Latest Stories
Indonesia Ready to Temporarily Shelter Palestinians From Gaza, President Says
Prabowo Subianto has embarked on a trip to five Middle Eastern countries, during which the issue of Gaza is expected to feature prominently.
Myanmar Junta’s Affirms December Election Despite Earthquake Chaos
The biggest obstacle to the election will not be damage from the disaster but rather the fraught political position that prevails in much of the country.
Regulating Timber Plantations Key to Protecting Land Rights in Malaysia
Timber plantations have now become the greatest threat to the Malaysian rainforest and its Indigenous residents.
With Rutte Visit, Japan and NATO Seek ‘Next Level’ of Cooperation
Two major themes emerged: the interconnectedness of threats facing Europe and the Indo-Pacific and the importance of defense industrial cooperation.
From Revolution to Reform: The BNP’s Uphill Battle in a New Bangladesh
Despite its historical popularity, the party is losing ground due to a combination of internal weaknesses, external pressures, and shifting public expectations.
Halting the BRI Won’t Be Enough to Stop China’s Spreading Influence in Central America
While Panama’s withdrawal from the Belt and Road Initiative is a significant gesture, the actual consequences of this decision should be carefully evaluated.
Most Read
Taking Stock of China’s Polar Fleet
China’s maritime capabilities in the Arctic remain limited, but domestic research activities suggest a concerted effort to strengthen its presence in the polar regions.
Southeast Asia Slammed By President Trump’s ‘Liberation Day’ Tariffs
Nine of the region's 11 nations have been hit with reciprocal tariffs that could devastate local industries – and create a strategic opening for China.
Inside Cambodia’s Political Doomsday Sect
In a tranquil compound at the foot of sacred Mount Kulen, a former opposition politician is preparing his followers for the apocalypse.
Magazine
Adani’s Controversial Footprint in India’s Neighborhood (and Elsewhere)
The growth of the Adani Group, especially overseas, has mirrored Modi’s political ascendancy. As a result, controversy involving Adani projects causes backlash against India as a whole.
Cambodia: The Unbearable Memory of the Khmer Rouge
April 17, 1975 – the day Phnom Penh fell – can perhaps never be fully reappropriated because of the strong sense of shame and pain that surrounds it.
Will Lee Jae-myung Rise From South Korea’s Political Chaos?
Lee Jae-myung’s strategic bet – that he can leverage widespread public discontent without further deepening societal divisions – will pose a key test for South Korea’s democracy.
Larry Diamond on the Importance of US Foreign Aid
“Ending aid is not a strategy to make America great again. It’s a strategy to make America resented and isolated in the world.”
Blogs
China Power
A New World Order
Halting the BRI Won’t Be Enough to Stop China’s Spreading Influence in Central America
While Panama’s withdrawal from the Belt and Road Initiative is a significant gesture, the actual consequences of this decision should be carefully evaluated.
The China-US Trade War Is in Full Swing
Taiwan’s Youth Are Not Defeatist — and The Data Proves It
Beijing Can Do More to Support China’s Youth
Flashpoints
Diplomacy by Other Means
Between China’s Advance and America’s Retreat: Europe’s Quest for Strategic Autonomy
Trump’s recent measures have cemented a split between Washington and Brussels, but that won’t automatically translate into gains for Beijing.
Tracking Conflict in the Asia-Pacific: April 2025 Update
Testing a Rival’s Response: China’s Gray Zone Tactics in Australia
On Defense, Trump’s Early Moves in Asia Have Been Notably Normal
Asia Defense
Militaries of the Asia-Pacific
With Rutte Visit, Japan and NATO Seek ‘Next Level’ of Cooperation
Two major themes emerged: the interconnectedness of threats facing Europe and the Indo-Pacific and the importance of defense industrial cooperation.
Reimagining India’s Blue Water Navy: Toward a Comprehensive Maritime Doctrine for the Indian Ocean
US Anti-ship Missile System to Have Extended Deployment in Philippines: Report
China’s Type 076 Amphibious Carrier: What It Does and Why It Matters
ASEAN Beat
Insights Into Half a Billion
Indonesia Ready to Temporarily Shelter Palestinians From Gaza, President Says
Prabowo Subianto has embarked on a trip to five Middle Eastern countries, during which the issue of Gaza is expected to feature prominently.
Myanmar Junta’s Affirms December Election Despite Earthquake Chaos
Thai Court Denies Bail for American Academic Accused of Defaming Monarchy
Rainfall, Extreme Heat Complicating Myanmar Earthquake Relief Efforts
The Pulse
Perspectives on South Asia
From Revolution to Reform: The BNP’s Uphill Battle in a New Bangladesh
Despite its historical popularity, the party is losing ground due to a combination of internal weaknesses, external pressures, and shifting public expectations.
Modi’s India Is a Dangerous Place for Standup Comedians
Pakistan Sees Opportunity in Trump’s Tariffs
India Tightens Grip Over Sri Lanka With Defense Pact
The Koreas
Divided Peninsula
Unlocking India-South Korea Trade Opportunities: Insights from the Recent Partnership Economic Forum in Seoul
Amid Trump’s tariffs, the economic partnership between India and South Korea becomes more critical for both sides.
Yoon Suk-yeol’s Dark Legacy for South Korea
South Korea’s Risky Bet on Online Regulation
The Constitutional Questions Being Considered in President Yoon’s Impeachment Case
Tokyo Report
News From Japan
Japan and Europe Should Forge Ahead With Their Own Alliance, Without the US
Amid growing doubts about the reliability of the United States, Japan is rapidly repositioning itself as Europe’s most important security partner in Asia.
Japan Enacts FY 2025 Budget After Rare Revisions
US, Japan ‘Stand Firmly Together’ in the Face of Aggressive Chinese Actions
In Japan, the Radicalness of Yamamoto Taro Meets the Moment
The Debate
Comment and Opinion
Regulating Timber Plantations Key to Protecting Land Rights in Malaysia
Timber plantations have now become the greatest threat to the Malaysian rainforest and its Indigenous residents.
Kazakhstan and Europe: Building the Backbone of a Resilient Global Economy
Shocked by Trump, Australia Must Double Down Its Relations With Asia
The Message and Consequences of Removing Haqqani Network Leaders From the US ‘Rewards for Justice’ List
Crossroads Asia
The New Silk Road
Tajikistan Criminalizes Electricity Use Fraud Amid Energy Crisis
In the first instance of criminalizing illegal electricity consumption in Central Asia, Tajikistan is introducing prison sentences up to 10 years.
Andijan Taxi Driver Sentenced for Attempt to Recruit Uzbeks into the Russian War in Ukraine
Mongolia and Czechia Become Comprehensive Partners
Kazakhstan’s Ambivalent Relationship With the CSTO
Trans-Pacific View
U.S. Policy on Asia
The Modern Triumvirate: Trump, Xi, and Musk
U.S. President Donald Trump, Chinese President Xi Jinping, and Elon Musk are closely intertwined with one another's interests.
Trump’s Subtle Shift on China: From Economic Coercion to Military Confrontation
AI vs Art: Studio Ghibli Edition
Vietnam in US-China Trade Tensions
Pacific Money
Economy And Business
Oceania
The South Pacific
Rabuka’s Support for Trump Doesn’t Earn Fiji Reprieve From US Tariffs
Recent developments should draw attention to the moral costs of Rabuka’s decision to unreservedly embrace both Trump and Israel.
Cooperation, Coordination, and Strategic Denial: Echoes and Lessons from Cold War Oceania
Australia’s Confidence Problem
Australia’s Upcoming Election: The Independent Factor
Videos
Asia on Video
What’s Driving Taiwan’s Mass Protests?
Chiang Min-yen, a non-resident fellow at the Taiwan Economic Democracy Union, joins The Diplomat to discuss the concerns over the bill, the China factor, and what comes next.
What’s Behind Vietnam’s Political Upheaval?
The Danger of China’s Digital Silk Road
What Will China’s Shift From Oil Mean for Saudi Arabia and Russia?
Podcasts
Asia Geopolitics
Trump, Tariffs, and America’s Global Messaging
The Asia Geopolitics podcast discusses the latest developments in Washington and their implications for Asia policy.
Duterte in The Hague: The Philippines and the Geopolitics of International Law
Is the United States Relitigating Its Grand Strategy?
DeepSeek and the AI Competition
Photo Essays
Asia in Pictures
The Untold Stories of Peshawar’s Gemstone Market at Namak Mandi
Pakistan’s largest and most important gemstone and mineral market is deeply intertwined with the region’s borders, conflict, and undocumented economies.