This Week in Asia /
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Asean
Asean-GCC economic axis: the Global South’s answer to US volatility?
The two blocs’ emerging alliance looks to leverage each other’s strengths to buffer both regions from tariffs and US-China trade tensions.
20 Jul 2025 - 5:00PM
United States
Trump’s tariff deadline spurs frenzy among Asian countries to seal deals
18 Jul 2025 - 1:00PM
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Indonesia
Will Indonesia lose out after Trump’s ‘landmark’ trade deal with Prabowo?
17 Jul 2025 - 12:08PM
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Indonesia
‘High-risk, high reward’: Indonesia urged to scrutinise Chinese investments
A new report calls for greater domestic accountability to ensure foreign investments work in Jakarta’s interest.
16 Jul 2025 - 12:27PM
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A high-speed train on the Jakarta-Bandung High-Speed Railway, locally known as Whoosh, in Padalarang, Indonesia. Photo: Xinhua
India
India in a fix over Trump’s tariff threat aimed at Russian oil
If Russia fails to end the war in Ukraine within 50 days, India fears that the tariff could cause a spike in oil prices, analysts say.
15 Jul 2025 - 6:00PM
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Malaysia
Malaysia imposes trade permits for US-linked AI chip shipments
Latest move comes with Kuala Lumpur facing 25 per cent tariffs announced by US leader Donald Trump.
14 Jul 2025 - 4:05PM
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China-Australia relations
China trade or Philippine defence ties? Why Australia attempts to balance both
While seeking stable ties with its largest trading partner, Australia must also ‘maintain credibility as a regional stabiliser’, analysts say.
14 Jul 2025 - 9:48AM
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Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jnr display signed documents after upgrading bilateral relations in 2023. Photo: EPA-EFE
Tourism
Crypto kingdom: Bhutan goes all-in on bitcoin tourism
With over 1,000 vendors now accepting crypto payments, Bhutan is wagering on rapid adoption luring tech-savvy travellers and fuelling growth.
12 Jul 2025 - 4:30PM
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
Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba called it ‘a battle for our national interests’ as analysts warn of economic and security fallout.
11 Jul 2025 - 11:42AM
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The Philippines
Philippines urged to ‘double down’ in talks over 20% tariff with Trump
Trump says the tariff on Philippine exports to the US is necessary to address what he calls Washington’s ‘unsustainable’ trade deficit.
11 Jul 2025 - 2:48PM
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The Manila International Container Terminal in Manila. Philippine officials are heading to the US for trade talks after Washington announced a 20 per cent tariff on Philippine imports. Photo: Reuters
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
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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Traffic moves on a road enveloped by fog and smog in New Delhi. India’s capital ranks as one of the most polluted cities globally. Photo: AP
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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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
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.
7 Jul 2025 - 8:08AM
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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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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40
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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