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TOPIC COLLECTION

Asia

Included topics:
A visitor takes photos of Tokyo’s skyline. File photo: AP
Japan

Japanese national back home after Iran detention

While the person, detained last year, is now free, another Japanese national - said to be a journalist - has been in custody since January.

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Asia housing and property

The View | War-induced interest rate shocks unlikely to upset Asia’s property markets

The Philippines

US eyes a Philippine ammo facility as opposition warns of ‘warmongering’

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Indonesia will not pay US$1 billion fee for Trump’s ‘Board of Peace’: Prabowo

Indonesia’s president denies making any financial commitments and warns Jakarta will quit the board if it fails Palestinians.

US President Donald Trump shakes hands with Indonesia’s President Prabowo Subianto at the “Board of Peace” meeting in Davos on January 22. Photo: AFP

Trump’s change of plans, Takaichi mocked in China: 5 weekend reads

From why Trump delayed his meeting with Xi to a pop culture festival in Hong Kong, here are five stories you may have missed over the weekend.

Markets brace for rate hikes as Iran war and US$100 oil stoke tightening fears

The European Central Bank has become more hawkish, reverting to wording that analysts say often precedes interest-rate increases.

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Most Japanese oppose helping Trump fight his war on Iran, polls show

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi says she has explained to Trump that there are limits to what Japan can do due to legal constraints.

Donald Trump and Sanae Takaichi talk in the Oval Office of the White House on Saturday. Photo: White House/Planet Pix/Zuma Press Wire/dpa

South Korea’s hurry-hurry spirit keeps killing its factory workers

Nine of the 14 people killed in Friday’s factory fire in Daejeon died in a room that did not officially exist.

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BTS’ South Korea comeback crowd disappoints, triggering stock sell-off

The reunion concert drew 104,000 fans – less than half the 260,000 police had expected.

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Should wives always obey? Most in Malaysia and Indonesia say yes

A new study also shows 64 per cent of respondents in Singapore agree that efforts to give women equal rights with men ‘have gone far enough’.

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A Malaysian couple hold hands. A new study has found that 60 per cent of respondents from Malaysia agreed with the statement that “a wife should always obey her husband”. Photo: Shutterstock

Hong Kong stocks see steepest drop in nearly a year on rate and Iran worries

Hang Seng Index slumps as investors brace for tighter monetary policy, with oil shock and war risks darkening sentiment.

The Hang Seng Index tumbled 3.5 per cent on Monday. Photo: Jelly Tse

Malaysia’s fuel subsidy bill jumps to US$811 million amid Iran war

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said monthly fuel subsidies surged more than fourfold as the conflict chokes global supply routes.

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North Korea reappoints Kim Jong-un as supreme leader

State media said the decision to re-elect Kim to the ‘top post’ reflected ‘the unanimous will and desire of all the Korean people’.

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Can Japan offer Indonesia a ‘credible alternative’ to China on Prabowo’s visit?

Defence and minerals to dominate the agenda as Tokyo offers hi-tech warships and energy pacts to secure Indonesia as a ‘trusted partner’.

Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto waves during the 28th Asean-Japan Summit in Kuala Lumpur last year. Photo: AP

Open Questions | Trump-Xi summits: an inside view with US ex-diplomat William Klein

Former diplomat posted to Beijing speaks on Iran, Taiwan and global supply chains as details of Xi-Trump meeting are worked out.

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Illustration: Victor Sanjinez

Amid Iran war, Hongkongers choose short-haul high-speed rail trips

With war raging in the Middle East, tickets for mainland Chinese destinations are being snapped up.

Vietnam PM visits Russia to sign energy deal amid Iran war disruption

Since the US-Israel war against Iran began, the cost of 95-octane petrol and diesel in Vietnam has soared by 50 per cent and 70 per cent respectively.

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Philippines will allow use of dirtier, cheaper fuel amid US-Iran war

The ‌Philippines has taken steps such as shortening the work week and providing ⁠fuel subsidies to counter the impact of rising costs.

Protesters opposing fuel price hikes walk along a road in Manila, Philippines, on Friday. Photo: EPA-EFE

Hong Kong firms face profit squeeze as US importers cut orders amid oil crisis

City’s business leaders also say government should bolster ties with Central Asia and Asean nations to diversify market risks.

Rodent trip: hamster hitches ride on bus to Sha Tin

Golden brown Syrian hamster spotted by a passenger on KMB bus from Central.

Trump’s biggest cheerleader? Why Japan’s Takaichi is making waves in China

White House photo of Japanese prime minister apparently dancing to a band draws derision on Chinese social media.

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Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi reacts to the music as she arrives for a state dinner, at the White House on March 19. Photo: Handout

Why India faces dilemma over Iran war while seeking ‘diplomatic flexibility’

India has to carefully navigate the fallout from the war, given its huge stakes in the Middle East, analysts say.

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Iranians stand next to damaged residential buildings in southern Tehran on March 15 amid ongoing US-Israeli attacks against Iran. Photo: EPA

Vietnam protests as China’s Paracels build-up escalates at Antelope Reef

Satellite images suggest accelerated dredging at the disputed South China Sea reef, sparking formal complaint from Hanoi.

Philippine military uncovers alleged new China spy tactics in sea row

China called the allegations ‘malicious smears’ after three people were arrested on suspicion of leaking sensitive information to foreigners.

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Japan may send ‘top level’ minesweepers to Hormuz after ceasefire

Foreign Minister Motegi also announced the release and return of one of the two Japanese nationals previously detained in Iran.

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A Japanese Maritime Self-Defence Force’s minesweeper makes a port call in Cambodia last year. Photo: Kyodo

Pet owners evacuating UAE urge Hong Kong to loosen 120-day quarantine leash

Pet owners call on authorities to relax ‘excessive’ quarantine rules for Dubai, saying requirement makes returning to Hong Kong unfeasible.

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Some Hongkongers have set up a WhatsApp group to seek advice on getting their pets to safety. Photo: Getty Images

‘Super-aged’ Singapore’s secret to growing old well? Stay busy

Forget doing nothing. At the city state’s active hubs, the soundtrack to ageing is sewing machines, exercise bikes and guitar lessons.

China will stockpile critical resources and boost energy supply security

Beijing boosts economic self-reliance and long-term stability as a matter of ‘national security’ while Middle East conflicts continue.

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Asia
The latest news, analysis and opinion on Asia. In-depth analysis, industry insights and expert opinion.