Most Read

What’s Driving China’s Controversial Mega-Dam in Tibet?
While the proposed hydropower project on the Yarlung Tsangpo River has sparked concerns in India, from China’s perspective it is mostly motivated by domestic factors.

North Korea Is Sending a Second Wave of Soldiers to Ukraine. Here’s Why.
Pyongyang would seem to have little reason to send its own people to risk their lives in the Russia-Ukraine War. But these soldiers appear to be at the heart of the North Korea-Russia security partnership.

Philippines on Cusp of Major Defense Pacts with New Zealand, Canada
The planned visiting forces agreements reflect Manila's efforts to broaden and deepen its defense partnerships in the face of growing Chinese pressure.
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

Xi Jinping Holds Economic Symposium With Corporate Giants
China’s leader attempted to downplay the country’s economic issues while seeking to boost private sector confidence.
How the CCP Co-opted an Ancient Buddhist Monk
How the US Aid Freeze Harms Taiwan’s Geopolitical Interests
Beijing Targets UK-based Hong Kong Activists as Families Face Pressure at Home
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

Amid KMT Budget Cuts, Taiwan’s DPP Proposes Raising Defense Spending
President Lai Ching-te is looking to work around the KMT budget bill by proposing special budgets to keep defense spending intact.
Indian Defense Production: Relying on Self-reliance
Philippines Seeks to Fulfill Submarine ‘Dream’ as Part of Modernization Plan
North Korea Is Sending a Second Wave of Soldiers to Ukraine. Here’s Why.
ASEAN Beat
Insights Into Half a Billion

Singaporean Court Convicts Opposition Leader of Lying to Parliamentary Committee
The verdict against Pritam Singh, the leader of the Workers' Party, could taint the party's image ahead of the upcoming general election.
Philippine Police General Files Complaint Against Ex-President for Threatening ‘Joke’
How Hizb ut-Tahrir Is Exploiting the Gaza War to Revive Its Global Islamist Agenda
Thai Court Opens Hearing Into Petition to Free Detained Uyghurs
The Pulse
Perspectives on South Asia

Trump and Modi Boost India-US Defense Cooperation
With the US announcing a review of its policy on releasing fifth-generation fighters and undersea systems to India, Delhi could soon acquire the F-35 Lightning II joint strike aircraft.
Modi-Trump Meeting: Promising Developments, Good Optics, But Challenges Remain
President’s Rule Imposed in Disturbed Manipur in India’s Northeast
Debunking the Myth of Foreign Meddling in Bangladesh’s Monsoon Revolution
The Koreas
Divided Peninsula

Who Are the Potential Candidates to be South Korea’s Next President?
Should the Constitutional Court uphold the impeachment of Yoon Suk-yeol, who will run for the presidential election?
Angry Young Men Amid South Korea’s Impeachment Turmoil
Trump’s Opportunities and Challenges in Dealing With the Likely Next President of South Korea
What Will South Korea’s Post-Yoon Foreign Policy Look Like?
Tokyo Report
News From Japan

Caught in the Shockwave: Japan-US Relations Under Trump
Despite the good feelings following the first Ishiba-Trump summit, there are major challenges ahead.
Japan’s Pragmatic Model for AI Governance
The Strange Stability of the Japan-US Relationship
How the Real Murders Behind the Hit Novel ‘Butter’ Exposed Japanese Media Misogyny
The Debate
Comment and Opinion

US Aid Freeze Devastates Some of the World’s Most Vulnerable: Rohingya Refugees
Rohingya refugees are already facing significant challenges due to a reduction in international support. The freeze in U.S. aid has forced many vital programs to shut down entirely.
Cutting Aid to Afghanistan Is Collective Punishment. America Must Do Better.
10 Hard Questions for Dr. Yunus and the Young Revolutionaries in Bangladesh
What the Trump Administration Can Learn From Aid Reorganizations in Australia, NZ, and Canada
Crossroads Asia
The New Silk Road

Uzbekistan’s Corruption Crackdown: Progress or Perpetual Crisis?
Despite a surge in anti-corruption efforts, systemic fraud and bribery remain deeply embedded in Uzbekistan’s governance. With thousands of officials facing charges yet minimal consequences, is real change on the horizon?
Turkmenistan Settles Gas Swap Deal With Turkiye, Iran
How the Curtailing of US Aid Impacts Mongolia’s Development
Can Kazakhstan Succeed in Its Transition Toward Clean Energy?
Trans-Pacific View
U.S. Policy on Asia

Thai PM Calls For Study Into Effects of Trump Trade Policy
Among ASEAN nations, Thailand and Vietnam have the two largest trade deficits with the United States. Both are readying for possible retaliatory actions.
The Imperial Presidency and the China-US Trade War
Narrowing the Trade Deficit Will Top Modi-Trump Meeting Agenda
Could China Fill the US Aid Vacuum in Afghanistan?
Pacific Money
Economy And Business

The Nickel-based Industrial Paradox: Indonesian Resources, Chinese Profits
Do Jakarta's industrial incentives reflect misaligned priorities?
Indonesia Is on the Verge of Natural Gas Dilemma
The Financial Scandal at Indonesian Tech Unicorn eFishery, Explained
Apple Considering iPhone Manufacturing Facilities in Indonesia: Report
Oceania
The South Pacific

New Zealand’s Kiribati Aid Review Further Opens Door for Chinese Influence
Washington should take note.
Government-Coalition Deal Secures Sweeping New Regime for Political Donations and Spending
With the US in Retreat, a Chance for Australia to Lead
Trump’s Illegal Gaza Occupation Plan Puts Australia in a Bind
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.