The Philippines could suffer a setback in its efforts to counter Beijings assertiveness in the South China Sea if the United States shifts its attention from the Indo-Pacific to the Middle East, observers have warned

The decision by a British carrier strike group to dock at a civilian cruise centre instead of a naval base in Singapore during a visit has put into focus Londons priority on soft power and public outreach in the region amid conflict in the Middle East

A former Philippine lawmaker who is accused of orchestrating a political assassination has been arrested in East Timor, in a move that analysts say is a sign of Dilis desire to resolve an extradition dispute with Manila ahead of its expected entry into Asean

China is pushing to forge a powerful new economic bloc with countries across Southeast Asia and the Middle East to counteract rising US protectionism, with some analysts suggesting a prototype for an Asian Union may be taking shape

Southeast Asian economies have signalled their readiness to allow more investments from the Gulf region in sectors such as technology, artificial intelligence and renewable energy, as they look to diversify growth and shield themselves from the impact of US tariffs. In return, the six-member Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) is seeking partners beyond the Middle East to tap its oil wealth as part of its efforts to play a greater role in global growth

Malaysian businesses are eyeing more sales to Gulf nations, whose burgeoning Muslim populations need a wider range of halal products from pet food to cosmetics and are willing to pay trusted sources for them