Malaysia’s Najib have to ‘prepare for the worst’?
The High Court will rule on abuse of power and money laundering charges, with Najib facing the prospect of lengthy prison terms if found guilty.
25 Dec 2025 - 7:15PM
The Philippines
Philippine court upholds murder verdict in Duterte’s drug war case
While the ruling has been hailed as a win for human rights, it may not have much impact on Duterte’s ICC case, legal analysts say.
25 Dec 2025 - 2:53PM
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