Why paper straws are worse than plastic; Japan’s ‘silver divorce’ rise: 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. Filipinos split on Marcos’ sea handling amid row over Chinese envoy’s remarks

Filipinos are almost evenly divided over the Marcos administration’s handling of the maritime dispute with China, even as nearly three in four favour diplomacy over confrontation, according to a new survey.

2. Paper straws worse for the environment than plastic, South Korea study finds

Paper straws, widely promoted as an eco-friendly alternative to plastic, may actually have a greater environmental impact than conventional plastic straws, according to a South Korean government-commissioned study that has renewed debate over whether switching materials truly reduces waste.

3. Malaysian teen arrested after live-streaming axe attack on teacher in class

Malaysian police have arrested a 16-year-old student after he live-streamed an attack on a teacher with an axe at a private school in Kuching, the capital of Sarawak state.

4. Why more Japanese women are choosing ‘silver divorce’ after decades of marriage

Ayumi lives alone in a spacious suburban house originally bought to raise a family, her two cats now her only full-time companions. Her two daughters have grown up and left home, and her husband of more than two decades moved out nearly a year ago as they finalise a divorce.

5. Singapore hits back over claims it rigged Indonesia’s stock market crash

Singapore’s state investors Temasek and GIC have denied involvement in Indonesia’s looming MSCI reclassification, following accusations that the city state’s sovereign wealth funds were pulling strings behind the scenes for their own gain.

6. Why a Gen Z jet-setter’s appointment struck a nerve in the Philippines

A Gen Z jet-setter in the Philippines has been named commissioner for the urban poor, raising eyebrows over her qualifications for a position dealing with issues such as food and housing insecurity.

7. Indonesia haze: why Jakarta won’t declare wildfires a national disaster

Indonesia’s government has resisted mounting calls to declare widespread forest and land fires a national disaster, insisting it can handle the crisis alone as residents report worsening health impacts and disaster experts warn that a broader, coordinated response is needed.