Most Read
Assessing the J-35A: The Chinese Air Force’s New Stealth Fighter
After its official reveal at the Zhuhai Airshow, what do we know about China's new fifth-generation fighter?
Myanmar Rebel Leader Has Been Detained in China, Report Says
Peng Daxun, the head of the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army, is reportedly under house arrest in Yunnan.
Trump 2.0 and the Future of the Taiwan Strait Conflict
Trump’s return to the White House, along with his hawkish advisers, will have Beijing expecting a conflict – and acting accordingly.
Magazine
The United States and the Democracy Question in South Asia
The inconsistencies and contradictions in U.S. democracy promotion, are not limited to one particular administration, but to the U.S. approach as a whole.
Southeast Asia’s Semiconductor Play
Integrated circuits are acquiring ever greater currency as a geopolitical flashpoint, and this is creating a window of opportunity for countries that are eager to move up the value chain.
The State – and Fate – of America’s Indo-Pacific Alliances
China is the biggest factor behind the continued development of the U.S. alliance network – a trend that works independently of, and supersedes, any political dynamics in Washington.
Russell Hsiao on US Policies and Taiwan’s Politics
“Perhaps more so than in other countries given its unique political status, Taiwan’s voters attach greater significance to foreign policy and more precisely relations with the United States and China.”
Blogs
China Power
A New World Order
China’s Summit Diplomacy: Insights From BRICS, APEC and the G20
Xi Jinping and his government have been remarkably vague regarding the international agenda China publicly promotes.
From the Taipei Dome to Premier12 Champions: Taiwan’s Baseball Renaissance
India and China: A Thaw in the Making?
Why Did Iraq Suspend a $10 Billion Deal With China?
Flashpoints
Diplomacy by Other Means
In Handling the North Korea-Russia Alliance, Trump Should Follow Nixon
It is high time to improve North Korea-U.S. relations, and the U.S. president-elect is uniquely positioned to do so.
Chinese Vessel Suspected of Damaging European Submarine Cables
Can Trump’s Tariffs Slow Down China’s Push to Lead High-tech Supply Chains?
‘America First’ and Threading the Needle on Tech Sovereignty
Asia Defense
Militaries of the Asia-Pacific
Beyond the Clouds: The Thai Air Force’s Grand Rebrand
The force has plans to rename itself the Royal Thai Air and Space Force, a recognition of the growing significance of the space domain.
Indonesia’s Defense Minister Has a Chance to Remake the Military For a New Era
The Australia-Japan-US Trilateral: Forming Collective Deterrence in the Indo-Pacific
South Korea’s Dockyards: A New Factor in Korea-US Military Burden-sharing
ASEAN Beat
Insights Into Half a Billion
Philippine Vice President Denies Planning to Kill President Marcos
Sara Duterte's references to the EDSA Revolution, which overthrew Marcos' father in 1986, have pushed their rivalry into a more ominous phase.
Myanmar Resistance Group Says It Is Willing to Negotiate With Junta
Malaysia and South Korea Pledge Deeper Cooperation on Defense, Trade
Philippines’ President Marcos Condemns Vice President’s Assassination Threat
The Pulse
Perspectives on South Asia
How Vulnerable Is Gwadar to Climate-related Risks?
Rising sea levels and groundwater rise are climate vulnerabilities faced by coastal towns worldwide, including Gwadar. But a more critical concern is Gwadar’s geography.
Draconian Counter-Insurgency Law Reimposed in Parts of Disturbed Manipur
Maldives Opposition Cries Foul as Muizzu Government Amends Constitution to Deter Defections
Sino-Pakistani Counterterrorism Collaboration Grows
The Koreas
Divided Peninsula
North Korea’s Struggles to Deliver on Its Plans
The yawning gap between Pyongyang’s pledges and reality.
Seoul’s Boycott of Sado Mine Tribute Highlights Japan’s Flawed Approach to South Korea
Lee Jae-myung’s Legal Perils Could Threaten His Presidential Bid
How South Korea Should Prepare Before Trump Returns to the White House
Tokyo Report
News From Japan
60 Years of Japan-South Korea Relations: A Moment for Reflection and Progress
Under the leadership of Japanese Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru and South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol, there is hope that recent momentum will continue.
Was the Abe-Trump ‘Bromance’ a Real Thing?
The China-Japan Travel Visa Spat
Turbulence in Japan’s Power Corridors Amid Trump’s Return
The Debate
Comment and Opinion
Global Plastic Treaty Talks Offer Final Hope to Protect Pacific Island Oceans
“Plastic pollution is fueling the climate crisis that poses an existential threat to our people.”
A Plea for Justice and Clemency for a Brother on Singapore’s Death Row
Why South Korea’s Leadership Is Critical for a Successful Global Plastics Treaty
The Global North and South Need a New Industrial Pact
Crossroads Asia
The New Silk Road
Security Service Shakeup in Wake of Allamjonov Assassination Attempt
Arrests, an extradition from South Korea, and a waterfall of security official resignations: One month since the Allamajonov assassination attempt.
India-Kazakhstan Cooperation in Critical Minerals Signals a Shifting Regional Approach
Central Asia’s Green Transition Goals Highlighted at COP29
Central Asia Is Investing in Itself
Trans-Pacific View
U.S. Policy on Asia
Trump and Great Power Competition in the Pacific Islands
From climate change to security cooperation, the decisive election victory of former President Donald Trump will have important consequences for Pacific Island nations.
Rubio’s Nomination to Head US Diplomacy Bodes Well for Human Rights in China
The Democratic Party’s Electoral Rout Stemmed From Its China Strategy
US-Philippine Relationship to ‘Transcend’ Changes in Administration, Austin Says
Pacific Money
Economy And Business
Will the Trump Administration Save TikTok? What’s Next for the Platform
The social media app’s survival in the U.S. will hinge on its ability to secure legal wins, build political alliances, or adapt structurally to evolving demands.
Is China Ready for the Trump Trade War 2.0?
Indonesia’s PLN and the Clean Energy Conundrum
Thailand to Begin Phase 2 of ‘Digital Wallet’ Stimulus in January
Oceania
The South Pacific
The Australia-Pacific Bid to Host UN Climate Talks in 2026 Is in Limbo
A decision won’t be made until June 2025, but Australia shouldn’t wait to take action.
Australia-China Relations: From Comprehensive Strategic Partners to Frenemies
What Lies Behind Melbourne’s Rash of Firebombings?
Australia Gives a Firm ‘No’ to UK-US Agreement to Advance Nuclear Technology
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
America First, Again: US-China Relations and the Second Trump Administration
Where does the U.S.-China relationship go from here?
America First, Again: Asian Geopolitics and the Second Trump Administration
A New China-India Border Deal?
The Geopolitical Implications of the UK-Mauritius Chagos Islands Deal
Photo Essays
Asia in Pictures
Life in Ladakh Along the Disputed Sino-Indian Border
For Changpa women in Chushul, the 2020 clashes came during a larger societal shift in gender roles.