Politics
‘We’re united’: thousands rally in Malaysia in support of Palestine as war rages
About 15,000 people, including former PM Muhyiddin Yassin, gathered at the national mosque in Kuala Lumpur to condemn Israel’s offensive in Gaza.
Analysis | Why Qatar, Egypt and Turkey are struggling to mediate the Israel-Hamas war
Brokering a ceasefire appears all but impossible amid the escalating violence, as fears grow of a massive humanitarian crisis – and Israel vows to wipe the Palestinian militant group ‘off the face of the Earth’.
Hamas’ surprise attack on Israel has South Korea reassessing its own security
South Korea’s defence establishment has been closely monitoring the Israel-Hamas war, amid concerns Pyongyang could copy Hamas by using its massive stockpile of weapons to launch a surprise attack.
Philippine lawmaker hopes to turn South China Sea islands into tourism hotspot
The Kalayaan group of islands is located more than 450km (280 miles) west of Palawan, a province facing the South China Sea.
2 Malaysian suspects behind Bali bombings may return home subject to plea deals
Two Malaysian suspects behind the 2002 Bali bombings could return home subject to talks with US authorities on their plea deals.
Indigenous rights in focus as Australia, New Zealand head to separate votes
‘Profoundly dangerous’ misinformation has brought racial issues to the forefront of both polls, resulting in ‘nasty’ election tone and exposing racial divides.
Philippines’ ex-president Duterte says Israel should ‘pulverise Gaza’
He also said if he were Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, he would ‘pulverise Gaza and make it the biggest cemetery in the world’.
In U-turn, Philippine navy acknowledges gunboat presence near Scarborough Shoal
The Philippines’ confirmation comes after it previously said it had no security presence in the Scarborough Shoal, amid deepening tensions over the waterway.
Indonesia’s peace broker reputation at stake amid Myanmar arms sales allegations
Indonesia’s defence sector has flatly denied allegations it sold weapons to Myanmar’s junta in violation of a UN resolution, but observers say the use of offshore third parties could have allowed the sales to continue.
Explainer | Could the Israel-Hamas war become multi-front involving Iran and Hezbollah?
The Israel-Hamas war is set to put the region on a knife-edge with risks of escalation involving Iran, its Lebanon-based ally Hezbollah and even others.
China ‘respectful’ of Australian concerns about East Timor pact: Ramos-Horta
Mention of defence exchanges in Dili and Beijing’s new comprehensive strategic partnership prompted Australian politicians to voice concerns about the pact.
Israel-Hamas war divides Southeast Asia as trade, religion determine responses
Singapore ‘strongly’ condemned the attacks on Israel, while politicians in Malaysia and Indonesia came down firmly on the Palestinians’ side.
Is ‘India Out’ of the Maldives as China-friendly leader Muizzu takes charge?
President-elect Mohamed Muizzu has made it a priority to cut Indian presence from the Maldives, diluting New Delhi’s ‘first responder’ role in the country’s foreign policy.
Indonesia’s Prabowo to ensure ‘continuity’ if he becomes president, brother says
‘Continuity’ means Indonesia will remain neutral amid ‘great-power competition’, says Hashim Djojohadikusumo at the Post’s Hong Kong-Asean Summit 2023.
Asean doesn’t want to be ‘forced to choose sides’, says Thai deputy PM
In a keynote speech at the Post’s Hong Kong-Asean Summit 2023, Thailand’s deputy prime minister Parnpree Bahiddha-Nukara said unity among Asean members can help ‘preserve regional peace and stability’.
Singapore, Hong Kong can work together to become ‘shining cities’: Tan See Leng
Speaking at the Post’s Hong Kong-Asean Summit 2023, Singapore’s minister for manpower said both cities can leverage their unique strengths to attract fresh talent without necessarily needing to compete.
European milk makers hurting over tariffs look to leave Thailand
Thailand’s lucrative dairy sector could come under threat as European manufacturers call on Bangkok to cut tariffs or face job losses and an exodus of operations.
Will Philippine VP’s Beijing-friendly remarks blunt Manila’s South China Sea policy?
Philippine politicians are questioning whether President Ferdinand Marcos Jnr and Vice-President Sara Duterte are united on Manila’s approach towards China.
‘Always harassed’: the Filipino fishermen ensnared by South China Sea geopolitics
The tussle between China and the Philippines has strangled Filipino fishermen’s access to the fishing grounds which have sustained their community for generations.
Li Ka-shing hails Hong Kong and Singapore’s growth path in Lee Kuan Yew tribute
Hong Kong’s richest man commended Lee’s commitment to the people in his video message, adding he missed his ‘old friend’.