How monarchies stay relevant; Pakistan’s new defence pact: 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. How Southeast Asia’s monarchies stay relevant in a volatile region

The kings in Thailand, Cambodia, Malaysia and Brunei have to be attuned to societal or economic changes to survive, analysts say.
2. ‘Islamic Nato’? Why Pakistan’s new defence pact has India on edge

A...