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This Week in Asia /

Politics

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Asean
South China Sea
the Asian angle
An Umno flag outside the party’s headquarters in Kuala Lumpur in July 2021. Johor, Umno’s birthplace and a traditional Barisan Nasional stronghold, will hold a state election within 60 days after its legislature was dissolved on Monday. Photo: EPA-EFE
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

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India

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

Myanmar

Myanmar’s China-backed mega dam revival risks Kachin rebel backlash

Restarting the shelved US$3.6 billion Myitsone Dam project could ultimately come down to Beijing’s ‘risk tolerance’.

A Kachin Independence Army rebel stands at frontline outpost in northern Kachin state, Myanmar. Photo: AP
A Kachin Independence Army rebel stands at frontline outpost in northern Kachin state, Myanmar. Photo: AP
Singapore

Shangri-La Dialogue: can Asia do ‘less Shangri-La, more ships, more subs’?

In response to Hegseth’s call, participants at the Singapore forum say defence spending levels have to factor in different countries’ needs.

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The Philippines

Philippines says Beijing main hurdle to South China Sea code of conduct

Addressing the Shangri-La Dialogue, defence chief Teodoro blamed China for stalling the pact and stressed Asean’s unity on the issue.

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Malaysia

Malaysia blasts ‘conspicuously muted’ response over axed Norway missile deal

Defence Minister Khaled told the Shangri-La Dialogue that Oslo’s move was ‘destructive’ to the credibility of the rules-based global order.

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The Naval Strike Missiles produced by a Norwegian company are meant for the Malaysian navy’s littoral combat ships. Photo: Kongsberg
The Naval Strike Missiles produced by a Norwegian company are meant for the Malaysian navy’s littoral combat ships. Photo: Kongsberg
South Korea

From submarines to trade, South Korea and US remain deadlocked ahead of talks

The two allies are also expected to discuss the transfer of military control and a data breach involving a US firm at their talks next week.

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Singapore

Sustained security can’t come from ‘barrel of a gun’: East Timor’s Ramos-Horta

At the Shangri-La Dialogue, the East Timor president cites Asean as an example of how communication can prevent conflict and yield dividends.

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Singapore

17 nations launch pact to protect vital undersea cables amid US, China absence

Singapore’s defence chief tells the Shangri-La Dialogue the pact aims to explore potential areas of collaboration and share best practices.

Singapore’s Minister for Defence Chan Chun Sing (centre) with representatives from 16 partner countries during the launch of the Guiding Principles for Underwater Infrastructure Defence Exchanges at the Shangri-La Dialogue on Saturday. Photo: Singapore’s Ministry of Defence
Singapore

US senator warns of Indo-Pacific risks as Hegseth stresses ‘quiet’ tactics

Hegseth told the Shangri-La Dialogue that the US remained committed to the region as Duckworth criticised his policy and burden-sharing demands.

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US Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth attends the Shangri-La Dialogue forum in Singapore on Saturday. Photo: EPA
US Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth attends the Shangri-La Dialogue forum in Singapore on Saturday. Photo: EPA
The Philippines

How Philippines and Japan future-proofed ties amid China tensions, US wavering

Manila and Tokyo forge a comprehensive strategic partnership, boosting defence and economic cooperation, as Indo-Pacific challenges mount.

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US-Asean relations

Tariffs, war and broken trust: Southeast Asia’s Trump problem

Disillusioned by US unpredictability, the region is learning to diversify – while Trump treats allies as bargaining chips.

Singapore

Vietnam’s To Lam warns of 3 crises converging in Asia-Pacific security

In the Singapore forum’s keynote address, the Vietnamese president urges a strategic framework for trust building to avert such threats.

Vietnamese President To Lam gives a keynote address during the Shangri-La Dialogue security summit in Singapore on Friday. Photo: Reuters
Vietnam

Vietnam, Philippines to forge stronger ‘alignment’ on 50 years of ties

Analysts say To Lam’s first visit to Manila as state leader signals Vietnam’s balanced foreign policy and investment in Asean partnerships.

Vietnam’s President To Lam is due in the Philippines for a two-day state visit on Sunday and Monday. Photo: AP
Vietnam’s President To Lam is due in the Philippines for a two-day state visit on Sunday and Monday. Photo: AP
Malaysia

Beyond bans: why fringe Islamic movements still find followers in Malaysia

Observers say the appeal of alternative religious communities cannot be addressed by bans and rehabilitation classes alone.

The Philippines

Philippines lags behind neighbours on tourism. How will it step up its game?

While the bloc’s chairmanship is a plus point, Manila needs to overcome accessibility challenges to attract more regional tourists.

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Japan

Is self-censorship behind Japan’s ‘problematic’ press freedom ranking?

Media insiders say Japan’s press is rarely overtly repressed, but access pressures and newsroom caution still shape what gets reported.

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A Japanese newspaper staff distributes copies of the extra issue on Sanae Takaichi being elected Japan’s first female prime minister, in Tokyo, on October 21, 2025. Photo: AP
A Japanese newspaper staff distributes copies of the extra issue on Sanae Takaichi being elected Japan’s first female prime minister, in Tokyo, on October 21, 2025. Photo: AP
Bangladesh

Policy pivot? India watchful as Bangladesh engages Pakistan

Analysts say the new government in Dhaka is trying a ‘balancing act’ in the region that could signal more businesslike ties with its neighbours.

The Philippines

Is Sara Duterte’s lead for Philippines’ 2028 presidential race in danger?

Two pollsters say the vice-president is vulnerable in the key regions of Metro Manila and the group of provinces known as ‘Balance Luzon’.

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Malaysia

‘Tiger without fangs’: Malaysia navy faces turbulence over Norway’s missile ban

While Malaysia considers alternatives from ‘three to four countries’, analysts say an advanced missile system is crucial for its navy.

A test launch of a Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace naval strike missile from a ship. Photo: Kongsberg
Thailand

Trade, Ho Chi Minh’s legacy: Vietnam’s To Lam seeks to ‘re-energise’ Thai ties

The president, who visited Ho Chi Minh’s former home in Udon Thani, will meet the Thai king and hold talks with PM Anutin.

Thailand’s Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul (left) and Vietnam’s President To Lam review a guard of honour at Government House in Bangkok on Thursday. Photo: Reuters
Thailand’s Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul (left) and Vietnam’s President To Lam review a guard of honour at Government House in Bangkok on Thursday. Photo: Reuters
US, Israel war on Iran

Israel’s Lebanon strikes challenge Trump’s Iran talks amid Hezbollah’s defiance

Israel’s offensive aimed at weakening the group complicates US-Iran peace efforts, analysts say.

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India

Reel politik: India tells filmmakers to drop ‘China-bashing’ as ties warm

India’s diplomatic thaw with China is causing films about the 2020 Galwan Valley clash to be retitled, reshot or shelved entirely.

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Malaysia

Malaysia probes ex-anti-corruption chief over threats to whistle-blower

Azam rejected the claims, saying he ‘never’ contacted Albert Tei who is linked to the Sabah mineral licence scandal.

Malaysia’s former anti-corruption chief Azam Baki. Photo: EPA
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