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Singapore’s Prime Minister Lawrence Wong (right) greets residents during a campaign walkabout. Photo: EPA-EFE
Singapore general election 2025

Singapore election: PAP’s potential seat loss vs balanced parliament narrative

Political parties clash on cost of living, GST and need for more voices in parliament versus a stronger mandate for the PM.

Indonesia

Indonesian city considers China-style boot camps to curb youth crime surge

India

‘Things have gone haywire’: Indian students rethink US study plans

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Japan

Fake Japanese police uniform, reportedly from China, sparks real-life concerns

Concerns have arisen over images of a man wearing a realistic Japanese police uniform, suggesting a risk of impersonating an officer, which is illegal in Japan.

A man has raised concerns online after posting images of himself in a realistic Japanese police uniform replica. Photo: Handout
A man has raised concerns online after posting images of himself in a realistic Japanese police uniform replica. Photo: Handout
South Korea

Front-runner Lee’s path to presidency hit by South Korea’s top court ruling

The ruling could sway moderate voters even if Lee stays on the ballot, experts say.

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Japan

Japan’s Southeast Asia diplomacy ramps up as Ishiba courts Hanoi and Manila

Ishiba’s visits follow Chinese President Xi Jinping’s own tour of the region, reflecting a broader competition for influence.

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Japan

Can Japan reduce US reliance amid Trump policies, and embrace Global South?

Japanese business leaders are urging the country to diversify trade beyond the US to mitigate risks associated with over-reliance on one economy.

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Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba (left) shakes hands with US President Donald Trump at the White House on February 7. Photo: Kyodo
Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba (left) shakes hands with US President Donald Trump at the White House on February 7. Photo: Kyodo
Japan

77% of Japanese doubt US support amid Trump’s ‘erratic’ first 100 days: poll

Japanese scepticism is growing as more than three-quarters of citizens doubt US military support under Trump, despite security assurances.

India

Carney’s win sets stage for reset in India-Canada ties after Trudeau tensions

Bilateral relations deteriorated after Trudeau alleged that Indian agents were behind the killing of Khalistan leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar.

South Korea

South Korea conducts historic raid on ex-president Yoon’s home

Yoon Suk-yeol’s home was raided amid influence peddling allegations involving his wife and close aides.

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Police officers are on standby in front of the residence of former President Yoon Suk-yeol in Seoul, South Korea, on Wednesday. Photo: EPA-EFE
The Philippines

US, Philippines flex military muscle with show of Himars firepower

The use of Himars and NMESIS during the Balikatan exercise demonstrates the allies’ ability to respond to provocations, analysts say.

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US troops fire Himars rockets during a counter-landing and live fire exercise in Rizal on Monday. Photo: Public Affairs Office of the Armed Forces of the Philippines
US troops fire Himars rockets during a counter-landing and live fire exercise in Rizal on Monday. Photo: Public Affairs Office of the Armed Forces of the Philippines
Singapore general election 2025

Singapore election: single-ward battles are where the action lies

With tighter margins and high-profile candidates, these smaller races are drawing the most attention this election.

Pakistan

India vs Pakistan: a Western-Chinese arms face-off in the making?

A clash between the South Asian rivals’ warplanes and artillery could have profound implications for the global arms industry.

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Indonesia

Indonesia’s free meal scheme faces calls for stronger food safety standards

Several food poisoning incidents have led to calls for food suppliers involved in the free meals programme to undergo proper training.

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A free meal provided at a school in Depok, West Java under the Indonesian government’s free nutritious meal programme. Photo: EPA-EFE
India

India’s Rafale fighter jet deal: a maritime power play against China, Pakistan?

Analysts say the new jets represent a major upgrade, replacing the ageing and accident-prone MiG-29K fleet on India’s aircraft carriers.

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A Rafale jet fighter takes off from the flight deck of an aircraft carrier. Photo: AP
A Rafale jet fighter takes off from the flight deck of an aircraft carrier. Photo: AP
Japan

Did Japan kill 30 million? US historian’s book ignites nationalist fury

Accusing US historian Bryan Rigg of ‘propaganda’, Japanese conservatives are actively working to discredit his account of WWII atrocities.

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North Korea

Casualties and a Kremlin call: North Korea’s Ukraine war admission unpacked

Until recently, neither Moscow nor Pyongyang had admitted to North Korea’s involvement in the conflict.

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Singapore general election 2025

Singapore election: race, foreign meddling hot topics with seats too close to call

Singapore’s election sees cost of living and foreign interference take centre stage as PM warns against weakened government amid tight races.

Singapore’s Merlion statue. Singapore’s election sees cost of living and foreign interference take centre stage. Photo: Shutterstock
Singapore’s Merlion statue. Singapore’s election sees cost of living and foreign interference take centre stage. Photo: Shutterstock
China-Philippines relations

Why flags on Sandy Cay symbolise latest flashpoint in South China Sea dispute

Experts interpret Manila’s counter flag-raising as an effort to resist Beijing’s creeping jurisdiction.

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Donald Trump

Trump’s Quad allies in Asia fret over tariffs as China factor complicates ties

Even as Japan, India, and Australia face US tariffs, they are also being pressured by Washington to rebalance their ties with China.

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Israel

Maldives joins Malaysia in call for ‘legitimate’ Palestinian state amid Gaza war

The Maldives reiterated call for a Palestinian state comes two weeks after the island nation implemented an entry ban on Israeli passport holders.

The InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort. The Maldives backs the idea of Palestinian statehood, aligning with Malaysia’s stance against Israeli actions. Photo: Leona Liu
The Philippines

Defence pact tops Japan PM’s agenda during high-stakes Philippines trip

Shigeru Ishiba is expected to push for full ratification of a reciprocal access agreement, paving the way for expanded military cooperation.

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Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba speaks to reporters in Tokyo earlier this year. Photo: Kyodo
Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba speaks to reporters in Tokyo earlier this year. Photo: Kyodo
SCMP Highlights

Taiwan tariff blow, Bangladesh’s new leader, sex therapy: 5 weekend reads

From the effects of tariffs to the benefits of sex therapy, here are five stories you may have missed over the weekend.

Vietnam

In quest for lean ‘new era’, Vietnam’s leader takes torch to bureaucracy

Communist Party chief To Lam is reshaping bureaucracy by merging provinces, boosting efficiency and extending influence.

US-Asean relations

The Southeast Asians facing exile from the US to a land they’ve never known

After surviving a CIA-led war and building lives in America, Laotian migrants are now being detained and deported with little warning.

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May of those who are deported to Laos from the US have no family ties or support networks in the country. Photo: Getty Images
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