This Week in Asia /
Politics
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Asean
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the Asian angle
South Korea
US officer urges closer South Korea-Japan defence ties amid North threat
Visit by General Dan Caine, top US military officer, comes amid growing calls in Washington for South Korea to shoulder more defence costs.
12 Jul 2025 - 10:23AM
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Australia
In US-China tug of war, Australia puts itself first
12 Jul 2025 - 8:17AM
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Asean
Fulfil ‘wish list’ for peace before holding election, Asean urges Myanmar junta
11 Jul 2025 - 10:32PM
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Indonesia
Barking up wrong tree? Indonesian police’s robot use criticised for wrong focus
The police displayed RoboCop-style robots, robot tanks and robodogs to President Prabowo Subianto at their anniversary parade last week.
11 Jul 2025 - 7:45PM
A group of robodogs taking part at the Indonesian police’s 79th anniversary parade in Jakarta on July 1. Photo: EPA
Singapore
Is Singapore key for the US to fight against China as Tammy Duckworth says?
At a Senate hearing, Duckworth chides Anjani Sinha, Donald Trump’s pick as ambassador to Singapore, for his ignorance of the city state.
11 Jul 2025 - 5:20PM
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Japan
‘Pattern emerging’: is China intentionally provoking Japan with close fly-bys?
Such moves signal to Japan that China is willing to monitor and challenge Japanese activities in areas it considers to be its territory, analysts warn.
11 Jul 2025 - 4:27PM
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The Philippines
No more Alice Guos? Philippine lawmaker seeks new law against fake citizenship
Sherwin Gatchalian says the bill is a priority for Congress to pass, but analysts warn Manila must tackle patronage politics as well.
11 Jul 2025 - 3:49PM
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Alice Guo, Bamban town’s ex-mayor, attends a hearing at the Philippine Senate last year. Photo: EPA-EFE
Asean
Malaysia warns bilateral talks only avenue for Asean to negotiate US tariffs
All but two Asean states were served with tariff letters from Trump earlier this week, with Vietnam the bloc’s only member to secure a trade deal.
11 Jul 2025 - 11:07PM
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Malaysia
Malaysia’s fighter jet deal to ‘quietly’ boost South China Sea defences
The jets are part of a close, ‘under the radar’ US-Malaysia defence partnership, even as Kuala Lumpur continues engaging China positively, analysts say.
12 Jul 2025 - 11:07PM
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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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Malaysia
Trump’s Hooters-loving Malaysia ambassador pick worries Asean diplomats
Nick Adams, who rallied actively for Trump at the 2024 US election, has drawn controversy over his misogynistic remarks and brash nature.
10 Jul 2025 - 8:21PM
The choice of Nick Adams as US ambassador to Malaysia has worried observers that he was picked for political loyalty rather than diplomatic expertise. Photo: NickAdamsinUS/Twitter
Brics
The Brics paradox: expanding influence, patchwork progress
It has condemned tariffs and military strikes on Iran, but analysts say Brics’ true test is in moving beyond rhetoric to deliver results.
10 Jul 2025 - 4:35PM
Asean
Rubio assures Malaysia has more time to negotiate US tariffs, Anwar says
Rubio reiterates to Anwar that Malaysia remains an important US partner and Washington is keen to boost cooperation with Asean.
10 Jul 2025 - 11:51PM
Singapore
‘Do some homework’: Trump’s Singapore ambassador pick fails Senate grilling
Anjani Sinha has drawn online backlash for fumbling his responses to Thai-American Senator Tammy Duckworth.
10 Jul 2025 - 3:43PM
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Malaysia
Mahathir turns 100, still shaping Malaysia’s political landscape
The former prime minister’s work ethic ‘puts many to shame’, his honorary ‘grandson’ Syed Saddiq says.
10 Jul 2025 - 9:54AM
Malaysia’s former prime minster Mahathir Mohamad (C) joins a rally in solidarity with the Palestinian people, in Kuala Lumpur, on March 28. Photo: EPA
Thailand
Thai man walks 30km barefoot to put fish sauce on picture of Cambodia’s Hun Sen
Thewa Sritawan, 69, was angry about Cambodia’s actions during a border clash with Thailand and walked 30km to Bangkok to stage his protest.
10 Jul 2025 - 7:51AM
Singapore
Singapore politicians lead sold-out durian tours to Malaysia as peak season hits
With itineraries featuring all-you-can-eat fruit buffets, the trips are a popular way for members of parliament to thank constituents.
9 Jul 2025 - 4:21PM
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South Korea
South Korea’s Yoon Suk-yeol back behind bars over martial law decree
After a gruelling seven-hour hearing, a court issued a detention warrant for the ex-president, citing concerns he could destroy evidence.
10 Jul 2025 - 3:04AM
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A supporter wears a Yoon Suk-yeol mask during a protest near the Seoul Central District Court on Wednesday. Photo: AP
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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The Philippines
Old but still gold? What Philippines can gain from Japan’s used warships
Factors such as maintenance costs and system upgrades will determine the true value of the Abukuma-class vessels’ transfer, analysts say.
9 Jul 2025 - 9:30AM
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The Philippines
F-35 drills in Philippines signal US ramp-up in combat readiness in Asia-Pacific
Analysts say the advanced fighter jet’s deployment shows Manila’s deep integration into US deterrence planning in the region.
8 Jul 2025 - 7:01PM
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Malaysia
Malaysia’s Rosmah wins US$23,600 damages over black magic claims by TikTokker
The presiding judge says Rosmah Mansor’s previous corruption conviction should not affect the damages awarded to her in the defamation case.
8 Jul 2025 - 3:24PM
Rosmah Mansor, wife of Malaysia’s ex-prime minister Najib Razak, has won her defamation suit against TikTok user Ku Muhammad Hilmie Ku Din. 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
Will Myanmar block East Timor’s Asean entry? The junta draws a red line
Myanmar’s military regime is attempting to block East Timor’s accession over its engagement with the ousted National Unity Government.
8 Jul 2025 - 3:10PM
Japan
With US tariffs looming, China’s panda diplomacy returns as Japan seeks new loan
Panda loans can be a ‘bargaining chip’ to make bilateral ties stronger and allow China to show it can be a regional leader, analysts say.
11 Jul 2025 - 9:26AM
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