Latest Stories
China Decides How Far the Resistance Can Go in Myanmar
China has a growing ability to dictate outcomes on the ground in Myanmar. For resistance forces, the implications are profound.
Nepal’s Dilemma Over Social Media Regulation
Nepal is facing a fast-escalating digital crisis that its current legal, technical, and institutional systems are not yet equipped to handle.
Trading Debt for Conservation in Tonga
Tonga owes over $100 million to China. Debt-for-nature swaps could be a win-win solution to a looming debt crisis.
Why Japan and Mongolia Are Expanding Defense Capability Cooperation
Among Mongolia’s regional partners, Japan is playing an increasingly important role in modernizing the country’s defense sector.
Uzbekistan’s Struggle to Regulate Privately Organized Muslim Pilgrimage Tours Continues
Amid growing reports of fraud, poor service, and legal cases involving thousands of stranded pilgrims, Tashkent continues to introduce new regulatory measures.
What Causes Hindu Emigration From Pakistan’s Sindh Province?
Due to the deteriorating security situation and the overall economic conditions in Pakistan, many Hindus feel compelled to migrate.
Most Read
Terrorists Target Tourist Hotspot in India’s Jammu and Kashmir
The Resistance Group, an affiliate of the Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba, has claimed responsibility for the mass killings. How will India respond?
China’s Bet on Railways in Southeast Asia Is Starting to Pay Off
For all its attendant controversies, Beijing's focus on transport infrastructure is closely aligned with the region's development priorities.
Central Asia Opens Diplomatic Rift With Turkiye Over Cyprus
Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan signed U.N. resolutions deeming Northern Cyprus “occupied.”
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
China Decides How Far the Resistance Can Go in Myanmar
China has a growing ability to dictate outcomes on the ground in Myanmar. For resistance forces, the implications are profound.
China’s First 2+2 with Indonesia: A Symbolic Shift in Diplomatic Strategy
Greenland Eyes China Amid Denmark-US Tensions – But Chinese Investors Won’t Rush In
Xi Jinping’s Tour Highlights Southeast Asia as the Frontline of the Global China-US Competition
Flashpoints
Diplomacy by Other Means
Recent PLA Exercises Revealed China’s Operational Plan for a Taiwan Strait Conflict
The two-day military exercise conducted by the PLA in early April suggests a three-phase operational plan that the PLA is likely to adopt for a campaign against Taiwan.
How the Philippines Can Counter China’s South China Sea Aggression
What Russia’s Support Means for North Korea’s Nuclear Modernization
The Danger of a Trump Doctrine for Taiwan
Asia Defense
Militaries of the Asia-Pacific
How the Vietnam War Ended: The Vietnamese Communists’ Perspective
The events that unfolded 50 years ago remind us of the uncertainties of war and great power patronage.
Why Japan and Mongolia Are Expanding Defense Capability Cooperation
India, France to Sign Contract for 26 Rafale Marine Fighters
Vietnam Has Reached Deal With US on F-16 Fighter Purchase, Report Claims
ASEAN Beat
Insights Into Half a Billion
Myanmar Junta Announces Extension of Earthquake Ceasefire
The announcement came amid reports of junta airstrikes in resistance-held regions of the country.
US Bars Its Diplomats From Attending Vietnam War Anniversary Events: Report
Disunity Within the Philippines’ First Family
Online Scam Syndicates Expanding Within and Beyond Southeast Asia, UN Warns
The Pulse
Perspectives on South Asia
Nepal’s Dilemma Over Social Media Regulation
Nepal is facing a fast-escalating digital crisis that its current legal, technical, and institutional systems are not yet equipped to handle.
India’s Indus Ultimatum: South Asia’s Red Line Moment
What Causes Hindu Emigration From Pakistan’s Sindh Province?
Why Bangladesh’s Muhammad Yunus Must Hold Elections Soon
The Koreas
Divided Peninsula
South Korea: Recognizing Yoon’s Achievements
It is not hard to understand why some would be inclined to reverse Yoon's policies in their entirety. Nonetheless, his administration’s foreign policy was effective.
Han Duck-soo’s Risky Negotiation With Donald Trump
The ‘Trump Doctrine’ and South Korea’s Geopolitical Balancing Act
Will the PPP’s Attempt at an Anti-Lee Jae-myung Coalition Work?
Tokyo Report
News From Japan
Why Japan Is Worried After Trade Talks With Trump (and the Rest of the World Should Be)
The manner in which the Trump administration has conducted itself toward Japan should serve as a warning to U.S. friends and foe alike: no one is safe.
Tariff Talks an Opportunity to Reinvigorate the Japan-US Alliance
Abe Shinzo and Japan’s ‘Discovery of India’
Japan and Europe Should Forge Ahead With Their Own Alliance, Without the US
The Debate
Comment and Opinion
Crossroads Asia
The New Silk Road
Uzbekistan’s Struggle to Regulate Privately Organized Muslim Pilgrimage Tours Continues
Amid growing reports of fraud, poor service, and legal cases involving thousands of stranded pilgrims, Tashkent continues to introduce new regulatory measures.
Local Employee of Russian Cultural Agency Detained in Recruitment Case in Kyrgyzstan
Mongolia’s Interim Free Trade Deal With the EAEU: What’s at Stake?
How Has Kazakhstan’s Foreign Policy Evolved Under Tokayev?
Trans-Pacific View
U.S. Policy on Asia
The Implications of South Korea’s Placement on the US DOE’s Sensitive Country List
South Korea is the only U.S. ally on the list. What will it mean for the relationship, and for South Korea?
What Did US Businesses Have to Say About Trump’s Tariffs?
Ending China’s De Minimis Exception Brings 3 Benefits for Americans
China Doesn’t Fear Tariffs. It Fears a Credible US Industrial Strategy.
Pacific Money
Economy And Business
Australia and Japan’s Hydrogen Partnership: Navigating Ambitions and Realities
The slow development of Australia’s hydrogen industry brings the future of Australia and Japan’s potential hydrogen trading relationship into question.
Why the Port of Darwin’s Chinese Leaseholder May Welcome an Australian Buyout
The Real Threat Behind Trump’s Trade War: China’s Currency Offensive
US Government Finalizes Tariffs on Southeast Asian Solar Imports
Oceania
The South Pacific
Trading Debt for Conservation in Tonga
Tonga owes over $100 million to China. Debt-for-nature swaps could be a win-win solution to a looming debt crisis.
Australia’s Preferential Voting System and Diversification of Politics
Australia’s China Policy in the Lead-up to the 2025 Federal Election
Australia’s Third Election Debate Overshadowed by Pope’s Death
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
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.