Most Read
Bangladesh’s New Border Stance Signals a Shift in Its Approach to India
“Enough is enough”: Dhaka is taking a strong stand at the border as Bangladesh-India relations enter a new phase.
Kim Jong Un Abandoned Unification. What Do North Koreans Think?
In North Korea, unification has been erased from monuments and textbooks, but not from hearts and minds.
Animating Peace: How Pakistan’s ‘The Glassworker’ Found a Voice in Hiroshima
Making a movie with an anti-war theme in a state known for glorifying war in its history is a bold step.
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
Taipei-Shanghai Forum: A Litmus Test for Cross-Strait Engagement
The annual Twin City Forum this year will gauge political will for cross-strait engagement amid escalating tensions – if it occurs at all.
Chinese Soccer Appears to be Getting Worse Despite President Xi’s Pledge to Make It Better
As the TPP Faces Controversy, Will Third Parties Disappear From Taiwan Politics?
China’s Disinformation and US Elections: What to Watch for in Congressional Contests
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
Why Do Singapore and China Cooperate on Joint Maritime Exercises?
The naval exercises have become increasingly significant for Singapore, given China’s ongoing concerns about Singapore’s neutrality and Singapore’s concerns about tensions in the South China Sea.
US Air Force Deploys More Stealth Jets to Southeast Asia
Why Did North Korea Register – and Deregister – 13 Submarines With the IMO?
INS Arighaat and India’s Quest for Strategic Deterrence
ASEAN Beat
Insights Into Half a Billion
Indonesia Deports Fugitive Philippine Mayor Accused of Involvement in Cyberscams
The extradition brings an end to a months-long manhunt for Alice Guo, the primary subject of a Senate investigation into online gaming and scam operations.
Cambodia’s Leader Says Arrested Protesters Were Trying to Overthrow the Government
Indonesia Arrests Fugitive Philippine Mayor Wanted Over Scam Operations
Indonesians Rejoice as Pope Francis Visits
The Pulse
Perspectives on South Asia
Bangladesh’s Flood Response Turns Crisis Into Cooperation
Bangladesh has shown how its “engineering diplomacy” approach to managing a flood crisis could be a pathway to resilience.
Would India Extradite Sheikh Hasina to Bangladesh?
After a Teenage Girl Is Killed on the Bangladesh-India Border, a War of Narratives Emerges
What’s at Stake in Sri Lanka’s First Presidential Vote Since its Economic Meltdown?
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
Will Koizumi Shinjiro Become Japan’s Youngest Prime Minister?
The former environment minister is leading in the polls, despite being just 43 years old. What would his election mean for the LDP and Japan?
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?
New LDP Leader, Same Old LDP
The Debate
Comment and Opinion
The Double-Edged Sword of Plastics in Asia’s Healthcare
PPE, syringes, and other single-use plastics in the medical sector are a major contributor to the plastic problem. But the industry can be part of the solution, too.
Pope Francis Returns to Asia-Pacific Frontlines
The Real Lessons From the Michigan Ghost Town Called Singapore
The Academic Brain Drain Since Myanmar’s Military Coup
Crossroads Asia
The New Silk Road
Kyrgyzstan’s First President Seeks Restoration of ‘Ex-President’ Status and Privileges
Akayev has the dual distinction of having been independent Kyrgyzstan’s first president and also its first president to be ousted in a popular revolution.
Kyrgyz Government Again Warns Citizens Against Travel to Russia
Resurrecting the USSR via Telegram? Uzbek Man Sentenced for Engagement With Soviet Revanchists
Mongolia Ignores International Warrant for Putin’s Arrest, Giving Him a Red-carpet Welcome
Trans-Pacific View
U.S. Policy on Asia
To Combat China’s Influence Operations, US Officials Need Sharper Tools and a Deft Touch
The arrest of a former top aide to New York’s governor reinforces the need for vigilance and strong enforcement, but a successful response will also depend on legal reforms and community trust.
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
More Chinese Companies Sanctioned by the US Over Russia Trade
Pacific Money
Economy And Business
Indonesia’s Biodiesel Push Poses Risks to Palm Oil Supply Chain
With production stagnating, Jakarta's increasing use of palm oil for biodiesel production could lead to shortages in the global market.
Why Indonesia’s Antam Wants to Acquire a Chinese Nickel Smelter
Relocating Indonesia’s Import Gates: A Shortcut to Help Local Industries Compete
Thai PM Confirms ‘Digital Wallet’ Will Go Ahead, Flags Cash Payments
Oceania
The South Pacific
Fractures in New Caledonia’s Independence Movement Widen, Uncertainty Reigns
The island’s future hangs in the balance as internal turmoil dovetails with the paralysis of the French government.
Australian Government Undermines Census in Bid to Avoid Division
Tamil Refugee Self-Immolates in a Melbourne Suburb
Guam, American Samoa Upgraded to Associate Membership in Pacific Islands Forum
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.