By Sam Beltran The United States and the Philippines have launched a new military task force designed to expand joint operational planning and coordination – a move analysts say underscores both countries’ determination to strengthen deterrence against Beijing’s growing assertiveness in the South China Sea. While the initiative formalises years of expanding defence ties, observers […]
Read MoreBy Resty Woro Yuniar Indonesia’s anti-corruption watchdog has launched a preliminary investigation into the construction of the US$7.3 billion Jakarta–Bandung High-speed Railway that analysts say could implicate senior figures in the administration of former president Joko Widodo. The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) confirmed last week that it was gathering evidence related to alleged irregularities in […]
Read MoreBy Jean Iau in Singapore Land-scarce Singapore officially remains non-committal about building a nuclear reactor, but experts say all signs point to the city state turning to atomic energy to meet its net-zero goals by 2050. The discourse around civilian nuclear energy has picked up in recent years, with Singapore studying its deployment, developing expertise […]
Read MoreThe US and Cambodia will revive flagship military exercises for the first time in eight years, the latest sign of warming ties following a flurry of deals between the two sides including a Trump-backed peace accord with Thailand. US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth announced the return of the Angkor Sentinel drills after a meeting with […]
Read MoreBEIJING: China’s military said on Saturday it monitored and tracked a joint patrol organized by the Philippines in the disputed South China Sea on October 30 and October 31. Washington and Manila have beefed up military cooperation, unveiling plans on Friday to form a new joint task force for areas including the South China Sea, […]
Read MoreMANILA: Millions of Filipinos thronged cemeteries across the country on Saturday to mark Undas — the All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day celebrations — and take part in traditional serenades and bonfires. The events are part of the observance for some Filipinos, as they continue ancient practices to honor their dead loved ones. For […]
Read MoreBy Sam Beltran With East Timor’s entry into Asean as its 11th member, the youngest country in the region may become a key partner and new ally for the Philippines as Manila gears up to lead the bloc as chair in 2026. Before Sunday’s accession ceremony at the 47th summit of the Association of Southeast […]
Read MoreBy Ralph Jennings in Kuala Lumpur The United States has ramped up efforts to hedge against rare earth export controls by China – the world’s dominant supplier – through agreements signed on Sunday with two Southeast Asian countries, including one that experts believe could deliver results relatively quickly. Memoranda of understanding with Malaysia and Thailand […]
Read MoreKUALA LUMPUR: Myanmar’s military rulers must put an end to the “deplorable” violence inflicted on the population since 2021 and find a “credible path” back to civilian government, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said on Monday. Speaking at a press conference on the sidelines of the ASEAN summit in Kuala Lumpur, Guterres said the military […]
Read MoreBy Iman Muttaqin Yusof When the red, black and yellow flag of East Timor was hoisted alongside the colours of its new Southeast Asian peers inside the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre on Sunday, several Timorese journalists in the media gallery broke into tears. After more than a decade of waiting since it first applied in […]
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