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This Week in Asia /

Politics

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DAP Secretary General Anthony Loke (centre) answers questions from the media after the vote on Sunday. Photo: Joseph Sipalan
Malaysia

Malaysia’s DAP backs Anwar’s alliance but faces growing pressure for reform

The party risks further erosion of its credibility unless it can push through concrete reforms before the next general election, analysts say.

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Australia

Cable ties: Australia urged to lead Indo-Pacific in protecting subsea links

Saudi Arabia

Russia’s role in Middle East politics endures, shifts to being ‘secondary power’

Malaysia

How Southeast Asia’s monarchies stay relevant in a volatile region

The kings in Thailand, Cambodia, Malaysia and Brunei have to be attuned to societal or economic changes to survive, analysts say.

World’s longest-reigning living monarch, Brunei’s Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, returns a salute during his 80th birthday celebrations at Taman Haji Sir Muda Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien in Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei July 15. Photo: Reuters
World’s longest-reigning living monarch, Brunei’s Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, returns a salute during his 80th birthday celebrations at Taman Haji Sir Muda Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien in Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei July 15. Photo: Reuters
Indonesia

Why Prabowo’s change in tone might not signal a change in Indonesia’s course

Analysts said his rare self-criticism showed responsiveness to pressure but questioned whether a commodity policy shift marked real change.

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The Philippines

Philippines’ Marcos sees progress on China oil deal despite maritime row

The president also confirms for the first time a ‘provisional understanding’ with China over the resupply of WWII warship Sierra Madre.

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Singapore

Will disbarment of Singapore’s Pritam Singh further dent his political standing?

Singaporeans have largely moved on from the long-running saga involving the WP chief due to ‘political fatigue’, analysts say.

Then leader of the opposition Pritam Singh speaks to the media outside the Supreme Court after his appeal was dismissed in December. Photo: Reuters
Then leader of the opposition Pritam Singh speaks to the media outside the Supreme Court after his appeal was dismissed in December. Photo: Reuters
Myanmar

UN atrocity report adds friction to Myanmar junta’s push for legitimacy

The report says abuses escalated around the time Myanmar was conducting junta-led elections that saw Min Aung Hlaing elected as president.

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South Korea

South Korea’s moon landing, quantum chips: Seoul bets big on post-AI economy

The country has identified seven next-generation industries, including nuclear fusion and small modular reactors, to stem sluggish growth potential.

Malaysia

PAS’ latest sharia law push signals its Malaysian federal power ambition

The move aims to signal to Malay voters that PAS is committed to Islamic values ahead of the next general election, analysts say.

Pan-Malaysian Islamic Party supporters wave PAS flags in Kelantan ahead of the 2022 general election. Photo: Shutterstock
Vietnam

Vietnam’s warship project signals modernisation, bamboo diplomacy balance

As Hanoi seeks to build its defence manufacturing capabilities with the frigate, it is likely to remain dependent on foreign know-how.

Vietnamese missile frigate Tran Hung Dao heads to a naval port in the city of Zhanjiang in south China’s Guangdong province in 2024. Photo: Xinhua
Vietnamese missile frigate Tran Hung Dao heads to a naval port in the city of Zhanjiang in south China’s Guangdong province in 2024. Photo: Xinhua
Thailand

Why Thailand is eyeing BrahMos missiles to boost maritime defence

Analysts say BrahMos could boost Thailand’s deterrence at sea and give it more options as tensions with Cambodia persist.

India

Why India is eyeing France’s fighter jet project for future air warfare

The move could boost strategic cooperation with France and ensure India has a credible sixth-generation fighter jet option, analysts say.

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The Philippines

Will Philippines win race to secure Pax Silica hub before neighbours do?

Top diplomat warns Manila risks losing out on the opportunity if it ‘drops the ball’, even as environmental and sovereignty concerns grow.

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A protester holds a sign during a rally on a road leading to the US embassy in Manila on July 13, expressing opposition to Philippines-US defence agreements and the US-led Pax Silica initiative. Photo: EPA
Malaysia

Veteran Malaysian MP quits Anwar’s party over ‘toxic politics’

Wong Chen, a three-term MP who had spent nearly 20 years in PKR, says he is joining Rafizi Ramli’s Bersama to ‘defend democracy’.

Wong Chen (left), joins Rafizi Ramli (centre) and Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad at a press conference at Bersama’s headquarters on Wednesday. Photo: Iman Muttaqin Yusof
Wong Chen (left), joins Rafizi Ramli (centre) and Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad at a press conference at Bersama’s headquarters on Wednesday. Photo: Iman Muttaqin Yusof
North Korea

North Korea missile launch hints at upgraded weapons exports to Russia

North Korea usually reports launches but its silence in the recent tests raises the possibility they involved a top-secret new missile.

Indonesia

Showdown in Solo: the new front in Indonesia’s Jokowi-Megawati feud

Analysts say the 2029 parliamentary bid will test whether Widodo can convert his personal popularity into lasting family influence.

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Vietnam

Vietnam’s To Lam eyes trade, defence boost during trip to Australia, New Zealand

China’s actions in the South China Sea will be discussed but unlikely to be explicitly condemned, observers say.

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Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese (right) greets Vietnamese President To Lam at Parliament House in Canberra on Tuesday. Photo: AAP/dpa
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese (right) greets Vietnamese President To Lam at Parliament House in Canberra on Tuesday. Photo: AAP/dpa
India

‘Islamic Nato’? Why Pakistan’s new defence pact has India on edge

Analysts say the pact could evolve into a broader ideological military bloc that could extend its influence to the Indian Ocean region.

Malaysia

Malaysia’s Anwar slams ‘political drama’ over Tabung Haji debate walkout

Opposition lawmakers had asked for the special session on the pilgrimage savings fund to be postponed until the prime minister’s return.

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India

Can India and China rally Brics to ease Strait of Hormuz tensions?

Analysts say a unified Brics could support Oman-led talks for a resolution and provide an alternative to US diplomacy.

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Vessels transit the Strait of Hormuz off Bandar Abbas in southern Iran on Monday. Photo: AFP
South Korea

South Korea aims to criminalise fictional AI porn after man’s acquittal

Lawmakers move to close a legal loophole by proposing a bill criminalising virtual porn of fictional characters.

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South Korean activists protest against deepfake pornography in Seoul in 2024. Photo: AFP
South Korean activists protest against deepfake pornography in Seoul in 2024. Photo: AFP
Asean

US swaps ideology for ‘flexible realism’ and deterrence in Southeast Asia

Pentagon’s Colby urges allies to invest more in defence as Washington prioritises pragmatic Indo-Pacific partnerships over moral values.

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South Korea

South Korea faces quandary over Ukraine’s air defence system request

If South Korea were to agree to Zelensky’s request, it could further strain ties with Russia and impair its own defence, analysts say.

The Philippines

As US marks 75 years of defence pact with Philippines, can it stay the course?

Despite increased drills between the two allies, there are concerns that Washington’s aversion to conflict could weaken its commitment.

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Philippine marines conduct a military operation as part of the Rim of the Pacific exercises held at Bellows Air Force Station in Waimanalo, Hawaii, in June. Photo: Reuters
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