Latest Stories
The Man Who Would be King Again? Former Nepal King’s Delusions of Power
The rise of Hindu fundamentalist and monarchist groups has made Nepal volatile and could lead to widespread anarchy.
The EU and Central Asia Can Forge a Strategic Partnership Through Connectivity
The Samarkand summit marks a watershed moment in EU-Central Asia relations at a time when the international order is undergoing a fundamental realignment.
Myanmar Junta Announces Ceasefire to Aid Earthquake Recovery Efforts
The ceasefire, which will run until April 22, follows similar announcements from major ethnic rebel groups.
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.
US Clears Possible $5B Sale of Jet Fighters to Philippines
The proposed acquisition of F-16 fighters would bolster Manila's ability to defend its own assets in disputed parts of the South China Sea.
South Korea’s Risky Bet on Online Regulation
As Seoul considers new regulations on online platforms, concerns about competition, national security, and possible U.S. retaliation loom large.
Most Read
China Coast Guard Makes Its Longest Intrusion Into Disputed East China Sea Waters
The record-setting intrusion occurred on the same day that Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi came to Tokyo.
Can Philippine President Marcos Survive the Wrath of the Dutertes?
The economy may pose a more serious threat than the fulminations of the Mindanao-based political clan.
Why India Must Stop Ignoring Bangladesh’s Interim Government
India needs to understand the nuanced reality of the ground situation in Bangladesh.
Magazine
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.”
Pakistan Under Shehbaz Sharif: The State of the Nation
With domestic politics gravely polarized, security increasingly fragile, and the economy barely stable, there is little sign of an end to Pakistan’s chronic dysfunction.
Blogs
China Power
A New World Order
Is China’s Peace Plan Still Relevant for Gaza?
As the Israeli-Palestinian conflict has spiraled into a renewed and devastating phase, Beijing’s early assertive role appears to have diminished.
Without Radio Free Asia, Who Will Expose China’s Atrocities?
Chinese Influencer Ordered to Leave Taiwan Over Pro-Unification Content
The Huawei Scandal and Europe’s China Reckoning
Flashpoints
Diplomacy by Other Means
The DNI Report Reveals Why the US Must Enhance Deterrence
A failure to enhance deterrence could incentivize Beijing and Moscow to undertake greater geopolitical risks at the United States’ expense.
China Coast Guard Makes Its Longest Intrusion Into Disputed East China Sea Waters
Malaysia to Tighten Chip Controls After Pressure From US, Report Says
Collateral Damage: UN Sanctions on North Korea at Risk in Putin-Trump Dealings
Asia Defense
Militaries of the Asia-Pacific
Capitalizing on PLA Vulnerabilities: Taiwan’s Opportunities for Enhanced Defense
Over the past few decades, the world has seen the military balance shift in China’s favor. Yet, Taiwan is not without its opportunities.
US Clears Possible $5B Sale of Jet Fighters to Philippines
How Indonesia’s Revised Military Law Could Impact Regional Security Dynamics
Southeast Asia’s Growing Maritime Security Agenda Challenge
ASEAN Beat
Insights Into Half a Billion
Myanmar Junta Announces Ceasefire to Aid Earthquake Recovery Efforts
The ceasefire, which will run until April 22, follows similar announcements from major ethnic rebel groups.
Southeast Asia Slammed By President Trump’s ‘Liberation Day’ Tariffs
China’s Xi to Visit Three Southeast Asian Nations This Month, Report Claims
In Earthquake’s Aftermath, Major Myanmar Rebel Alliance Announces ‘Humanitarian Pause’
The Pulse
Perspectives on South Asia
The Man Who Would be King Again? Former Nepal King’s Delusions of Power
The rise of Hindu fundamentalist and monarchist groups has made Nepal volatile and could lead to widespread anarchy.
Frontline Failure: Pakistan’s Climate Vulnerability and Leadership Gap
India’s Lagging Attempts to Contain Pollution: Bridging the Climate Commitment Gap
Why Bangladesh Should Join ASEAN – and What Stands in the Way
The Koreas
Divided Peninsula
The Constitutional Questions Being Considered in President Yoon’s Impeachment Case
The Constitutional Court’s overturning of Prime Minister Han’s impeachment helps us make some inferences about Yoon’s case – but not the obvious one.
Constitutional Court Overturns Impeachment of South Korean Prime Minister
What’s Behind the Constitutional Court’s Delayed Verdict on Yoon Suk-yeol’s Impeachment?
As Impeachment Verdict Nears, Yoon’s Public Support Remains Dismal
Tokyo Report
News From Japan
Japan Enacts FY 2025 Budget After Rare Revisions
Rice prices and inflation are putting pressure on Ishiba’s minority government.
US, Japan ‘Stand Firmly Together’ in the Face of Aggressive Chinese Actions
In Japan, the Radicalness of Yamamoto Taro Meets the Moment
China’s ‘Malinformation’ Comes for Okinawa
The Debate
Comment and Opinion
No Time to Waste for Asia-Pacific Leadership
The Asia-Pacific stands at a crossroads amid geopolitical, economic, and environmental volatility, but this turbulence presents an opportunity for transformative leadership.
Beyond the Barracks: Indonesia’s Military Edges Back Into Civilian Affairs
The Chaos of Wage Theft in Bangladesh’s Garment Sector Requires Global Accountability
Trump’s Gutting of RFA Hurts Press Freedom – And Helps Its Opponents – Across Asia
Crossroads Asia
The New Silk Road
The EU and Central Asia Can Forge a Strategic Partnership Through Connectivity
The Samarkand summit marks a watershed moment in EU-Central Asia relations at a time when the international order is undergoing a fundamental realignment.
Kygyz, Tajik, Uzbek Presidents Hold Groundbreaking Trilateral Summit
China’s Expanding Footprint in Uzbekistan
USAID Cuts Devastating to Central Asia Programs
Trans-Pacific View
U.S. Policy on Asia
Pacific Money
Economy And Business
Why Grab Wants to Acquire Indonesia’s GoTo for $7 Billion
If successful, the deal will create a ride-hailing and delivery giant that would dominate Southeast Asian markets.
Why Mongolia’s Debt Market Is Attracting Strong Investor Appetite
Indonesia’s Rupiah Falls to Lowest Level Since Asian Financial Crisis
India’s Trade Recalibrations in the Age of Uncertainty
Oceania
The South Pacific
Cooperation, Coordination, and Strategic Denial: Echoes and Lessons from Cold War Oceania
With a fundamentally different playing field today, the United States and its Western partners should adapt, if not adopt, the strategies of the Cold War.
Australia’s Confidence Problem
Australia’s Upcoming Election: The Independent Factor
As Australia’s Election Called for May 3, Both Labor and Liberals See Cause for Hope
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.