ASIA BLOG: Which side leading Asian nations would back if Iran VS Israel escalates

In the event of an escalation, Beijing would likely call for restraint and push for a negotiated settlement. It may be doing so already behind the scenes. However, its silence or perceived tilt towards Tehran could provoke criticism from the West.

Malaysia backs Iran’s retaliation against Israel, markets in Asia react

In a bold diplomatic stance, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim declared Malaysia’s support for Iran’s retaliation against Israel, citing the country’s right to defend its national dignity.

What the Iran-Israel war could mean for much of Asia

From energy security and trade disruptions to political polarisation and rising tensions among Muslim-majority nations such as Indonesia, Malaysia and nuclear armed Pakistan, the consequences for Asia could reshape regional dynamics.

COMMENT: What Japan, Southeast Asia and the US can expect from South Korea’s new president

While he has not shied away from criticising Tokyo, Lee has sensibly signalled a willingness to compartmentalise some issues in order to foster cooperation on trade, technology and regional security.

ASIA BLOG: How US tariffs are driving Asia closer to itself – and China

What’s striking right now is how ASEAN is operating on two levels. Publicly, it champions inclusivity and dialogue. Privately, it’s hedging harder than ever.

COMMENT: Asian unity in a fragmenting world boosted by the RCEP

In the face of renewed US protectionism and the use of tariffs as economic weapons, RCEP offers the Indo-Pacific region something far more strategic: a framework for resilience, integration and independence.

COMMENT: Asia's team lists in the Washington VS Beijing bout

While fewer in number, some Asian nations have displayed clear signs of alignment or strategic proximity to China.

COMMENT: US Defence Secretary Hegseth tells Asian countries war with China “could be imminent”

US Secretary for Defence Pete Hegseth put the cat amongst the pigeons during a speech at the at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore on May 31, by telling the leading Asian countries they should join with the US and get ready for war with China.

BERTRAND: ASEAN, GCC countries and China come together, forming the world’s largest economic bloc

China, the countries of South-East Asia (ASEAN) and the Arab states (GCC) just held a summit in Kuala Lumpur to forge what could become the world's largest economic bloc, covering everything from free trade agreements to de-dollarisation.

COMMENT: The Philippines – an Asian nation closer to the US than its regional neighbours

The Philippines is a bit of an oddball in Southeast Asia: a country economically tethered to the United States through deep-rooted historical, political and financial ties, yet it consistently ranks as one of the least democratic nations in Asia.

Combined effort to tackle Asian climate change gaining momentum

Over the past five years Asia has witnessed unprecedented heatwaves, with countries like Bangladesh recording temperatures up to 43.8°C in 2024, leading to nationwide school closures affecting tens of millions of children

Gulf States, China dominate ASEAN Summit with a pledge to strengthen ties

Meeting in the Malaysian capital, Kuala Lumpur, the GCC, China and the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations issued a joint declaration committing to “chart a unified and collective path towards a peaceful, prosperous and just future.

US tariffs: threat or opportunity for ASEAN’s clean energy ambitions?

In April, when US President Donald Trump announced steep import tariffs targeting a swathe of sectors, reigniting concerns among many ASEAN countries that have flourished under the China+1 strategy.

COMMENT: Vying for influence in Southeast Asia – Russia VS America

Although both nations have engaged with the region historically and continue to do so in the present day, their roles, influence, and staying power differ markedly.

Former Philippines leader Duterte seeks removal of ICC judges over jurisdiction dispute

In a detailed 11-page submission dated May 12, Duterte’s chief lawyer Nicholas Kaufman requested the removal of Pre-Trial Chamber 1 Judges Rene Adelaide Alapini-Gansou and Maria del Socorro Flores Liera.

South Korea, ASEAN launch first joint economic think-tank talks

ASEAN, comprising Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam, has become an increasingly vital partner for Korea in recent years.

Bloodshed and disruption overshadow the Philippines midterm elections

Since the beginning of May, at least 21 people have been killed in BARMM, including five on election day. According to data from Climate Conflict Action Asia, election-related violence since October 2024 has left 239 dead and 172 others injured.

COMMENT: China’s quiet power play in Southeast Asia

Widespread vote-buying and fake voters mar Philippine midterm elections

Massive vote-buying and the re-emergence of fraudulent voters have cast doubt over the integrity of the recent midterm elections in the Philippines, with reports surfacing from various provinces across Mindanao, Visayas, and Luzon.

Duterte wins mayoral race in Philippines - from ICC detention facility

Election day was marked by long queues in 33°C heat, reports of voting machine issues, and isolated incidents of violence. Showbiz-style campaigns once again dominated over issues like inflation and infrastructure.