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This Week in Asia /

Politics

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Asean
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the Asian angle
Singapore’s Minister for Defence Chan Chun Sing (centre) with representatives from 16 partner countries during the launch of the Guiding Principles for Underwater Infrastructure Defence Exchanges at the Shangri-La Dialogue on Saturday. Photo: Singapore’s Ministry of Defence
Singapore

17 nations launch pact to protect vital undersea cables amid US, China absence

Singapore’s defence chief tells the Shangri-La Dialogue the pact aims to explore potential areas of collaboration and share best practices.

Singapore

US senator warns of Indo-Pacific risks as Hegseth stresses ‘quiet’ tactics

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The Philippines

How Philippines and Japan future-proofed ties amid China tensions, US wavering

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US-Asean relations

Tariffs, war and broken trust: Southeast Asia’s Trump problem

Disillusioned by US unpredictability, the region is learning to diversify – while Trump treats allies as bargaining chips.

Illustration: Huy Truong
Illustration: Huy Truong
Singapore

Vietnam’s To Lam warns of 3 crises converging in Asia-Pacific security

In the Singapore forum’s keynote address, the Vietnamese president urges a strategic framework for trust building to avert such threats.

Vietnam

Vietnam, Philippines to forge stronger ‘alignment’ on 50 years of ties

Analysts say To Lam’s first visit to Manila as state leader signals Vietnam’s balanced foreign policy and investment in Asean partnerships.

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Malaysia

Beyond bans: why fringe Islamic movements still find followers in Malaysia

Observers say the appeal of alternative religious communities cannot be addressed by bans and rehabilitation classes alone.

Groups of Muslims recite the Quran on the first evening of the holy fasting month of Ramadan at Putra Mosque in Putrajaya, Malaysia, on February 18. Photo: Reuters
Groups of Muslims recite the Quran on the first evening of the holy fasting month of Ramadan at Putra Mosque in Putrajaya, Malaysia, on February 18. Photo: Reuters
The Philippines

Philippines lags behind neighbours on tourism. How will it step up its game?

While the bloc’s chairmanship is a plus point, Manila needs to overcome accessibility challenges to attract more regional tourists.

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Japan

Is self-censorship behind Japan’s ‘problematic’ press freedom ranking?

Media insiders say Japan’s press is rarely overtly repressed, but access pressures and newsroom caution still shape what gets reported.

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Bangladesh

Policy pivot? India watchful as Bangladesh engages Pakistan

Analysts say the new government in Dhaka is trying a ‘balancing act’ in the region that could signal more businesslike ties with its neighbours.

Bangladeshi Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s government has moved to reset diplomatic ties with India after an extended period of strain. Photo: AFP
The Philippines

Is Sara Duterte’s lead for Philippines’ 2028 presidential race in danger?

Two pollsters say the vice-president is vulnerable in the key regions of Metro Manila and the group of provinces known as ‘Balance Luzon’.

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Philippine Vice-President Sara Duterte-Carpio announces her intention to run for the country’s presidency in 2028 in February. Photo: AFP
Philippine Vice-President Sara Duterte-Carpio announces her intention to run for the country’s presidency in 2028 in February. Photo: AFP
Malaysia

‘Tiger without fangs’: Malaysia navy faces turbulence over Norway’s missile ban

While Malaysia considers alternatives from ‘three to four countries’, analysts say an advanced missile system is crucial for its navy.

Thailand

Trade, Ho Chi Minh’s legacy: Vietnam’s To Lam seeks to ‘re-energise’ Thai ties

The president, who visited Ho Chi Minh’s former home in Udon Thani, will meet the Thai king and hold talks with PM Anutin.

US, Israel war on Iran

Israel’s Lebanon strikes challenge Trump’s Iran talks amid Hezbollah’s defiance

Israel’s offensive aimed at weakening the group complicates US-Iran peace efforts, analysts say.

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Smoke rises from the site of an Israeli strike near the southern Lebanese city of Tyre on Wednesday. Photo: AFP
India

Reel politik: India tells filmmakers to drop ‘China-bashing’ as ties warm

India’s diplomatic thaw with China is causing films about the 2020 Galwan Valley clash to be retitled, reshot or shelved entirely.

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China’s President Xi Jinping shakes hands with India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the welcoming ceremony of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit in Tianjin last August. Photo: Indian Press Information Bureau/AFP
China’s President Xi Jinping shakes hands with India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the welcoming ceremony of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit in Tianjin last August. Photo: Indian Press Information Bureau/AFP
Malaysia

Malaysia probes ex-anti-corruption chief over threats to whistle-blower

Azam rejected the claims, saying he ‘never’ contacted Albert Tei who is linked to the Sabah mineral licence scandal.

Japan

Russia’s military activity has Japan fearing a dual-front war

Japan scrambled its fighter jets 448 times in nine months last year. Most of the intercepts involved Russian or Chinese aircraft.

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South Korea

South Korea eyes first nuclear submarine by mid-2030s, but hurdles run deep

Delayed US talks, non-proliferation concerns and budget pressures stand in the way of Seoul’s bid to boost its defence, analysts say.

The Republic of Korea Navy KSS-III submarine, known as Dosan Ahn Chang-ho, and the ROKS Daejeon frigate at the Canadian Forces Base Esquimalt in British Columbia on Monday. Photo: The Canadian Press via AP
The Republic of Korea Navy KSS-III submarine, known as Dosan Ahn Chang-ho, and the ROKS Daejeon frigate at the Canadian Forces Base Esquimalt in British Columbia on Monday. Photo: The Canadian Press via AP
Japan

Japan eyes new rules to curb US, China and Russia space arms race

Japan is ‘best placed’ to establish new rules given its space capabilities and strong support for nuclear non-proliferation, analysts say.

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Indonesia

How US military aircraft repair hub could threaten Indonesian neutrality

If Indonesia turns Kertajati Airport into a Hercules repair hub, it risks being seen as siding with the US in times of war, analysts say.

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India

As Marco Rubio visits New Delhi, what could it mean for US-India ties?

The US secretary of state’s trip aims to mend bilateral relationship, focusing on trade, defence and Quad unity.

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US Secretary of State Marco Rubio (left) and India’s External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar during their meeting in New Delhi on Tuesday. Photo: Reuters
The Philippines

Marcos’ historic Japan trip: what will Philippine leader seek from Takaichi?

Japan is a key counterweight for the Philippines to deal with its maritime challenges in the South China Sea, analysts say.

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Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi (left) shakes hands with Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jnr ahead of their talks in Kuala Lumpur in October last year. Photo: Kyodo
Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi (left) shakes hands with Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jnr ahead of their talks in Kuala Lumpur in October last year. Photo: Kyodo
Japan

Why a 2-year US missile delay could expose a ‘serious contradiction’ with Japan

Analysts said any delay could hinder Tokyo’s defence build-up but also open the door for Japanese firms to produce more US-designed weapons.

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US, Israel war on Iran

Netanyahu increasingly isolated as Trump pursues Iran peace deal

The lack of a decisive victory in the Iran war has led Trump to lose confidence in the Israeli prime minister, analysts say.

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Thailand

Budget cuts leave Thailand’s twin-sea navy at risk of falling behind

With submarine projects stalled and frigate funding cut, Thailand’s fleet risks being outpaced by regional rivals.

Thai aircraft carrier HTMS Chakri Naruebet (rear) accompanies transport ship HTMS Chang (front) before entering a naval base. Photo: Royal Thai Navy
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