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This Week in Asia /

Politics

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Asean
South China Sea
the Asian angle
A Chinese coastguard ship fires a water cannon at a Philippine vessel in South China Sea, as seen in this screengrab of a video released on July 23. Photo: Jay Tarriela/X/Handout/Reuters
The Philippines

Philippines’ South China Sea education push blurs ‘teaching the truth’ lines

The push by several Philippine lawmakers is to counter what they say are efforts to support pro-Beijing positions over the maritime row.

Malaysia

In Malaysia, Nurul Izzah’s PKR exit deepens questions over Anwar’s leadership

Malaysia

Malaysian ex-PM Ismail Sabri’s corruption charges delayed by health woes

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Malaysia

How crime syndicates are exploiting Malaysia’s connectivity to move drugs

The country’s proximity to major drug-producing areas and porous borders make it an attractive transit point for traffickers, analysts say.

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Indonesian Customs officials display drugs smuggled by a Malaysian pilot as evidence during a press conference at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport on July 31. Photo: AFP
Indonesian Customs officials display drugs smuggled by a Malaysian pilot as evidence during a press conference at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport on July 31. Photo: AFP
Asean

Why the UK is doubling down on Asean ties amid European reset

Observers say the move to engage Asean is less a policy reset than continuity in Britain’s post-Brexit engagement with the bloc.

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Indonesia

Indonesia warns against users spreading fake news ahead of its Independence Day

The move by some shopping centres and office complexes in Jakarta to erect barricades has fuelled speculation about potential unrest.

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US, Israel war on Iran

How US became trapped in ‘dreadful situation’ of its own making over Iran war

With Iran holding firm to its grip on the Strait of Hormuz, Trump faces one of two choices: capitulate or risk a ‘forever war’, experts say.

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US President Donald Trump addresses the nation from the East Room of the White House on July 16. Photo: Getty Images
US President Donald Trump addresses the nation from the East Room of the White House on July 16. Photo: Getty Images
Indonesia

Reality bites for Indonesia’s Prabowo as approval rating falls

The decline reflects a disconnect between Indonesia’s still-respectable headline growth and how voters experience the economy, analysts say.

Indonesia

Indonesia’s Prabowo eyes North Korea trip. But no one’s invited him

While a visit could boost Indonesia’s diplomatic clout, it also threatens to raise another outcry about Prabowo’s frequent flights.

Malaysia

Malay nationalism surge threatens to end Malaysia’s reform experiment

Since becoming prime minister in 2022, Anwar has struggled to win over support from Malaysia’s Malay-Muslim majority.

Umno members pray after the Negeri Sembilan election results on Saturday. Photo: Facebook/mediaumnomalaysia
Myanmar

Myanmar president heads to Thailand amid civil war at home

Thailand’s acknowledgement of Min Aung Hlaing’s legitimacy stems from a ‘straight up pragmatism’, analysts say.

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Myanmar President Min Aung Hlaing leaves after delivering a speech in parliament on Friday. Photo: AP
Myanmar President Min Aung Hlaing leaves after delivering a speech in parliament on Friday. Photo: AP
The Philippines

Can France help the Philippines overcome its nuclear power baggage?

Paris is ready to share its nuclear energy expertise with Manila as part of efforts to deepen defence cooperation, outgoing envoy says.

Indonesia

Are Indonesia’s Prabowo and ultra rich ‘9 Dragons’ on a collision course?

Analysts say the pressure on Indonesia’s older business elite forms part of a broader two-pronged strategy of state capitalism.

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Pacific nations

Solomon port plans mark US reset of ‘anaemic’ Pacific ties

The move aims to ensure Honiara partners with Western allies in sectors with security implications, analysts say.

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The port in Honiara, capital city of Solomon Islands in April 2024. Photo: AFP
India

Can a tech titan ace a test to fix India’s crisis-hit education system?

Nandan Nilekani’s efforts to reform the nation’s education sector face employability and AI challenges amid anger over exam scandals.

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People celebrate the resignation of India’s Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan in Mumbai on July 26 during a protest over the alleged question paper leaks. Photo: AFP
People celebrate the resignation of India’s Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan in Mumbai on July 26 during a protest over the alleged question paper leaks. Photo: AFP
The Philippines

Will Philippines’ push for seabed rights derail South China Sea code talks?

Analysts say Manila’s move could make it harder for Asean to agree on a common position regarding the code of conduct.

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Thailand

Thailand hits back at ‘inaccuracies’ in UN expert’s Cambodia findings

Bangkok says no efforts were made to verify the claims of UN Special Rapporteur Tom Andrews with Thai authorities.

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Malaysia

Why Malaysia is urging global powers to uphold international law ‘consistently’

Analysts say the remarks are aimed broadly at powerful states as Southeast Asian nations seek stronger deterrence against coercion.

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Malaysia’s Defence Minister Khaled Nordin (right) at the 37th International Military Law and Operations Conference in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on Monday. Photo: EPA
Malaysia’s Defence Minister Khaled Nordin (right) at the 37th International Military Law and Operations Conference in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on Monday. Photo: EPA
Singapore

Singapore battles speed of youth radicalisation as concerns mount

Observers say boosting relationships, digital literacy and emotional resilience can help young people better reject violent ideologies.

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Asean

What Turkey’s upgrade to Asean dialogue partner status means

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan calls the development ‘of utmost importance’ in its relationship with Asia-Pacific countries.

Malaysia

Three strikes, DAP’s out? Loss in Malaysia’s third state poll rattles coalition

DAP chief Anthony Loke’s defeat in Chennah, which he has represented for 13 years, is a big blow to the ruling coalition’s largest party.

DAP chairman Gobind Singh Deo (left) consoles Anthony Loke after he loses his Chennah seat on Saturday. Photo: Facebook/DAPMalaysia
The Philippines

Philippines eyes Ukraine’s drone know-how for South China Sea

Manila likes the look of Kyiv’s low-cost drones, but adapting battlefield tech to grey-zone sea stand-offs won’t be easy.

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An FP-1 deep-strike drone launches for a combat mission in an undisclosed location in Ukraine in 2026. Photo: Reuters
An FP-1 deep-strike drone launches for a combat mission in an undisclosed location in Ukraine in 2026. Photo: Reuters
Pacific nations

New Zealand’s Pacific defence diplomacy shifts into overdrive

Wellington’s four-month diplomatic blitz aims to lock down regional allies as Washington’s commitment wavers.

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Malaysia

What Negeri Sembilan loss means for Malaysian PM Anwar’s political strategy

PH must now reconsider its efforts to appeal to conservative Malay voters and rebuild its long-standing reform narrative, analysts say.

China-India relations

India and China revive Himalayan trade at high-altitude pass

Six years after Nathu La’s closure and the deadly Galwan border clashes, its reopening throws local traders a lifeline.

A Chinese soldier stands guard while Indian troops work at the Nathu La Pass in July 2006. Photo: AP
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