This Week in Asia /
Politics
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The Philippines
Beijing promised Manila billions in development aid. Why did it fall so short?
New study shows China disbursed US$700 million out of a promised US$30.5 billion, with analysts blaming political tensions for the gap.
22 minutes ago
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The Philippines
Philippine court stops VP Sara Duterte’s impeachment on technicality
1 hour ago
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India
India’s drones take flight as ‘cost-effective’ solution to fighter jet wait
5 hours ago
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Indonesia
Indonesia’s wiretap pact could create digital dragnet for dissent, critics warn
The deal gives prosecutors direct access to telecoms' user data, raising fears of unchecked surveillance powers.
6 hours ago
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Group of passengers using smartphones while sitting inside Jakarta MRT. Photo: Shutterstock
The Philippines
‘We’ll have everything’: US, Philippines confirm munitions hub for Subic Bay
Philippine Vice-President Sara Duterte has vehemently opposed the move as not being in Manila’s national interest.
25 Jul 2025 - 2:00PM
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Thailand
Thailand warns of ‘war’ with Cambodia, declares martial law in border districts
Thailand declared martial law after deadly clashes with Cambodia left at least 16 dead and thousands displaced.
4 minutes ago
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South Korea
North Korea stops jamming radio signals from the South. Could talks be next?
Pyongyang’s unexpected halt to radio jamming follows Seoul’s own suspension of propaganda broadcasts, kindling cautious optimism.
25 Jul 2025 - 11:42AM
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North Korean leader Kim Jong-un (centre) oversees an artillery exercise at an undisclosed location on Wednesday. Photo: KCNA / EPA
Asean
Thailand-Cambodia tensions a test for Asean’s peace mandate
Analysts urge Asean to act quickly and facilitate dialogue, but warn the bloc’s efforts may ‘no longer be sufficient’ given limited tools for intervention.
25 Jul 2025 - 12:10AM
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Thailand
Thailand-Cambodia border war fears surge as rockets kill 12
Thai air strikes rained down on Cambodia as 40,000 Thais fled deadly Cambodian rocket attacks and Bangkok accused Phnom Penh of ‘war crimes’.
25 Jul 2025 - 10:37AM
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Malaysia
‘Rules for thee’: is Malaysia’s Anwar being hypocritical about rallies?
The chief secretary told state employees that attending the protest would go against the National Principles of loyalty to king and country.
24 Jul 2025 - 3:27PM
India
New Apaches for India: are US helicopters battle-ready for future threats?
While the Indian army has hailed a delivery of three Apache AH-64E, experts are divided over the helicopters’ long-term battle potential.
24 Jul 2025 - 3:20PM
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An Indian air force’s Apache helicopter flying over the Ladakh region in 2020. Photo: Reuters
Japan
Japan’s ruling LDP tips into crisis mode with PM’s expected exit
As rumours swirl of Shigeru Ishiba’s resignation, a leadership contest now looms that risks tearing the ruling Liberal Democratic Party apart.
24 Jul 2025 - 3:08PM
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The Philippines
Rating the Philippines’ new 19% tariff: ‘significant’ win or ‘worst insult’?
Critics warn the new rate, a modest shift from the previous 20 per cent, undermines fair trade and puts Philippine industries at a competitive disadvantage.
24 Jul 2025 - 12:43PM
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Indonesia
Indonesian ex-minister’s jail term: corruption or ‘politically’ motivated?
Analysts question basis of court ruling and whether former trade minister’s close ties to opposition politician Anies Baswedan was a factor in verdict.
23 Jul 2025 - 6:05PM
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South Korea
South Korean, Filipino officials rebuked for poor flood response and misjudgment
In South Korea, President Lee Jae-myung has slammed officials for ‘drinking and dancing’ amid deadly floods that claimed at least 19 lives.
23 Jul 2025 - 6:00PM
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A flooded road caused by torrential rain in Yesan, South Korea. Photo: Yonhap via Reuters
The Philippines
Will more US missiles in Philippines deter or provoke South China Sea conflict?
With the placement of missile and drone systems, analysts debate if the Philippines will become a forward-operating platform or a flashpoint.
23 Jul 2025 - 4:24PM
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Pacific nations
Australia, US push Pacific deterrence amid China’s security overtures
Analysts note the significance of Papua New Guinea and Fiji’s unprecedented involvement in this year’s ‘Olympics of war games’.
23 Jul 2025 - 2:52PM
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Japan
Japan’s prime minister denies resignation reports after electoral drubbing
Shigeru Ishiba claims media reports of his impending resignation are ‘completely unfounded’, amid suggestions he will quit next month.
24 Jul 2025 - 3:40PM
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Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba speaks to the media at the prime minister’s office in Tokyo on Wednesday. Photo: Kyodo / AP
South Korea
Seoul shifts to pragmatic diplomacy, leaving ‘friend-or-foe’ mentality behind
Gone are the days of Yoon Suk-yeol’s ‘black-or-white world view’, as Seoul’s new administration seeks strategic flexibility.
23 Jul 2025 - 9:23AM
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The Philippines
Marcos’ ‘inexcusable’ snub of Filipino-American community widens disconnect
Protesters accuse Philippine leader of failing to meet community and ignoring urgent immigration issues concerning Filipino workers in the US.
23 Jul 2025 - 12:16AM
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Malaysia
Malaysia a target for Israeli spies over Gaza stance, Anwar warns
Prime minister points to recent gun smuggling case as evidence of Israel’s Mossad among intelligence agencies operating in Malaysia.
22 Jul 2025 - 5:42PM
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Myanmar
Trump’s ‘huge diplomatic gift’ to Myanmar junta via letter sparks concerns
By addressing Myanmar’s leader Min Aung Hlaing over the tariff issue, Trump has ‘unintentionally legitimised’ the junta, analysts say.
22 Jul 2025 - 4:21PM
Protesters rally against Myanmar’s junta leader Min Aung Hlaing in Quezon City, Philippines, in April. Photo: EPA-EFE
South Korea
From ‘VIP No 1’ to suspect: how former South Korean first lady has fallen
Kim Keon-hee’s formal call-up shows that prosecutors are close to arresting her, observers say.
22 Jul 2025 - 2:42PM
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Japan
Japan’s long-dominant LDP in turmoil after far-right groups surge in polls
Internal rivals and a resurgent nationalist right are jeopardising Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba’s already precarious position.
22 Jul 2025 - 9:55AM
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Singapore
Why did Singapore name cyberthreat group UNC3886 and is it linked to China?
Minister K Shanmugam says Singapore is facing an advanced persistent threat from UNC3886, which is targeting its strategic targets.
22 Jul 2025 - 10:29AM
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