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India
Trump’s Brics wrath: will India be caught out by tariff threat?
Trump’s remarks seem more like a warning to Brics and unlikely to affect India’s efforts to finalise a trade pact with the US, analysts say.
11 Jul 2025 - 6:30PM
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Japan
Japan vows resistance to US tariffs, raising fears of lasting rift in alliance
11 Jul 2025 - 11:42AM
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The Philippines
Philippines urged to ‘double down’ in talks over 20% tariff with Trump
11 Jul 2025 - 2:48PM
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India
Beyond gold: India sees America’s bitcoin reserve – and eyes its own
While a ‘measured bitcoin strategy’ could boost India’s economic resilience, the country lacks a proper framework for cryptocurrencies, analysts say.
10 Jul 2025 - 7:00PM
Bitcoins are a form of digital money outside the control of any one person, group or entity, and have been compared to the modern-day equivalent of a traditional asset such as gold. Photo: TNS
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.
9 Jul 2025 - 4:09PM
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Malaysia
Malaysia’s Anwar to confront Rubio over US tariffs amid fears about 25% levy
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is attending an Asean summit – his first official visit to the region since Donald Trump’s return.
9 Jul 2025 - 5:56PM
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Indonesia
‘Very optimistic’: Indonesia vows to press on with US talks despite 32% tariff
Analysts warn the room for negotiation is ‘very narrow’ and Jakarta must have a ‘strong bargaining chip’ to convince Trump.
9 Jul 2025 - 12:00PM
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Stacks of cargo containers at the Jakarta International Container Terminal in Tanjung Priok Port on Monday. The US has decided to maintain 32 per cent tariffs on Indonesia. Photo: AFP
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’.
9 Jul 2025 - 8:00AM
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.
8 Jul 2025 - 6:00PM
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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.
8 Jul 2025 - 5:00PM
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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.
8 Jul 2025 - 4:57PM
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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
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.
8 Jul 2025 - 4:59PM
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.
7 Jul 2025 - 4:02PM
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.
7 Jul 2025 - 2:51PM
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.
7 Jul 2025 - 8:08AM
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.
6 Jul 2025 - 12:00PM
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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.
7 Jul 2025 - 8:09AM
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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.
5 Jul 2025 - 12:00PM
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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.
7 Jul 2025 - 10:48AM
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.
4 Jul 2025 - 8:29PM
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.
4 Jul 2025 - 7:03PM
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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.
4 Jul 2025 - 9:35PM
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.
3 Jul 2025 - 7:37PM
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.
3 Jul 2025 - 6:30PM
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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.
3 Jul 2025 - 5:02PM
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Open Questions series
Scholar Jing Qian on right-sizing China’s economy in the age of Trump
10 Feb 2025 - 12:57PM
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US-China rivalry doesn’t have to be a zero-sum game: Jessica Chen Weiss
10 Feb 2025 - 6:49AM
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China’s rise, potential recession, no WWIII yet: 11 key interviews from 2024
23 Dec 2024 - 2:30PM
Why eco-warrior Ma Jun sees hope for China’s role in Cop29 amid US uncertainty
22 Nov 2024 - 12:38PM
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Historian on why we aren’t heading towards WWIII yet and how wars have changed
8 Nov 2024 - 12:01AM
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Scholar Jing Qian on right-sizing China’s economy in the age of Trump
10 Feb 2025 - 12:57PM
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US-China rivalry doesn’t have to be a zero-sum game: Jessica Chen Weiss
10 Feb 2025 - 6:49AM
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China’s rise, potential recession, no WWIII yet: 11 key interviews from 2024
23 Dec 2024 - 2:30PM
Why eco-warrior Ma Jun sees hope for China’s role in Cop29 amid US uncertainty
22 Nov 2024 - 12:38PM
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Historian on why we aren’t heading towards WWIII yet and how wars have changed
8 Nov 2024 - 12:01AM
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