This Week in Asia /

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Visitors to Bali watching a Kecak dance performance. Photo: Anadolu via Getty Images
Indonesia

Bali named world’s second most crowded island – residents aren’t cheering

With more than 60,000 daily visitors arriving on the island, residents have complained about overcrowding and a housing shortage.

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Malaysia

Malaysia’s Anwar to confront Rubio over US tariffs amid fears about 25% levy

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Indonesia

‘Very optimistic’: Indonesia vows to press on with US talks despite 32% tariff

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Japan

Japan dives deep in race for rare earths, stirring a green backlash

While rich mineral deposits promise centuries of supply, critics argue Japan’s deep-ocean venture risks an irreversible ‘race to the bottom’.

A researcher logs coral reef coverage near a Japanese island. Environmentalists warn that deep-sea extraction of rare earths could have disastrous consequences for marine life. Photo: AFP
A researcher logs coral reef coverage near a Japanese island. Environmentalists warn that deep-sea extraction of rare earths could have disastrous consequences for marine life. Photo: AFP
Donald Trump

More uncertainty ahead for Asia as Trump shifts goalposts on tariffs again

Agreements are likely to be repeatedly renegotiated as circumstances change, with smaller economies the ‘biggest losers’, analysts warn.

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India

As Delhi scraps vehicle ban plan, what next for clean air in India’s capital?

Better traffic management and addressing gaps in public transport could be a start to fixing the problem, analysts say.

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South Korea

‘Truly regrettable’: Trump slaps 25% tariffs on South Korea and Japan. What now?

Because of its open economy and status as Washington’s ally, South Korea has a good chance of reaching a trade deal with Trump, analysts say.

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Pusan Newport Terminal in Busan. South Korea is looking for a mutually beneficial trade deal with the US after President Donald Trump announced a new 25 per cent tariff on its goods. Photo: Reuters
Pusan Newport Terminal in Busan. South Korea is looking for a mutually beneficial trade deal with the US after President Donald Trump announced a new 25 per cent tariff on its goods. Photo: Reuters
Malaysia

Malaysia seeks urgent trade talks with US after 25% tariff blow

Trump suggested tariffs could be lifted if Malaysia shifts manufacturing to the US. Malaysia says it wants a ‘mutually beneficial’ deal.

Asean

Trump’s Vietnam tariff pact challenges Asean unity in key summit

Vietnam’s deal with the US leaves the rest of the bloc’s members more vulnerable to direct pressure from Washington, analysts say.

Thailand

Fake it ‘til you make it? Inside Southeast Asia’s booming counterfeit economy

Fake goods are still readily available across the region, despite Thailand and Vietnam’s best efforts, as Washington’s tariff deadline looms.

A Thai customs officer shows confiscated counterfeit Rolex watches in Bangkok. Photo: AFP
India

Prada’s new US$1,200 sandal is an Indian classic. Is it cultural appropriation?

Was it an oversight or cultural theft? The Prada controversy highlights a simmering tension between global brands and traditional artisans.

Models wear creations from Prada’s spring-summer 2026 menswear collection at Milan Fashion Week on June 22, including Kolhapuri chappal-inspired footwear. Photo: Reuters
Models wear creations from Prada’s spring-summer 2026 menswear collection at Milan Fashion Week on June 22, including Kolhapuri chappal-inspired footwear. Photo: Reuters
Vietnam

Vietnam breathes sigh of relief after Trump trade deal, but challenges remain

Under the new deal, US goods into Vietnam will not be taxed while Vietnamese exports will face a 20 per cent US tariff.

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Malaysia

‘Risk is very real’: Malaysia’s Anwar gambles on petrol subsidy cuts

Malaysia’s ruling coalition suffered a by-election loss after its diesel subsidy cuts, demonstrating the risks of the coming RON95 reforms.

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Japan

Japan braces for Trump’s tariffs as 90-day pause set to end

The Japanese are feeling ‘sad and betrayed’ at the US president’s treatment of a long-term ally, an observer says.

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Tokyo’s international cargo terminal on Friday. Japan could be hit by US tariffs as high as 35 per cent when the 90-day pause ends on July 9. Photo: AFP
Malaysia

Malaysia’s new ‘luxury’ taxes hit the middle class where it hurts

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim promised the new taxes would only affect the rich, but many ordinary families are starting to feel the pinch.

Illustration: Huy Truong
Illustration: Huy Truong
Malaysia

Malaysia PM’s ex-son-in-law declared bankrupt over US$1.25million ‘friendly loan’

Fashion designer Jovian Mandagie, once married to Ismail Sabri Yaakob’s daughter, was declared bankrupt, adding to scandals surrounding the former leader’s family.

Malaysia

Kuala Lumpur’s Aerotrain suffers double trouble after US$100 million relaunch

Kuala Lumpur’s Aerotrain, relaunched a week ago after a test ride by the prime minister, has already suffered two service disruptions, including one from flooding.

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Singapore

Singapore money laundering: UBS, UOB among banks hit with millions in penalties

Capital market services firms and a trust company also faced hefty penalties for their inadequate anti-money laundering measures.

Singapore bank notes seized during an anti-money laundering raid in Singapore in 2023. Photo: EPA-EFE
Singapore bank notes seized during an anti-money laundering raid in Singapore in 2023. Photo: EPA-EFE
Indonesia

Indonesia banks on critical minerals to avert US tariffs – will it work?

Jakarta offers US ‘interesting’ opportunity to invest in critical mineral ecosystem, reforms trade policies to heed American demands.

India

India’s maritime ambitions expand with Colombo Dockyard acquisition

State-run Mazagon Dock’s takeover of Sri Lanka’s largest shipbuilder signals that India is looking beyond countering China, analysts say.

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Asean

Can Rubio’s Asia tour ease region’s anxiety over looming US tariffs?

US secretary of state’s presence may offer symbolic reassurance but little else as deadline nears for trade talks, observers say.

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US Secretary of State Marco Rubio will embark on a high-profile tour of Asia next week. Photo: AFP
Singapore

‘3 is better than 2’: could Indonesia have a role in Johor-Singapore trade zone?

Singapore Trade Minister Gan Kim Yong raises the possibility at a forum of bringing Indonesia ‘to this equation’, pointing to the Batam, Bintan and Karimun island grouping.

Motorists coming from Malaysia’s state of Johor queue as they approach the immigration checkpoint to enter Singapore. Photo: AFP
Motorists coming from Malaysia’s state of Johor queue as they approach the immigration checkpoint to enter Singapore. Photo: AFP
Indonesia

Indonesia and Malaysia set model for dispute resolution with Ambalat pact

The neighbours will jointly develop Ambalat despite their decades-long disagreement over ownership of the resource-rich sea block.

Malaysia

Singapore motorists face on-the-spot fines as Malaysia enforces permits

Johor’s transport officers have set up a roadblock at the immigration checkpoint and issued fines to errant motorists.

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Indonesia

‘Not a good precedent’: Indonesia’s China-backed smelter sparks defence worries

Tianshan Alumina Indonesia’s proposed US$4.9 billion bauxite smelter on Singkep island could shrink a naval training area used for joint drills.

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A nickel smelter in Indonesia. The proposed bauxite smelter would occupy about 400 hectares of land currently used by the Indonesian Navy on Singkep island. Photo: Reuters
Open Questions series

Scholar Jing Qian on right-sizing China’s economy in the age of Trump

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Illustration: Lau Ka-kuen

US-China rivalry doesn’t have to be a zero-sum game: Jessica Chen Weiss

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Illustration: Victor Sanjinez

China’s rise, potential recession, no WWIII yet: 11 key interviews from 2024

Illustration: Victor Sanjinez

Why eco-warrior Ma Jun sees hope for China’s role in Cop29 amid US uncertainty

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Illustration: Lau Ka-kuen

Historian on why we aren’t heading towards WWIII yet and how wars have changed

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Illustration: Lau Ka-kuen

Scholar Jing Qian on right-sizing China’s economy in the age of Trump

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Illustration: Lau Ka-kuen

US-China rivalry doesn’t have to be a zero-sum game: Jessica Chen Weiss

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Illustration: Victor Sanjinez

China’s rise, potential recession, no WWIII yet: 11 key interviews from 2024

Illustration: Victor Sanjinez

Why eco-warrior Ma Jun sees hope for China’s role in Cop29 amid US uncertainty

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Illustration: Lau Ka-kuen

Historian on why we aren’t heading towards WWIII yet and how wars have changed

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Illustration: Lau Ka-kuen
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