This Week in Asia
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Politics
French ‘intimacy’: Philippines, France near deal for Indo-Pacific strength
The visiting forces deal comes on top of similar pacts with other nations and could help the Philippines attain a ‘muscular defence arsenal’.
2 hours ago
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Why India is losing ground over Bangladesh and Myanmar to regional rivals
2 hours ago
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Malaysia’s Umno chief denies he ‘sidelined’ Najib to save himself
2 hours ago
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People
South Korean church deploys ‘special force’ to recruit Australian youths
The Shincheonji church compiles profiles of potential members to draw up personalised recruitment plans, according to a former member.
4 hours ago
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South Korean police officers bar entry to the Shincheonji Church of Jesus in Daegu after a coronavirus outbreak in 2020. Photo: Yonhap/EPA-EFE
Politics
Pakistan, Turkey, Saudi Arabia plan defence deal to counter chaos in Middle East
Iran’s neighbours are worried that the US’ increasingly erratic behaviour may pose a risk to regional power balance and trade, analysts say.
3 hours ago
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People
Malaysian man arrested for forcing son, 10, to shoplift regularly
The case has sparked widespread outrage on social media and cast the spotlight on causes of child abuse.
6 hours ago
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Politics
South Korea’s Yoon sentenced to 5 years in prison over martial law charges
The ruling comes days after prosecutors in a separate case demanded Yoon Suk-yeol be sentenced to death for masterminding insurrection.
2 hours ago
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Supporters of South Korea’s former president Yoon Suk-yeol gather in front of the Seoul Central District Court on Friday. Photo: AFP
Health & Environment
Philippines’ Cebu residents cry foul over mounting garbage, health risks
The fatal collapse of a garbage landfill in Cebu has also exposed lax enforcement and poor waste management.
3 hours ago
Economics
Japan’s next-generation fighter jet project gets boost as European rival stalls
Germany, France and Spain have put their project on hold, prompting speculation that some may turn to the Japan-UK-Italy programme.
16 Jan 2026 - 9:37AM
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Politics
Asean urged to rethink stance as Myanmar election risks normalising junta rule
The bloc should encourage Indonesia’s approach of engaging key stakeholders in efforts to resolve the Myanmar crisis, observers say.
15 Jan 2026 - 6:36PM
Economics
‘Trump’s wrath’: India’s aim to diversify trade via Iran faces tariff threat
The 25 per cent tariff against countries that trade with Iran may curtail India’s plan to develop the Chabahar port in Iran.
16 Jan 2026 - 1:01AM
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Officials attend a ceremony in 2019 to mark the first export convoy to India via Iran at Chabahar port. Photo: Getty Images
Politics
Singapore’s PM Lawrence Wong removes Pritam Singh as Leader of the Opposition
Wong invites the Workers’ Party to nominate another elected MP to serve as the next Leader of the Opposition.
15 Jan 2026 - 8:04PM
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Politics
Token gesture? Why US is spending US$45 million on Thai-Cambodian border war
Washington is looking to reposition itself as the main peacemaker in Southeast Asia following Beijing’s mediation successes, analysts say.
15 Jan 2026 - 6:26PM
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Lifestyle & Culture
X marks the bot: Malaysia says Grok ban may be lifted if it is proven to be safe
Though X has deactivated several prompts, more changes need to be made to ensure the site’s safety, Malaysia’s communications minister says.
15 Jan 2026 - 4:28PM
Health & Environment
Thai PM moves to strip scandal-hit firm of contracts after second deadly accident
Amid public anger, PM Anutin issued an order to end two contracts and blacklist Italian-Thai Development after two crane disasters killed 34 people.
15 Jan 2026 - 9:49PM
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A crushed car sits among the debris after a crane collapses at the under-construction Rama II Expressway on Thursday. Photo: Xinhua
Economics
Pakistan’s arms deals cleared for take-off as orders soar for JF-17 jets
The jets, co-produced with China, proved their worth during the India-Pakistan tensions, when they destroyed an S-400 air defence system.
16 Jan 2026 - 11:12AM
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Economics
Trump’s 500% tariff push raises risk of India-US trade freeze
Such punitive tariffs would erode India’s export competitiveness and force the country to reorient its trade elsewhere, analysts warn.
15 Jan 2026 - 5:03PM
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Economics
India overtakes Japan in economic size – while prosperity trails far behind
Becoming the No 4 economy is a source of pride. Now, the race is on to turn statistical success into 8 million new jobs a year.
10 Jan 2026 - 8:52AM
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Shoppers walk along a street illuminated with decorative lights ahead of New Year celebrations in Bengaluru, India, last month. Photo: AFP
Economics
Fair or fowl? Malaysia struggles to stomach its US trade pact
Local chefs fume over ‘lousy’ US poultry flooding the market, as critics call the trade agreement hastily reached and unfairly lopsided.
3 Jan 2026 - 10:47AM
Economics
Thailand’s tourism crown slips as troubles in paradise mount
Border clashes with Cambodia, fierce competition from Malaysia, deadly floods and a strong baht threaten the kingdom’s holiday appeal.
21 Dec 2025 - 12:33PM
Economics
As Southeast Asia’s middle classes lose their homes, the rich get sky garages
As wealthy buyers seek penthouses with living-room supercar parking, struggling families battle banks to keep a roof overhead.
10 Jan 2026 - 8:59AM
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LATEST Asia NEWS
Southeast Asia
Malaysia rules 15-year-old fit to stand trial in 2025 murder of Yap Shing Xuen
4 hours ago
Politics
French ‘intimacy’: Philippines, France near deal for Indo-Pacific strength
2 hours ago
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Politics
Why India is losing ground over Bangladesh and Myanmar to regional rivals
2 hours ago
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People
Malaysia’s Umno chief denies he ‘sidelined’ Najib to save himself
2 hours ago
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Banking & Finance
HSBC reviews Singapore insurance unit amid high Hong Kong, mainland China growth
2 hours ago
MORE Asia NEWS
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OPINION
I Gusti Bagus Dharma Agastia
Asian Angle
|
Indonesia’s digital 2045 ambition rests on a fragile seabed spine
11 Jan 2026 - 11:00AM
Amani Braa
Opinion
|
From memes to the streets: Gen Z’s fight back against corruption
10 Jan 2026 - 4:00PM
Xu Peng
Asian Angle
|
How uneven borders fuel Myanmar’s vast and resilient scam economy
4 Jan 2026 - 1:00PM
Kamal Ahmad
Asian Angle
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Bangladesh needs ‘structural’ change, but how will it get there?
3 Jan 2026 - 4:00PM
Arnold Puyok
Asian Angle
|
Sabah’s election proves Malaysians want results, not slogans
21 Dec 2025 - 10:30AM
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MULTIMEDIA
Video
Filipino fishermen worry about Chinese nature reserve in disputed waters
03:09
Video
Centenarian becomes oldest person to climb Mount Fuji
02:34
Video
Cambodia unveils new Chinese-built airport
02:02
Video
Ex-PM Thaksin Shinawatra to serve 1 year in jail
04:27
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TRENDING TOPICS
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Philippine tourism chief’s magazine cover draws backlash as visitor numbers slip
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