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This Week in Asia /

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A still from a social media video of Anwar Ibrahim singing in New Delhi while at the Brics summit. Photo: X/AnwarIbrahim
A still from a social media video of Anwar Ibrahim singing a Bollywood classic while at the Brics summit in New Delhi, India. Photo: X/AnwarIbrahim
A still from a social media video of Anwar Ibrahim singing a Bollywood classic while at the Brics summit in New Delhi, India. Photo: X/AnwarIbrahim
Malaysia

Anwar was on song in India. Will Malaysia reap the rewards?

The Malaysian PM’s rendition of a Bollywood ballad went viral, but his India trip was about more than just the music.

Australia

Named as an enemy: Indonesia’s uneasy Aukus moment

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Malaysia

Malaysia’s Loke resigns as minister following Najib’s house arrest approval

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Singapore

Singapore minister Chan Chun Sing’s Mandarin diplomacy strikes China chord

Chan quoted ancient philosopher Mencius in his speech at Xiangshan Forum, winning praise on social media for his knowledge of Chinese thought.

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Singapore Defence Minister Chan Chun Sing delivers remarks during the Xiangshan Forum in Beijing on Wednesday. Photo: AP
Singapore Defence Minister Chan Chun Sing delivers remarks during the Xiangshan Forum in Beijing on Wednesday. Photo: AP
The Philippines

Why the ICC is cracking down on ‘fake news’ as Duterte trial looms

Presiding Judge Joanna Korner warns parties to ‘avoid speculation’ and urges prosecutors to trim their witness list and evidence.

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South Korea

‘No deployment for war’: South Korea rejects US request for Iran support

President Lee Jae Myung has drawn a firm line against sending troops or assets to the Middle East, defying pressure from Washington.

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US, Israel war on Iran

US pivot leaves Saudi Arabia with ‘humiliating dilemma’ over Houthis

Riyadh is now working frantically to build a coalition to protect shipping in the Red Sea and defend the kingdom against Houthi attacks.

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Firefighters inspect damage to a building caused by falling debris from a reported Houthi drone intercepted over Taif province, western Saudi Arabia, on Thursday. Photo: Saudi Press Agency / AP
A car is damaged by a reported Houthi drone attack over Taif, Saudi Arabia. Photo: Saudi Press Agency / AFP
A building is damaged by shrapnel from a reported Houthi drone in Taif on Thursday. Photo: Saudi Press Agency / AFP
Malaysia

Malaysia’s Najib Razak allowed to serve rest of jail term under house arrest

Given a ‘conditional pardon’, Najib has to settle his US$12.3 million fine before he can be transferred home to complete his sentence.

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The Philippines

Poland eyes deeper Philippines defence ties following Black Hawk deal

Warsaw is targeting drones, air defence and artillery exports to Manila as European rearmament fuels global arms ambitions.

The Philippines

Philippines’ Teodoro draws 2028 election buzz after China clash

His viral moment in Seoul has raised his profile among supporters, but analysts say weak polling and past losses remain hurdles.

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Philippine defence chief Gilberto Teodoro Jnr responds to a note during the Seoul Defence Dialogue 2026 on September 8. Photo: X/Philippine Department of National Defence
Japan

Is Japan’s Okinawa finally moving on from anti-base politics?

Frustrated by economic hardship, Okinawans have rallied behind a new governor, leaving long-standing anti-base resistance in disarray.

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US Marine Corps Air Station Futenma in Ginowan, Japan’s Okinawa prefecture, is seen from the air in 2015. Photo: Kyodo/AP
US Marine Corps Air Station Futenma in Ginowan, Japan’s Okinawa prefecture, is seen from the air in 2015. Photo: Kyodo/AP
North Korea

North Korea at Japan’s Asian Games: sports diplomacy or propaganda stunt?

Pyongyang is sending its largest-ever delegation to Japan, signalling a calculated bid to test Tokyo and pave the way for US re-engagement.

Japan

Why Zelensky’s Kyiv invite puts Japan PM Takaichi in a diplomatic bind

Analysts say a Ukraine trip will be an ‘excellent opportunity’ for Takaichi to show her mettle, despite concerns about chilly Russia ties.

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Malaysia

Malaysia to invite Myanmar’s Min Aung Hlaing for Rohingya repatriation talks

Anwar Ibrahim says it is necessary to formally recognise Minh Aung Hlaing’s government if Malaysia wants to resolve the Rohingya crisis.

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Myanmar’s President Min Aung Hlaing is seen in Vietnam on September 5. Photo: EPA
Australia

Australia to ban student dependants as Labor fends off far-right pressure

Canberra plans to cap net migration at 225,000 and stop visa hopping as a housing crisis and the far-right One Nation party turn up the heat.

High school and university students opposed to the policies of Pauline Hanson and One Nation march through Melbourne, Australia, in August. Photo: AAP/dpa
High school and university students opposed to the policies of Pauline Hanson and One Nation march through Melbourne, Australia, in August. Photo: AAP/dpa
India

Trump taking notes from India? US$5,000 cash pitch draws ‘freebie’ comparisons

Indian politicians and commentators accuse the US president of mimicking South Asia’s election playbook to woo voters ahead of the midterms.

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India

‘Growing stronger’: India and Russia push to expand defence ties

Analysts say offers of Su-57 stealth jet tech and BrahMos upgrades signal an exit from simple buyer-seller deals.

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Singapore

Singapore ministers earn millions. What do other Asian leaders make?

Political pay structures elsewhere in Asia are shaped by factors including bureaucratic hierarchy, austerity and symbolic restraint.

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Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong’s annual pay benchmark will rise to S$3.6 million (US$2.83 million) on October 15. Photo: Reuters
Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong’s annual pay benchmark will rise to S$3.6 million (US$2.83 million) on October 15. Photo: Reuters
Malaysia

Malaysia’s Muhyiddin acquitted of 4 charges in US$49 million corruption case

Prosecutors decided not to proceed with three money-laundering charges and one of abuse of power against the former leader.

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Middle East

‘Doing a North Korea’? Why the Middle East could be entering a new nuclear age

A Saudi-US nuclear pact and further attacks on Iran could prompt Tehran to withdraw from the non-proliferation treaty, analysts warn.

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India

India scores Brics win with joint declaration despite divides

New Delhi ‘papered over’ differences to keep the bloc focused on trade and tech priorities, analysts say.

India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi attends the Brics summit in New Delhi on Sunday. Photo: Indian Press Information Bureau/AFP
Cambodia

Cambodia, Thailand take US$300 billion seabed dispute to UN

A rarely invoked UN legal process is trying to untangle the two countries’ row over 27,000 sq km of oil- and gas-rich waters.

Wellhead platforms, used for the offshore extraction of oil and gas, undergo refurbishment at a port in Chonburi province, Thailand, last week. Photo: Reuters
Wellhead platforms, used for the offshore extraction of oil and gas, undergo refurbishment at a port in Chonburi province, Thailand, last week. Photo: Reuters
The Philippines

Philippine VP faces scrutiny over disputed funds amid bitter Marcos feud

Prosecutors have so far tried to prove that Sara Duterte-Carpio’s office could not properly account for millions of pesos in confidential funds.

Singapore

Singapore’s Chan Chun Sing to visit China, speak at defence forum

The three-day visit comes at the invitation of Chinese defence chief Dong Jun and underscores both countries’ ‘warm and friendly’ ties.

Indonesia

Indonesia’s Prabowo appoints third finance minister in under 2 years

Suahasil Nazara takes over amid growing pressure on the budget, with analysts expecting a more cautious approach to fiscal management.

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Newly-appointed Finance Minister Suahasil Nazara speaks to journalists after his inauguration at the Presidential Palace in Jakarta, Indonesia on Monday. Photo: Reuters
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