Latest Stories
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.
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.
The Secret Behind Temu’s Rock-bottom Prices
Temu’s success is due to its ultra-low prices, which many argue are made possible only through questionable practices. The full picture is more complicated.
Trump 2.0: Great Power Politics and the New World Order
Insights from Tiberio Graziani.
To Outcompete China, the US Must Automate Maritime Supply Chains
Failing to optimize port logistics and automation will damage U.S. economic competitiveness, especially vis-à-vis China.
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.
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
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
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
Pakistan’s Strategic Dilemmas Amid India-US Alignment
Trump 2.0 could be erring by viewing Pakistan solely through the lens of India and terrorism, ignoring its role as a trade hub, climate partner, and stabilizer in Afghanistan.
UN Report Exposes Sheikh Hasina’s Commanding Role in Possible Crimes Against Humanity in Bangladesh
Trump and Modi Boost India-US Defense Cooperation
Modi-Trump Meeting: Promising Developments, Good Optics, But Challenges Remain
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
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
To Outcompete China, the US Must Automate Maritime Supply Chains
Failing to optimize port logistics and automation will damage U.S. economic competitiveness, especially vis-à-vis China.
A False Dichotomy Regarding Reform Is Prolonging Bangladesh’s Path to Stabilization
Imagining Democratic Futures in South Asia
US Aid Freeze Devastates Some of the World’s Most Vulnerable: Rohingya Refugees
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
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
The Secret Behind Temu’s Rock-bottom Prices
Temu’s success is due to its ultra-low prices, which many argue are made possible only through questionable practices. The full picture is more complicated.
Why Sovereign Wealth Funds Are All the Rage in Southeast Asia
The Nickel-based Industrial Paradox: Indonesian Resources, Chinese Profits
Indonesia Is on the Verge of Natural Gas Dilemma
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.