This Week in Asia /
Politics
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Asean
South China Sea
the Asian angle
The Philippines
‘Wilful pollution’: China’s space debris puts Philippines on edge
For Manila, Beijing’s pursuit of the heavens is leaving a worrying trail of debris – and diplomatic challenges – back on Earth.
16 Feb 2025 - 3:00PM
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The Philippines
Duterte’s ‘kill senators’ quip ignites controversy in Philippine midterms
16 Feb 2025 - 2:40PM
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Japan
Japan’s 2035 tipping point looms as cities set to shrink amid population ageing
16 Feb 2025 - 8:00AM
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Singapore
No more a ‘fixed-deposit account’: do Singapore’s GRCs need a rethink?
Large multi-seat constituencies like Sengkang have become a high-stakes gamble for the ruling PAP, analysts say.
15 Feb 2025 - 12:00PM
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Workers’ Party MPs Louis Chua, He Ting Ru and Jamus Lim pictured on a Lunar New Year banner in Sengkang, Singapore. Photo: Jean Iau
Japan
Japan’s embassy in Hungary slammed for not protecting murdered Japanese woman
The case of the woman who was allegedly murdered by her Irish husband in Budapest has sparked outrage in Japan over how it was managed.
15 Feb 2025 - 2:03PM
North Korea
Kim Jong-un sister’s marriage, children unveiled by former North Korean diplomat
A former North Korean diplomat revealed details about Kim Yo-jong’s marriage and children, shedding light on the secretive life of the powerful sister of Kim Jong-un.
15 Feb 2025 - 2:29AM
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India
Trump’s tough talk with Modi on tariffs signals India is not off the hook
During the two leaders’ meeting in Washington, Narendra Modi calls for a rise in trade between India and the US to US$500 billion by 2030.
14 Feb 2025 - 6:27PM
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US President Donald Trump shakes hands with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during a press conference in the White House on Thursday. Photo: dpa
Cambodia
‘People can die’: US funding freeze decimates Mekong demining work
Demining advocates argue the US has a moral obligation to solve a problem it helped create.
14 Feb 2025 - 2:27PM
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The Philippines
Can Philippines’ Rodrigo Duterte stage Trump-style presidential comeback?
Former House speaker Pantaleon Alvarez says the country’s constitution allows Duterte to run in a presidential election again.
14 Feb 2025 - 2:50PM
The Philippines
Why South China Sea row is an election hot-button issue for Philippines
China issue ‘will play well’ among voters as more candidates adopt maritime row as part of their platforms.
14 Feb 2025 - 9:09AM
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The Philippines
‘Pogo personalities’ still linger in Philippines despite ban, critics warn
Despite a ban on Pogos, high-profile figures linked to the industry remain, raising concerns about a growing network of criminal syndicates in the Philippines.
13 Feb 2025 - 10:00PM
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Philippines peso cash on a pile of playing cards in the casino. Photo: Shutterstock
The Philippines
Troll takedowns: Facebook accounts of 4 pro-Duterte influencers go dark
Disabling of influencers’ Facebook accounts is ‘characteristic of an authoritarian rule’, lawyer says, as Philippines steps up fight against disinformation.
13 Feb 2025 - 8:50PM
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The Philippines
Can Manila’s submarine plan challenge Beijing’s South China Sea dominance?
Manila’s plan to acquire submarines and BrahMos missiles aims to counter Beijing’s South China Sea activities, but faces challenges in funding and readiness.
13 Feb 2025 - 7:29PM
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Malaysia
Malaysia’s AI push sparks 30,000 job cuts in reshaping of civil service
The move to terminate 30,000 contract staff as part of a drive to improve efficiency and integrate AI has been criticised as unfair and lacking compassion.
13 Feb 2025 - 5:54PM
Australia
Trump supports Aukus submarines for Australia – will he stay the course?
Doubts remain about the delivery timeline for the Australia-bound nuclear submarines and Donald Trump’s commitment to the deal, analysts say.
13 Feb 2025 - 5:47PM
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A Virginia-class nuclear-powered attack submarine. Australia is set to acquire these vessels from the early 2030s. Photo: US Navy
Japan
NHK’s AI gaffe reignites Diaoyu Islands dispute amid Chinese coastguard intrusion
The Japanese broadcaster was criticised for using AI-generated subtitles that referred to disputed islands as Diaoyu Islands – Beijing’s name for the Tokyo-controlled islets.
13 Feb 2025 - 4:20PM
Malaysia
Malaysia’s Anwar backs down on protest rules, activists hail move as ‘a victory’
Anwar Ibrahim’s U-turn also puts a spotlight on his past as a firebrand who held street protests for many years while he was in opposition.
13 Feb 2025 - 2:09PM
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South China Sea
Should the US enable Philippines to take the lead in South China Sea?
US think tank report says Washington can initiate ‘virtuous cycle of de-escalatory steps’ to reduce risk and help Manila bolster its lawful claims.
13 Feb 2025 - 10:20AM
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Philippine resupply vessel Unaizah May 4 is hit by Chinese coastguard water cannon blasts as it tries to enter the Second Thomas Shoal, locally known as Ayungin Shoal, in the disputed South China Sea on March 5, 2024. Photo: AP
Japan
Did Ishiba cosy up to Trump or was he an effective negotiator at the summit?
While some critics said Ishiba’s praise of Trump was excessive, others declared the Washington summit between the two leaders “a success”.
13 Feb 2025 - 10:15AM
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Malaysia
Malaysians urge Thailand to ‘do whatever you can’ to get scam victims home
Sister of a scam victim – who was lured to Myanmar under the pretence of a job – says she hopes he can be home for Ramadan at the end of the month.
13 Feb 2025 - 10:17AM
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The Philippines
In Philippines, Duterte camp hits back with corruption case against Marcos ally
Complaint accuses House Speaker Martin Romualdez and other lawmakers of corruption by illegally inserting US$4 billion into the 2025 budget.
12 Feb 2025 - 6:16PM
Pacific nations
China, the Cook Islands – and New Zealand’s struggle for Pacific influence
By signing a deal with Beijing, the Cook Islands is asserting its independence – in a stark challenge to New Zealand’s Pacific strategy.
12 Feb 2025 - 2:15PM
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The Cook Islands, with its population of around 15,000, is a self-governing nation in free association with New Zealand. Photo: Shutterstock
South Korea
‘Poisoning the well’: concern over China-meddling claims in South Korea election
A ‘Hate China’ campaign would be a ‘losing game for Korea’, one observer warns, pointing out the backlash in China would be even greater.
12 Feb 2025 - 11:43AM
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India
Outrage in India over ‘inhumane’ US deportation of undocumented migrants
The incident has been condemned by Indian opposition politicians ahead of a meeting between Narendra Modi and Donald Trump in Washington.
11 Feb 2025 - 6:41PM
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Japan
‘Normal’ first summit between Japan’s Ishiba and Trump deemed a success
With Donald Trump targeting a trimming of the US’ deficit in its trade with Japan, tariffs against Tokyo cannot be discounted, analysts say.
11 Feb 2025 - 3:28PM
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OPINION
Alan Robles
Asian Angle
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Did a 1991 war novel predict how Philippine-China tensions would play out?
20 Jul 2024 - 4:53PM
The Conversation
Opinion
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Why the prospect of another Trump presidency is making Iran very nervous
4 May 2024 - 11:00AM
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Joanne Lin
Asian Angle
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For Southeast Asians, worries about Israel-Gaza war trump even South China Sea
16 Apr 2024 - 12:02PM
Joseph Sipalan
My Take
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Sabah water crisis: time for state politicians to live up to promises
12 Apr 2024 - 10:30AM
Hasan Jafri
Asian Angle
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Malaysia’s Anwar must revamp economy, defuse tensions to heal divided nation
19 Aug 2023 - 10:30AM
Alessandro Arduino
Opinion
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Why tremors of Wagner revolt will be felt across the Middle East and Africa
27 Jun 2023 - 2:58PM
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