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This Week in Asia /

Politics

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Asean
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A protester holds a placard of Philippine Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa during a rally calling for his arrest outside the Senate on Wednesday. Photo: EPA
The Philippines

Gunfire, farce and fugitive Philippine Senator Bato dela Rosa

‘Call me a coward’, ICC fugitive Ronald ‘Bato’ dela Rosa told the cameras, as he holed up in the Senate in a bid to escape justice.

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Malaysia

In Malaysia, ex-ministers challenge Anwar’s attempt to project strength

Japan

To cut reliance on China, Japan eyes bespoke ship for rare earth extraction

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Japan

Why Japan’s ruling party is pushing for 5% military spending

The ruling party is expected to debate raising outlays to as much as 5 per cent of GDP, in line with that of many Nato members.

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Japan Ground Self-Defence Force soldiers fold a US flag during a Balikatan drill in the Philippines on May 6. Photo: Reuters
Japan Ground Self-Defence Force soldiers fold a US flag during a Balikatan drill in the Philippines on May 6. Photo: Reuters
The Philippines

Why airport at former US naval base in Philippines has Washington’s backing

The trend in defence is for civilian infrastructure that can be rapidly adapted for military use during contingencies, experts say.

Malaysia

Mahathir ‘doesn’t care’ about ‘dictator’ label as he reflects on his legacy

In an interview, the former prime minister reveals that he and his ex-protege, Anwar Ibrahim, clashed over their views on corruption.

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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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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’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
The Philippines

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

An investigation by several regional media outlets shows USAID was a target of misinformation after Trump froze aid from the agency.

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Japan

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

The removal of wartime sex slave memorials in Germany and New Zealand has electrified certain LDP hardliners, risking a diplomatic rift.

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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
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.

Singapore’s Prime Minister Lawrence Wong at the SGLaw200 Youth Forum held at the Singapore Management University on Wednesday. Photo: Jacky Ho for SGLaw200
Singapore’s Prime Minister Lawrence Wong at the SGLaw200 Youth Forum held at the Singapore Management University on Wednesday. Photo: Jacky Ho for SGLaw200
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.

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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Japan’s Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has said that personal attacks are not her “approach”. Photo: Pool via AP
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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Philippine Senator Ronald dela Rosa shows his bandaged fingers during a session at the Senate in Metro Manila on Tuesday, a day after he evaded an ICC arrest warrant. Photo: EPA
Philippine Senator Ronald dela Rosa shows his bandaged fingers during a session at the Senate in Metro Manila on Tuesday, a day after he evaded an ICC arrest warrant. Photo: EPA
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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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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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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Azam Baki waves after a press conference on repatriated artworks linked to 1MDB asset recovery at the MACC headquarters in Putrajaya on May 6. Photo: AFP
Azam Baki waves after a press conference on repatriated artworks linked to 1MDB asset recovery at the MACC headquarters in Putrajaya on May 6. Photo: AFP
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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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
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.

Philippine Vice-President Sara Duterte at a press conference at her office in Mandaluyong City, Metro Manila, in February. Photo: EPA
Philippine Vice-President Sara Duterte at a press conference at her office in Mandaluyong City, Metro Manila, in February. Photo: EPA
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.

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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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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Former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra smiles as he walks out from Klong Prem Central Prison in Bangkok on Monday. Photo: AP
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