This Week in Asia /
Politics
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Asean
South China Sea
the Asian angle
Malaysia
Malaysian military in firing line over procurement cartel claims
The detention of senior figures in the anti-corruption probe is ‘highly significant and rare’ in Malaysia’s defence history, analysts say.
8 Jan 2026 - 6:30PM
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The Philippines
Uniform justice? Why Philippine military expelled a lawmaker but not VP Duterte
8 Jan 2026 - 5:36PM
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Malaysia
Fear grips Malaysian city of Klang after string of gang shootings
8 Jan 2026 - 4:49PM
Singapore
Singapore’s ex-PM says US raid in Venezuela is worrying for small countries
The city state has always made its stance clear on such issues, such as when it opposed the US invasion of Grenada in 1983, the ex-PM says.
8 Jan 2026 - 5:37PM
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Protesters outside the US embassy in Jakarta step on a poster with the image of US President Donald Trump during an anti-US rally on Tuesday, after the US raided Venezuela and captured its leader Nicolas Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores. Photo: Reuters
Saudi Arabia
US allies Saudi Arabia, UAE risk a split in Middle East over competing visions
A ‘new order’ is emerging as Abu Dhabi-backed separatist allies clash with pro-Riyadh governments in the region.
8 Jan 2026 - 5:21PM
South Korea
South Korea’s conservatives attempt break from Yoon with martial law apology
Yoon Suk-yeol’s former ruling party has offered a belated mea culpa, but critics see the move as nothing more than a cynical election ploy.
8 Jan 2026 - 8:00AM
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The Philippines
Philippines investigates claims of Chinese dredger using ‘30 identities’
A US-based maritime monitoring group has alleged a Chinese ship used different identities and flags while working in Philippine waters.
7 Jan 2026 - 9:48PM
A Philippine Coast Guard patrol vessel sails along Manila Bay on December 16, 2025. Photo: AFP
US-Venezuela conflict
The Maduro effect: US raid accelerates Asia’s drift away from Washington
Cambodia, Laos and North Korea are expected to tighten their embrace of Moscow and Beijing amid growing distrust of the US.
7 Jan 2026 - 7:16PM
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India
India’s home-grown stealth fighter dream: can Rolls-Royce make it a reality?
The British aircraft engine maker is promising full technology transfer and local IP rights for India’s fifth-generation AMCA programme.
7 Jan 2026 - 8:11AM
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Indonesia
Indonesia’s criminal law overhaul prompts fears of rights erosion
Observers say the new Criminal Code and revised Criminal Procedure Code entrench provisions that undermine democracy.
6 Jan 2026 - 9:02PM
Donald Trump
US’ Asian allies reluctant to slam Trump’s ‘cowboy tactics’ against Venezuela
These countries fear the consequences of criticising the US, particularly given Trump’s willingness to use the tariff threat in trade talks.
6 Jan 2026 - 8:57PM
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Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro in handcuffs after landing at a helipad in New York, escorted by US federal agents on Monday. Photo: TNS
The Philippines
‘Rule of law’: Philippine military lauds ex-general’s sedition arrest
Romeo Poquiz’s limited influence means his arrest is unlikely to spark a ‘chilling effect’ among former officials, observers say.
6 Jan 2026 - 8:01AM
The Philippines
Trump’s Venezuela move strains Philippines’ rules-based diplomacy, critics say
Critics said the US operation has undercut Manila’s claim to principled diplomacy, given its close alliance with Washington.
6 Jan 2026 - 7:58AM
Malaysia
Reform gamble: Anwar to limit Malaysia PM term amid support crisis
The move could ‘excite core supporters’ and help project the image that the ruling coalition remains committed to reform, analysts say.
5 Jan 2026 - 9:23PM
South Korea
North Korea doubles down with missile test, slams ‘US hegemony’ over Maduro
The test also appears to indicate Pyongyang’s objection to South Korean President Lee Jae Myung’s visit to Beijing.
5 Jan 2026 - 5:30PM
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North Korean leader Kim Jong-un (centre) inspects test-flights of hypersonic missiles in Pyongyang on Sunday. Photo: KCNA/KNS/AP
The Philippines
‘Not very high’ bar: Philippines inherits Thailand-Cambodia border crisis
Given Asean’s policy of non-interference, the Philippines may be better off leaving peace negotiations to the US and China, experts say.
5 Jan 2026 - 5:20PM
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Thailand
Thailand’s ‘orange wave’ is back. Can it finally end conservative rule?
The Senate can no longer pick the prime minister, opening a path to victory for the reformist People’s Party in the election on February 8.
4 Jan 2026 - 10:30AM
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India
India’s military upgrade to counter regional threats gathers pace
While US$30 billion of defence packages for weapon buys and others have been approved, the pace of roll-out is worrying, analysts say.
3 Jan 2026 - 2:51PM
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A Pinaka multiple launch rocket system on display during India’s 76th Republic Day celebrations in New Delhi, on January 26 last year. Photo: EPA-EFE
Japan
Why talk of a Japanese nuclear option is resurfacing – and why it alarms critics
Conservatives are calling for a rethink of nuclear taboos, while critics warn of risks to the global non-proliferation regime.
3 Jan 2026 - 3:00PM
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The Philippines
Why the Philippines’ military is betting on South Korean defence systems
The US$27.7 million contract covers combat management systems for two next-generation Philippine Navy frigates.
2 Jan 2026 - 5:18PM
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North Korea
‘More than a beloved child’: palace visit renews debate on Pyongyang succession
State media has released images of the first recorded visit of Kim Ju-ae, the teen daughter of Kim Jong-un, to the country’s most sacred site.
2 Jan 2026 - 12:45PM
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North Korea
Why North Korea’s Kim is hailing ‘invincible’ Russia ties in new year message
Kim praised North Korean troops fighting in the Ukraine war for their unwavering bravery for the sake of ‘the brotherly Russian people’.
7 Jan 2026 - 2:36PM
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North Korean leader Kim Jong-un waving during an art performance celebrating the new year at the May Day Stadium in Pyongyang, North Korea, on Thursday. Photo: EPA/KCNA
South Korea
Will ‘Made in Europe’ threaten South Korea’s arms export boom?
Observers urge South Korea to integrate itself into European supply chains by increasing production localisation to maintain competitiveness.
1 Jan 2026 - 8:00AM
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The Philippines
Singapore PM excited about Jessica Sanchez’s show in Cebu, Marcos’ wife says
The wife of President Ferdinand Marcos Jnr says Filipino-American singer Jessica Sanchez will be performing at the Asean summit in 2026.
31 Dec 2025 - 6:27PM
The Philippines
As commissioners quit, Philippines’ flood-control probe faces credibility crisis
Analysts said the exits risk deepening public scepticism over whether politically connected contractors can be held to account.
31 Dec 2025 - 7:26PM
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