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This Week in Asia /
Politics
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Asean
South China Sea
the Asian angle
Iran
Speaking Trump’s language: Iran frames nuclear deal as ‘trillion-dollar’ US win
Tehran is dangling access to its vast oil, gas and mineral reserves, but analysts warn that even this may fail to ‘move the needle’ in talks.
1 hour ago
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The Philippines
Philippines’ Sara Duterte throws hat in the ring for 2028 presidential run
2 hours ago
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Japan
‘A very good thing’: Japan’s Takaichi steps back from Liancourt Rocks pledge
5 hours ago
South Korea
‘The game is over’: South Korea braces for Yoon Suk-yeol’s insurrection verdict
Two earlier convictions have defined Yoon’s martial law decree as part of an insurrection plot, raising the stakes ahead of Thursday’s ruling.
18 Feb 2026 - 8:00AM
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Former South Korean president Yoon Suk-yeol arrives at the Seoul Central District Court for a hearing on a special prosecutor’s request for his arrest warrant, on July 9, 2025. Photo: AP
Cambodia
Battered Cambodia seeks economic reset after Thailand border war
Shuttered borders have choked trade and sent migrant workers home, forcing Phnom Penh to seek new partners and markets.
17 Feb 2026 - 3:23PM
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Japan
Okinawa voters shift away from concerns over US military presence
Analysts point to a shift in priorities among younger Okinawans as a possible factor in the alliance’s bruising defeat in the election.
17 Feb 2026 - 11:05AM
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North Korea
‘Heroic era’: why North Korea’s Kim is lauding Ukraine war sacrifices
The new homes for families of fallen soldiers are part of a push to showcase tangible achievements before the party congress, analysts say.
17 Feb 2026 - 8:00AM
North Korean leader Kim Jong-un (centre, right) and his daughter, Kim Ju-ae, touring Saeppyol Street, a new housing district in Pyongyang dedicated to the families of fallen soldiers, on Sunday. Photo; EPA/KCNA
The Philippines
ICC naming of Duterte’s allies sharpens Philippines’ political fault lines
Senators Ronald dela Rosa and Christopher Go named as alleged ‘co-perpetrators’ in the former president’s crimes against humanity case.
16 Feb 2026 - 9:22PM
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Bangladesh
Bangladesh’s outreach to India ‘a good beginning’ for easing strained ties
Dhaka’s invitation to attend the swearing-in and Modi’s message of support show both sides are ready to turn the page, analysts say.
16 Feb 2026 - 6:00PM
Malaysia
Probe into anti-corruption chief revives doubts about Malaysia’s reform drive
The government has ordered an investigation as critics question whether oversight mechanisms are strong enough.
16 Feb 2026 - 4:50PM
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Indonesia
Crude business for Indonesia amid West’s squeeze on Russian oil
Analysts say Indonesia’s energy demand could draw scrutiny as Moscow seeks new buyers, potentially complicating US trade talks.
16 Feb 2026 - 2:58PM
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A Pertamina worker climbs on a gauge at a crude oil well on Bunyu island in Indonesia’s East Kalimantan province. Photo: Reuters
Indonesia
Why Indonesia’s US$1.67 billion China-backed dam is in limbo
Even energy regulators were kept in the dark about the abrupt crackdown that has spooked renewables investors.
16 Feb 2026 - 8:00AM
Indonesia
Indonesians weigh peril and promise of Jakarta – the world’s most populous city
Extreme heat, floods, pollution, congested traffic and a tough job market are some of the major challenges faced by the city’s residents.
15 Feb 2026 - 2:00PM
New Zealand
New Zealand catches flak for ‘secret’ US critical minerals talks
Opposition parties accuse the ruling coalition of keeping voters in the dark, fearing a fast track to environmental damage.
15 Feb 2026 - 11:00AM
South Korea
Why do South Korea’s Hallyu heroes find taxes so … taxing?
As K-culture conquers the world, its wealthy stars keep falling foul of a tax system ‘that has not yet fully caught up’.
15 Feb 2026 - 8:00AM
South Korean actor Kim Seon-ho stars in the Netflix series “Can This Love Be Translated?”. Photo: No Ju-han/Netflix
Japan
Japan explores German silent cargo gliders to resupply remote islands
The HADIS system can deliver cargo of up to 500kg over a range of 120km and safeguard transport aircraft during resupply operations.
14 Feb 2026 - 2:39PM
Bangladesh
Bangladesh’s BNP set to balance ties with powers to avoid crossing ‘red line’
The party will focus on economic growth after the election while fostering cordial ties with India, Pakistan, China and the US, analysts say.
13 Feb 2026 - 7:08PM
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Indonesia
They called Trump’s ‘Board of Peace’ neocolonialism. Now they’re thinking twice
Several Muslim groups have previously opposed Prabowo’s decision to join the board, fearing it would serve US and Israeli interests.
13 Feb 2026 - 6:12PM
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US President Donald Trump shakes hands with Indonesia’s President Prabowo Subianto at the “Board of Peace” meeting during the World Economic Forum in Davos last month. Photo: AFP
North Korea
Why Takaichi’s landslide victory in Japan has North Korea on edge
North Korea has accused Japan of resurrecting its wartime ambitions by expanding its defence and pursuing security alliances.
13 Feb 2026 - 5:53PM
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China-Philippines relations
Amid Chinese embassy row, Philippines eyes boosting Spratlys population
Filipino leaders from Kalayaan and Chinese embassy officials in Manila have clashed over entry bans for personnel on either side.
12 Feb 2026 - 8:00PM
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US-Iran tensions
The US dropped proposal of Iran regime change. Could a nuclear deal be next?
Both sides appear amenable to a deal limiting some of Iran’s nuclear enrichment activities after last week’s diplomatic re-establishment.
12 Feb 2026 - 5:16PM
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Japan
A doomed experiment? Japan’s opposition struggles to regroup amid crushing loss
A 124-seat collapse has left the Centrist Reform Alliance in tatters, with observers calling the defeat a ‘debacle of epic proportions’.
12 Feb 2026 - 5:25PM
Yoshihiko Noda (left) and Tetsuo Saito announce their resignation as co-leaders of the opposition Centrist Reform Alliance at a press conference in Tokyo on Monday. Photo: Xinhua
The Philippines
Leaked letter spotlights Philippines’ South China Sea tug of war
The letter by Foreign Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro warns against public exchanges that could narrow the country’s ‘diplomatic space’.
11 Feb 2026 - 9:55PM
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Malaysia
Malaysia courts US to climb critical minerals value chain, keeps raw export ban
Analysts say Kuala Lumpur wants US capital and technology without being drawn into the US-China minerals rivalry.
11 Feb 2026 - 9:33PM
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Thailand
Vote recount calls grow in Thailand amid claims of election irregularities
The People’s Party, among others, cites ‘clear evidence of irregularities during the tallying process’, including vote-buying and tampering.
11 Feb 2026 - 5:30PM
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