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‘Small Fish in the Dangerous Ocean’
Former Singapore diplomat Kishore Mahbubani writes about pragmatism in foreign policy.
China’s Last-minute Preparations for Trump 2.0
What is China up to with its diplomatic outreach to U.S. allies Japan and the EU before Trump’s inauguration?
Pro-Yoon Rioters Attack Courthouse After New Arrest Warrant Against the President
In the wake of the court’s decision to extend the detention of Yoon Suk-yeol, his supporters used violence against the police and stormed the courthouse.
How Taiwan Balances Cybersecurity With Human Rights in Resisting China
Taiwan’s approach to cybersecurity governance is not only a lesson in resisting cyber threats from China but also an important bulwark against Beijing’s attempts to set repressive digital norms.
The US Pivot to Asia Depends on Peace in Ukraine
In the 1950s the U.S. carried out a pivot from Asia to Europe – despite the outbreak of the Korean War. Trump can learn from that history.
China in Pakistan’s Power Sector: The Hidden Costs Behind Pakistan’s Energy Overcapacity
Contracts with Chinese power producers have left Pakistan footing a massive bill for inefficient supply – all while electricity shortfalls continue.
Most Read
What Does the Chinese Public Think of the Belt and Road?
Interviews offer first-hand insights into how the Chinese people perceive the BRI and its global and domestic implications.
The Failed Plot to ‘Destroy’ Uzbek Officials Using US Sanctions
Letters obtained by The Diplomat suggest a failed effort to manipulate the U.S. sanctions system on the part of a well-connected Uzbek businessman.
Indonesia Officially Becomes First Southeast Asian Member of BRICS
The decision to apply for membership reflects President Prabowo Subianto's more proactive approach to foreign policy.
Magazine
Malaysia’s Turn in the ASEAN Hotseat
Malaysia’s year as ASEAN chair arrives at a pivotal moment to confront unprecedented challenges facing the bloc.
How COVID-19 Transformed China’s Domestic and International Trajectory
The pandemic left an indelible but mixed imprint on everything from patterns of socio-economic development to China’s state apparatus and foreign relations.
2025: What to Expect in the Asia-Pacific
Welcome to the new year, and to our annual primer on what to expect in the Asia-Pacific.
Meera Gopal on the Asia-Pacific at COP29
“All in all, vulnerable countries lamented that [COP29] was a lost opportunity for collective action and the outcome did not reflect a meaningful agreement on climate finance.”
Blogs
China Power
A New World Order
China’s Last-minute Preparations for Trump 2.0
What is China up to with its diplomatic outreach to U.S. allies Japan and the EU before Trump’s inauguration?
How Taiwan Balances Cybersecurity With Human Rights in Resisting China
In First, China’s VP Will Attend US Presidential Inauguration
When American TikTok Refugees Found a Home on China’s RedNote
Flashpoints
Diplomacy by Other Means
The US Pivot to Asia Depends on Peace in Ukraine
In the 1950s the U.S. carried out a pivot from Asia to Europe – despite the outbreak of the Korean War. Trump can learn from that history.
Beijing’s Targeting of Taiwan’s Undersea Cables Previews Cross-Strait Tensions Under a Trump Presidency
Trump, China, and the Truth about the Panama Canal
North Korea Launches SRBMs Toward Its Eastern Waters, South Korea Says
Asia Defense
Militaries of the Asia-Pacific
New Zealand-Singapore Defense Relations in a Volatile World
Defense relations between New Zealand and Singapore clearly benefit their national security interests. What's the next step?
Why France Is India’s Best Bet for Building Nuclear-Powered Submarines
Japan Aims to Make Sasebo a Strong Foothold for Amphibious Operations for the Self-Defense Forces
Japan Approves 9.4 Percent Increase in Defense Spending for FY2025
ASEAN Beat
Insights Into Half a Billion
‘Small Fish in the Dangerous Ocean’
Former Singapore diplomat Kishore Mahbubani writes about pragmatism in foreign policy.
China’s FM Calls on Southeast Asia to Tackle Online Scamming Scourge
Indonesia’s President Prabowo to Pay State Visit to India Next Week
Japan ‘Gravely Concerned’ About South China Sea Tensions, FM Says
The Pulse
Perspectives on South Asia
China in Pakistan’s Power Sector: The Hidden Costs Behind Pakistan’s Energy Overcapacity
Contracts with Chinese power producers have left Pakistan footing a massive bill for inefficient supply – all while electricity shortfalls continue.
Tiny Steps for TAPI in the Taliban’s Afghanistan
Political Outbidding in India on Illegal Bangladeshi Immigrants
Can Hasina’s Awami League Make a Comeback in Bangladesh’s Next Election?
The Koreas
Divided Peninsula
Pro-Yoon Rioters Attack Courthouse After New Arrest Warrant Against the President
In the wake of the court’s decision to extend the detention of Yoon Suk-yeol, his supporters used violence against the police and stormed the courthouse.
The Case for South Korea Prohibiting Anti-North Korean Leaflet Launches
South Koreans Separate Support on PPP and President Yoon
South Korea’s President Yoon Suk-yeol Detained on 2nd Attempt
Tokyo Report
News From Japan
The Debate
Comment and Opinion
The Challenges for BRICS in 2025 Under the Brazilian Presidency
Brazil takes the helm at a moment when diplomatic pragmatism should take precedence over some of the bloc’s more polarizing initiatives.
Fostering Stronger Business Ties Between Mongolia and the United States
Coercion and Criminality: Cambodia’s Dual Threat to Regional and Global Stability
China-US Cooperation on the Fentanyl Crisis Is Very Possible
Crossroads Asia
The New Silk Road
Kyrgyzstan’s Social Democrats Under Pressure
Ten years ago, the country's Social Democrats were riding high.
Alleged Coup Trial in Tajikistan: Prosecutors Seek Lengthy Sentences
2025: Decision Time for the Kazakh Economy
Tajikistan and the Russian Scheme to Pay Taliban to Target Americans in Afghanistan
Trans-Pacific View
U.S. Policy on Asia
With High-level Visits, India, US Look to Sustain Momentum Ahead of US Presidential Transition
The final India-U.S. exchanges before the Trump administration takes office set the stage for the next phase of the relationship.
How Jimmy Carter Stopped the Second Korean War
China Alleges Taiwan Is Paying Bribes for US Support
How Jimmy Carter’s Legacy Could Impact Trump’s China Policy
Pacific Money
Economy And Business
The Johor-Singapore SEZ: 1963 Reimagined?
The project offers an opportunity to enhance the strategic partnership between Singapore and Malaysia, at a time when bilateral ties are on a solid footing.
The Return of Malaysia’s Government Investment Funds
How the Exit of US Banks From the Net-Zero Banking Alliance Threatens Climate Finance in Southeast Asia
Malaysia’s PM Outlines Leadership Ambitions in Energy, Chip Manufacturing
Oceania
The South Pacific
Australia’s Population Has Grown, But Its House of Representatives Hasn’t
In the upcoming election, the Australian House of Representatives will be losing a seat – the result of a quirk in the constitution.
Erasing Taiwan: Implications of a Growing China-Solomon Islands Partnership
Christopher Luxon’s Important Trip to the UAE
Legislate First, Think Later: Déjà Vu in Australian Tech Lawmaking
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
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.