This Week in Asia /

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South Koreans celebrate after Yoon Suk-yeol was removed from office on Friday. Photo: AFP
South Korea martial law 2024

South Korea’s democracy shows ‘remarkable resilience’ as Yoon ousted by court

The ruling ends a divisive political chapter and paves the way for a presidential race that could stretch the nation’s social fabric.

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The Philippines

Philippines offered 20 US F-16 fighter jets in major defence upgrade

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Asean

Southeast Asians expect more US engagement amid Trump’s tariff call: survey

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China-Philippines relations

Sinophobia among Philippine officials? China’s travel advisory spurs reflection

The advisory comes after incidents of harassment of Chinese citizens and a series of espionage and online gaming crackdowns by Manila.

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Seized equipment on display as Chinese nationals and their alleged Philippine accomplices arrested for alleged espionage are presented at a press conference in Manila in February. Photo: AFP
Seized equipment on display as Chinese nationals and their alleged Philippine accomplices arrested for alleged espionage are presented at a press conference in Manila in February. Photo: AFP
Japan

Japanese female politician gets 8,000 death threats over menstrual care post

Experts say abusive messages reflect a deeper pattern of gender-based harassment aiming to silence outspoken women and are frequent occurrences.

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Sri Lanka

India and Sri Lanka set to sign defence pact amid China’s rising regional clout

Both sides are also expected to sign agreements on the development of solar power plants and trade cooperation in several sectors.

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The Philippines

Philippine influencers grilled over Duterte ‘fake news’ admit errors amid tears

Some critics welcomed the accountability for social media figures, while others felt the hearing focused more on settling scores than addressing structural issues.

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Philippine lawmakers grilled influencers over spreading false information about Duterte’s ICC arrest, revealing deeper disinformation issues. Photo: Reuters
Philippine lawmakers grilled influencers over spreading false information about Duterte’s ICC arrest, revealing deeper disinformation issues. Photo: Reuters
Australia

Bodybuilder in legal trouble for viral turbine stunt at Sydney Airport

Despite facing criticism for being unsafe, the bodybuilding influencer defended his actions, stating he had taken adequate precautions.

Singapore

Singapore foreign minister denies ‘liking’ controversial Gaza post

The minister says he has enhanced security for his Facebook account after being accused of temporarily liking inflammatory remarks on activists.

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Japan

In Japan, museum for Korean nationalist hero reopens old wounds

The launch of a museum dedicated to Yun Bong-gil, who was executed in 1932, has been postponed after protests by right-wing groups.

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Yun Bong-gil. A proposed museum honouring his legacy in the Japanese city of Kanazawa has stirred controversy. Photo: YouTube
The Philippines

Philippine military chief warns troops to prepare in event of Taiwan conflict

Manila’s involvement ‘inevitable’ given large presence of Filipino workers in Taiwan and Philippines-US defence ties, analysts say.

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A Philippine soldier guards a US military hovercraft during an annual “Balikatan” bilateral military exercise in May 2024 in the Philippines. Photo: Kyodo
A Philippine soldier guards a US military hovercraft during an annual “Balikatan” bilateral military exercise in May 2024 in the Philippines. Photo: Kyodo
Malaysia

Kuala Lumpur to see mass Hindu community gathering as temple row rumbles

A planned meeting involving over 2,000 temples comes amid a row over the relocation of the Dewi Sri Pathrakaliamman temple in Kuala Lumpur.

Myanmar

‘Cosmic verdict’ fears grip Myanmar junta in earthquake’s aftermath

While rescue teams struggle against civil war roadblocks, analysts warn of a ‘cursed’ regime facing a legitimacy crisis.

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South Korea

South Korea’s impeached president to learn his fate on Friday

If the Constitutional Court removes Yoon Suk-yeol from office, a fresh presidential election must be held within two months.

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Yoon Suk-yeol attends a hearing of his impeachment trial at the Constitutional Court in Seoul in February. Photo: AFP
India

‘Deep optics’: what Yunus’ China trip means for Bangladesh-India ties

While Bangladesh’s flags flew high, commemorating a liberation forged with Indian blood, its interim leader was in China sealing deals.

Bangladeshi interim leader Muhammad Yunus (left) shakes hands with Chinese President Xi Jinping during their meeting in Beijing on Friday. Photo: Xinhua/EPA-EFE
Bangladeshi interim leader Muhammad Yunus (left) shakes hands with Chinese President Xi Jinping during their meeting in Beijing on Friday. Photo: Xinhua/EPA-EFE
South Korea

Claims of plot to reinstate impeached president Yoon rock South Korea

Opposition figures allege ‘calculated’ moves are being made to reinstall Yoon Suk-yeol, igniting fears of a second martial law attempt.

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Indonesia

Can Danantara deliver? Indonesia’s sovereign fund vows to be ‘super transparent’

Investment chief Pandu Sjahrir is confident the new sovereign wealth fund can overcome market jitters and keep political meddling at bay.

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India

AIKEYME in action: India counters China with African naval outreach

India’s naval diplomacy focuses on building trust and offering a ‘non-coercive’ alternative to China’s investments, analysts say.

Indian Navy sailors take part in Navy Day celebrations in Mumbai last year. Photo: AFP
Indian Navy sailors take part in Navy Day celebrations in Mumbai last year. Photo: AFP
The Philippines

Can Manila become Beijing’s ‘plus one’ amid South China Sea tensions?

The Philippines’ economic zones chief says Manila is being eyed as ‘the next preferred destination’ for China’s ‘plus-one’ strategy for firms dodging US tariffs.

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The Philippines

Is Duterte’s ‘capable’ daughter reshaping her image for a 2028 presidential run?

Showcasing a kinder image to overseas Filipinos, Sara Duterte-Carpio appears to be positioning herself for a future presidential bid.

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Indonesia

Indonesia’s Danantara fund faces constitutional challenge over corruption concerns

Critics fear the new law underpinning the fund weakens oversight of state-owned enterprises, potentially fuelling corruption risks.

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Exterior facade of the building housing Indonesia’s sovereign wealth fund, known as Daya Anagata Nusantara or Danantara, in Jakarta. Photo: AFP
Japan

Japan faces 99 times more heatwaves if global warming intensifies, report warns

A new report reveals global warming could cause “once-in-a-century” heatwaves annually.

Young women use fans to seek relief from the heat in Tokyo. Japan’s weather agency says the country could face annual once-in-a-century heatwaves if global warming continues. Photo: AFP
Young women use fans to seek relief from the heat in Tokyo. Japan’s weather agency says the country could face annual once-in-a-century heatwaves if global warming continues. Photo: AFP
The Philippines

What Duterte’s downfall means for Sara, Marcos and the Philippines

Ex-president Duterte is behind bars in The Hague and his daughter is fighting for political survival. But don’t discount a comeback in 2028.

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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

Local companies dominate the most trusted brands across the sectors, according to the Ipsos survey.

A Starbucks outlet in Kuala Lumpur. The operator of the coffee chain in Malaysia has been hit by a revenue decline due to a pro-Palestinian consumer boycott. Photo: Azneal Ishak
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