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A China Coastguard vessel patrols in waters adjacent to the Scarborough Shoal. Photo: Xinhua

Politics

China’s baselines around Scarborough Shoal aim to ‘pressure’ Philippines: analysts

China declared its maritime baselines around Scarborough Shoal after the Philippines passed laws defining its maritime zones and sea lanes last week.

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Lee Hsien Loong downplays fears of Taiwan conflict during Trump’s term

Australia’s envoy Kevin Rudd gets ominous hint from ex-Trump aide on his future

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Politics

Philippines boosts coastguard fleet with 49 new ships from France, Japan

The French deal also promises local vessel production and technology transfer – as Manila plans to add 7,000 coastguard personnel by 2026.

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Philippine Navy ship BRP Ramon Alcaraz PS16 and a fast attack interdiction craft Domingo Deluana participate in a drill in the South China Sea. Photo: AP
Philippine Navy ship BRP Ramon Alcaraz PS16 and a fast attack interdiction craft Domingo Deluana participate in a drill in the South China Sea. Photo: AP

Politics

Can ‘troublemaker’ Philippines acquire US-made missiles of its own?

The Philippines aims to enhance its defence capabilities by buying its own mid-range missiles, but questions about feasibility loom large.

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Politics

Malaysia’s former finance minister Daim Zainuddin dies at 86

The tycoon and key ally of ex-PM Mahathir Mohamad had spent his final years under scrutiny from anti-corruption investigators.

Politics

Will Trump ‘close bases abroad’? Some in Japan are hopeful

US president-elect Donald Trump pressured Japan to pay more for American troops stationed on its soil during his first term.

Activists rally against the construction of US military bases in Okinawa, Japan, in May. Photo: AFP

Politics

Malaysia’s Sabah chief minister denies involvement in bribery scandal

Sabah Chief Minister Hajiji Noor is being implicated as the ‘top leader’ in alleged attempts to bribe local elected representatives.

Sabah Chief Minister Hajiji Haji Noor. Photo: Facebook
Sabah Chief Minister Hajiji Haji Noor. Photo: Facebook

Economics

KFC Indonesia closes more stores as anti-Israel boycott causes surge in loss

The US fast food chain’s local operator also laid off more staff as its loss more than tripled in the third quarter.

Politics

South China Sea: can Manila make Beijing pay US$1 million fines for trespassing?

A Philippine senator says sanctions of up to US$1 million are possible under new maritime laws, but analysts doubt they are enforceable.

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Politics

Doing an ‘amazing’ job: Trump showers praise on Indonesia’s Prabowo during call

The Indonesian leader shared a video of the conversation, where he received warm compliments from the incoming US president.

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Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto reviews the honour guard during a welcome ceremony in Beijing on November 9. Photo: EPA-EFE

Politics

South Korea’s Ukraine support strategy shifts with Trump’s re-election

Seoul’s pivot away from weapons shipments comes amid tepid public support for the move – and Trump’s vow to negotiate an end to the war.

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South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol answers questions during a press conference at the Presidential Office in Seoul on Thursday. Photo: AFP
South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol answers questions during a press conference at the Presidential Office in Seoul on Thursday. Photo: AFP

Politics

Will Trump deport the thousands of Filipinos living in the US illegally?

Immigration was a key issue for many US voters, including Filipino-Americans, reflecting a growing conservatism among the community.

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Politics

France sends its nuclear-powered carrier to Japan – and a ‘message’ to China

Analysts say the deployment aims to bolster alliances, deter adversaries and demonstrate France’s commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific.

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Politics

Singapore’s PM Wong and China’s Vice-Premier Ding reaffirm close ties

Vice-Premier Ding Xuexiang met with Singapore’s leaders to discuss partnerships in areas such as trade and sustainable development.

Singapore’s Prime Minister Lawrence Wong and China’s Vice-Premier Ding Xuexiang meet in Singapore on Monday. Photo: Lawrence Wong/Facebook

Politics

Will Indonesia-China development pact validate Beijing’s South China Sea claims?

Indonesian experts agree that the deal will legitimise China’s ten-dash line and create a border dispute for Indonesia where there is none.

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An Indonesian Maritime Security agent monitors the movement of a Chinese coast guard vessel in the water of North Natuna Sea in the disputed area of the South China Sea, Indonesia. Photo: BAKAMLA via AP
An Indonesian Maritime Security agent monitors the movement of a Chinese coast guard vessel in the water of North Natuna Sea in the disputed area of the South China Sea, Indonesia. Photo: BAKAMLA via AP

Politics

Malaysians split over home detention plan for prisoners – leniency gone too far?

The government has also dismissed speculations that the plan is linked to jailed ex-prime minister Najib Razak.

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Politics

New bullying row engulfs scandal-mired Malaysian military varsity

The latest case involves a first-year student who required hospital treatment for fractures to ribs and spine after being beaten by a senior.

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Politics

New Philippine sea laws that sparked China’s fury to ‘stress’ foreign ships

Analysts say the Maritime Zones Act and Archipelagic Sea Lanes Act don’t expand Manila’s claims in the waterway, but China is unconvinced.

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A Chinese coastguard vessel pictured beside Chinese militia ships near Thitu Island in the South China Sea on Wednesday last week. Photo: AP

Politics

As Marcos faces the Trump test, can Philippines count on continued US support?

Analysts warn that Donald Trump’s transactional style will require President Marcos to demonstrate his country’s strategic importance.

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Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jnr at last month’s Asean summits in Laos. Photo: Reuters
Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jnr at last month’s Asean summits in Laos. Photo: Reuters

Politics

Will Tokyo’s giant fountain make a splash or be a US$17 million washout?

The cherry blossom-shaped fountain planned for Tokyo’s Odaiba Marine Park district has divided residents over its cost and potential economic benefits.

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Politics

Less stranger danger, but Asia will still pay for Trump’s return

Trade, US support in the region and climate issues hang in the balance as Trump looks to advance US interests ‘with additional gusto’, analysts say.

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Politics

Is it time for Manila and Beijing to resume talks over the South China Sea row?

China has been ‘dragging its feet’ to hold talks over the issue, such as establishing a binding code of conduct, an analyst says.

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Philippine vessels participate in a military drill on Wednesday in the South China Sea. Photo: AP
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