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This Week in Asia /

Politics

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Asean
South China Sea
the Asian angle
North Korea test-fires an upgraded 240mm guided rocket at an undisclosed location on Tuesday. Photo: KCNA / AFP
South Korea

South Korea has plan for phased denuclearisation. But will North bite?

The South Korean president’s proposal reflects the reality that North Korea already has significant nuclear capabilities, analysts say.

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South Korea

Can South Korea solve the US military’s ammunition shortage?

The Philippines

Why younger Filipinos are warming to China despite maritime tensions

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India

India backs new P4M forum, but can middle powers fix the UN?

Without early wins on climate or UN reform, analysts say the Partners for Multilateralism risks becoming a talking shop.

India’s External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar speaking at the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, in September 2025. Photo: EPA
India’s External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar speaking at the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, in September 2025. Photo: EPA
South China Sea

Why Brunei prefers ‘quiet diplomacy’ over confrontation in South China Sea

As a nation with a small military, Brunei would rather work with Beijing in safe zones such as peacekeeping than butt heads, analysts say.

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Malaysia

Malaysians joke about nettle beds to end Negeri Sembilan royal row

With two men claiming the throne and no legal exit in sight, commenters suggest nettle-bed endurance tests to end the fight.

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Malaysia

Malaysia’s Anwar faces political reckoning in Melaka as state calls for poll

The Melaka state election is Malaysia’s third this year. Anwar’s coalition performed badly at previous polls in Johor and Negeri Sembilan.

Children play outside a traditional Malay wooden house in Melaka city. Photo: AFP
Malaysia’s Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and his wife arrive for National Day celebrations in Malaysia’s administrative capital Putrajaya last month. Photo: AFP
Christ Church in Melaka. The state is widely seen as the cradle of Malaysia's Malay civilisation. Photo: John Brunton
Indonesia

Can Indonesia speak for the Global South in its UN Security Council bid?

Jakarta wants a fifth term on the council, but faces accusations of hypocrisy and being a ‘fence-sitter’, analysts say.

Japan

Russia targets ‘unfriendly nations’ as asset seizures spook Japanese firms

The takeover of Swiss and French brands raises the spectre of retaliation against some 230 Japanese businesses still in Russia.

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Canada

Southeast Asia supports multilateralism, wary of US or China leadership: survey

A recent Rockefeller Foundation survey shows strong regional belief in global cooperation and a reluctance to accept superpower dominance.

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The ASEAN flag flies alongside the flags of member countries ahead of the ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Retreat in Langkawi, Malaysia in January 2025. Photo: Reuters
Malaysia

Malaysia’s Negeri Sembilan royal crisis escalates as chief minister defies ruler

The disagreement centres on competing interpretations of Negeri Sembilan’s state constitution.

Tuanku Muhriz Tuanku Munawir, the ruler of Negeri Sembilan, speaking during the opening of the Negeri Sembilan state assembly in Seremban, Malaysia. Photo: YouTube
Tuanku Muhriz Tuanku Munawir, the ruler of Negeri Sembilan, speaking during the opening of the Negeri Sembilan state assembly in Seremban, Malaysia. Photo: YouTube
Malaysia

Will Anwar’s coalition in Malaysia implode amid Loke exit, Najib house arrest?

Observers say the numbers in cabinet remain in Anwar’s favour for now, but warn that a DAP walkout could embolden rival Umno.

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Malaysia

Anwar was on song in India. Will Malaysia reap the rewards?

The Malaysian PM’s rendition of a Bollywood ballad went viral, but his India trip was about more than just the music.

Australia

Named as an enemy: Indonesia’s uneasy Aukus moment

Aukus inquiry testimony in Australia cast Indonesia as a foe in a hypothetical war, reviving old suspicions.

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US Navy officers stand aboard a Virginia-class submarine docked in Western Australia in February 2025. Under Aukus, Australia will acquire nuclear-powered submarines like the Virginia-class. Photo: AFP
Malaysia

Malaysia’s Loke resigns as minister following Najib’s house arrest approval

The former prime minister’s conditional pardon is a severe blow to Anwar’s ruling coalition, which is facing its worst internal strife.

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DAP secretary general Anthony Loke arrives at his party's headquarters on Saturday afternoon. Photo: Ushar Daniele
DAP secretary general Anthony Loke arrives at his party's headquarters on Saturday afternoon. Photo: Ushar Daniele
Singapore

Singapore minister Chan Chun Sing’s Mandarin diplomacy strikes China chord

Chan quoted ancient philosopher Mencius in his speech at Xiangshan Forum, winning praise on social media for his knowledge of Chinese thought.

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The Philippines

Why the ICC is cracking down on ‘fake news’ as Duterte trial looms

Presiding Judge Joanna Korner warns parties to ‘avoid speculation’ and urges prosecutors to trim their witness list and evidence.

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South Korea

‘No deployment for war’: South Korea rejects US request for Iran support

President Lee Jae Myung has drawn a firm line against sending troops or assets to the Middle East, defying pressure from Washington.

South Korean President Lee Jae Myung speaking during a press conference at the presidential Blue House in Seoul on Friday. Photo: AFP
South Korean President Lee Jae Myung speaking during a press conference at the presidential Blue House in Seoul on Friday. Photo: AFP
US, Israel war on Iran

US pivot leaves Saudi Arabia with ‘humiliating dilemma’ over Houthis

Riyadh is now working frantically to build a coalition to protect shipping in the Red Sea and defend the kingdom against Houthi attacks.

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Malaysia

Malaysia’s Najib Razak allowed to serve rest of jail term under house arrest

Given a ‘conditional pardon’, Najib has to settle his US$12.3 million fine before he can be transferred home to complete his sentence.

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The Philippines

Poland eyes deeper Philippines defence ties following Black Hawk deal

Warsaw is targeting drones, air defence and artillery exports to Manila as European rearmament fuels global arms ambitions.

A Philippine Air Force officer speaking during the acceptance ceremony for the seven and last batch of S-70i Black Hawk helicopters at Villamor air force base in Manila in August. Photo: AFP
The Philippines

Philippines’ Teodoro draws 2028 election buzz after China clash

His viral moment in Seoul has raised his profile among supporters, but analysts say weak polling and past losses remain hurdles.

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Philippine defence chief Gilberto Teodoro Jnr responds to a note during the Seoul Defence Dialogue 2026 on September 8. Photo: X/Philippine Department of National Defence
Philippine defence chief Gilberto Teodoro Jnr responds to a note during the Seoul Defence Dialogue 2026 on September 8. Photo: X/Philippine Department of National Defence
Japan

Is Japan’s Okinawa finally moving on from anti-base politics?

Frustrated by economic hardship, Okinawans have rallied behind a new governor, leaving long-standing anti-base resistance in disarray.

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North Korea

North Korea at Japan’s Asian Games: sports diplomacy or propaganda stunt?

Pyongyang is sending its largest-ever delegation to Japan, signalling a calculated bid to test Tokyo and pave the way for US re-engagement.

Japan

Why Zelensky’s Kyiv invite puts Japan PM Takaichi in a diplomatic bind

Analysts say a Ukraine trip will be an ‘excellent opportunity’ for Takaichi to show her mettle, despite concerns about chilly Russia ties.

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Japan’s Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi speaks during a conference at the Ministry of Defence in Tokyo on September 2. Photo: AFP
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