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US Secretary of State Marco Rubio holds a press conference during the Critical Minerals Ministerial meeting at the State Department in February. Photo: Reuters
Quadrilateral Security Dialogue

Past failures haunt the Quad’s US$20 billion critical minerals push

The initiative aims to break China’s near-monopoly, but private-sector caution and a history of unfulfilled pledges stand in the way.

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North Korea

Why North Korea’s Kim is doubling down on nuclear might as Xi visit looms

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The Philippines

Philippines’ UN defeat: a result of domestic ‘political circus’, close ties with US?

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Malaysia

How a pig farm dispute exposed fault lines in Malaysia’s multiracial politics

A pig farm ban in Selangor has turned the issue into a flashpoint involving royal influence, minority livelihoods and cultural sensitivity.

Selangor, Malaysia’s richest state, has banned pig farming. Photo: Shutterstock
Selangor, Malaysia’s richest state, has banned pig farming. Photo: Shutterstock
India

Quad’s proposed port project in Fiji risks being ‘another empty promise’

Analysts warn that a lack of commitment by the four-member bloc on the project could open the door for China to expand its economic clout.

Malaysia

Second snap state poll in Malaysia signals cracks in Anwar’s coalition

The state’s snap poll follows Johor’s dissolution, exposing local rivalries that could undermine the prime minister’s federal coalition.

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India

Is US wielding new tariff threat to secure big bargain in India trade talks?

Additional 12.5 per cent levy over forced labour supply-chain concerns seen as leverage in negotiations, analysts say.

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US President Donald Trump has expressed confidence that a trade deal with India is nearing completion. Photo: AP
US President Donald Trump has expressed confidence that a trade deal with India is nearing completion. Photo: AP
South Korea

South Korea’s Lee scores ‘flawed’ poll win, setback for his property tax plan

The defeat in the Seoul election came after the incumbent mayor promised to act as a counterbalance to Lee’s administration.

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Indonesia

Will Indonesia’s free meals scheme survive amid corruption arrests?

The deepening crisis in the billion-dollar initiative threatens its future and the president’s political standing.

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Singapore

How Singapore opposition risks ‘becoming its own worst enemy’ amid Pritam rift

A special conference will test Singh’s Workers’ Party leadership, although analysts say he is likely to survive the cadre challenge.

Pritam Singh, Workers’ Party secretary general, during the general election in Singapore in May last year. Photo: Reuters
The Philippines

Citizen group to press for ‘transparency’ in Philippine VP’s impeachment trial

The Bantay Senado network aims to fill gaps in information, accountability and engagement, and ensure senators conduct a fair trial.

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Members of Bantay Senado, a Philippine citizen watchdog launched to monitor Vice-President Sara Duterte-Carpio’s impeachment trial. Photo: Dino Singson de Leon and Team Pinas
Members of Bantay Senado, a Philippine citizen watchdog launched to monitor Vice-President Sara Duterte-Carpio’s impeachment trial. Photo: Dino Singson de Leon and Team Pinas
Thailand

Thailand’s ex-PM Thaksin gets royal pardon after release on parole

The former leader served eight months of a one-year sentence for corruption before he was released on parole last month due to his age.

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Britain

UK Sikhs defend right to carry sacred dagger after student murder backlash

Critics of the religious practice claim that a ‘two-tier’ policing framework protects British ethnic minorities at the expense of others.

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New Zealand

Is New Zealand a ‘freeloader’? Wellington rebuffs Hegseth’s Shangri-La remark

Analysts say the US defence secretary’s taunts ring hollow given Washington’s own record of undermining alliance obligations.

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Delegates watch US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth’s speech on a screen at the Shangri-La Dialogue security summit in Singapore on Saturday. Photo: Reuters
Japan

Japanese MP’s claim China eyes Antarctic ‘treasure trove’ dismissed

A polar law expert says the continent’s strict mining ban has no expiry date, despite concerns raised in Japan’s parliament.

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An aerial view of China’s Qinling Station, the country’s fifth research station in Antarctica, in 2024. Photo: Xinhua
An aerial view of China’s Qinling Station, the country’s fifth research station in Antarctica, in 2024. Photo: Xinhua
Indonesia

Prabowo’s overseas visits spark debate in Indonesia over benefits for citizens

Several deals signed in Paris have led to discussions on their merit and the frequency of Prabowo’s official trips around the world.

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Malaysia

Malaysia’s Umno banks on Johor state election to lure Malay votes in stronghold

The Umno-led BN coalition defends its decision not to partner with PH in Johor, saying the election is to win the voters’ mandate again.

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The Philippines

Philippine Senate power struggle veers towards crisis after Estrada arrest

The arrest has left rival blocs short of the numbers needed to act ahead of the vice-president’s impeachment trial.

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Arrested Philippines Senator Jinggoy Estrada (C) arrives for a scheduled court arraignment at the Sandiganbayan anti-graft court in Quezon City, Metro Manila, Philippines, on Tuesday. Photo: EPA
Arrested Philippines Senator Jinggoy Estrada (C) arrives for a scheduled court arraignment at the Sandiganbayan anti-graft court in Quezon City, Metro Manila, Philippines, on Tuesday. Photo: EPA
The Philippines

Philippines’ Marcos gets worst rating of his presidency so far. Here’s why

A net satisfaction rating of minus 15 marks the worst showing of Ferdinand Marcos Jnr’s presidency so far.

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South Korea

US general’s ‘dagger’ remark tests South Korea’s China balancing act

A top commander’s blunt remark spotlights a fundamental disagreement over the true purpose of the 28,500 US troops based in South Korea.

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Malaysia

Why oil-hungry Asia ignores risks linked to Russia’s ‘dark fleet’

Asia prioritises fuel needs over security risks from Russian oil to survive the energy crisis, despite sanctions and diplomatic dilemmas.

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Russia’s “shadow fleet” vessels wait in the unofficial anchorage area in the Gulf of Finland near Vaindloo, Estonia, on April 10. Photo: Reuters
Japan

Is UK a ‘reliable partner’? Fighter jet delays test Japan’s patience

Tokyo is concerned as its ageing fighters need to be replaced and the project lacks a clear development plan and schedule, analysts say.

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The Global Combat Air Programme booth seen at the DSEI Japan 2025, a biennial, large-scale defence and security exhibition held in Japan. Photo: SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images
The Global Combat Air Programme booth seen at the DSEI Japan 2025, a biennial, large-scale defence and security exhibition held in Japan. Photo: SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images
Malaysia

Snap polls in Malaysia’s Johor set up clash between Anwar’s ruling allies

The state contest is set to pit federal partners PH and BN against each other despite their power-sharing pact in Putrajaya.

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Malaysia

‘We are a small country’: why Malaysia is resisting US defence spending call

Malaysia faces a dilemma in modernising an ageing military without overwhelming public finances or appearing to choose sides, analysts say.

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India

Why India is rolling out welcome mat for Myanmar’s Min Aung Hlaing

The military leader’s first presidential trip to New Delhi signals pragmatic engagement as India moves to counter rising Chinese influence.

Indian Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi (right) shakes hands with Myanmar President Min Aung Hlaing before their meeting at Hyderabad House in New Delhi, India, on Monday. Photo: EPA
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