Malaysia’s US$500 million warship, Philippines’ Pax Silica AI hub: 7 Asia highlights

We have selected seven stories from the SCMP’s coverage of Asia over the past week that resonated with our readers and shed light on topical issues. If you would like to see more of our reporting, please consider subscribing.1. Malaysia’s US$500 million warship set for delivery, minus the missilesMalaysia’s navy is preparing to take delivery of a warship fully equipped for anti-submarine, anti-air and electronic warfare – everything, that is, except a way to sink an enemy ship.2. Did fear of the US force Indonesia’s ‘slap in the face’ to Iran?The grave of Iran’s former supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, is seen inside the Imam Reza shrine in the city of Mashhad, Iran, on July 10. Photo: Iranian Supreme Leader Office/EPAWhen Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was laid to rest in Tehran earlier this month, Indonesia, home to more Muslims than any other nation on Earth, decided to send only its ambassador – at first.3. Philippines’ Pax Silica AI hub plan slammed for mineral ‘plunder’Protesters hold a rally against the US-led Pax Silica project and defence deals between the US and the Philippines in Manila on July 4. Photo: EPAOn a 1,620-hectare (4,000 acres) site north of Manila, Philippine and US officials are pitching a hi-tech hub as a global gateway to AI, semiconductors and critical minerals.4. Bali’s ‘big leap’: from holiday paradise to international financial centreDancers perform the sacred Rejang dance during Kuningan holiday in Bali, Indonesia. Photo: APIndonesia is pushing ahead to transform the holiday island of Bali into an international financial centre, with its parliament set to debate new laws this week while a key conference set out targets and cited models such as Hong Kong as an example.5. How India’s ‘practical’ alliances could reshape Indo-Pacific securityIndian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Australian counterpart Anthony Albanese pose for a picture in the stands at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on July 10. Photo: ReutersIndia is stepping up engagement with Indo-Pacific middle powers as uncertainty grows over the future of US security commitments in Asia, with analysts saying New Delhi is building a web of partnerships that allows countries with different strategic interests to cooperate without joining a formal alliance.6. ‘Very worried’: US campaign against ICC leaves Japan in a bindJapan has voiced concern about the United States’ campaign against the International Criminal Court (ICC), exposing a diplomatic bind for Tokyo as it seeks to defend a tribunal it has long championed without provoking its most important security ally.7. Singapore cabinet minister resigns over inappropriate interactions with womanSingapore’s acting Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs Muhammad Faishal Ibrahim has resigned from the cabinet and parliament following inappropriate interactions he had with a woman that resulted in harassment accusations by both parties.Further Reading