This Week in Asia /
Politics
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Asean
South China Sea
the Asian angle
Singapore
Could Singapore remove Pritam Singh as Leader of the Opposition?
Parliament will soon debate a motion to consider whether Singh’s ‘conviction and conduct render him unsuitable to continue’ in the role.
9 Jan 2026 - 6:30PM
Bangladesh
India-Bangladesh talks over Ganges waters may turn murky over politics, UN pact
9 Jan 2026 - 5:30PM
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The Philippines
Why the Philippines is taking control of undersea cable security
9 Jan 2026 - 6:26PM
The Philippines
Philippine navy ‘up to the challenge’ of defending territory in South China Sea
Manila is banking on modern ships and global alliances to challenge China’s increasing presence in the contentious waters.
9 Jan 2026 - 12:00PM
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Chinese coast guards use a water cannon against a Philippine vessel in the South China Sea on October 12, 2025. Photo: China Coast Guard/Xinhua
Japan
Japan’s Takaichi tipped for snap election gamble as poll ratings soar
The Japanese prime minister has won plaudits at home over her tough stance towards China, but inflation remains a major voter concern.
9 Jan 2026 - 6:11PM
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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
Sources said legal ambiguity and political risk shaped how the armed forces handled two high-profile reservist cases.
8 Jan 2026 - 5:36PM
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Then Davao mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio is donned with the rank of colonel in the Armed Forces of the Philippines Reserve Command during a ceremony at Davao City Hall in February 2018. Photo: Facebook / Armed Forces of the Philippines
Malaysia
Fear grips Malaysian city of Klang after string of gang shootings
A former MP blames the deadly violence on a resurgence in gang wars and criminal rings recruiting young boys to protect their territory.
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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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
A supporter of South Korea’s ex-president Yoon Suk-yeol attends a rally in Seoul last month marking the first anniversary of his short-lived declaration of martial law. Photo: AFP
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
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
People walk along a sidewalk in Jakarta’s main business district. Indonesia’s new Criminal Code and revised Criminal Procedure Code came into force on Friday. Photo: EPA
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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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
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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
Protesters hold signs outside the US embassy in Manila on Monday during a rally opposing Washington’s military action in Venezuela following the seizure of President Nicolas Maduro. Photo: EPA-EFE
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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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
Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut, leader of the People’s Party, on the campaign trail this week in Thailand. Photo: Aidan Jones
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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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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