This Week in Asia

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Chinese President Xi Jinping meets Myanmar leader Min Aung Hlaing on the sidelines of celebrations marking the 80th anniversary of the Soviet Union’s victory over Nazi Germany in Moscow on May 9. Photo: Xinhua

Politics

Myanmar’s criticism of Takaichi signals ‘loyalty’ to China ahead of election

A junta spokesman slammed the Japanese prime minister’s comments on Taiwan, saying Tokyo had not shown remorse for its ‘crimes’ in Asia.

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Are Singaporean Chinese the ‘least attractive’? Viral image ignites debate

Japan weighs plan to punish sex buyers, but will it be enough?

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Economics

‘No longer contentious’: Malaysia to weigh Singapore’s water project plan

The two countries have disagreed over water supply for decades, such as the perceived low prices charged by Malaysia’s Johor.

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The border crossing connecting Singapore to the Malaysian southern city of Johor Bahru. The state of Johor supplies untreated water to Singapore daily. Photo: AFP
The border crossing connecting Singapore to the Malaysian southern city of Johor Bahru. The state of Johor supplies untreated water to Singapore daily. Photo: AFP

Economics

Cyber scams threaten confidence in India’s outsourcing industry

Fraudsters leveraging India’s cost advantages and skilled workforce create a systemic risk for legitimate businesses, analysts warn.

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Lifestyle & Culture

‘Relive the magic’? K-drama dating service probed for sex crimes in Brazil

The KDramaDate platform offers curated outings with Korean men, including one of an ‘intimate experience’ at a motel or client’s home.

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Health & Environment

In wake of Hong Kong blaze, Southeast Asia’s fire hazards come under scrutiny

Serious structural defects and inefficient bureaucracy tainted by corruption are common in the region, fire safety experts say.

A person watches as a major fire engulfs residential buildings at Wang Fuk Court in Hong Kong on November 26. Photo: dpa
A person watches as a major fire engulfs residential buildings at Wang Fuk Court in Hong Kong on November 26. Photo: dpa

People

Anwar’s ex-aide to stand trial on corruption charges linked to Sabah businessman

The aide is accused of receiving cash and gifts as inducement to help the businessman secure mineral exploration projects.

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Politics

‘I truly repent’: 15-year jail term sought for South Korean ex-first lady

The former first lady, who faces a raft of corruption allegations, will receive the court’s ruling on January 28.

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Politics

Singapore’s Pritam Singh loses appeal against conviction for lying

The Workers’ Party chief was in February found guilty of two counts of giving false testimony to a parliamentary committee and fined.

Workers’ Party chief Pritam Singh speaks to the media outside Singapore’s Supreme Court after his appeal was dismissed on Thursday. Photo: Reuters

Lifestyle & Culture

Oxford slammed for not naming Indonesian researchers in rare flower find

After an uproar over the perceived snub, the university named the Indonesian researchers involved in Rafflesia’s rediscovery on social media.

A close-up of the rare Rafflesia flower rediscovered in West Sumatra last month by Indonesian flower hunter Septian Andriki, a team led by researcher Joko Witono, Oxford scientist Chris Thorogood and local guide Iswandi. Photo: X/Chris Thorogood
A close-up of the rare Rafflesia flower rediscovered in West Sumatra last month by Indonesian flower hunter Septian Andriki, a team led by researcher Joko Witono, Oxford scientist Chris Thorogood and local guide Iswandi. Photo: X/Chris Thorogood

People

Trump’s ‘terrible, stupid’ decisions test 8-decade bonds of US-Japan alliance

A new survey reveals approval for US ties has hit near-record lows amid political turmoil, punitive tariffs and shock at Trump’s agenda.

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Politics

‘We side with Indonesia’: ex-minister rejects claims of China bias

Luhut Pandjaitan says China’s technological prowess and deep pockets made it an ideal partner for propelling Indonesia’s economy.

Politics

Can Seoul count on Beijing’s commitment to Korean reunification?

South Korean analyst Sung Ki-young says major powers are more likely to support incremental steps for peace rather than a sudden shift.

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A visitor uses binoculars to watch the North Korean side of the demilitarised zone dividing the two Koreas, from South Korea’s Odusan Unification Observatory in Paju in June. Photo: AFP

Politics

Philippines’ first family says financial scrutiny welcome amid graft allegations

A spokesperson for the president said his family was open to lifestyle checks after questions emerged over funds sent to his son’s district.

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President Ferdinand Marcos Jnr arrives at Malacanang Palace in Manila after his inauguration on June 30, 2022, accompanied by his wife Louise and his son, Congressman Sandro Marcos. Photo: AFP
President Ferdinand Marcos Jnr arrives at Malacanang Palace in Manila after his inauguration on June 30, 2022, accompanied by his wife Louise and his son, Congressman Sandro Marcos. Photo: AFP

Health & Environment

Asia’s floods kill over 1,000, lay bare human cost of climate inaction

From Indonesia’s deadliest disaster since 2018 to a state of emergency in Sri Lanka, Asia reels from a week of climate-fuelled destruction.

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Politics

Thailand, Cambodia clash at UN mine ban talks as ‘fragile’ border truce teeters

Analysts warn relations are in a ‘fragile place’ as the neighbours trade barbs and leverage international law at a UN meeting in Geneva.

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Politics

‘It’s time for us to rise’: India races to rebuild its lost maritime muscle

India is eyeing a future as a leading shipping and shipbuilding nation, backed by big investments – and expertise from South Korea and Japan.

Illustration: Huy Truong
Illustration: Huy Truong

Politics

Malaysia’s poorest state prepares a poll shock for the prime minister

Decades of neglect and withheld resource revenue have left short-changed Sabah seething and primed for a political fight.

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Health & Environment

Climate collapse: Southeast Asia’s new normal?

With a 30th year of Cop climate talks under way in Brazil, for many of Asia’s most vulnerable populations, the crisis is already here.

Politics

The Philippines wants Xi to visit. It wants a South China Sea code more

Chinese President Xi Jinping hasn’t set foot in Manila since 2018. His invitation to return comes with conditions attached.

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Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jnr shakes hands with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Gyeongju, South Korea, on November 1. Photo: Facebook/BongbongMarcos
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LATEST Asia NEWS

Politics

Myanmar’s criticism of Takaichi signals ‘loyalty’ to China ahead of election

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Chinese President Xi Jinping meets Myanmar leader Min Aung Hlaing on the sidelines of celebrations marking the 80th anniversary of the Soviet Union’s victory over Nazi Germany in Moscow on May 9. Photo: Xinhua

Lifestyle & Culture

Japan weighs plan to punish sex buyers, but will it be enough?

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People walk past an entrance gate of Kabukicho, Tokyo’s red-light district, in Shinjuku, Japan. Photo: EPA-EFE

Economics

‘No longer contentious’: Malaysia to weigh Singapore’s water project plan

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The border crossing connecting Singapore to the Malaysian southern city of Johor Bahru. The state of Johor supplies untreated water to Singapore daily. Photo: AFP

Lifestyle & Culture

Are Singaporean Chinese the ‘least attractive’? Viral image ignites debate

The viral image has sparked a debate on beauty standards in Singapore. Photo: X, source unknown

Health & Environment

In wake of Hong Kong blaze, Southeast Asia’s fire hazards come under scrutiny

A person watches as a major fire engulfs residential buildings at Wang Fuk Court in Hong Kong on November 26. Photo: dpa
MORE Asia NEWS
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OPINION
Jared Bissinger

Opinion | Why China is succeeding in Myanmar while the West has been sidelined

Jared Bissinger
Nguyen Khac Giang

Asian Angle | The hidden domestic agenda behind Vietnam’s baffling foreign policy

Nguyen Khac Giang
Bill Hayton

Opinion | Self-interest is now the main driver of Britain’s Asia policy

Bill Hayton
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Donald Low

Opinion | Reinventing Kaohsiung: Taiwan’s port city transcends its industrial past

Donald Low
Raissa Robles

Opinion | The Philippines’ political chameleon: Juan Ponce Enrile’s complicated legacy

Raissa Robles
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MULTIMEDIA
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Filipino fishermen worry about Chinese nature reserve in disputed waters

Filipino fishermen worry about Chinese nature reserve in disputed waters
03:09
Video

Centenarian becomes oldest person to climb Mount Fuji

Centenarian becomes oldest person to climb Mount Fuji
02:34
Video

Cambodia unveils new Chinese-built airport

Cambodia unveils new Chinese-built airport
02:02
Video

Ex-PM Thaksin Shinawatra to serve 1 year in jail

Ex-PM Thaksin Shinawatra to serve 1 year in jail
04:27
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TRENDING TOPICS
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‘Forced to hide just to sleep’: Indonesian helper rescued after years of abuse

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Escaped Malaysian reveals torture, rape inside Cambodia job scam centre

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Sabah polls: blow for Anwar as partner party shines, but key ally is wiped out

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Malaysia raids men-only wellness centre, prosecutor among 201 arrested

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Human washing machine goes on sale in Japan