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Asean
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Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jnr (left) with US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth in Manila on Friday. Photo: AFP
The Philippines

US bolsters Philippines defence with ‘game-changer’ missiles to deter China threat

During a visit to the Philippines, US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth stressed alliance, deterring Beijing’s ‘aggression’ in the South China Sea.

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Malaysia

Malaysians trust media more while consumer boycott hits confidence survey

Middle East

Kurds ponder future in Turkey, Syria and Iraq with guarded optimism

North Korea

Declassified 1994 files show how diplomats doubted North Korea’s ‘goofy’ Kim Jong-il

Newly released files show experts from the US and Russia were sceptical he could hold onto power in the wake of his father’s sudden death.

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North Korean leader Kim Jong-il smiles as he inspects the Sinam cooperative farm in Ryongchon county in North Korea, in this undated file photo released by Korea News Service in Tokyo on June 8, 2007. Photo: Reuters
North Korean leader Kim Jong-il smiles as he inspects the Sinam cooperative farm in Ryongchon county in North Korea, in this undated file photo released by Korea News Service in Tokyo on June 8, 2007. Photo: Reuters
Asean

Philippines pulls Asean card on East Timor over extradition row. Will it work?

Manila is seeking the extradition of Arnolfo Teves Jnr, a former politician, who is facing murder and other charges.

Malaysia

Malaysia arrests Muslim preacher as temple relocation row rages on

Controversy refuses to die down even as PM Anwar declared ‘victory’ after laying foundation stone for a mosque to be built on temple site.

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The Philippines

Trump’s immigration crackdown hits Filipino green card holder, sparking fears

The detention of a Filipino who has lived in the US for 50 years shows the huge shift in immigration enforcement under Trump, observers say.

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A US Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer talks to a group of undocumented immigrants detained in Kansas. Photo: TNS
A US Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer talks to a group of undocumented immigrants detained in Kansas. Photo: TNS
North Korea

Is North Korea’s nuclear submarine a game changer or ‘vanity project’?

North Korea’s first SSBN is likely to lag far behind its US and South Korean submarine rivals, analysts say.

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Indonesia

Indonesian fishermen sue Bumble Bee Seafoods in landmark forced labour case

The human-trafficking case highlights the exploitation within the seafood industry, emphasising the need for corporate accountability and systemic reform.

Thailand

Thailand offers rewards for reporting e-cigarette use as vaping concerns rise

Thailand’s new initiative aims to curb vaping and protect public health, with fines and jail terms for offenders.

Thailand has launched an initiative offering cash rewards for reporting e-cigarette use. Photo: Shutterstock
Malaysia

Malaysians question flag on school uniforms rule – pupils ‘do not care’

The education ministry says the rule is in line with the goal of schools to ‘foster the spirit of patriotism among the younger generation’.

Tourists walk past a mural featuring the Malaysian national flag in Kuala Lumpur. Photo: EPA-EFE
Tourists walk past a mural featuring the Malaysian national flag in Kuala Lumpur. Photo: EPA-EFE
Indonesia

Indonesia military law protests signal fears of democratic erosion under Prabowo

The amended bill brought back bad memories of Suharto-era militarism, when lines between civilian and military spheres were blurred, critics said.

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South Korea

‘Phoenix from the ashes’: South Korea opposition chief closer to presidency

A court ruling acquitting Lee Jae-myung of electoral breaches places him as a front runner to succeed embattled incumbent Yoon Suk-yeol.

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Japan

Japanese Alps see record rescue numbers amid rising tourist risk

Experts blame hikers and skiers overestimating their abilities and underestimating harsh terrain and weather.

Japan’s Kobushi mountain region straddling part of Tokyo, and Saitama, Yamanashi and Nagano prefectures. The Nagano mountains saw record number of rescues in 2024. Photo: Kyodo
Japan

‘Impossible to keep up’: Japan ‘stunned’ by Trump trade threats, false claims

Analysts fear this disinformation will strain the US-Japan alliance, risking economic uncertainty, especially in the auto sector.

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US President Donald Trump holds up a signed executive order. Photo: Reuters
US President Donald Trump holds up a signed executive order. Photo: Reuters
Malaysia

Will Malaysia’s chip rules satisfy US concerns over Nvidia diversions to China?

Malaysia is enhancing semiconductor tracking to reassure the US amid investigations into alleged Nvidia chip diversions to China.

The Philippines

Philippines set to host second Typhon unit, signalling Trump’s defence pledge

The second Typhon unit will allow more Philippine troops to train with the system and enhance the country’s sovereignty, analysts say.

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Thailand

Thai tourist gems Chiang Mai and Bangkok among world’s worst for air quality

With both Thai cities listed among the 10 worst in air quality worldwide, emergency measures and regional cooperation are under way to address the crisis.

Bangkok’s skyline is seen amid high levels of air pollution on March 21. Photo: AFP
Bangkok’s skyline is seen amid high levels of air pollution on March 21. Photo: AFP
The Philippines

Brewing justice: Philippines cafe offers healing and hope after Duterte’s ICC arrest

The coffee shop, dedicated to victims of the former president’s drug war, described his arrest as ‘the first step’ towards justice.

Malaysia

Relocation of Hindu temple in Malaysia fuels accusations of special privileges

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim is set to lay the foundation stone for a new mosque on the current site of the Hindu temple in Kuala Lumpur.

Indonesia

Indonesian rupiah’s low spotlights Prabowo policy concerns, global uncertainty

The decline in the currency led the central bank to intervene, stabilising the rupiah and restoring confidence.

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A teller counts rupiah banknotes at a money changer in Jakarta, Indonesia. Photo: Reuters
The Philippines

Philippines’ nuclear advocacy faces reality check after statement recall

As Manila’s attempt to act as a middleman in nuclear disarmament falters, analysts question its ability to influence smaller nations.

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Philippines President Ferdinand Marcos Jnr speaks to military officials in Manila on Saturday. Photo: AFP
Philippines President Ferdinand Marcos Jnr speaks to military officials in Manila on Saturday. Photo: AFP
South Korea martial law 2024

South Koreans fear ‘judicial system may fail’ amid delayed verdict on Yoon

Observers warn the East Asian nation could be ‘engulfed’ by unrest if the Constitutional Court reinstates impeached president Yoon Suk-yeol.

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Central Asia

‘Eternal peace’: Kyrgyzstan-Tajikistan border deal opens path to visa-free zone

The agreement, which settled territorial disputes related to nearly 500km of the border, also included mutual access to water and energy.

Malaysia

‘No way’: Malaysia’s PM refuses US$10 million ransom demand after cyberattack

Officials said the weekend cyberattack had affected certain computer systems at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport.

Malaysia’s Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said he refused to provide a ransom to hackers over a cyberattack at the Kuala Lumpur airport. Photo: Reuters
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