Malaysia’s US$24 million Gaza aid pledge tests solidarity amid cost-of-living crisis

By Joseph Sipalan Malaysia’s plan to send 100 million ringgit (US$24 million) in aid to Gaza has become a lightning rod for economic anxieties as Malaysians weigh their long-standing support for war-ravaged Palestinians against mounting frustrations over spiralling living costs and government austerity measures. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim announced the humanitarian package late on Sunday, […]

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Filipinos worry Chinese online claims to Batanes risk real-world conflict

By Sam Beltran Concerns are growing in the Philippines over Beijing’s intentions towards Batanes, the country’s northernmost province, after a spike in Chinese social media claims and unusual coastguard patrols near the archipelago, with analysts warning these narratives could influence public opinion and complicate Manila’s security calculations. On the Chinese platform Douyin, some users have […]

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China’s Coast Guard warns Philippines to immediately cease ‘provocations’

HONG KONG: China’s Coast Guard spokesperson Gan Yu warned the Philippines on Friday to immediately cease “provocations and hype,” saying that its vessels approached a Chinese Coast Guard ship “in an unprofessional and dangerous manner.” The Chinese Coast Guard would carry out protection of rights and law enforcement in the waters of Second Thomas Shoal […]

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Court acquits Thailand’s former premier Thaksin Shinawatra in royal insult case

A court in Thailand on Friday dismissed a royal insult case against influential former premier Thaksin Shinawatra, the billionaire and his lawyer said, the first in a series of high-stakes rulings involving the powerful Shinawatra dynasty. The criminal court in Bangkok has yet to publicly announce the decision. “The case was dismissed,” Thaksin told reporters […]

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Philippines assures China of restraint after ship clashes – will tensions ease?

By Raissa Robles Maritime tensions between the Philippines and China have entered what analysts describe as a risky and potentially volatile phase after an accidental collision between two Chinese vessels near Scarborough Shoal, one of the most contested features in the South China Sea. The rare mishap involving the vessels from the Chinese coastguard and […]

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Philippines reports Chinese ship surge at Scarborough Shoal after ‘embarrassing’ collision

By Jeoffrey Maitem The Philippine government has reported a marked increase in Chinese maritime activity near Scarborough Shoal, intensifying a stand-off over the disputed South China Sea atoll. Officials in Manila have characterised the build-up as an attempt by Beijing to reassert control after two Chinese ships collided last week during a chase involving a […]

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RBC meeting sees Thais raise demining, scam centres, Cambodia urges removal of barricades

Today’s August 16 Cambodia-Thailand Regional Border Committee (RBC) meeting saw both sides agree on importance of closer communication, while Cambodia called for Thai forces to halt the installation of barbed wire on Cambodian territory. The meeting, held in Trat Province, Thailand, was led by Lieutenant General Uy Hieng, commander of Cambodia’s Military Region 3, and […]

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