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A giant dragon puppet decorated with flags of China on one side at a parade in Muar, Johor, has prompted a probe by Malaysian police. Photo: Kelab Info Malaysia/Facebook
Malaysia

Malaysian police probe flags of China on dragon puppet at Johor parade

The other side of the dragon puppet seen at a parade to mark a Muar-based Chinese association’s anniversary was decked with Malaysia’s flags.

India

Should India be worried about Sri Lanka and China’s growing cooperation?

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Japan

Court ruling over Koreans enshrined in Japan’s Yasukuni reopens wartime wounds

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Malaysia

Malaysia prepares to return wounded Palestinians to Gaza after fragile ceasefire

The Palestinians, who were evacuated in August, requested to return home during the current ceasefire between Israel and Hamas.

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A group of Palestinians were evacuated from Gaza to Malaysia in August, 2024. Many of them have now asked to be returned home during the current ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. Photo: Getty
A group of Palestinians were evacuated from Gaza to Malaysia in August, 2024. Many of them have now asked to be returned home during the current ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. Photo: Getty
South Korea martial law 2024

South Korea’s Yoon accused of using China as ‘scapegoat’ in martial law defence

The impeached president is using unsubstantiated claims of election interference by China and North Korea to justify his failed self-coup bid.

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Malaysia

‘Shameful’: outrage in Malaysia as disabled man assaulted in video as people watch

The video shows men attacking the victim, kicking him in the face, prompting a debate on the treatment of vulnerable people in Malaysia.

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The Philippines

What the Philippines’ bid for a UN Security Council seat means for China

Manila would be able to raise South China Sea-related issues that could ‘embarrass’ Beijing and nudge it into a compromise, analysts say.

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A Security Council meeting at the United Nations headquarters on Wednesday. Photo: AP
A Security Council meeting at the United Nations headquarters on Wednesday. Photo: AP
China-India relations

Closer India-China ties: an unintended consequence of Trump’s tariffs threats?

A shared economic adversary could drive the two Asian giants to strengthen their Brics ties, but the way forward is far from clear.

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South Korea martial law 2024

Yoon supporters break into South Korean court after it extends his detention

Dozens of protesters were arrested for assaulting police, attacking journalists or attempting to enter the court building after Yoon Suk-yeol’s arrest warrant was issued.

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China-India relations

China’s Himalayan mega dam deepens India’s water worries

Just as ties seemed to be on the mend, a US$137 billion hydropower behemoth on the Yarlung Tsangpo River threatens to muddy the waters.

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The Yarlung Tsangpo Grand Canyon in Tibet. Photo: AFP
Japan

How Japan ensures China doesn’t ‘steal the limelight’ at Trump’s inauguration

By dispatching its foreign minister to the event, Tokyo seems intent on asserting its influence – and avoiding being upstaged by Beijing.

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US president-elect Donald Trump speaks to thee media at the Mar-a-Lago residence on January 7. Photo: Getty Images/TNS
US president-elect Donald Trump speaks to thee media at the Mar-a-Lago residence on January 7. Photo: Getty Images/TNS
Indonesia

Will Indonesia’s plan to restrict children’s access to social media succeed?

While many support the policy and say it should also limit screen time, others are concerned about implementation and data privacy.

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Thailand

Thailand’s PM Paetongtarn reveals scam attempt asking her for ‘a donation’

Paetongtarn Shinawatra also spoke at a meeting of Asean digital ministers where she called for region-wide efforts to fight online scams.

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Pakistan

Pakistan’s PM orders probe into national airline’s ad resembling 9/11 imagery

Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar has condemned the Pakistan International Airlines ad, calling it an act of ‘stupidity’.

A post by Pakistan International Airlines on X marking the resumption of flights to European Union destinations, including Paris. Photo: Pakistan International Airlines/X
The Philippines

Philippines flags security concerns about Chinese stake in power grid operator

Lawmakers revive fears of ‘kill switch’ to power grid amid concerns about limited skill transfers to Filipinos and lack of operational transparency.

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Filipino lineworkers repair power meters atop an electricity post at the main street of Quiapo city, Metro Manila, the Philippines, in 2017. Photo: Reuters
Filipino lineworkers repair power meters atop an electricity post at the main street of Quiapo city, Metro Manila, the Philippines, in 2017. Photo: Reuters
The Philippines

Did Trump snub Philippines’ Marcos by not inviting him to his inauguration?

Trump’s Indo-Pacific strategy in doubt after president-elect personally invited Chinese President Xi Jinping.

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Malaysia

Explainer | What to know about Najib’s house arrest bid and the existence of a royal ‘decree’

The controversy is growing, as the government evades confirming its existence while Umno pushes for Najib’s release, straining the fragile unity government.

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Malaysia

Malaysian freed from Cambodian scam centre over lack of computer, English skills

The 38-year-old single father, who lost 20kg during his captivity, had been duped into travelling to Cambodia on an offer to work as a driver for US$5,000.

A Malaysian father, lacking computer and English skills, was freed from a Cambodian scam syndicate after being lured by a fake job offer. Photo: Shutterstock
A Malaysian father, lacking computer and English skills, was freed from a Cambodian scam syndicate after being lured by a fake job offer. Photo: Shutterstock
The Philippines

Singapore’s Alice Guo probe spotlights ‘domino effect’ of transnational crime

Zhang Jie, one of Guo’s alleged associates, is a Singaporean national who purportedly helped in her escape from the Philippines last year.

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South Korea

After Yoon’s arrest, calls for Kim Keon-hee to face charges intensify

South Korea’s opposition is demanding that First Lady Kim be held accountable for alleged corruption and interference in state affairs.

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Israel-Gaza war

‘Big question marks’: experts doubt Gaza ceasefire deal will lead to lasting peace

Israel and Hamas’ truce agreement is set to start on Sunday, but analysts warn unresolved core issues leave the future uncertain.

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Relatives and friends of people killed and abducted by Hamas and taken into Gaza, react to the ceasefire announcement in Tel Aviv on Wednesday. Photo: AP
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OPINION
Alan Robles

Asian Angle | Did a 1991 war novel predict how Philippine-China tensions would play out?

Alan Robles
The Conversation

Opinion | Why the prospect of another Trump presidency is making Iran very nervous

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Joanne Lin

Asian Angle | For Southeast Asians, worries about Israel-Gaza war trump even South China Sea

Joanne Lin
Joseph Sipalan

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Joseph Sipalan
Hasan Jafri

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Opinion | Why tremors of Wagner revolt will be felt across the Middle East and Africa

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