Latest Stories
Ko Wen-je Is Back in Jail as Corruption Charges Mount
Ko has been re-arrested over charges related to the Core Pacific City Mall, but he faces a number of other allegations as well.
The Geopolitics of Israel-Taiwan Relations
Insights from Mor Sobol.
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.
Papua New Guinea Is in a Governance Crisis – and Australia Helped Put It There
Australia has loaned millions to PNG, despite the government's issues with unaccountable and nontransparent spending.
Islamist Parties Gaining Ground in Bangladesh Amid Post-Hasina Political Vacuum
However, the Jamaat-e-Islami will have to overcome the stain of collaboration with Pakistan during the liberation war.
Adani Airport Controversy in Kenya Discredits India’s Reputation in Africa
As India leans more toward the private sector to fulfill its overseas economic goals, it must take measures to ensure its credibility remains unaffected.
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
Ko Wen-je Is Back in Jail as Corruption Charges Mount
Ko has been re-arrested over charges related to the Core Pacific City Mall, but he faces a number of other allegations as well.
Upcoming Biden-Xi Talks Won’t Rehabilitate China-US Relations
China-Africa Summit Shines a Spotlight on Eswatini, Taiwan’s Lone Partner in Africa
China-Africa Summit 2024: The Octopus’ Embrace
Flashpoints
Diplomacy by Other Means
Silicon Shield 2.0: A Taiwan Perspective
Does Taiwan’s leading position in the semiconductor industry, often referred to as the “Silicon Shield,” actually protect it, or does it increase the risks Taiwan faces?
Taking Stock of the South Korea-US Nuclear Consultative Group
PM Anwar Says Malaysia Will Not Halt Oil and Gas Exploration in South China Sea
The Danger of Distrust on the Iran-Pakistan Border
Asia Defense
Militaries of the Asia-Pacific
Japan’s Largest Warship JS Kaga Will Conduct F-35B Onboard Operation Tests off the California Coast
It’s a crucial step for Tokyo’s ambition to convert two Izumo-class vessels into fully-fledged aircraft carriers.
North Korea’s Naval Ambitions: A Strategic Shift
The Philippines-China-Vietnam Triangle and Limits of the ‘Friends and Enemies’ Maxim
Why Do Singapore and China Cooperate on Joint Maritime Exercises?
ASEAN Beat
Insights Into Half a Billion
Philippines to Maintain Constant Presence at Sabina Shoal, Coast Guard Says
The withdrawal of the PCG's flagship has prompted some to claim that Beijing has forced Manila to back down at Sabina Shoal.
Indonesia, Vietnam Agree to Move Toward Diplomatic Upgrade
A Novel Solution to Southeast Asia’s Coming Demographic Crisis
Saffron Washing: The Myanmar Military’s Exploitation of Buddhism
The Pulse
Perspectives on South Asia
Islamist Parties Gaining Ground in Bangladesh Amid Post-Hasina Political Vacuum
However, the Jamaat-e-Islami will have to overcome the stain of collaboration with Pakistan during the liberation war.
Adani Airport Controversy in Kenya Discredits India’s Reputation in Africa
India’s Struggle to Find a Meaningful Role in Southeast Asia
Can Afghanistan’s Economy Survive Without Aid?
The Koreas
Divided Peninsula
North Korea Gives Glimpse Into a Secretive Uranium-Enrichment Facility as Kim Pushes for More Nukes
State media released images of leader Kim Jong Un visiting the Nuclear Weapons Institute and an unnamed facility producing weapons-grade nuclear materials.
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
North Korea Expands Media Ban to Include Chinese Films
Tokyo Report
News From Japan
Who Are the Contenders to Be Japan’s Next Prime Minister?
A record nine candidates have registered for the LDP’s leadership election.
A Robot Begins Removal of Melted Fuel From the Fukushima Nuclear Plant. It Could Take a Century.
Will Koizumi Shinjiro Become Japan’s Youngest Prime Minister?
How Did Japan’s Conservatives Fall in Love With Dovish Economic Policy?
The Debate
Comment and Opinion
In Asia, Zero Waste Is Proving to Be a Climate Solution
Decentralized and community-led zero waste practices are a low-hanging fruit in addressing the climate crisis.
Engagements With the Myanmar Military Undermine Localized Approaches to Humanitarian Assistance
How 9/11 Changed – and Didn’t Change – Afghanistan
Is It Time to Declare a Moratorium on the Death Penalty in Bangladesh?
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
Why Ace Hardware Is ‘Leaving’ Indonesia
The country's retail market is not as weak as the move might suggest.
Indonesia’s Biodiesel Push Poses Risks to Palm Oil Supply Chain
Why Indonesia’s Antam Wants to Acquire a Chinese Nickel Smelter
Relocating Indonesia’s Import Gates: A Shortcut to Help Local Industries Compete
Oceania
The South Pacific
Papua New Guinea Is in a Governance Crisis – and Australia Helped Put It There
Australia has loaned millions to PNG, despite the government's issues with unaccountable and nontransparent spending.
Will the Future Be Made in Australia?
Fractures in New Caledonia’s Independence Movement Widen, Uncertainty Reigns
Australian Government Undermines Census in Bid to Avoid Division
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.
