This Week in Asia

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Economics
People
Opinion
Health & Environment
Lifestyle & Culture
Then acting Bangladesh Nationalist Party chairman Tarique Rahman addresses his supporters after his return from London in Dhaka on December 25. Photo: Reuters

Politics

‘Clear advantage’: why return of Zia’s son may influence Bangladesh’s election

The death of ex-prime minister Khaleda Zia may have boosted voter support for her son Tarique Rahman, who is contesting in the election.

Muslim businesses in China target Malaysia as global halal gateway

In India, New Delhi’s smog crisis exposes the high price of clean air

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Politics

Takaichi is shaping up as Japan’s Thatcher. How long can she last?

The prime minister has defied the odds by winning back LDP voters with sweeping immigration, economic policies and a tough stance on Beijing.

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Japan’s Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi prepares to welcome Central Asian leaders during a summit in Tokyo on December 20. Photo: Reuters
Japan’s Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi prepares to welcome Central Asian leaders during a summit in Tokyo on December 20. Photo: Reuters

Economics

Mile-high crime club: theft syndicates target Asia’s airlines

Experts say rising passenger volumes, including an influx of Chinese travellers amid visa-free schemes, have attracted gangs operating in the skies.

Politics

Malaysia’s opposition thrown into uncertainty as Muhyiddin quits as PN chairman

The former prime minister’s exit follows months of infighting within Perikatan Nasional and a bitter power struggle between Bersatu and PAS.

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Politics

Philippines flood-control probe ‘in peril’ after death of public works official

Analysts said the death removes a pivotal witness and exposes weaknesses in how authorities have handled evidence and testimony.

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Official portrait of Department of Public Works and Highways Undersecretary Maria Catalina Cabral, who died on December 19. Photo: Facebook / Department of Public Works and Highways
Official portrait of Department of Public Works and Highways Undersecretary Maria Catalina Cabral, who died on December 19. Photo: Facebook / Department of Public Works and Highways

Health & Environment

Asia’s year of costly climate disasters spurs calls for ‘decisive action’

With Asia accounting for four of the world’s six costliest weather disasters in 2025, experts urge investment in climate resilience.

Politics

Border row aids Anutin as Shinawatras play catch up in Thai election

Caretaker PM Anutin rides nationalist wave over Cambodia; Pheu Thai taps Thaksin’s nephew to revive brand; reformists drop key vows to stay relevant.

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Lifestyle & Culture

How illegal firecrackers ignite a dangerous Philippine new year tradition

Despite decades of regulation, warnings and police raids, Filipinos continue to welcome the new year with explosive celebrations.

Residents watch firecrackers exploding during New Year’s Eve celebrations in Paranaque city, Metro Manila, the Philippines. Photo: Reuters

Politics

Probe into South Korea’s Kim Keon-hee ends with ‘unresolved issues’

Analysts say the findings have raised questions about whether South Korea’s laws can deal with alleged abuses of power by a president’s spouse.

South Korea’s former first lady Kim Keon-hee leaves the Seoul Central District Court in Seocho district on August 12, after attending a court review on her arrest. Photo: Korea Times
South Korea’s former first lady Kim Keon-hee leaves the Seoul Central District Court in Seocho district on August 12, after attending a court review on her arrest. Photo: Korea Times

People

Will Tarique Rahman’s return to Bangladesh ease tensions, restore stability?

Rahman could help consolidate the BNP’s position as the dominant electoral force, while tempering a volatile political climate, analysts say.

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Politics

Najib’s new 1MDB verdict deepens Umno rifts, testing Malaysia’s unity government

The jail term for the former prime minister has reignited grass roots anger and raised questions over Umno’s future inside Anwar’s coalition.

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Economics

Why Myanmar’s junta election cannot hide a collapsing economy

Analysts warn that conflict, power shortages and resource extraction under military rule are pushing Myanmar’s economy further into reverse.

A vendor waits beside bottles of oil at a market in Pyin Oo Lwin, Myanmar. Inflation in the country has reached record highs of about 30 per cent over the past two years. Photo: AFP

People

Nepal probes illegal matchmaking as China cautions citizens over ‘bride buying’

Officials say online brokers are promoting Nepali women to Chinese men, prompting detentions and official warnings.

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Thamel, a commercial neighbourhood in Kathmandu, Nepal, is a hub for tourism in the capital. Photo: Shutterstock
Thamel, a commercial neighbourhood in Kathmandu, Nepal, is a hub for tourism in the capital. Photo: Shutterstock

Economics

Will Philippines’ ‘historic’ US$23 billion education budget make the grade?

Critics are worried that the massive budget would either fall prey to corruption or not be enough to tackle long-standing problems.

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Politics

Corruption, floods and clan wars rock Philippines in 2025

Deepening political feuds, ex-president Duterte’s ICC arrest and the South China Sea dispute have reshaped the Philippine landscape.

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Economics

Thailand’s tourism crown slips as troubles in paradise mount

Border clashes with Cambodia, fierce competition from Malaysia, deadly floods and a strong baht threaten the kingdom’s holiday appeal.

Illustration: Huy Truong
Illustration: Huy Truong

Economics

Southeast Asia’s rich buy sky garages while the middle class lose their homes

As wealthy buyers seek penthouses with living-room supercar parking, struggling families battle banks to keep a roof overhead.

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Health & Environment

6 cyclones, 5 weeks: Philippines can’t escape its endless cycle of disaster

Corruption, complacency and climate chaos conspire to turn the Philippines’ natural hazards into man-made tragedies.

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Politics

‘It’s time for us to rise’: India races to rebuild its lost maritime muscle

India is eyeing a future as a leading shipping and shipbuilding nation, backed by big investments – and expertise from South Korea and Japan.

Illustration: Huy Truong
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LATEST Asia NEWS

Politics

‘Clear advantage’: why return of Zia’s son may influence Bangladesh’s election

Then acting Bangladesh Nationalist Party chairman Tarique Rahman addresses his supporters after his return from London in Dhaka on December 25. Photo: Reuters

Economics

Muslim businesses in China target Malaysia as global halal gateway

A vendor grills skewered meats at the Pasar Eatai Chinese Muslim Festival at 1 Utama Shopping Centre in Kuala Lumpur on Tuesday. Photo: Iman Muttaqin Yusof

Politics

Takaichi is shaping up as Japan’s Thatcher. How long can she last?

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Japan’s Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi prepares to welcome Central Asian leaders during a summit in Tokyo on December 20. Photo: Reuters

Health & Environment

In India, New Delhi’s smog crisis exposes the high price of clean air

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People take part in a protest against lack of action to control air pollution in New Delhi, India, in November. Photo: AP

Southeast Asia

Will Ocean Infinity finally solve the flight MH370 mystery in Indian Ocean?

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A man walks pasts a mural representing the missing Malaysia Airlines flight MH370 at an alley in Shah Alam, near Kuala Lumpur. Photo: AFP
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OPINION
Arnold Puyok

Asian Angle | Sabah’s election proves Malaysians want results, not slogans

Arnold Puyok
JC Punongbayan

Asian Angle | Greed and pork barrel politics fuel the Philippines’ fatal floods

JC Punongbayan
Frances Mangosing

Asian Angle | Is the new Philippines-Germany defence pact built to last?

Frances Mangosing
4
Walter Woon

Opinion | From Singapore to Taiwan, Japan must face its past for Asia’s future

Walter Woon
29
Dien Nguyen An Luong

Asian Angle | Vietnam’s anti-drug police are speaking Gen Z, and it’s working

Dien Nguyen An Luong
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MULTIMEDIA
Video

Filipino fishermen worry about Chinese nature reserve in disputed waters

Filipino fishermen worry about Chinese nature reserve in disputed waters
03:09
Video

Centenarian becomes oldest person to climb Mount Fuji

Centenarian becomes oldest person to climb Mount Fuji
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Cambodia unveils new Chinese-built airport

Cambodia unveils new Chinese-built airport
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Ex-PM Thaksin Shinawatra to serve 1 year in jail

Ex-PM Thaksin Shinawatra to serve 1 year in jail
04:27
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