This Week in Asia /
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The Philippines
‘Medical pork’ row exposes political grip over Philippine health assistance
Doctors and health groups say the system allows politicians to influence who receives state medical aid, undermining universal care.
5 hours ago
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US-ally trade wars
Mexico’s 50% tariff shock shuts Asia’s North American trade bypass
20 Dec 2025 - 1:30PM
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Thailand
Rivals, rain and rising costs: Thailand’s tourism crown slips
20 Dec 2025 - 8:00AM
Singapore
Anwar’s coalition revives Chinese school certification debate, sparking row
The sensitive issue in the Malay-Muslim majority country has caused a row between Umno and DAP, an insider says.
19 Dec 2025 - 9:08PM
Students create a long scroll in Kelang, Selangor state. A proposal for the Malaysian government’s recognition of school leaving certificates issued by private Chinese high schools has sparked a row in the ruling coalition. Photo: Xinhua
2025 Cambodia-Thailand conflict
Russia denies citizens are fighting for Cambodia in border war with Thailand
The Russian embassy in Cambodia says the false assertions could jeopardise Moscow-Bangkok ties and its citizens’ safety in Thailand.
19 Dec 2025 - 3:15PM
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The Philippines
Is Philippines being unfairly named in Australia’s Bondi Beach shooting?
Australian police are looking into a trip the two suspects made to Davao City, but Philippine officials say it is not connected to the shooting.
19 Dec 2025 - 5:24PM
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Myanmar
Are Myanmar hospital air strikes a bid to ‘intimidate’ voters ahead of poll?
The junta has been emboldened to strike as China, Russia and the US are looking the other way to serve their own interests, analysts say.
19 Dec 2025 - 5:31PM
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People check a hospital that was hit by a military air strike in Mrauk-U in Myanmar earlier this month. Photo: AP
South Korea
South Korea’s top court seeks to restore trust after martial law controversy
The changes target high-stakes national security cases amid mounting criticism over delays and alleged bias.
19 Dec 2025 - 4:02PM
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The Philippines
Philippines to get up to US$3.5 billion defence aid to counter ‘serious threats’
A US senator says the support for Manila and other allies reflects the threats posed by China and its partners in the ‘axis of aggressors’.
18 Dec 2025 - 10:12PM
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Japan
Steppe in the right direction? ‘Japan is back’ in Central Asia with new summit
Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and the leaders of five Central Asian nations are expected to establish a new framework for cooperation in AI.
18 Dec 2025 - 5:41PM
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Bangladesh
Bangladeshi politician’s threat targeting India’s northeast deepens row
His claim of Delhi’s election interference comes days after a leader of the 2024 uprising in Bangladesh was shot in Dhaka.
18 Dec 2025 - 5:52PM
Hasnat Abdullah (centre), a leader of the National Citizen Party, speaking at a rally in Dhaka on Saturday. Photo: EPA
The Philippines
Why the Philippine Army is turning to locally built remote weapons systems
The roll-out of the new Cobra weapon system is part of Manila’s push to build a self-reliant defence industry.
17 Dec 2025 - 4:00PM
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South Korea
South Korean court rules Yoon’s ‘self-coup’ illegal as walls close in
Judges are fast-tracking verdicts to beat statutory time limits, dashing the ex-president’s faint hopes of walking free early next year.
17 Dec 2025 - 3:02PM
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The Philippines
Can UN anti-corruption pact bring Zaldy Co back to Philippines?
The former lawmaker, who is facing charges linked to the Philippines’ flood control scandal, is suspected to have fled to Portugal.
16 Dec 2025 - 9:04PM
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Malaysia
Malaysia’s Anwar reshuffles cabinet to focus on ‘stronger growth’
The changes come after months of pressure on his government, sparked by several key resignations and rising inflation.
16 Dec 2025 - 7:39PM
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim speaks at an investment conference in Kuala Lumpur in October. His new cabinet will be sworn in on Wednesday. Photo: Reuters
India
Kick-off in Kolkata: how Lionel Messi was dragged into an Indian election battle
The BJP has latched on to the crowd chaos during Messi’s visit to West Bengal to demand the resignation of the state’s chief minister.
16 Dec 2025 - 6:02PM
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Thailand
Will holiday high season survive Thai-Cambodian border conflict?
Curfews, increased airport screening and the bombing of the province housing Angkor Wat have rattled foreign travellers.
18 Dec 2025 - 4:40PM
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Japan
Japan and South Korea clash over islets as old grievances resurface
Analysts warn the squabble is a ‘step backwards’ that offers Beijing a chance to drive a wedge between the two US allies.
16 Dec 2025 - 1:39PM
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South Korean armed forces hold a defensive drill on the Liancourt Rocks, known as Dokdo or the Takeshima Islands, in 2019. Photo: South Korean Navy/EPA-EFE
Pakistan
India wary as US backs Pakistan with F-16 upgrades and mineral projects
Analysts say New Delhi faces an ‘uncomfortable truth’ as Washington and Beijing find rare common ground on stability in Pakistan.
16 Dec 2025 - 3:16PM
North Korea
What North Korea’s war dead tribute reveals about Kim’s endgame
In Kim Jong-un’s public grief for fallen mine-clearers, observers see a strategic play to lock in a role in Russia’s post-war rebuilding.
16 Dec 2025 - 8:00AM
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The Philippines
Anti-dynasty bill in Philippines slammed as ‘ridiculous’ and weak
A proposal co-filed by one of President Marcos Jnr’s sons could allow 10 family members to hold office at once, critics warn.
15 Dec 2025 - 5:38PM
South Korea
Martial law plot was Yoon’s plan all along, South Korean prosecutors say
Announcing the results of a massive 180-day inquiry on Monday, special prosecutors said Yoon Suk-yeol aimed to form a military junta.
16 Dec 2025 - 3:36PM
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Yoon Suk-yeol speaks in Seoul on March 10, 2022, shortly after winning that month’s presidential election. Photo: Xinhua
Japan
Japan’s retreat from global health funding hands China diplomatic opening
Tokyo’s over 52 per cent funding cut to a global body fighting Aids and malaria risks damaging its hard-won reputation as a ‘peace nation’.
15 Dec 2025 - 3:08PM
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The Philippines
Could a plunder probe weaken Philippine VP Sara Duterte’s 2028 prospects?
An insider said the filing is less about getting a conviction than opening the door to financial scrutiny that could damage her politically.
14 Dec 2025 - 5:36PM
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US-Asean relations
Southeast Asia barely features in America’s new security strategy
The region appears just twice in the new 32-page US National Security Strategy, raising fears it is being relegated to a ‘bargaining chip’.
14 Dec 2025 - 12:00PM
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