Southeast Asia in June 2026: the most important developments in politics
Southeast Asia's politics in June 2026 centred on the impeachment of Philippine Vice President Sara Duterte. A pre-trial was set to convene on 18 June, with Senator Panfilo Lacson saying Francis Escudero was expected to serve as presiding officer. Prosecutors questioned Senator Estrada's role and absence from proceedings, and Representative Ridon submitted new evidence that included unlisted assets of the vice president. Lacson suggested a suspension may not stop senators from taking part. On 22 June surprise witnesses were allowed, and the Senate was on track for a 6 July start of the trial. Separately, on 3 June Thaksin Shinawatra was granted a royal pardon and released early from parole, the Thai justice minister confirmed.
The Philippines was also in dispute with China. China imposed sanctions on Defence Secretary Teodoro and his relatives, Pangilinan urged the foreign affairs department to file a protest, and the National Defense College of the Philippines defended Teodoro while asserting the country's rights in the West Philippine Sea. China condemned the Japan-Philippines maritime delimitation near Taiwan. The Philippines sought a first face-to-face meeting between President Marcos and Russian President Putin, and on 15 June Marcos called a special session of Congress to end a legislative deadlock.
Regional diplomacy turned to Russia and China. At the ASEAN-Russia summit marking 35 years of ties, Putin called Vietnam a reliable partner and ally, and discussed energy security and trade in local currencies with Malaysia's Anwar Ibrahim, who called the finalised ASEAN-Russia trade roadmap a good start. Myanmar's foreign minister Tin Maung Swe planned an official visit to China, and Min Aung Hlaing visited the China Railway Construction Corporation. ASEAN was urged to seek the release of Aung San Suu Kyi, while Min Aung Hlaing said Myanmar remains committed to peace and cooperation.
In Indonesia, the former head of President Prabowo's flagship free meal scheme was arrested on 3 June. In Malaysia, former Federal Court judge Nallini Pathmanathan was appointed chair of the Media Council, and the Malaysian Bar called the proposed split of the Attorney General and Public Prosecutor roles long overdue but flawed.
by WorldBrief & Maksim Micheliov | AI-generated summary
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