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Kyrgyzstan’s Social Democrats Under Pressure
Ten years ago, the country's Social Democrats were riding high.
Over 300 North Korean Soldiers Have Died in Russia’s Kursk Region
South Korea’s National Intelligence Service reported that more than 300 North Korean soldiers were killed fighting against Ukraine, while more than 2,700 were injured.
Christopher Luxon’s Important Trip to the UAE
For the first time in a decade, a New Zealand prime minister is heading to the Middle East for more than just a courtesy call.
Wang Yi’s First African Tour After FOCAC9 Sets the Tone for Africa-China Relations in 2025
Wang’s visits to Namibia, the Republic of Congo, Chad, and Nigeria set the tone for key African aspirations for relations with China in 2025.
Confronting India’s Silent Killer: Silicosis
Preventing silicosis demands integrating technological, public health, and sustainable livelihood solutions.
India Reimposes Restrictions on Foreign Nationals Visiting Three Northeastern States
There have been instances of foreigners engaging in activities considered harmful to national security in the volatile region.
Most Read
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.
Japan Aims to Make Sasebo a Strong Foothold for Amphibious Operations for the Self-Defense Forces
Japan aims to bolster capabilities to defend and recapture remote islands, especially in its southwestern Nansei island chain.
The Trump Effect: Will India Lean Into the China Thaw in 2025?
How far will the thaw sustain China-India ties in 2025 and beyond, especially given the return of Donald Trump to the White House?
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
Wang Yi’s First African Tour After FOCAC9 Sets the Tone for Africa-China Relations in 2025
Wang’s visits to Namibia, the Republic of Congo, Chad, and Nigeria set the tone for key African aspirations for relations with China in 2025.
As Iran Faces a Crucial Choice, China Has Much at Stake
The Real Roots of Formalism in Chinese Bureaucracy
China’s Internal Struggles: The Rising Violence That Could Lead to Foreign Aggression
Flashpoints
Diplomacy by Other Means
Over 300 North Korean Soldiers Have Died in Russia’s Kursk Region
South Korea’s National Intelligence Service reported that more than 300 North Korean soldiers were killed fighting against Ukraine, while more than 2,700 were injured.
Beyond Missiles and Trade: China’s Use of Cultural Ties to Influence Taiwan
The US Pivot to Asia Reborn: Old Grand Strategies, New Challenges
North Korea Launches Suspected Hypersonic Ballistic Missile
Asia Defense
Militaries of the Asia-Pacific
Why France Is India’s Best Bet for Building Nuclear-Powered Submarines
The acquisition of SSNs represents a significant step in enhancing India’s deterrence in the Indian Ocean. But India will need help in the endeavor, and France is the most attractive partner.
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
Yoon Suk-yeol’s Downfall Should Spark Introspection on the US Approach to South Korea
ASEAN Beat
Insights Into Half a Billion
Killer of Ex-Cambodian MP Won’t Reveal Who Ordered Assassination, Thai Police Say
Ekkalak Pheanoi, a former Thai marine, was extradited from Cambodia and questioned by Bangkok police on Saturday.
Malaysia’s Anwar Denies Covering Up Document Permitting Ex-Leader’s House Arrest
Singapore Should Intervene in the Region’s Online Scam Industry
Japan, Malaysia Pledge to Strengthen Economic, Security Ties
The Pulse
Perspectives on South Asia
Confronting India’s Silent Killer: Silicosis
Preventing silicosis demands integrating technological, public health, and sustainable livelihood solutions.
India Reimposes Restrictions on Foreign Nationals Visiting Three Northeastern States
Afghanistan Continues to Refine Its Extraction Strategy
Cracks in Pakistan-Taliban Relations: Time for a New Alliance in Kabul?
The Koreas
Divided Peninsula
Tokyo Report
News From Japan
Trump 2.0 and Japanese Firms: Assault, Acclimation, and Adaptation
While consequential, Trump 1.0 was not as earthshattering for Japanese companies as many feared. It would be a mistake, though, to assume Trump 2.0 will be the same.
Can Ishiba Shigeru Fulfill His New Year’s Resolution?
Looking Back at India-Japan Security Ties in 2024: A Way Forward
Japan-South Korea Relations Under Trump
The Debate
Comment and Opinion
China-US Cooperation on the Fentanyl Crisis Is Very Possible
Bilateral cooperation on fentanyl can save lives, protect societies and punish drug traffickers.
Bangladesh’s Fragile Progress Toward Freedom of Expression
Taiwan’s Constitutional Crisis Threatens Its Democracy
Burmese Tofu Diplomacy: Myanmar’s Democratic Forces and Their Engagement with China and India
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
How Jimmy Carter Stopped the Second Korean War
In the summer of 1994, war on the Korean Peninsula seemed inevitable. Then Carter and his wife arrived in Pyongyang.
China Alleges Taiwan Is Paying Bribes for US Support
How Jimmy Carter’s Legacy Could Impact Trump’s China Policy
How Will Trump’s National Security Team Shape His China Policy?
Pacific Money
Economy And Business
Malaysia’s PM Outlines Leadership Ambitions in Energy, Chip Manufacturing
Anwar Ibrahim says that his country's "neutrality and openness for partnership" make it a "natural hub" for high-tech manufacturing.
New iPhone Still Barred From Sale in Indonesia Despite Apple Investment
The Hidden Lifeline for Afghans: Remittances
Making an Electric Car Battery, Minus China
Oceania
The South Pacific
Christopher Luxon’s Important Trip to the UAE
For the first time in a decade, a New Zealand prime minister is heading to the Middle East for more than just a courtesy call.
Legislate First, Think Later: Déjà Vu in Australian Tech Lawmaking
Indian Australians, Cricket, and Urban Planning
With New Agreements, Australia Confirms Its Pacific Ties
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
South Korea’s Martial Law Crisis: Geopolitical Implications and Beyond
What does 2025 portend for South Korea's politics and foreign relations?
Central Asian Militaries and Asian Geopolitics
America First, Again: US-China Relations and the Second Trump Administration
America First, Again: Asian Geopolitics and the Second Trump Administration
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.