Latest Stories
‘Security Belt 2025’ and Beyond: China’s Minilateralism on the Rise
China is increasingly promoting its own version of flexible minilateral security cooperation as an alternative to traditional multilateral institutions and Western-led security alliances.
Pakistan Welcomes Starlink. But Can It Deliver on Its Promise?
Starlink could help close the urban-rural internet access gap -- if the rollout is inclusive, affordable, and thoughtfully managed.
The Huawei Scandal and Europe’s China Reckoning
The Chinese tech giant is at the center of a sprawling investigation into accusations of bribery and illicit lobbying to promote Huawei’s interests within European institutions.
The DNI Report Reveals Why the US Must Enhance Deterrence
A failure to enhance deterrence could incentivize Beijing and Moscow to undertake greater geopolitical risks at the United States’ expense.
A New Chapter in Dhaka-Beijing Ties? Why Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus Is Visiting China
Bangladesh is looking to rebalance its diplomacy in the post-Hasina era, but it’s not going all in on China, either.
Australia’s Upcoming Election: The Independent Factor
The real political shift in Australia is the public’s increasing attraction to independent candidates.
Most Read
China Coast Guard Makes Its Longest Intrusion Into Disputed East China Sea Waters
The record-setting intrusion occurred on the same day that Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi came to Tokyo.
Can Philippine President Marcos Survive the Wrath of the Dutertes?
The economy may pose a more serious threat than the fulminations of the Mindanao-based political clan.
Why India Must Stop Ignoring Bangladesh’s Interim Government
India needs to understand the nuanced reality of the ground situation in Bangladesh.
Magazine
March 2025
The New Age of Global Trade
Pakistan Under Shehbaz Sharif: The State of the Nation
With domestic politics gravely polarized, security increasingly fragile, and the economy barely stable, there is little sign of an end to Pakistan’s chronic dysfunction.
To Russia With Waning Love: Changing Migration Dynamics in Central Asia
Russia and Central Asia have been mutually shaped by decades of labor migration, but these long-running ties have begun to fray.
The New Age of Global Trade: Aggressive Neo-Mercantilism
International trade, with the U.S. and China at the forefront, is undergoing a paradigmatic shift away from free trade and toward an aggressive form of neo-mercantilism.
Misun Woo on Women’s Rights in the Asia-Pacific
“We need to ask why there hasn’t been much change to advance women’s human rights and end injustice?”
Blogs
China Power
A New World Order
The Huawei Scandal and Europe’s China Reckoning
The Chinese tech giant is at the center of a sprawling investigation into accusations of bribery and illicit lobbying to promote Huawei’s interests within European institutions.
In China, Putting a Roof on a Half-finished Building Is Cause for Celebration
How Local Corruption Evolved in China Under Xi Jinping
During Ramadan, China’s ‘Muslim Diplomacy’ Unfolds in Indonesia
Flashpoints
Diplomacy by Other Means
The DNI Report Reveals Why the US Must Enhance Deterrence
A failure to enhance deterrence could incentivize Beijing and Moscow to undertake greater geopolitical risks at the United States’ expense.
China Coast Guard Makes Its Longest Intrusion Into Disputed East China Sea Waters
Malaysia to Tighten Chip Controls After Pressure From US, Report Says
Collateral Damage: UN Sanctions on North Korea at Risk in Putin-Trump Dealings
Asia Defense
Militaries of the Asia-Pacific
‘Security Belt 2025’ and Beyond: China’s Minilateralism on the Rise
China is increasingly promoting its own version of flexible minilateral security cooperation as an alternative to traditional multilateral institutions and Western-led security alliances.
The Drone Dilemma: How Unchecked Warfare From Above Threatens the Indo-Pacific
India and Australia Discuss Ways to Increase Already Close Defense Cooperation
4th Drone Fragment Found in West Kazakhstan on Russian Border
ASEAN Beat
Insights Into Half a Billion
Soaring Death Toll Feared in Myanmar as Powerful Earthquakes Strike
Buildings collapsed amid a magnitude 7.7 quake. In neighboring Thailand, Bangkok declared an “emergency zone.”
Myanmar Military Chief Says Election to Be Held in December
Thai Cabinet Approves Second Draft of Contentious Casino Bill
Pro-Marcos Candidates Set to Dominate Philippine Senate Election: Poll
The Pulse
Perspectives on South Asia
Pakistan Welcomes Starlink. But Can It Deliver on Its Promise?
Starlink could help close the urban-rural internet access gap -- if the rollout is inclusive, affordable, and thoughtfully managed.
A New Chapter in Dhaka-Beijing Ties? Why Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus Is Visiting China
Conflict in India’s Manipur Takes a New Turn With Intra-Community Clashes
Bangladesh to Seal Deal with Musk’s Starlink
The Koreas
Divided Peninsula
The Constitutional Questions Being Considered in President Yoon’s Impeachment Case
The Constitutional Court’s overturning of Prime Minister Han’s impeachment helps us make some inferences about Yoon’s case – but not the obvious one.
Constitutional Court Overturns Impeachment of South Korean Prime Minister
What’s Behind the Constitutional Court’s Delayed Verdict on Yoon Suk-yeol’s Impeachment?
As Impeachment Verdict Nears, Yoon’s Public Support Remains Dismal
Tokyo Report
News From Japan
In Japan, the Radicalness of Yamamoto Taro Meets the Moment
Reiwa Shinsengumi’s rapid ascent marks a seismic shift in the progressive voting bloc in Japan.
China’s ‘Malinformation’ Comes for Okinawa
Why Did Japan Cut Funding to the UN Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women?
Japan Appoints First Chief of New Joint Operations Command
The Debate
Comment and Opinion
Trump’s Gutting of RFA Hurts Press Freedom – And Helps Its Opponents – Across Asia
RFA and VOA had been the most accessible alternatives to state media for many people in countries like China and North Korea. Not anymore.
Pakistan’s War on Balochistan Has Reached a Point of No Return
Afghan Schools Reopen for Another Year Without Girls
What India Needs to do to Fix the Foundations of its WASH Sector
Crossroads Asia
The New Silk Road
USAID Cuts Devastating to Central Asia Programs
If leaked documents listing active and terminated projects are accurate, almost all USAID programs in Central Asia have been cut.
The Authoritarian Roots and Implications of the Kyrgyzstan-Tajikistan Border Agreement
Trump and Putin: A Massive Change of Heart and What It Means for Central Asia
Uzbekistan’s Evolving Northern Afghanistan Strategy
Trans-Pacific View
U.S. Policy on Asia
USAGM Reverses Course on RFE/RL and OTF Grant Terminations
A day after RFE/RL won a temporary restraining order against USAGM’s freezing of its funding, the agency has backed off. But it may be, at best, a temporary reprieve.
The Limits of Trump’s Deal-making in Afghanistan
International Religious Freedom in the Spotlight Amid US Political Recalibration
Trump II, Southeast Asia, and Asymmetric US-China Competition
Pacific Money
Economy And Business
Why Mongolia’s Debt Market Is Attracting Strong Investor Appetite
While Mongolia’s landlocked position limits its exposure, it is having new success attracting businesses and investments.
Indonesia’s Rupiah Falls to Lowest Level Since Asian Financial Crisis
India’s Trade Recalibrations in the Age of Uncertainty
US Private Equity Is Making Interesting Moves in the Indo-Pacific
Oceania
The South Pacific
Australia’s Upcoming Election: The Independent Factor
The real political shift in Australia is the public’s increasing attraction to independent candidates.
As Australia’s Election Called for May 3, Both Labor and Liberals See Cause for Hope
Is Australia Still the US’ ‘Deputy Sheriff’?
4 Key Myths That Manufacture an Immigration ‘Crisis’ 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.
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, Tariffs, and America’s Global Messaging
The Asia Geopolitics podcast discusses the latest developments in Washington and their implications for Asia policy.
Duterte in The Hague: The Philippines and the Geopolitics of International Law
Is the United States Relitigating Its Grand Strategy?
DeepSeek and the AI Competition
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.
