Politics

Singapore held on to the No. 2 spot in the World Bank's latest Ease of Doing Business survey.
Business

Thailand and Vietnam jump in business-friendliness ranking

Asia's emerging economies the place to be, according to the World Bank

1 November 2017
Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, right, welcomes Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte before a meeting at the prime minister's official residence on Oct. 30.
Politics

Countering China, Abe agrees $9bn aid package with Duterte

Dealing with North Korea a common issue for Japan, Philippines

30 October 2017
Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte gestures during Change of Command ceremonies of the Armed Forces of the Philippines on October 26, 2017.
Politics

Duterte arrives in Tokyo to solidify ties with Abe

As domestic turmoil settles, Philippine leader looks to maintain diplomatic momentum with Japan

30 October 2017
South Korean Trade Minister Kim Hyun-chong speaks at the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership meeting in Incheon, South Korea on Oct. 24. (Courtesy of South Korean Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy)
Economy

RCEP deal unlikely this year: South Korean official

Participants snagged over how much to open their markets in trade pact

27 October 2017
Eagle Cement is building a new line at its plant near Manila.
Economy

Building boom breathes new life into Philippine industries

Materials makers stepping up to meet government's infrastructure ambitions

26 October 2017
ASEAN foreign ministers attend the closing ceremony of the 50th ASEAN Regional Forum in Manila in August.
Politics

Bilahari Kausikan: ASEAN must work harder to stay 'central'

The balance of regional vs. national interests is becoming trickier to maintain

26 October 2017
Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte
Economy

Duterte declares victory against terrorists in Mindanao

Marawi City in ruins as campaign against Islamic extremists goes on

26 October 2017
This is one of the two Beechcraft TC-90 training aircraft that Japan's Ministry of Defense is giving to the Philippine military.
International relations

Japan to donate 5 navy training aircraft to Philippines

Deal marks first donation of used defense equipment under revised law

26 October 2017
From left, Michael Green, Tang Siew Mun, Masanori Nishi, Yoji Koda, Zack Cooper and Julio Amador Ⅲ attend a panel discussion of the Asia–Pacific Geo-Economic Strategy Forum in Singapore on Oct. 25. (Photo by Takaki Kashiwabara)
Politics

Experts call for ASEAN unity on South China Sea

US still plays critical role in security, but needs to clarify strategy

25 October 2017
China's Liaoning aircraft carrier with accompanying fleet conducting a drill in an area of the South China Sea.
Politics

Inaugural ASEAN-China naval drill underway

Singapore says maritime exercise will build trust and confidence amid sea dispute

24 October 2017
Stream article image
Asia Insight

Duterte's Marawi crisis ends but fires of extremism still burn

Philippines faces threat of reprisals as ASEAN neighbors fear spread of violence

24 October 2017
ASEAN Defense chiefs, led by Philippine Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, center, link arms at the start of the ASEAN Defense Ministers Meeting Monday, Oct. 23, 2017 in Clark Freeport.
Politics

ASEAN defense ministers lock in against terrorism and other common threats

Call for denuclearization of Korean Peninsula, self-restraint in South China Sea, respect for UN

24 October 2017
Philippine Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, left, and Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff Eduardo Ano announce the end of combat operations in Marawi City on the sidelines of the ASEAN Defense Ministers' Meeting on Oct. 23. (Photo by Cliff Venzon)
Politics

Philippines declares end of 5-month battle with IS in Marawi City

Defense minister says martial law in Mindanao will be reviewed

23 October 2017
A patrol boat provided to the Philippines by Japan. (Photo courtesy of the Japan Coast Guard)
International relations

Japan Coast Guard quietly helps Asian nations counter China

Offer of patrol vessels and training bolster security in the South China Sea

21 October 2017
Local government workers and soldiers walk past a battle-damaged town hall in Marawi on Oct. 19 after government troops cleared the area from pro-Islamic State militant groups.
Politics

After Marawi, no room for complacency

The Philippine government must follow military victory over Islamist terrorists with renewed peace moves

20 October 2017
A Philippine soldier checks his mobile phone in front of damaged houses and buildings as troops continue clearing operations against a pro-IS militant group that seized the Mapandi district in Marawi City, in the southern Philippines.
Politics

Philippine President Duterte declares Marawi City liberated

Military says hunt for remaining Islamist militants to continue

17 October 2017
Soliders in the southern Philippines distributed photos in February of Isnilon Hapilon, the head of Islamist militant group Abu Sayyaf, who was killed by the Philippine military in a predawn raid on Monday. The U.S. government had a bounty of $5 million for his capture.
Politics

Philippine military kills IS-linked leaders in Southeast Asia

Predawn raid in Marawi City seen as key victory

16 October 2017
A Philippine soldier stands guard in front of damaged buildings in Marawi City on Sept. 4.
Economy

Foreign investors grow wary of committing to Philippines

Poor infrastructure and disruption to order turning off investors

12 October 2017
Special forces of the Royal Malaysian Air Force perform a drill during the launch of trilateral air patrols at an air force base in Subang, outside Kuala Lumpur.
Politics

Southeast Asian countries launch trilateral air patrols

Indonesia, Malaysia and Philippines expand joint terrorist surveillance

12 October 2017
Protesters taking part in the Philippine's National Day of Protest burn an image of President Rodrigo Duterte in Manila on Sept. 21.
Politics

Richard Heydarian: Fading criticism allows Duterte to continue his violent drug war

Opposition at home is not enough to change the Philippine president's tack

12 October 2017
ASEAN foreign ministers attend the closing ceremony of the 50th ASEAN Regional Forum in Manila in August.
Politics

Growing complexities threaten ASEAN consensus politics

Countries struggle to balance group and national interests

11 October 2017
Filipino workers in Cambodia surround President Rodrigo Duterte during his visit in December 2016.
Economy

Duterte creates Overseas Filipino Bank

Streamlining state banks to support key economic drivers

10 October 2017
Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte's net satisfaction rating from the public fell during the third quarter to the lowest of his presidency.
Politics

Duterte's public support falls amid killings in drug war

Philippine president's satisfaction, trust scores slip from high levels

9 October 2017
Rohingya refugees from Myanmar get off a boat after crossing into Bangladesh through the Bay of Bengal on Sept. 11.
Politics

Regional risks are brewing in Bangladesh's Rohingya camps

Left unchecked, the refugee crisis could could fan terrorism and social unrest

5 October 2017
A man watches a TV screen showing file footage of a North Korean missile launch and the country's leader Kim Jong Un in Seoul on Sept. 15.
Politics

World Bank warns of 'serious economic consequences' if North Korea dispute escalates

Possible armed conflict cited as downside risk to Asian growth

4 October 2017