Latest Stories
Malaysia Charges Businessmen in Cult-Linked Child Sex Abuse Scandal
Global Ikhwan Services and Business Holdings is accused of running a network of care homes where children were systematically abused.
Bangladesh at a Crossroads: The Urgent Need to Revitalize Foreign Investment
Bangladesh’s FDI was on a downward trend even before the events of this summer.
Australia Needs to Step up Its Climate Advocacy at the UN Summit for the Future
The Pacific needs Australia to do more on climate change, and the upcoming summit in New York might be Canberra’s next best opportunity.
Russia and China in the Arctic: Less Than Meets the Eye
Friendly rhetoric hides distrust and competition between an ambitious Beijing and a Moscow jealous of its Arctic prerogative.
Chinese Aircraft Carrier Comes Closer Than Ever to Japan
Japan called the close approach of the Liaoning and its accompanying destroyers “absolutely unacceptable.”
Assembly Elections Begin in Indian-controlled Kashmir for First Time After Losing Autonomy
People say they knew their votes won't solve the dispute over Kashmir, but provided a rare window to express their frustration with direct Indian control.
Most Read
Arakan Army Commander-in-Chief Twan Mrat Naing on the Future of Rakhine State
“We are always in favor of repatriation [of Rohingya Muslims] in principle, and there should be voluntary, dignified, and safe repatriation under conducive conditions.”
US Air Force Deploys More Stealth Jets to Southeast Asia
U.S. F-35s and F-22s have toured Southeast Asia twice this year, reflecting an American desire to increase training exercises with nations in the vicinity of the South China Sea.
Islamic Fundamentalism Raises Its Head in Post-Hasina Bangladesh
Many statues like those of Mujibur Rahman were defaced for political reasons. But targeting sculptures like that of Lady Justice lay bare the Islamists’ anti-statue agenda.
Magazine
The Solomon Islands-China Relationship: 5 Years On
The diplomatic relationship between the Solomon Islands and China has had profound and far-reaching effects on the country’s development, economy, and political landscape.
Kashmir at the Boiling Point as Elections Loom
Behind the government’s narrative of new stability and prosperity lies suppressed, collective anger.
The Domestic Politics Behind Inter-Korean Relations
Recent actions by North and South Korea demonstrate a deep breakdown in their relationship. What are the political calculations driving this dynamic on both sides?
Amin Saikal on the United States’ Many Mistakes in Afghanistan
The United States “overestimated the power that the U.S. military could bring to bear in changing Afghanistan.”
Blogs
China Power
A New World Order
China’s Legal Warfare Closes a Beloved Tibetan School
A private vocational school in Qinghai has been forced to close for unspecified violations. Critics see a continuation of Beijing’s war on Tibetan language education.
Ko Wen-je Is Back in Jail as Corruption Charges Mount
Upcoming Biden-Xi Talks Won’t Rehabilitate China-US Relations
China-Africa Summit Shines a Spotlight on Eswatini, Taiwan’s Lone Partner in Africa
Flashpoints
Diplomacy by Other Means
Russia and China in the Arctic: Less Than Meets the Eye
Friendly rhetoric hides distrust and competition between an ambitious Beijing and a Moscow jealous of its Arctic prerogative.
A Philippine Withdrawal Hardly Marks the End of the South China Sea Clash
Silicon Shield 2.0: A Taiwan Perspective
Taking Stock of the South Korea-US Nuclear Consultative Group
Asia Defense
Militaries of the Asia-Pacific
Chinese Aircraft Carrier Comes Closer Than Ever to Japan
Japan called the close approach of the Liaoning and its accompanying destroyers “absolutely unacceptable.”
The Worrying Nuclearization of Northeast Asia
Japan’s Largest Warship JS Kaga Will Conduct F-35B Onboard Operation Tests off the California Coast
North Korea’s Naval Ambitions: A Strategic Shift
ASEAN Beat
Insights Into Half a Billion
Malaysia Charges Businessmen in Cult-Linked Child Sex Abuse Scandal
Global Ikhwan Services and Business Holdings is accused of running a network of care homes where children were systematically abused.
Why Rakhine State Could Become Myanmar’s First Truly Autonomous Region
Indonesian President’s Son Defends Private Jet Use to Anti-Corruption Agency
Death Toll From Typhoon Yagi Rises in Inundated Myanmar
The Pulse
Perspectives on South Asia
Assembly Elections Begin in Indian-controlled Kashmir for First Time After Losing Autonomy
People say they knew their votes won't solve the dispute over Kashmir, but provided a rare window to express their frustration with direct Indian control.
New Delhi’s Chief Minister Resigns After Being Released on Bail in a Bribery Case
India’s Strategic Stakes in Sri Lanka’s Presidential Election
100 Days of Modi 3.0: 5 Takeaways
The Koreas
Divided Peninsula
South Korea’s Changing Position on Kim Jong Un’s Daughter
There is little hard evidence to back up Seoul’s assertions about her status.
North Korea Gives Glimpse Into a Secretive Uranium-Enrichment Facility as Kim Pushes for More Nukes
The Opportunity for South Korea-US Cooperation in AI Hardware and Energy Needs
South Korea’s President Yoon Meets Japanese Prime Minister Kishida One Last Time
Tokyo Report
News From Japan
The Evolving Geopolitical Dynamics of PALM 10
Japan has successfully renewed its relationship with the Pacific Island countries.
‘Realism’ Looms Large Over the CDP Leadership Race
Who Are the Contenders to Be Japan’s Next Prime Minister?
A Robot Begins Removal of Melted Fuel From the Fukushima Nuclear Plant. It Could Take a Century.
The Debate
Comment and Opinion
Australia Needs to Step up Its Climate Advocacy at the UN Summit for the Future
The Pacific needs Australia to do more on climate change, and the upcoming summit in New York might be Canberra’s next best opportunity.
The IOC Should Help Protect North Korean Athletes Returning From the Paris Olympics
In Asia, Zero Waste Is Proving to Be a Climate Solution
Engagements With the Myanmar Military Undermine Localized Approaches to Humanitarian Assistance
Crossroads Asia
The New Silk Road
Uzbekistan’s Approach to Afghanistan in the Context of Strengthening Regional Security
Given the implications for security and stability, Central Asian countries must develop a common, coordinated approach to Afghanistan. Uzbekistan is seeking to lead the way.
Referendum to Decide Kazakhstan’s Nuclear Energy Ambition
In Welcoming Putin, Mongolia Prioritizes National Interest Over Russia’s War With Ukraine
Kyrgyzstan’s First President Seeks Restoration of ‘Ex-President’ Status and Privileges
Trans-Pacific View
U.S. Policy on Asia
An American Pastor Detained in China for Nearly 20 Years Has Been Released
David Lin, 68, was detained after he entered China in 2006, later sentenced to life in prison. Now he’s back in the United States.
The US Withdrawal from Afghanistan: ‘Willful Blindness’ or a Face-Saving Act?
Why Biden Should Welcome Vietnam’s To Lam to the White House
Donald Trump Visits a Vietnamese Restaurant
Pacific Money
Economy And Business
Bangladesh at a Crossroads: The Urgent Need to Revitalize Foreign Investment
Bangladesh’s FDI was on a downward trend even before the events of this summer.
Why Ace Hardware Is ‘Leaving’ Indonesia
Indonesia’s Biodiesel Push Poses Risks to Palm Oil Supply Chain
Why Indonesia’s Antam Wants to Acquire a Chinese Nickel Smelter
Oceania
The South Pacific
Powerplay in the Pacific: A Little Competition Doesn’t Hurt
From policing assistance to digital infrastructure, strategic competition has led to better terms and more options for the Pacific Island nations.
‘35 Plus’ Killed in Days of Tribal Violence in Papua New Guinea, Police Say
Papua New Guinea Is in a Governance Crisis – and Australia Helped Put It There
Will the Future Be Made in Australia?
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.
