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This Week in Asia /

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Asean
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An artist’s impression for The Line, 500-metre tall parallel structures in the heart of the Red Sea megacity Neom. Photo: Neom/AFP
Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia set to redraw economic road map as megaprojects scale down

A plunge in construction deals and the postponement of the 2029 Asian Winter Games have cast doubts on Riyadh’s Vision 2030.

The Philippines

Is Philippines falling behind in EV race as Southeast Asia revs up?

Thailand

Meet the PM candidates vying for leadership in Thailand

India

Will India warm to Russia’s bid to revive troika with China?

Analysts say New Delhi may see a ‘limited role’ for the Russia-India-China trialogue amid global tensions and competing priorities.

Russian President Vladimir Putin (left), Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi (centre) and Chinese President Xi Jinping at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation in Tianjin, China, in September 2025. Photo: Kyodo
Russian President Vladimir Putin (left), Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi (centre) and Chinese President Xi Jinping at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation in Tianjin, China, in September 2025. Photo: Kyodo
Malaysia

Will young Malaysians play a key role in next election through swing votes?

Gen Z voters are more concerned about practical policies than party ideology, analysts say.

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North Korea

Kim Jong-un set to signal stronger nuclear deterrence posture at congress

After viewing a test of a multiple rocket launcher system, Kim is likely to unveil ICBM plans capable of hitting the US, analysts say.

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Thailand

‘Critical point’: can Thailand election pave way for national reset?

With the economy struggling and corruption rife, Thai voters will look to the February 8 election as a chance to turn the country around.

Thailand’s prime minister and Bhumjaithai Party leader Anutin Charnvirakul (second from right) greets people at a market during an election campaign at Chinatown in Bangkok on January 20. Photo: AFP
Thailand’s prime minister and Bhumjaithai Party leader Anutin Charnvirakul (second from right) greets people at a market during an election campaign at Chinatown in Bangkok on January 20. Photo: AFP
Cambodia

Base instincts: why US warship visit won’t calm fears over Cambodian port

The USS Cincinnati is the first US warship to dock at Ream Naval Base since its China-funded expansion was completed in April last year.

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Bangladesh

Not cricket? Political sticky wicket forces Bangladesh out of T20 World Cup

Bangladesh’s national election on February 12 has brought tensions among the South Asian neighbours to the forefront.

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Asean

How far can Asean engage Myanmar without legitimising military rule?

The bloc’s foreign ministers meet in Cebu amid concerns that diplomacy could slide into tacit acceptance of military rule.

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Asean foreign ministers pose for a group photo in Cebu City on Thursday where they discussed the bloc’s response to the Myanmar crisis. Photo: Reuters
Malaysia

‘Patience wearing thin’: Anwar demands updates on anti-corruption fight

The leader says that if top enforcement officials admit they are unable to crack down on corruption and smuggling, they should step aside.

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Malaysia Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim speaking with the media in Putrajaya in December. Photo: EPA
Malaysia Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim speaking with the media in Putrajaya in December. Photo: EPA
Japan

Why more Japanese than ever support strengthening the military

A record-high survey result reflects how the war in Ukraine and regional tensions have reshaped Japan’s once cautious security outlook.

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South Korea

Why US defence strategy may hurt leaders in South Korea, Japan

The National Defence Strategy states that the US will provide ‘more limited’ support to its allies in line with the ‘America-first’ policy.

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Donald Trump

As US carrier fleet sails near Iran, Trump faces ‘no easy levers’ against Tehran

Analysts evaluate the difficult options of a US air strike, killing of Iran’s top leaders, covert operations and counter-intelligence.

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The USS Abraham Lincoln (left) transits the Strait of Hormuz in 2019. A US naval strike group led by the aircraft carrier was deployed to Middle Eastern waters, the US said on Monday. Photo: AFP/ US Navy/Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Zachary Pearson
South Korea

South Korea’s ex-first lady gets 20 months’ jail for corruption

A court sentenced Kim for receiving luxury items from an official linked to the Unification Church.

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A supporter stands in front of a banner showing South Korea’s former president Yoon Suk-yeol and his wife Kim Keon-hee near the Central District Court in Seoul on January 16. Photo: AFP
A supporter stands in front of a banner showing South Korea’s former president Yoon Suk-yeol and his wife Kim Keon-hee near the Central District Court in Seoul on January 16. Photo: AFP
Malaysia

Malaysians lampoon minister linking work stress to gay people

Religious Affairs Minister Zulkifli Hasan has come under fire for claiming in parliament that work stress turns people gay.

The Philippines

New gas find prompts Philippines to step up defence of energy frontier

The move to boost security around Malampaya East-1 is seen as a test case for protecting future offshore energy projects in contested waters.

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Indonesia

Peace or chaos? Indonesia’s participation in Trump-led board stirs debate

Critics say the decision runs contrary to Jakarta’s support for Palestine and decades-old foreign policy strategy of multilateralism.

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US President Donald Trump (left) talks to Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto at the “Board of Peace” meeting in Davos on Thursday. Photo: AFP
US President Donald Trump (left) talks to Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto at the “Board of Peace” meeting in Davos on Thursday. Photo: AFP
Malaysia

Malaysia clarifies cash aid rules for frequent commuters to Singapore

Malaysians who enter and exit Singapore eight times or more each month will be treated as working overseas, but may still appeal, minister says.

South Korea

South Korea tariff hike: is Trump ‘sending message’ to US court ahead of ruling?

Trump’s message appears more focused on pushing through the US-South Korean trade bill than on permanently raising tariffs, analysts say.

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Malaysia

Malaysia disputes Indonesian media reports on Sabah border, says talks ongoing

To compensate for the transfer of three Indonesian villages to Malaysia, Jakarta would receive some land, according to the media reports.

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Untouched jungle in Sabah, Malaysian Borneo. Malaysia and Indonesia are holding talks to discuss the Sabah-Kalimantan border issue. Photo: Shutterstock
Cambodia

Fear of Thai border action steers Cambodia towards UN law of sea after 43 years

Cambodia’s smaller and weaker navy will find safety in numbers and rule of law now that it has ratified Unclos, according to analysts.

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A soldier stands guard next to Prasat Ta Khwai on January 20. The temple was the site of clashes between Thailand and Cambodia in December last year. Photo: Reuters
A soldier stands guard next to Prasat Ta Khwai on January 20. The temple was the site of clashes between Thailand and Cambodia in December last year. Photo: Reuters
India

Why India’s focus on Middle East is on trade despite defence ties with UAE

A potential defence partnership agreement between India and the UAE has fuelled speculation of more rival blocs emerging in the region.

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The Philippines

Critics of Marcos step up impeachment calls, cite ‘smoking gun’ letter

An impeachment complaint against Marcos refers to the channelling of health insurance funds to flood control projects.

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Myanmar

‘What was the point?’: Myanmar’s loaded election brings win for junta allies

Disenfranchised citizens and migrants dismiss the election as a meaningless exercise designed solely to validate the military’s iron grip.

Myanmar electoral officials count ballots at a polling station in Yangon on Sunday. Photo: EPA
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