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Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto shakes hands with US President Joe Biden in the Oval Office of the White House on Tuesday. Photo: EPA-EFE

Politics

Can Indonesia’s Prabowo build rapport with Trump and stave off US protectionism?

Concerns about Indonesia’s economy have emerged given Donald Trump’s distrust of multilateralism and climate change policies.

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Japan’s PM Ishiba to push ahead with ‘difficult’ political funds reforms

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Will New Zealand’s alliance with Aukus shift under Trump’s second term?

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Politics

Bangladesh’s Yunus could ‘bury the hatchet’ with Trump to advance ties

Yunus congratulated Trump on his election win, sending an ‘important signal’ for improved bilateral ties and cooperation, analysts say.

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Muhammad Yunus, head of Bangladesh’s interim government. Photo: AP
Muhammad Yunus, head of Bangladesh’s interim government. Photo: AP

Politics

‘Hurry up’: Duterte says he is ready to face ICC in The Hague over drug war

Rodrigo Duterte taunts lawmakers that they might ‘miss the pleasure’ of seeing him in the International Criminal Court due to his age.

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Politics

Women candidates signal potential shift in Sri Lanka’s male-dominated politics

While analysts welcome the increase, they caution that more women in politics alone won’t challenge patriarchal norms and achieve true gender equality.

Politics

China’s baselines around Scarborough Shoal aim to ‘pressure’ Philippines: analysts

China declared its maritime baselines around Scarborough Shoal after the Philippines passed laws defining its maritime zones and sea lanes last week.

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A China Coastguard vessel patrols in waters adjacent to the Scarborough Shoal. Photo: Xinhua

Politics

Lee Hsien Loong downplays fears of Taiwan conflict during Trump’s term

The ex-prime minister was responding to a question at a US forum about whether China would make a move on Taiwan over the next four years.

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Then-US president Donald Trump shakes hands with then-Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong at a meeting in New York in 2019. Photo: AFP
Then-US president Donald Trump shakes hands with then-Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong at a meeting in New York in 2019. Photo: AFP

Politics

Australia’s envoy Kevin Rudd gets ominous hint from ex-Trump aide on his future

Rudd has deleted his anti-Trump social media posts, including one describing him as ‘the most destructive president in history’.

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Politics

Philippines boosts coastguard fleet with 49 new ships from France, Japan

The French deal also promises local vessel production and technology transfer – as Manila plans to add 7,000 coastguard personnel by 2026.

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Politics

Can ‘troublemaker’ Philippines acquire US-made missiles of its own?

The Philippines aims to enhance its defence capabilities by buying its own mid-range missiles, but questions about feasibility loom large.

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A mid-range capability (MRC) launcher from the US Army arrives for deployment on Northern Luzon, the Philippines, in April. Photo: US Army

Politics

Malaysia’s former finance minister Daim Zainuddin dies at 86

The tycoon and key ally of ex-PM Mahathir Mohamad had spent his final years under scrutiny from anti-corruption investigators.

Daim Zainuddin, then a Malaysian government adviser, arrives at China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Beijing in 2018. Photo: AFP
Daim Zainuddin, then a Malaysian government adviser, arrives at China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Beijing in 2018. Photo: AFP

Politics

Will Trump ‘close bases abroad’? Some in Japan are hopeful

US president-elect Donald Trump pressured Japan to pay more for American troops stationed on its soil during his first term.

Politics

Malaysia’s Sabah chief minister denies involvement in bribery scandal

Sabah Chief Minister Hajiji Noor is being implicated as the ‘top leader’ in alleged attempts to bribe local elected representatives.

Economics

KFC Indonesia closes more stores as anti-Israel boycott causes surge in loss

The US fast food chain’s local operator also laid off more staff as its loss more than tripled in the third quarter.

Indonesian protesters demand the closure of KFC and other fast food outlets over their perceived links to Israel. Photo: Getty Images

Politics

South China Sea: can Manila make Beijing pay US$1 million fines for trespassing?

A Philippine senator says sanctions of up to US$1 million are possible under new maritime laws, but analysts doubt they are enforceable.

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Members of the Philippine Coast Guard stand alert as a Chinese Coast Guard vessel blocks their way to a resupply mission at Second Thomas Shoal in the South China Sea on March 5. Photo: Reuters
Members of the Philippine Coast Guard stand alert as a Chinese Coast Guard vessel blocks their way to a resupply mission at Second Thomas Shoal in the South China Sea on March 5. Photo: Reuters

Politics

Doing an ‘amazing’ job: Trump showers praise on Indonesia’s Prabowo during call

The Indonesian leader shared a video of the conversation, where he received warm compliments from the incoming US president.

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Politics

South Korea’s Ukraine support strategy shifts with Trump’s re-election

Seoul’s pivot away from weapons shipments comes amid tepid public support for the move – and Trump’s vow to negotiate an end to the war.

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Politics

Will Trump deport the thousands of Filipinos living in the US illegally?

Immigration was a key issue for many US voters, including Filipino-Americans, reflecting a growing conservatism among the community.

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A group of migrants are apprehended by border officers after crossing into the US earlier this year. Photo: AFP

Politics

France sends its nuclear-powered carrier to Japan – and a ‘message’ to China

Analysts say the deployment aims to bolster alliances, deter adversaries and demonstrate France’s commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific.

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Rafale and Super Etendards fighter jets are seen on board France’s Charles de Gaulle aircraft carrier. Photo: Reuters
Rafale and Super Etendards fighter jets are seen on board France’s Charles de Gaulle aircraft carrier. Photo: Reuters

Politics

Singapore’s PM Wong and China’s Vice-Premier Ding reaffirm close ties

Vice-Premier Ding Xuexiang met with Singapore’s leaders to discuss partnerships in areas such as trade and sustainable development.

Politics

Will Indonesia-China development pact validate Beijing’s South China Sea claims?

Indonesian experts agree that the deal will legitimise China’s ten-dash line and create a border dispute for Indonesia where there is none.

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Politics

Malaysians split over home detention plan for prisoners – leniency gone too far?

The government has also dismissed speculations that the plan is linked to jailed ex-prime minister Najib Razak.

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The entrance of Sungai Buloh Prison, in Shah Alam, Malaysia. Photo: EPA-EFE
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