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Southeast Asian foreign ministers pose for a group photo ahead of the plenary session of the 58th Asean Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Kuala Lumpur on July 9, 2025. From left: Thailand’s Maris Sangiampongsa, Vietnam’s Bui Thanh Son, Malaysia’s Mohamad Hasan, the Philippines’ Theresa Lazaro, Brunei’s Erywan Yusof, Cambodia’s Prak Sokhonn and Myanmar’s representative Kyaw Nyun Oo. Photo: EPA

Politics

Fulfil ‘wish list’ for peace before holding election, Asean urges Myanmar junta

Asean foreign ministers continue to urge implementation of the Five-Point Consensus despite the junta’s refusal to cooperate.

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Barking up wrong tree? Indonesian police’s robot use criticised for wrong focus

Trump’s Brics wrath: will India be caught out by tariff threat?

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Politics

Is Singapore key for the US to fight against China as Tammy Duckworth says?

At a Senate hearing, Duckworth chides Anjani Sinha, Donald Trump’s pick as ambassador to Singapore, for his ignorance of the city state.

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US Illinois Senator Tammy Duckworth says Singapore is “one of the most important” friends of the US in the Indo-Pacific. Photo: Getty Images via AFP
US Illinois Senator Tammy Duckworth says Singapore is “one of the most important” friends of the US in the Indo-Pacific. Photo: Getty Images via AFP

Politics

‘Pattern emerging’: is China intentionally provoking Japan with close fly-bys?

Such moves signal to Japan that China is willing to monitor and challenge Japanese activities in areas it considers to be its territory, analysts warn.

Politics

No more Alice Guos? Philippine lawmaker seeks new law against fake citizenship

Sherwin Gatchalian says the bill is a priority for Congress to pass, but analysts warn Manila must tackle patronage politics as well.

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Politics

Malaysia warns bilateral talks only avenue for Asean to negotiate US tariffs

All but two Asean states were served with tariff letters from Trump earlier this week, with Vietnam the bloc’s only member to secure a trade deal.

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Shipping containers are stacked at Westport in Klang on the outskirts of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The latest tariff salvos by US President Donald Trump have triggered widespread anxiety among Southeast Asia’s economies, most of which are reliant on US demand. Photo: AP
Shipping containers are stacked at Westport in Klang on the outskirts of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The latest tariff salvos by US President Donald Trump have triggered widespread anxiety among Southeast Asia’s economies, most of which are reliant on US demand. Photo: AP

Politics

Malaysia’s fighter jet deal to ‘quietly’ boost South China Sea defences

The jets are part of a close, ‘under the radar’ US-Malaysia defence partnership, even as Kuala Lumpur continues engaging China positively, analysts say.

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Lifestyle & Culture

2 Americans rescued from Japan’s Mount Fuji prompt more calls for tougher rules

The recurrence of such incidents on the peak has renewed calls in Japan for stiffer penalties and for errant hikers to pay for their rescue.

Economics

Japan vows resistance to US tariffs, raising fears of lasting rift in alliance

Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba called it ‘a battle for our national interests’ as analysts warn of economic and security fallout.

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Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, leader of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, raises his fist after delivering a speech in the southwestern Japan city of Kagoshima on Monday. Photo: Kyodo

Economics

Philippines urged to ‘double down’ in talks over 20% tariff with Trump

Trump says the tariff on Philippine exports to the US is necessary to address what he calls Washington’s ‘unsustainable’ trade deficit.

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The Manila International Container Terminal in Manila. Philippine officials are heading to the US for trade talks after Washington announced a 20 per cent tariff on Philippine imports. Photo: Reuters
The Manila International Container Terminal in Manila. Philippine officials are heading to the US for trade talks after Washington announced a 20 per cent tariff on Philippine imports. Photo: Reuters

Lifestyle & Culture

Goodbye, Lucifers: why a notorious Japanese gang just called it quits

After nearly three decades of notoriety in Nagoya’s criminal underworld, members vow to ‘never again cause trouble or distress’ or re-establish the group.

Economics

Beyond gold: India sees America’s bitcoin reserve – and eyes its own

While a ‘measured bitcoin strategy’ could boost India’s economic resilience, the country lacks a proper framework for cryptocurrencies, analysts say.

Politics

Trump’s Hooters-loving Malaysia ambassador pick worries Asean diplomats

Nick Adams, who rallied actively for Trump at the 2024 US election, has drawn controversy over his misogynistic remarks and brash nature.

The choice of Nick Adams as US ambassador to Malaysia has worried observers that he was picked for political loyalty rather than diplomatic expertise. Photo: NickAdamsinUS/Twitter

Lifestyle & Culture

South Korean restaurant’s ants-topped dishes bug food safety officials

The authorities have ordered a probe into the restaurant and its owner for potential violations under the Food Sanitation Act.

A South Korean restaurant is being investigated for using ants as garnishes for its dishes. Photo: Shutterstock
A South Korean restaurant is being investigated for using ants as garnishes for its dishes. Photo: Shutterstock

Politics

The Brics paradox: expanding influence, patchwork progress

It has condemned tariffs and military strikes on Iran, but analysts say Brics’ true test is in moving beyond rhetoric to deliver results.

Health & Environment

Thailand to require cannabis shops to convert into clinics staffed by doctors

Officials say only around 2,000 of the country’s 18,000 marijuana dispensaries are expected to stay open after the new rules go into effect.

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Economics

Malaysia’s new ‘luxury’ taxes hit the middle class where it hurts

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim promised the new taxes would only affect the rich, but many ordinary families are starting to feel the pinch.

Illustration: Huy Truong
Illustration: Huy Truong

Politics

From Iraq to Iran: the US quest for Israeli military dominance – and its fallout

This decades-long strategy has not only redrawn the regional map but also exposed the limits of China’s Middle East influence, analysts say.

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Politics

Crisis calculations: Trump’s America has Southeast Asia in a spin

Punitive tariffs and severe aid cuts are shaking the foundations of the US relationship with Asean, deepening a sense of ‘unreliability’.

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Politics

After the ceasefire, India and Pakistan’s leaders seek cover under their flags

Leaders of both countries have sought to relay to domestic audiences competing claims of victory in order to reap political benefits.

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A fisherman places India’s national flags on his boat as he prepares for a boat rally to express solidarity with the Indian armed forces at the Kasimedu fishing harbour in Chennai on May 25. Photo: AFP
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LATEST Asia NEWS

Lifestyle & Culture

2 Americans rescued from Japan’s Mount Fuji prompt more calls for tougher rules

Mount Fuji in Japan seen from a mall in the city of Gotemba, Shizuoka prefecture. Photo: AFP

Politics

Fulfil ‘wish list’ for peace before holding election, Asean urges Myanmar junta

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Southeast Asian foreign ministers pose for a group photo ahead of the plenary session of the 58th Asean Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Kuala Lumpur on July 9, 2025. From left: Thailand’s Maris Sangiampongsa, Vietnam’s Bui Thanh Son, Malaysia’s Mohamad Hasan, the Philippines’ Theresa Lazaro, Brunei’s Erywan Yusof, Cambodia’s Prak Sokhonn and Myanmar’s representative Kyaw Nyun Oo. Photo: EPA

Politics

Barking up wrong tree? Indonesian police’s robot use criticised for wrong focus

A group of robodogs taking part at the Indonesian police’s 79th anniversary parade in Jakarta on July 1. Photo: EPA

Politics

Is Singapore key for the US to fight against China as Tammy Duckworth says?

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US Illinois Senator Tammy Duckworth says Singapore is “one of the most important” friends of the US in the Indo-Pacific. Photo: Getty Images via AFP

Economics

Trump’s Brics wrath: will India be caught out by tariff threat?

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A train transports containers in Ajmer on July 7. India and the United States have been trying to finalise a trade pact to avoid the tariffs that are expected to go into effect on August 1. Photo: AFP
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OPINION
David Yu Chak-wai

Opinion | Time to end Hong Kong’s licensing regime to foster innovation

David Yu Chak-wai
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Daljit Singh

Asian Angle | What the Vietnam war can teach us about Trump’s Asia policy

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Maria Siow

My Take | Are North Korea, China and Russia’s ‘blood-forged’ ties more than just rhetoric?

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Alessandro Arduino

Opinion | Decoding Israel, Iran and China’s collision of interests in the Middle East

Alessandro Arduino
Melinda Martinus

Asian Angle | Are migrant workers the real glue cementing Asean-GCC ties?

Melinda Martinus
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MULTIMEDIA
Video

Moo Deng, Thailand’s star pygmy hippo, celebrates first birthday

Moo Deng, Thailand’s star pygmy hippo, celebrates first birthday
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South Korea battles ‘lovebug’ invasion

South Korea battles ‘lovebug’ invasion
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At least 9 killed in Indian bridge collapse

At least 9 killed in bridge collapse in India’s western Gujarat state
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Malaysia’s Anwar slams tariffs as Asean leaders meet

Malaysia’s Anwar slams US tariffs, calls for stronger inter-Asean trade
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