This Week in Asia /

Politics

Related Topics:
Asean
South China Sea
the Asian angle
A Chinese coastguard ship patrols the area as Philippine inter-agency members visit Sandy Cay in the South China Sea on April 27. Photo: National Task Force West Philippine Sea/AP
The Philippines

Why Philippines’ poorest may not vote for hardline anti-China candidates

Economic survival outweighs foreign policy concerns for those living below the poverty line, analysts say.

videocam
South Korea

South Korea presidential race heats up with Han’s entry, Lee’s retrial

videocam
Singapore general election 2025

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

15
Indonesia

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

West Java Governor Dedi Mulyadi proposed the idea in response to a recent increase in youth crimes, such as drug use and violence, in Depok city.

A sunny street view with large “Depok” city sign on the roadside. The Indonesian city has seen a recent increase in youth crimes, such as drug use and violence. Photo: Shutterstock
A sunny street view with large “Depok” city sign on the roadside. The Indonesian city has seen a recent increase in youth crimes, such as drug use and violence. Photo: Shutterstock
India

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

Analysts say universities in Europe, Australia, Singapore and Hong Kong, as well as some local institutions stand to benefit.

8
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.

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
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.

videocam
South Korea’s Lee Jae-myung attends a ceremony at the National Assembly in Seoul on April 30. Photo: EPA-EFE/Yonhap
South Korea’s Lee Jae-myung attends a ceremony at the National Assembly in Seoul on April 30. Photo: EPA-EFE/Yonhap
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.

videocam
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.

videocam
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.

The US and Japan flags fly outside the White House. A poll reveals 77 per cent of Japanese citizens doubt US commitment to defending them in a crisis. Photo: Reuters
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.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney arrives at the Office of the Prime Minister and Privy Council on Tuesday. Photo: Getty Images/AFP
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney arrives at the Office of the Prime Minister and Privy Council on Tuesday. Photo: Getty Images/AFP
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.

videocam
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.

videocam
7
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.

4
Supporters of the ruling People’s Action Party (PAP) wave flags in support of their political party at a nomination center in Singapore on April 23. Photo: EPA-EFE
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.

videocam
6
A Pakistani JF-17 aircraft flies over Islamabad. Photo: AFP
A Pakistani JF-17 aircraft flies over Islamabad. Photo: AFP
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.

videocam
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.

videocam
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
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.

22
Japanese troops are seen in Nanking after the city’s conquest, in a photographic imprint dated 1937. Photo: Universal History Archive/Universal Images Group/Getty Images
Japanese troops are seen in Nanking after the city’s conquest, in a photographic imprint dated 1937. Photo: Universal History Archive/Universal Images Group/Getty Images
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.

videocam
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.

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.

videocam
In this photo provided by the National Task Force West Philippine Sea (NTF-WPS), Philippine inter-agency members which included Philippine Navy, Philippine Coast Guard and Philippine National Police - Maritime Group, hold the Philippine flag as they visit Sandy Cay 2 in the South China Sea on April 27. Photo: AP
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.

6
Leaders from the US, Japan, India and Australia meet at a Quadrilateral summit in Delaware last year. Photo: AFP
Leaders from the US, Japan, India and Australia meet at a Quadrilateral summit in Delaware last year. Photo: AFP
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 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.

videocam
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.

Questions are being raised over whether Taiwan’s strategic value to the United States is being judged primarily by what the island can deliver economically and militarily. Photo: AFP
Help preserve 120 years of quality journalism.
SUPPORT NOW