Category: Asia-Pacific
Coverage of geopolitics, international relations, and current affairs from across Asia-Pacific, including China, India, Southeast Asia, and Pacific nations, with a focus on security, trade, and regional diplomacy.
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Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has led her Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) to a commanding win in Sunday’s (8 February) winter snap election, projected to secure up to 328 of 465 seats in the lower house. With coalition partner Japan Innovation Party (Ishin), Takaichi commands a two-thirds supermajority, allowing her to bypass the upper chamber…
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India’s Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, and Malaysia’s Prime Minister, Anwar Ibrahim, have reaffirmed commitments to expand bilateral trade and strategic cooperation during talks in Putrajaya. The visit marks Modi’s first trip since both nations upgraded ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in August 2024. Both leaders emphasised closer collaboration across emerging technologies, security and economic…
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Thailand is holding a snap general election alongside a nationwide referendum on rewriting the 2017 military-era Constitution, marking a historic “three-in-one” vote. The results will determine whether caretaker Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul remains in power and which party leads government formation. Alongside the parliamentary election, Thai voters are deciding whether to replace the 2017 military-era…
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Voters in Japan are casting ballots in a parliamentary election expected to strengthen Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s conservative governing coalition. The snap election seeks a renewed mandate for policies focused on defence expansion, economic reform, and stricter immigration controls. Opinion polls suggest Takaichi’s Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and the Japan Innovation Party (Ishin) could secure…
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Indonesia’s President Prabowo Subianto and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese have signed a new bilateral security treaty in Jakarta, strengthening defence and strategic cooperation between the two Indo-Pacific neighbours. The agreement builds on earlier security arrangements from 1995 and the 2006 Lombok Treaty, though its full text has not been released. Foreign Minister Penny Wong…
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Singapore has called for stronger international cooperation to counter shadow fleet vessels operating near its waters, amid growing scrutiny of ships suspected of sanctions evasion. In a parliamentary reply, Acting Transport Minister Jeffrey Siow said Singapore fully enforces United Nations Security Council resolutions and rejects illegal maritime activity. He warned that vessels linked to deceptive…
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China’s military has released a concept video showcasing Luanniao, a proposed flying space carrier designed to deploy unmanned fighter jets to near-space and orbital environments. The project forms part of China’s planned Nantianmen (Heavenly Gate) integrated air and space defence system. Experts suggest the concept reflects strategic signalling and long-term military planning rather than an…
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Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government presented the 2026-27 budget, aiming to sustain economic growth amid global market volatility and trade uncertainty. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman highlighted investment in infrastructure, domestic manufacturing, and fiscal prudence. Key developments: • Economic growth forecast: 6.8–7.2% in FY 2026-27, driven by domestic consumption. • Fiscal targets: deficit aimed at 4.3%…
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At least 67 militants were killed on Saturday (31 January) in multiple attacks across Pakistan’s southwestern province of Balochistan, officials said. The assaults also claimed the lives of 10 security personnel and 11 civilians, while 24 police officers were injured. Key developments: • Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi condemned the attacks, praising security forces for repelling…
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Foreign workers in Japan reached a record 2.57 million by end-October 2025, up 11.7% year on year, as labour shortages deepen amid demographic decline, according to health ministry data. The figures were released shortly after Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi announced measures on foreign residents, combining tighter regulation with expanded Japanese-language access. Key developments • Foreign…
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