Advertisement
Advertisement
This Week in Asia /
Politics
Related Topics:
Asean
South China Sea
the Asian angle
Saudi Arabia
How Saudi-Turkey-Pakistan pact acts as ‘insurance’ over US disengagement
The Mecca deal may emerge as a third geopolitical ‘centre of gravity’ in the Middle East, with more members joining, analysts say.
5 hours ago
videocam
India-Pakistan tensions
Maldives’ plea to restart South Asian bloc hits India-Pakistan brick wall
9 Aug 2026 - 2:00PM
videocam
India
India’s Kusha missile test signals step closer to self-reliance for air defence
8 Aug 2026 - 2:43PM
videocam
Thailand
Thailand looks to Siam Silica to propel it to top Asean semiconductor player
As Thailand is coming late into the game, it will have to look for ways to make itself indispensable in the industry, analysts say.
8 Aug 2026 - 10:00AM
Robots assemble chips during Semicon Southeast Asia 2026 in Kuala Lumpur on May 5. Photo: Reuters
Malaysia
Malaysia’s royals rise to the fore in a changing nation
Unstable coalitions have created greater room for the country’s royal institutions to influence government formation, observers say.
8 Aug 2026 - 8:00AM
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.
7 Aug 2026 - 5:30PM
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Malaysia
In Malaysia, Nurul Izzah’s PKR exit deepens questions over Anwar’s leadership
Having his daughter quit as deputy president of the party he founded is going to be a huge political setback for the prime minister, analysts say.
7 Aug 2026 - 4:36PM
PKR deputy president Nurul Izzah Anwar poses with her father, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. Photo: Instagram/n_izzah
Malaysia
Malaysian ex-PM Ismail Sabri’s corruption charges delayed by health woes
The 66-year-old is the latest senior politician swept up in the government’s anti-corruption crackdown under PM Anwar Ibrahim.
7 Aug 2026 - 12:05PM
videocam
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.
6 Aug 2026 - 6:03PM
videocam
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.
6 Aug 2026 - 5:00PM
videocam
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.
6 Aug 2026 - 4:05PM
A view of central Jakarta in Indonesia. Authorities have warned online users against spreading misinformation ahead of the country’s Independence Day celebrations. Photo: Shutterstock
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.
6 Aug 2026 - 3:21PM
videocam
44
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.
6 Aug 2026 - 8:01AM
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.
5 Aug 2026 - 4:35PM
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.
5 Aug 2026 - 5:22PM
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.
7 Aug 2026 - 3:04PM
videocam
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.
5 Aug 2026 - 11:00AM
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
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.
5 Aug 2026 - 8:01AM
videocam
Indonesia’s President Prabowo Subianto. Photo: Reuters
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.
4 Aug 2026 - 5:01PM
videocam
7
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.
4 Aug 2026 - 11:00AM
videocam
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.
3 Aug 2026 - 9:55PM
videocam
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.
3 Aug 2026 - 7:00PM
A concrete sign bearing the word “SIAM” is displayed at the base of a gate along a section of the border fence between Thailand and Cambodia in Pong Nam Ron district, Chanthaburi province, in Thailand on July. Photo: Reuters
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.
3 Aug 2026 - 5:50PM
videocam
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.
3 Aug 2026 - 3:50PM
videocam
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.
3 Aug 2026 - 10:00AM
Help preserve 120 years of quality journalism.
SUPPORT NOW