标签： Asia

Israel’s military, stretched thin by its ongoing conflicts in Gaza, the West Bank, Lebanon, Iran, Yemen, and Syria, faces a deepening internal crisis over the conscription of ultra-Orthodox Jews, known as Haredim. Historically exempt from mandatory military service, the Haredim have become a focal point of societal and political tension following a June 2024 Supreme Court ruling that mandated their enlistment. This decision has sparked mass protests, with hundreds of thousands of Haredi men taking to the streets of Jerusalem in October 2025, marking one of the largest demonstrations in years. The issue has placed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in a precarious position, as his governing coalition relies heavily on ultra-Orthodox political parties. The Haredim, numbering around 1.3 million in Israel, represent 13% of the population and are known for their conservative lifestyle, strict adherence to religious laws, and reliance on government subsidies for their yeshivas (religious schools). While some Haredim support Israel’s military actions, others, like the Neturei Karta, oppose secular Zionism on religious grounds. The draft exemption, rooted in a 1948 policy by Israel’s first prime minister, David Ben-Gurion, has long been justified by the belief that Torah study contributes to national security. However, with the Israeli military facing troop shortages and public support for the exemption waning, the government has begun criminal proceedings against draft evaders. The crisis has exacerbated divisions within Netanyahu’s coalition, with ultra-Orthodox parties threatening to withdraw their support. As protests continue and political tensions escalate, the issue of Haredi conscription remains a critical challenge for Israel’s leadership and societal cohesion.

In a startling revelation, Senator Imee Marcos, sister of Philippine President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr., publicly accused him of drug use during a rally in Manila. The allegations were made on November 17, 2025, at the Iglesia Ni Cristo’s ‘Rally for Transparency and a Better Democracy’ held at Quirino Grandstand. Senator Marcos claimed that the President’s drug problem has been a long-standing issue within the family, dating back to their youth. She expressed deep concern for her brother’s wellbeing, urging him to seek professional help and clear drugs from his system. The senator also implicated First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, alleging that both the President and his wife are involved in drug use. This accusation follows similar claims made by former President Rodrigo Duterte a year prior, which President Marcos had dismissed as influenced by Duterte’s reported fentanyl use. As of now, President Marcos has not responded to these latest allegations.

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s recent declaration regarding Taiwan has significantly altered the geopolitical landscape in Asia and beyond. Takaichi’s statement, which underscores Japan’s long-held view that Chinese military actions or a naval blockade on Taiwan could pose an existential threat to Japan, has placed China in a precarious position. Ignoring the statement could be interpreted domestically as tacitly encouraging Taiwan’s independence, while a strong reaction risks escalating tensions. Beijing’s measured response appears designed to deter without provoking a full-blown crisis. Taiwan’s strategic importance, owing to its location, thriving microchip industry, and appeal to overseas Chinese, makes it a focal point in the region. Control over Taiwan would not only sever Japan and South Korea from the rest of Asia but also bolster China’s dominance in the South China Sea, leaving neighboring nations on edge. The underlying question is whether Asia—and eventually the world—will accept China’s rise as a dominant power. If so, China could pursue reunification with Taiwan peacefully; if not, Taiwan’s reunification could be perceived as a threat. China’s security anxieties and disregard for other nations’ concerns complicate its regional ambitions. While the US has historically sought compromises to integrate China into the global order, China’s rejection of these offers has fueled tensions. The concept of Chinese exceptionalism, akin to American exceptionalism, further complicates its international relations. Without a clear global mission, China’s actions, particularly regarding Taiwan, are viewed as disruptive. President Xi Jinping’s “Global Governance Initiative” aims to address this gap, but its success hinges on balancing China’s interests with global norms. As China navigates its complex regional and global challenges, its ability to compromise and adapt will determine its future role on the world stage.