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This Week in Asia /
Politics
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Asean
South China Sea
the Asian angle
Singapore
Vietnam’s To Lam warns of 3 crises converging in Asia-Pacific security
In the Singapore forum’s keynote address, the Vietnamese president urges a strategic framework for trust building to avert such threats.
6 hours ago
Vietnam
Vietnam, Philippines to forge stronger ‘alignment’ on 50 years of ties
29 May 2026 - 7:18PM
Malaysia
Beyond bans: why fringe Islamic movements still find followers in Malaysia
29 May 2026 - 4:42PM
The Philippines
Philippines lags behind neighbours on tourism. How will it step up its game?
While the bloc’s chairmanship is a plus point, Manila needs to overcome accessibility challenges to attract more regional tourists.
29 May 2026 - 8:38PM
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Tourists relax on a beach in Palawan province, the Philippines, last year. Photo: AFP
Japan
Is self-censorship behind Japan’s ‘problematic’ press freedom ranking?
Media insiders say Japan’s press is rarely overtly repressed, but access pressures and newsroom caution still shape what gets reported.
29 May 2026 - 8:42PM
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Bangladesh
Policy pivot? India watchful as Bangladesh engages Pakistan
Analysts say the new government in Dhaka is trying a ‘balancing act’ in the region that could signal more businesslike ties with its neighbours.
28 May 2026 - 8:13PM
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The Philippines
Is Sara Duterte’s lead for Philippines’ 2028 presidential race in danger?
Two pollsters say the vice-president is vulnerable in the key regions of Metro Manila and the group of provinces known as ‘Balance Luzon’.
29 May 2026 - 12:21AM
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Philippine Vice-President Sara Duterte-Carpio announces her intention to run for the country’s presidency in 2028 in February. Photo: AFP
Malaysia
‘Tiger without fangs’: Malaysia navy faces turbulence over Norway’s missile ban
While Malaysia considers alternatives from ‘three to four countries’, analysts say an advanced missile system is crucial for its navy.
28 May 2026 - 5:48PM
Thailand
Trade, Ho Chi Minh’s legacy: Vietnam’s To Lam seeks to ‘re-energise’ Thai ties
The president, who visited Ho Chi Minh’s former home in Udon Thani, will meet the Thai king and hold talks with PM Anutin.
28 May 2026 - 4:37PM
US, Israel war on Iran
Israel’s Lebanon strikes challenge Trump’s Iran talks amid Hezbollah’s defiance
Israel’s offensive aimed at weakening the group complicates US-Iran peace efforts, analysts say.
28 May 2026 - 4:23PM
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India
Reel politik: India tells filmmakers to drop ‘China-bashing’ as ties warm
India’s diplomatic thaw with China is causing films about the 2020 Galwan Valley clash to be retitled, reshot or shelved entirely.
27 May 2026 - 6:53PM
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China’s President Xi Jinping shakes hands with India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the welcoming ceremony of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit in Tianjin last August. Photo: Indian Press Information Bureau/AFP
Malaysia
Malaysia probes ex-anti-corruption chief over threats to whistle-blower
Azam rejected the claims, saying he ‘never’ contacted Albert Tei who is linked to the Sabah mineral licence scandal.
27 May 2026 - 4:47PM
Japan
Russia’s military activity has Japan fearing a dual-front war
Japan scrambled its fighter jets 448 times in nine months last year. Most of the intercepts involved Russian or Chinese aircraft.
27 May 2026 - 3:53PM
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South Korea
South Korea eyes first nuclear submarine by mid-2030s, but hurdles run deep
Delayed US talks, non-proliferation concerns and budget pressures stand in the way of Seoul’s bid to boost its defence, analysts say.
27 May 2026 - 4:07PM
Japan
Japan eyes new rules to curb US, China and Russia space arms race
Japan is ‘best placed’ to establish new rules given its space capabilities and strong support for nuclear non-proliferation, analysts say.
27 May 2026 - 4:27PM
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An illustration shows a military satellite shooting a laser at the Earth. Photo: Shutterstock
Indonesia
How US military aircraft repair hub could threaten Indonesian neutrality
If Indonesia turns Kertajati Airport into a Hercules repair hub, it risks being seen as siding with the US in times of war, analysts say.
26 May 2026 - 6:00PM
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India
As Marco Rubio visits New Delhi, what could it mean for US-India ties?
The US secretary of state’s trip aims to mend bilateral relationship, focusing on trade, defence and Quad unity.
26 May 2026 - 5:55PM
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The Philippines
Marcos’ historic Japan trip: what will Philippine leader seek from Takaichi?
Japan is a key counterweight for the Philippines to deal with its maritime challenges in the South China Sea, analysts say.
26 May 2026 - 6:23PM
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Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi (left) shakes hands with Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jnr ahead of their talks in Kuala Lumpur in October last year. Photo: Kyodo
Japan
Why a 2-year US missile delay could expose a ‘serious contradiction’ with Japan
Analysts said any delay could hinder Tokyo’s defence build-up but also open the door for Japanese firms to produce more US-designed weapons.
26 May 2026 - 12:13PM
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US, Israel war on Iran
Netanyahu increasingly isolated as Trump pursues Iran peace deal
The lack of a decisive victory in the Iran war has led Trump to lose confidence in the Israeli prime minister, analysts say.
25 May 2026 - 6:48PM
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Thailand
Budget cuts leave Thailand’s twin-sea navy at risk of falling behind
With submarine projects stalled and frigate funding cut, Thailand’s fleet risks being outpaced by regional rivals.
24 May 2026 - 8:00AM
The Philippines
Why Sara Duterte is altering tone on South China Sea dispute
The vice-president’s calls to ‘defend sovereignty’ are an attempt to please voters at home while not alienating Beijing, experts say.
23 May 2026 - 3:00PM
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Philippine Vice President Sara Duterte delivers a statement following her impeachment on February 7. Photo: Reuters
US, Israel war on Iran
Israel thrusts a reluctant UAE into the open over defence ties
Disclosures about Iron Dome batteries and secret meetings have exposed ties analysts say the UAE would rather handle ‘more discreetly’.
23 May 2026 - 1:00PM
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India
India’s US$9 billion island megaport sharpens China’s ‘Malacca dilemma’
When completed, the Great Nicobar project would allow India to monitor activities near the Strait of Malacca, a key trade corridor for China.
22 May 2026 - 8:18PM
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Malaysia
Spoiler alert: why Malaysia’s Anwar should be wary of Rafizi’s Bersama party
Bersama may not have political clout to bring down the prime minister but may chip away support among his reformist base, analysts say.
22 May 2026 - 6:13PM
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