Most Read
Why Nepal Escalated Its Map Dispute With India
It’s no coincidence that the move came just as Nepal’s left-alliance government faces a crucial floor test.
China and Russia Disagree on North Korea’s Nuclear Weapons
Beijing and Moscow have different perspectives on – and different appetites for – Pyongyang’s nuclear program.
Philippines to Take Steps to Prevent Chinese Reclamation in South China Sea
Over the weekend, Manila accused Beijing of attempting to create an "artificial island" at Sabina Shoal, an unoccupied reef 75 nautical miles from Palawan island.
Magazine
The China-Pakistan-Afghanistan Triangle
The dynamics of this trilateral relationship will shape the future trajectory of Afghanistan and its broader implications for regional stability and prosperity.
Tandem Rule in Kyrgyzstan: The Pursuit of Money and Power
The Japarov-Tashiev tandem has sunk real roots into Kyrgyzstan’s society, and those roots are deeper and stronger than they might seem on the surface.
Thailand’s Grand Reconciliation: The Shinawatras and the Establishment
The rift between Thaksin and the establishment finally appears to have been resolved. This compromise not only fails to address any of Thailand’s past mistakes, but it actually repeats them.
Darcie Draudt-Véjares on South Korea’s Post-Election Politics
Economics doomed the PPP’s legislative chances. What now for President Yoon Suk-yeol?
Blogs
China Power
A New World Order
With Lai Ching-te Inauguration, Taiwan Has a New President
Lai’s inaugural address was consistent with his pro-status quo platform on cross-strait relations. Domestic politics could pose a more immediate flashpoint, however.
In China, Russia’s Putin Emphasizes Strategic and Personal Ties
Why Xi’s Europe Tour Was Seen Positively in Moscow
Xi Jinping’s Europe Diplomacy Stalemate
Flashpoints
Diplomacy by Other Means
The Indo-Pacific Could Be Within Europe’s Reach
The U.K.-led Joint Expeditionary Force could potentially provide a framework to grow Europe’s security presence in the Indo-Pacific.
Yes, Japan Will Defend Taiwan
China Coast Guard Shadows Filipino Activists Sailing Toward Disputed Shoal
China and Russia Disagree on North Korea’s Nuclear Weapons
Asia Defense
Militaries of the Asia-Pacific
Russian Fighter Deal Reflects Indonesia’s Goal of a ‘Sanctions-Proof’ Economy
As geopolitical tensions grow, Jakarta is seeking to insulate its military, and its economy, from possible Western pressure.
South Korea’s Competitive Advantages as a Global Military Supplier
ASEAN Should Watch the China-US Cyber Competition More Closely
Why AUKUS Will Not Become JAUKUS
ASEAN Beat
Insights Into Half a Billion
Philippines Calls for International Probe Into Environmental Damage at Disputed Shoal
The Philippine Coast Guard claims that Chinese fishermen hunting giant clams have caused significant damage to the reefs at Scarborough Shoal.
Myanmar Military Could Be Tried For Crimes in New Zealand, NUG Says
Vietnam’s National Assembly Approves New Chair, President Expected Soon
Arakan Army Takes Key Town in Western Myanmar, While Denying Rohingya Attacks
The Pulse
Perspectives on South Asia
Of 69,000 South Asians Displaced Last Year, 67,000 Were From Manipur: IDMC Report
However, the ground situation is far more serious than the numbers cited in the report, say Manipuri activists and academics.
Controversial Map in Nepal’s Currency Note Irks India
Afghan Women Face Serious Challenges Amid Flooding
Making Sense of Recent Mass Protests in Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir
The Koreas
Divided Peninsula
South Korean Court Rejects Effort to Block Plan That Would Boost Medical School Admissions
A standoff between the government and doctors opposed to the plan has shaken the country’s medical system for months.
The Great Debate Over South Korea Developing Nuclear Weapons Is Back
South Korea’s Tortuous Reckoning With the Itaewon Tragedy
South Korea’s Parliament Approves Independent Investigation of Deadly 2022 Halloween Crush
Tokyo Report
News From Japan
Can Japan Boost Its Foreign Students Count to 400,000?
The Kishida administration has set a lofty goal, even while tightening the regulations for universities that admit international students.
Decoding Japan Foreign Minister Kamikawa’s Tour of Africa, Europe, and South Asia
Will Izumi Kenta Be Japan’s Next Prime Minister?
Japan’s PM Kishida Says He Won’t Step Down After LDP’s Defeat in By-elections
The Debate
Comment and Opinion
From Tsai to Lai: The Past, Present, and Future of Taiwan’s Foreign Policy
Given that Lai seems poised to carry on outgoing President Tsai Ing-wen's diplomatic approach, a look at her foreign policy evolution is useful.
Road to Busan for a Plastic-free Future
Myanmar’s National Unity Government Must Be Doing Something Right
Indonesia’s Game-Changing Bid for OECD Membership
Crossroads Asia
The New Silk Road
South Asian Students Targeted by Angry Mob in Kyrgyz Capital
The mob, apparently triggered by a video of a fight between foreigners and locals earlier in May, “went on a rampage” targeting mostly South Asian students while raging against illegal immigration.
Russia Expands Oil Trade South via Afghanistan, Seeking Warm Water Ports
Privatization in Uzbekistan: Potential Far From Fulfilled
Women as Wives: How Uzbekistan’s Justice System Fails to Serve Women
Trans-Pacific View
U.S. Policy on Asia
The Luzon Economic Corridor: A Badly-Needed Win For the US in Southeast Asia?
As a proof of concept for the G-7's Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment, there is a lot riding on the initiative in the northern Philippines.
No China-US Trade War This Year, But Uncertainty Ahead in 2025
How a Second Trump Term Could Shape the South Korea-U.S. Alliance
The State Department’s Complex Role in Making China Policy
Pacific Money
Economy And Business
Thailand’s Showdown Over Interest Rates, Explained
The economic rationale of the Bank of Thailand, and the political incentives of the current government, have been at odds since the COVID-19 pandemic.
Musk to ‘Consider’ Opening Battery Plant in Indonesia, Senior Official Says
Why the US Must Rethink Its Strategy to Compete With China in the EV Market
The Philippines’ $35 Billion Military Modernization Plan, Explained
Oceania
The South Pacific
What’s Behind the Deadly Riots in New Caledonia?
The violent unrest in New Caledonia is alarming. Sadly, the island territory is no stranger to violence.
Violence Rages in New Caledonia as France Rushes Emergency Reinforcements to Its Pacific Territory
France Imposes Curfew in New Caledonia After Protests Turn Violent
Fiji’s Former PM Frank Bainimarama Sentenced to Prison for Interfering in Police Investigation
Videos
Asia on Video
What’s Behind Vietnam’s Political Upheaval?
Nguyen Khac Giang discusses the major blood-letting at the upper echelons of the Vietnamese government and ruling Communist Party.
The Danger of China’s Digital Silk Road
What Will China’s Shift From Oil Mean for Saudi Arabia and Russia?
Why Did the Islamic State Target Russia?
Podcasts
Asia Geopolitics
Photo Essays
Asia in Pictures
New Delhi’s Quiet Student Solidarity With Palestine
Full-fledged protests in India’s capital were quickly muffled, so students have resorted to quieter means of dissent.