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This Week in Asia /

Politics

US and Philippine soldiers participate in live‑fire drills at Barangay Aporawan, Aborlan, Palawan, during the annual Balikatan joint military exercises in April. Photo: Reuters
Philippine troops participate in live‑fire drills in Barangay Aporawan, Aborlan, Palawan, during the annual Balikatan joint military exercises in April. Photo: Reuters
The Philippines

Why Democratic Congress may enhance US-Philippines alliance, pivot to Asia

An end to the Iran war could see a greater shift of US military assets to the Indo-Pacific region, including the Philippines, analysts say.

Asean

EU’s Southeast Asia push hits funding crunch as China widens lead

Malaysia

Malaysia’s Najib begins house arrest as Umno pays US$12.3 million fine

United States

Trump’s Israel aid cut reveals push to trade grants for tech cooperation

A shift towards joint technology development looks set to replace traditional grants with deeper, less scrutinised Pentagon funding.

US President Donald Trump points towards Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during a December 2025 meeting at Mar-a-Lago, Florida. Trump surprised officials this week by announcing plans to end roughly US$4 billion in annual military aid to Israel. Photo: Reuters
US President Donald Trump points towards Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during a December 2025 meeting at Mar-a-Lago, Florida. Trump surprised officials this week by announcing plans to end roughly US$4 billion in annual military aid to Israel. Photo: Reuters
Malaysia

Malaysia’s Sarawak locks election date amid autonomy, resource control push

The ruling GPS aims to retain power in the December 12 race as petroleum sovereignty among issues expected to dominate the campaign.

Japan

Will Japan press Vietnam on labour rights or prioritise security goals?

Human Rights Watch’s Tokyo office has urged Takaichi to confront To Lam over Vietnam’s failure to deliver promised labour reforms.

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The Philippines

Philippines’ project budget allocations spur accusations of pork barrel politics

Two budget watchdogs claim there are proposed projects whose coordinates show that they are located far away from the country.

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jnr delivers his State of the Nation Address at the House of Representatives in Quezon City in July. Photo: Reuters
Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jnr delivers his State of the Nation Address at the House of Representatives in Quezon City in July. Photo: Reuters
Vietnam

Vietnam seeks Russia’s help for its nuclear ambition. Will sanctions stall it?

The two countries have agreed to let Vietnamese experts gain access to a Russian nuclear reactor under construction.

The Philippines

Philippine envoy says US immigration detention rules may change after midterms

Jose Manuel Romualdez says the potential rule change would ‘definitely’ ease the concerns of Filipinos with questionable visa status.

North Korea

North Korea digs in for US stand-off as Democratic midterm wins dim summit hopes

Recent weapons tests signal Pyongyang will lean on Moscow and Beijing rather than bank on Washington talks amid shifting US politics.

A newly designed advanced air-defence missile system is test-fired by North Korea in this photograph released by state media on Thursday. Photo: KCNA via Reuters
New Zealand

Will New Zealand’s election reshape its ‘softly-softly’ approach to Trump?

The next government’s foreign policy and defence priorities could hinge on the smaller parties needed to form a coalition.

New Zealand’s Prime Minister and National Party leader Christopher Luxon campaigns in his Botany constituency in Auckland on October 26. Photo: Reuters
New Zealand’s Prime Minister and National Party leader Christopher Luxon campaigns in his Botany constituency in Auckland on October 26. Photo: Reuters
South Korea

‘Throwing money out the window’: can a cyber tsar shift South Korea’s mindsets?

President Lee Jae Myung’s proposal comes after personal details belonging to him and various officials were leaked online.

Indonesia

Indonesia says Asean diplomacy ‘must not stop’ despite Singapore row

Ties between the Southeast Asian neighbours have been tense after wildfires in Indonesia blanketed the city state in toxic smog for months.

Indonesia

Should Prabowo call Putin to stop Indonesians from fighting in Ukraine?

Almost 300 Indonesians have reportedly been involved in combat in the war, including a taxi driver who was lured by ‘easy money’.

An Indonesian taxi driver by the name of Taufiq Muhammad was recruited by Russia to fight in its war in Ukraine and died while doing so, according to the Defence Intelligence of Ukraine. Photo: X/Defence Intelligence of Ukraine
Australia

‘Liz Truss isn’t the PM’: Albanese mocks ex-UK leader in backpacker row

Albanese says the influx of British backpackers into cities like Sydney has put ‘enormous pressure’ on the local workforce.

Australia’s Prime Minister Anthony Albanese (left) and his British counterpart meet before a bilateral meeting in Osbourn, Antigua and Barbuda, on Monday. Photo: Pool via Reuters
Australia’s Prime Minister Anthony Albanese (left) and his British counterpart meet before a bilateral meeting in Osbourn, Antigua and Barbuda, on Monday. Photo: Pool via Reuters
Indonesia

Indonesia’s Prabowo sacks chief of staff as wiretap case spurs ‘treason’ warning

Indonesia’s ex-police chief is accused of illegally wiretapping the president, fuelling speculation over a widening rift with Joko Widodo.

North Korea

Why North Korea’s Kim sees no need for another ‘photo-op summit’ with Trump

Trump talks of friendship, but analysts say a US$6 billion crypto row and fresh sanctions have all but put paid to future summitry.

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Indonesia

Fake ‘students’ turn Indonesia police rally into PR headache for the government

A participant’s admission that he was paid to pose as a university student has raised questions about the event and its political purpose.

Indonesian protesters light flares during an anti-government rally in Jakarta on National Youth Pledge Day, protesting against living costs and state flagship programmes. Analysts argue counter-rallies are increasingly being used to neutralise criticism. Photo: EPA
Indonesian protesters light flares during an anti-government rally in Jakarta on National Youth Pledge Day, protesting against living costs and state flagship programmes. Analysts argue counter-rallies are increasingly being used to neutralise criticism. Photo: EPA
Japan

Strong yes, ‘bombastic’ no: what Japan’s voters really want in a leader

A new poll reveals most respondents rated Trump’s performance as president poorly, lacking the ‘elegance’ analysts say is required of a Japanese leader.

Malaysia

Melaka election tests Malaysia’s fragile unity government as partners clash

Race debate has also intensified among component parties, with the DAP challenging MCA to take part in a nationally televised debate.

The Philippines

Is Sara Duterte’s case being sped up due to Filipinos’ ‘growing impatience’?

The prosecution’s move to proceed on just one charge against the vice-president shows its ‘overwhelming confidence’, a lawyer says.

Philippine Vice-President Sara Duterte gestures as she leaves the Hall of Justice in Quezon City in September. Photo: AFP
South Korea

North Korea’s low-cost drone push exposes South Korea’s red tape trap

Pyongyang is prioritising the mass production of cheap drones tested in Ukraine, threatening to overwhelm air defences with sheer volume.

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un (centre) and his daughter visit an exhibition showcasing attack drones and unmanned combat systems in North Korea on Thursday. Photo: KCNA via AP
North Korean leader Kim Jong-un (centre) and his daughter visit an exhibition showcasing attack drones and unmanned combat systems in North Korea on Thursday. Photo: KCNA via AP
India

India offers Asean counterterrorism lessons, but will one size fit all?

Asean members have their own particular counterterrorism challenges, so India may have to engage them individually, analysts say.

The Philippines

How South Korea can play central role in Philippines’ military upgrading drive

The Philippines has increasingly acquired South Korean defence equipment to strengthen its military presence in the South China Sea.

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India

Armour vs altitude: India’s light tank dilemma along China border

Army veterans say the Zorawar was needed ‘the day before yesterday’. Heavier armour threatens to delay its deployment.

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India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi inspects the 25-tonne Zorawar tank during a tour of the Larsen & Toubro facility in Hazira, Gujarat state, in June. Photo: X/NarendraModi
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