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This Week in Asia /
Politics
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Asean
South China Sea
the Asian angle
The Philippines
Philippines advances Sara Duterte impeachment case, but ‘this is not a cakewalk’
A failed Senate conviction could ultimately strengthen Duterte-Carpio ahead of the presidential 2028 race, observers warn.
5 Mar 2026 - 8:25PM
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US, Israel war on Iran
US submarine strike on Iranian warship near Sri Lanka rattles the region
5 Mar 2026 - 6:00PM
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North Korea
Why North Korea’s missile tests from new warship has Iran conflict in mind
5 Mar 2026 - 5:16PM
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Malaysia
‘I am not Jho Low 2.0’: Malaysia Arm chip deal probe turns political
The probe into a flagship chip-design deal has sparked criticism, with Prime Minister Anwar’s allies questioning the investigation.
5 Mar 2026 - 5:06PM
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James Chai is a former aide to ex-minister Rafizi Ramli. Photo: Facebook/James Chai
Pakistan
Pakistan aims to walk tightrope between Saudi Arabia and Iran as war flares
Islamabad has to navigate a tricky regional environment and manage the domestic blowback of the US-Israeli attacks on Iran.
4 Mar 2026 - 9:22PM
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The Philippines
Philippine lawmaker slammed for ‘sexist’ remarks in defence of VP Sara
Analysts say lawmaker Angel Suntay’s comments have become an ‘effective distraction’ against the vice-president’s impeachment proceedings.
4 Mar 2026 - 7:50PM
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Malaysia
Reality check for Anwar’s reform push after Malaysian parliamentary setback
The failure to pass key reforms reflects ‘looser’ discipline in the ruling bloc and complex political negotiations facing Anwar, analysts say.
4 Mar 2026 - 5:37PM
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Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s government is facing a period of turbulence as Malaysia edges closer to its next general election. Photo: EPA
North Korea
North Korea’s hostage strategy packs more bite in post-Iran US shake-up
The Pentagon wants Seoul to shoulder more of its defence burden. Analysts say it may have strengthened Kim Jong-un’s hand instead.
4 Mar 2026 - 5:25PM
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The Philippines
Duterte allies use Iran war threat to attack Philippines’ US ties
Social media posts claim US bases in the Philippines are like ‘bullseyes on Filipino soil’, prompting the military to debunk the disinformation.
4 Mar 2026 - 9:00AM
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Indonesia
‘Nothing to them’: Indonesia’s US-Iran peace broker bid faces long odds
Indonesia’s president offered to fly to Tehran in person, but critics say joining Trump’s ‘Board of Peace’ cost Jakarta its neutrality.
3 Mar 2026 - 5:55PM
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US, Israel war on Iran
Gulf states take the fight to Iran as missiles target oil, gas and trade
The UAE, Qatar and others had a plan for staying out of a US-Iran war. It relied on the assumption that Iran would leave them out of it too.
3 Mar 2026 - 3:53PM
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A plume of smoke rises from the port of Jebel Ali following a reported Iranian strike in Dubai on Sunday. Photo: AFP
India
India’s 100GW nuclear push was missing one thing. Canada just provided it
India needs to triple its uranium supply to meet its nuclear targets. Canada, with mines already in the pipeline, is well placed to deliver.
3 Mar 2026 - 4:29PM
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Nepal
‘This is our moment’: Nepal’s Gen Z voters hope for ‘turning point’ in election
While all the parties have pledged economic growth and job creation, thousands are leaving Nepal each day in search of a better life.
3 Mar 2026 - 5:09PM
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The Philippines
‘Deliberate signal’: Philippines elevates officer amid South China Sea tensions
Analysts say Marcos is doubling down on the country’s ‘transparency initiative’ while engaging Beijing diplomatically behind closed doors.
2 Mar 2026 - 9:17PM
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Singapore
Singapore strives to stay non-aligned amid US-China rivalry, new conflicts
Foreign minister says the city state must assert its distinctiveness to remain relevant and will not act as a proxy for any major power.
2 Mar 2026 - 7:00PM
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Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan has said Singapore will not act as a proxy for any major power and that it must be prepared to “courteously stand up and say no”. Photo: Xinhua
India
Friend to all, foe to none: Iran war tests India’s Middle East balancing act
New Delhi has long prided itself on being friends with everyone in the Middle East. The killing of Khamenei just made that much harder.
2 Mar 2026 - 5:26PM
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Iran
Why US strikes on Iran just made North Korea less likely to play ball
Iran’s nuclear programme was aspirational. North Korea’s is not. That distinction explains everything, analysts say.
2 Mar 2026 - 12:14PM
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Iran
Will Iran collapse without Khamenei or can its regime endure?
Experts see short-term stability, but warn that deeper structural strains could emerge once the immediate shock subsides.
1 Mar 2026 - 8:40PM
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Government supporters mourn during a gathering after state TV officially announced the death of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in Tehran on Sunday. Photo: AP
Iran
Death of Iran’s Khamenei sparks outrage and calls for restraint in Asia
Protesters stormed the US consulate in Karachi as leaders, including Malaysia’s Anwar Ibrahim, condemned the killing and appealed for dialogue.
1 Mar 2026 - 4:51PM
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The Philippines
Indonesia is getting an aircraft carrier. The Philippines isn’t. Does it matter?
Indonesia wants to project power. The Philippines wants to deny it. In the South China Sea, one approach may matter more than the other.
1 Mar 2026 - 10:00AM
Vietnam
Build fast, grow rich: To Lam’s blueprint for a rising Vietnam
Vietnam’s Communist Party chief is staking his legacy on 10 per cent growth, domestic megaprojects and an overseas charm offensive.
1 Mar 2026 - 8:00AM
Pakistan
‘Managed escalation’: Pakistan-Taliban stand-off enters dangerous new phase
With positions entrenched, mediation efforts by regional powers are unlikely to deliver a swift breakthrough, observers say.
28 Feb 2026 - 4:03PM
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A Taliban fighter holds his weapon beside a Humvee after exchanges of fire between Pakistani and Afghan forces in Momand Dara district of Nangarhar province, Afghanistan, on Saturday. Photo: Reuters
Central Asia
Trains through the Taliban: Central Asia’s plan to bypass Russia and Iran
The Soviet Union severed Central Asia’s ancient trade routes to the Indian subcontinent. The region’s modern-day leaders want them back.
2 Mar 2026 - 11:21AM
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North Korea
Dress for succession? Why ‘twin look’ of Kim Jong-un, daughter is sparking talk
The appearance of the Kims in near-identical leather coats at a military parade is seen by some that Pyongyang’s succession plan is in place.
1 Mar 2026 - 10:09AM
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Malaysia
Malaysia considers royal commission to probe anti-corruption agency allegations
The cabinet said it would decide after reviewing a taskforce report, as pressure mounts for MACC chief Azam Baki to step down.
27 Feb 2026 - 7:24PM
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