Latest Stories
The NUG’s Troubling Response to Aung San Suu Kyi Arrest Warrant in Rohingya Genocide Case
An Argentine court considers Aung San Suu Kyi complicit in the Rohingya genocide of 2017. The NUG rejects that – and, worryingly, so do some Rohingya advocacy groups.
Ukrainian Drones Hit Kazakhstan’s Main Oil Export Outlet in Russia
UAVs damaged a pumping station of the Caspian Pipeline Consortium.
Australia’s Intelligence Chief Expects More Communal Violence in a Worsening Security Environment
The ASIO chief’s Annual Threat Assessment painted a dark picture of the next five years, warning of “more security surprises” in Australia.
Why Are Some Chinese EV Startups Failing Despite the Industry’s Global Success?
China’s EV industry stands at a crossroads, with its rapid expansion reshaping global supply chains and industrial landscapes.
How China Integrated the PLA’s Aerospace-related Forces
Through several rounds of reform, China has moved to consolidate control of its aerospace-related military units – including ballistic missile defense – under a single command.
Tokyo’s Shining, Segregated Future
In Japan’s capital, “redevelopment” serves to destroy public space and fuel exclusionary endeavors.
Most Read
Cook Islands’ China Shock: A ‘Frog in the Pot’ Moment for Pacific Security
The new China-Cook Islands deal has implications for Pacific security, but particularly for New Zealand, the United States, and Australia.
‘Ne Zha 2’: China’s Latest Tech Success
“Ne Zha 2” has shattered several box office records while sparking national pride in China's cultural strength.
Sanakham Dam Sparks Fear and Anguish Along the Thai-Lao Border
A long-dreaded dam project on Laos’ side of the border is moving forward, despite opposition from locals.
Magazine
The New Red Scare: When Fear Becomes a Political Weapon
More than seven decades later, the legacies of the Red Scare have resurfaced in the United States – this time targeting China.
North Korea in Ukraine: What It Means for the World
It is time to examine not only the effects and effectiveness of North Korean troops in combat, but the wider implications for international security and conflict management.
Making Sense of Bangladesh’s Monsoon Uprising
Six months ago, Asia’s Iron Lady, Sheikh Hasina, fell dramatically from power. What happened?
Gi-Wook Shin on South Korea’s Political Maelstrom
The martial law episode – and all that followed – “reflects a broader global pattern of democratic erosion but also showcases Korea’s unique strengths.”
Blogs
China Power
A New World Order
Exporting Culture, Cementing Control: How the CCP Pursues Domestic Legitimacy Through Soft Power
By strategically aligning soft power expansion with a revival of traditional culture, the Chinese government leverages successes like “Ne Zha 2” to enhance its domestic political legitimacy.
The China-Russia Relationship: A Marriage of Convenience
Xi Jinping Holds Economic Symposium With Corporate Giants
How the CCP Co-opted an Ancient Buddhist Monk
Flashpoints
Diplomacy by Other Means
Did the US Just Change Its Taiwan Policy?
Updates to a State Department factsheet on Taiwan could indicate a tactical adjustment or a strategic shift.
The Sea People of Southeast Asia: Forgotten Guardians of Maritime Security
Trump’s Ukraine Peace Gambit: Consequences for Taiwan’s Security
Does Anyone Care About the Climate Crisis in Tibet?
Asia Defense
Militaries of the Asia-Pacific
How China Integrated the PLA’s Aerospace-related Forces
Through several rounds of reform, China has moved to consolidate control of its aerospace-related military units – including ballistic missile defense – under a single command.
Amid KMT Budget Cuts, Taiwan’s DPP Proposes Raising Defense Spending
Indian Defense Production: Relying on Self-reliance
Philippines Seeks to Fulfill Submarine ‘Dream’ as Part of Modernization Plan
ASEAN Beat
Insights Into Half a Billion
Thai Opposition Leader Defends Support for Lese-Majeste Law Change
The country's anti-corruption agency is investigating 44 ex-MPs from the dissolved Move Forward Party over their support for changes to the law.
Philippines Accuses Chinese Navy of ‘Aggressive’ Actions Over Disputed Shoal
Singaporean Court Convicts Opposition Leader of Lying to Parliamentary Committee
Philippine Police General Files Complaint Against Ex-President for Threatening ‘Joke’
The Pulse
Perspectives on South Asia
The Complex Road to Extradition: Will India Agree to Send Sheikh Hasina Back to Bangladesh?
A legal scholar breaks down the various steps in the process of extradition – which is all the more complicated when an ex-prime minister is involved.
Gwadar Book Festival: A Literary Call to Action Amid Climate Crisis
Pakistan’s Strategic Dilemmas Amid India-US Alignment
UN Report Exposes Sheikh Hasina’s Commanding Role in Possible Crimes Against Humanity in Bangladesh
The Koreas
Divided Peninsula
South Korea’s Foreign Minister Holds 1st Meeting With US Secretary of State Rubio
On the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference, Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul held a meeting with his counterparts from the U.S. and Japan.
Who Are the Potential Candidates to be South Korea’s Next President?
Angry Young Men Amid South Korea’s Impeachment Turmoil
Trump’s Opportunities and Challenges in Dealing With the Likely Next President of South Korea
Tokyo Report
News From Japan
The Debate
Comment and Opinion
The NUG’s Troubling Response to Aung San Suu Kyi Arrest Warrant in Rohingya Genocide Case
An Argentine court considers Aung San Suu Kyi complicit in the Rohingya genocide of 2017. The NUG rejects that – and, worryingly, so do some Rohingya advocacy groups.
Is Japan a Friend in Need or a Friend Indeed for Bangladesh?
To Outcompete China, the US Must Automate Maritime Supply Chains
A False Dichotomy Regarding Reform Is Prolonging Bangladesh’s Path to Stabilization
Crossroads Asia
The New Silk Road
Ukrainian Drones Hit Kazakhstan’s Main Oil Export Outlet in Russia
UAVs damaged a pumping station of the Caspian Pipeline Consortium.
Uzbekistan’s Corruption Crackdown: Progress or Perpetual Crisis?
Turkmenistan Settles Gas Swap Deal With Turkiye, Iran
How the Curtailing of US Aid Impacts Mongolia’s Development
Trans-Pacific View
U.S. Policy on Asia
Trump and the Philippines: Will the Squad Top the Quad?
Trump’s regional policy is likely to focus on U.S. military engagement to counter China. The Philippines thus may become a linchpin in U.S. engagement in the Indo-Pacific.
Thai PM Calls For Study Into Effects of Trump Trade Policy
The Imperial Presidency and the China-US Trade War
Narrowing the Trade Deficit Will Top Modi-Trump Meeting Agenda
Pacific Money
Economy And Business
Why Are Some Chinese EV Startups Failing Despite the Industry’s Global Success?
China’s EV industry stands at a crossroads, with its rapid expansion reshaping global supply chains and industrial landscapes.
The Secret Behind Temu’s Rock-bottom Prices
Why Sovereign Wealth Funds Are All the Rage in Southeast Asia
The Nickel-based Industrial Paradox: Indonesian Resources, Chinese Profits
Oceania
The South Pacific
Australia’s Intelligence Chief Expects More Communal Violence in a Worsening Security Environment
The ASIO chief’s Annual Threat Assessment painted a dark picture of the next five years, warning of “more security surprises” in Australia.
New Zealand’s Kiribati Aid Review Further Opens Door for Chinese Influence
Government-Coalition Deal Secures Sweeping New Regime for Political Donations and Spending
With the US in Retreat, a Chance for Australia to Lead
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 2.0 in America: Geopolitical Ripples Across Asia and the World
The second Trump term is nothing like the first. The implications for Asia are massive.
The Biden Administration’s Asia Legacy
South Korea’s Martial Law Crisis: Geopolitical Implications and Beyond
Central Asian Militaries and Asian Geopolitics
Photo Essays
Asia in Pictures
In Photos: Rohingya Refugees’ Trial by Fire
Deadly fires in the refugee camps in Cox's Bazar have become a terrifyingly regular occurrence.