Latest Stories
China’s Renewed Ambitions in Cabo Verde, the Frontier Between Africa and the EU
It’s no coincidence that China’s new push in the island nation focuses on energy and digital development.
How Can Companies Manage Geopolitical Threats?
Insights from Elisabeth Braw.
A Robot Begins Removal of Melted Fuel From the Fukushima Nuclear Plant. It Could Take a Century.
The robot’s two-week trip is a crucial step in a decades-long process to decommission the plant and deal with large amounts of highly radioactive melted fuel inside.
Is It Time to Declare a Moratorium on the Death Penalty in Bangladesh?
With the interim government’s commitment to investigate enforced disappearances, another form of state-sanctioned killing, the practice of the death penalty, ought to face the same scrutiny.
Heavy Climate Toll on Bangladesh Warrants Attention and Action
The country is bounded by rapidly rising seas to its south and by overflowing rivers in its north and northeast.
Conflict in India’s Manipur Takes New Turn With Drone Attacks
The drones are assembled and possibly utilized with technology borrowed from resistance groups in Myanmar.
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
China’s Renewed Ambitions in Cabo Verde, the Frontier Between Africa and the EU
It’s no coincidence that China’s new push in the island nation focuses on energy and digital development.
During Ramaphosa’s Visit, China and South Africa Upgrade Strategic Ties
China’s African Bet and Vice Versa: A Positive-Sum Game?
Taipei-Shanghai Forum: A Litmus Test for Cross-Strait Engagement
Flashpoints
Diplomacy by Other Means
PM Anwar Says Malaysia Will Not Halt Oil and Gas Exploration in South China Sea
The PM's comments came after the publication of a leaked Chinese diplomatic note ordering the country to cease exploration activities in the South China Sea.
The Danger of Distrust on the Iran-Pakistan Border
Peacemaker vs Peacemaker: India and China’s Diplomatic Duel Over Ukraine
Measuring the Depth of India’s Space Program
Asia Defense
Militaries of the Asia-Pacific
North Korea’s Naval Ambitions: A Strategic Shift
Historically, North Korea has focused primarily on developing land-based military strength. However, several factors are driving Pyongyang to enhance its naval power.
The Philippines-China-Vietnam Triangle and Limits of the ‘Friends and Enemies’ Maxim
Why Do Singapore and China Cooperate on Joint Maritime Exercises?
US Air Force Deploys More Stealth Jets to Southeast Asia
ASEAN Beat
Insights Into Half a Billion
East Timorese Flock to Pope Francis’ Mass at Site of John Paul II’s Visit
Local officials say that 300,000 people, more than a fifth of the country's population, had registered to attend the Mass.
Myanmar Armed Group Seizes Naval Training Center in Rakhine State
Philippine President Promises ‘No Special Treatment’ for Celebrity Preacher
Cambodia’s Autocratic Regime Really Doesn’t Want You Criticizing It Overseas
The Pulse
Perspectives on South Asia
Heavy Climate Toll on Bangladesh Warrants Attention and Action
The country is bounded by rapidly rising seas to its south and by overflowing rivers in its north and northeast.
Conflict in India’s Manipur Takes New Turn With Drone Attacks
Which Candidate Is China Likely to Back in Sri Lanka’s 2024 Presidential Election?
Bangladesh’s Flood Response Turns Crisis Into Cooperation
The Koreas
Divided Peninsula
The Opportunity for South Korea-US Cooperation in AI Hardware and Energy Needs
By supporting South Korea’s renewable energy development, the U.S. could strengthen a critical ally’s AI and chip industry, which is a step toward building collective resilience.
South Korea’s President Yoon Meets Japanese Prime Minister Kishida One Last Time
North Korea Expands Media Ban to Include Chinese Films
Outgoing Japanese Leader Kishida Will Visit South Korea for a Summit on Improving Ties
Tokyo Report
News From Japan
A Robot Begins Removal of Melted Fuel From the Fukushima Nuclear Plant. It Could Take a Century.
The robot’s two-week trip is a crucial step in a decades-long process to decommission the plant and deal with large amounts of highly radioactive melted fuel inside.
Will Koizumi Shinjiro Become Japan’s Youngest Prime Minister?
How Did Japan’s Conservatives Fall in Love With Dovish Economic Policy?
Will Japan Turn to Deep Seabed Mining to Secure Critical Mineral Supply Chains?
The Debate
Comment and Opinion
Is It Time to Declare a Moratorium on the Death Penalty in Bangladesh?
With the interim government’s commitment to investigate enforced disappearances, another form of state-sanctioned killing, the practice of the death penalty, ought to face the same scrutiny.
To Secure Peace in the Indo-Pacific, Include Taiwan in the UN System
The Network of Professors Behind Bangladesh’s Revolution
The Double-Edged Sword of Plastics in Asia’s Healthcare
Crossroads Asia
The New Silk Road
Referendum to Decide Kazakhstan’s Nuclear Energy Ambition
Around 200 nuclear power plants are currently operating in 30 countries around the world. Kazakhstan may well be on its way to joining that list.
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
Kyrgyz Government Again Warns Citizens Against Travel to Russia
Trans-Pacific View
U.S. Policy on Asia
Donald Trump Visits a Vietnamese Restaurant
Will a right-leaning Asian community vote for the GOP in November?
To Combat China’s Influence Operations, US Officials Need Sharper Tools and a Deft Touch
Why Is Beijing Interested in a Mid-Level Government Aide in New York State?
The US Presidential Election and the Future of China-US Relations
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
Will the Future Be Made in Australia?
The Australian government has a keen motivation to incentivize the emergence of new industries that will protect its standards of living and advance its strategic position.
Fractures in New Caledonia’s Independence Movement Widen, Uncertainty Reigns
Australian Government Undermines Census in Bid to Avoid Division
Tamil Refugee Self-Immolates in a Melbourne Suburb
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.
