30/03/2026

MONDAY | MAR 30, 2026

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Singapore will not choose sides, says PM Wong

o City-state to pursue open, inclusive approach

cooperation with both countries. “It is also true for Asean, and that is why it is important for us to engage them actively, not just bilaterally, but also in shaping regional affairs,” he said. On the conflicts in West Asia, Wong said he and his counterparts from Malaysia, Australia, New Zealand and Hong Kong share deep concern about the situation, in particular regarding the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. “Everyone in Asia is very concerned, because as you all know, the Strait of Hormuz is a critical source from which oil and gas in Asia is consumed. “Long-term blockage of the strait will have an impact on supplies and we are talking downstream supplies in a whole range of industries, not just in the oil markets.” – Bernama

and New Zealand during the Asean Summit each year. “That is Asean’s way. We want to engage all of the major powers, even if they have challenges among themselves, we engage them in positive, constructive dialogue, engagement, and we continue to find common ground to deepen our cooperation. “This is a consensus among Asean countries that we do not want to choose sides and we want to continue to keep our region open and inclusive,” he told reporters at a press conference on Saturday to wrap up his four-day official visit to China. A video of the press conference is available on the Channel News Asia YouTube page. According to Wong, Singapore sees China and Japan as equally important partners to the republic and acknowledges the importance to continue strengthening its

Nepal arrests former energy minister KATHMANDU: Nepal’s former energy minister Deepak Khadka was arrested yesterday as part of an investigation into money laundering, police said. The announcement came a day after ex prime minister KP Sharma Oli and former home minister Ramesh Lekhak were arrested over alleged roles in a crackdown on anti-corruption protesters in September. Khadka “was arrested this morning in a case relating to money laundering”, said Central Investigation Bureau spokesman Shiva Kumar Shrestha. Nepal’s Department of Money Laundering Investigation will oversee the probe, he said. The youth-led uprising in September began over a brief social media ban but grew to include longstanding frustration over corruption and economic hardship. At least 76 people were killed in a crackdown on Sept 8 and 9, according to a commission. Demonstrators set fire to the parliament building and government offices, and eventually brought down Oli’s administration. Khadka’s residence was set ablaze, and videos went viral showing protesters throwing cash found in his home up into the air. Nepal held elections this month that the Rastriya Swatantra Party won by a landslide. Its leader, Balendra Shah, formally took office as prime minister on Friday. The government unveiled an ambitious 100 point agenda for governance reform on Saturday, including a plan to form an investigation committee to look into the assets of politicians and high-ranking state employees. The same day, Oli and Lekhak were arrested. A government-backed inquiry commission had previously recommended that Oli and other officials be prosecuted for neglect after not acting to stop security forces from firing on protesters. – Reuters Former home minister Lekhak walks out from Kathmandu District Office of the Attorney yesterday. – REUTERSPIC ISTANBUL: Australian states of Victoria and Tasmania announced yesterday free public transport services in response to rising fuel prices. Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan said the state government would make all public transport services free for a month from tomorrow, local broadcaster SBS News reported. She said that the measure would make it more affordable for people to choose public transport amid a spike in fuel prices. Tasmanians will benefit from even a longer period of free public transport, with free travel on buses and ferries until June 30. Neither the Victorian nor Tasmanian governments has indicated that the measures will become permanent. In contrast, New South Wales, Western Australia, Queensland and South Australia have ruled out following the suit as their governments said they are focusing on other forms of cost-of living relief. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said his government will underwrite the purchase of essential products. – Bernama Victoria, Tasmania offer free rides

SINGAPORE: Prime Minister Lawrence Wong said Singapore and Asean will continue to pursue an open and inclusive approach in engaging major global powers, refusing to take sides amid growing geopolitical tensions between the East and the West. He said Asean adopts an omnidirectional approach, emphasising constructive dialogue and cooperation with all major powers. Wong noted that this is reflected in Asean led platforms such as Asean Plus Three, which brings together China, Japan and South Korea, as well as broader engagement with dialogue partners including Australia

ALL IN THE FAMILY ... Korean families run with strollers during the Seoul Stroller Run, a family-focused 8km event hosted by the Seoul Metropolitan Government, in central Seoul on Saturday. – AFPPIC

Manila, Beijing resume talks MANILA: The Philippines and China resumed high-level talks over the disputed South China Sea, exploring preliminary steps toward oil and gas cooperation while addressing energy and fertiliser supply issues, the Philippine Foreign Ministry said.

countries’ foreign ministers are planned for later this year. Beijing’s claims over the South China Sea overlap with the exclusive economic zones of Southeast Asian nations, including the Philippines. Maritime confrontations have heightened tensions, with Manila accusing Beijing of “dangerous manoeuvres”and deploying water cannon to interfere with its resupply missions in contested areas. A 2016 international arbitral ruling invalidated China’s claims but Beijing has refused to acknowledge the decision. The meeting also marked the first broader discussion on bilateral relations since March 2023, aimed at fostering maritime cooperation and confidence-building, the Philippine ministry said. – Reuters

stable energy and fertiliser access. The talks come after President Ferdinand Marcos Jr declared a state of national energy emergency earlier last week, citing oil supply disruptions and announcing efforts to diversify fuel imports, including sourcing from China. The talks also addressed renewable energy, agriculture, trade, and potential people-to people initiatives, such as visa-free travel and direct air routes, the ministry said. The Philippines said both sides “continued to make progress” to shore up confidence at sea, including communication between their coast guards. In a separate statement, Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Sun Weidong called for “concrete actions” from the Philippines to improve ties. Further consultations between the

The 11th round of talks last week under a bilateral consultation mechanism established in 2017 was the first such meeting since January 2025. Manila “firmly reiterated its principled positions”, raising concerns about incidents threatening Filipino personnel and fishermen, and underscoring the importance of diplomacy, communication and adherence to international law, the ministry said in a statement. Both sides discussed initial exchanges on oil and gas cooperation and emphasised