Latest Stories
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.
Philippine Vice President Threatened With Impeachment Over Fund Misuse
Sara Duterte’s refusal to answer queries from legislators over her office’s budget has some raising the prospect of an impeachment vote.
Maldives President to Visit India Amid Danger of Debt Default
Malé is hoping for a bailout from New Delhi after credit rating agencies downgraded the country’s debt over a high risk that it could default on an Islamic bond.
Is Pakistan on the Brink of Another Political Showdown?
At a recent rally – its first outside Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province since the general elections – the PTI adopted a confrontationist posture vis-à-vis the civilian government and the military leadership.
Sajith Premadasa Says the Rich Will Pay More If He Becomes Sri Lanka’s President
He has said that if he wins the presidential election, his government will renegotiate the terms of the IMF loan so that the lives of the poor improve.
Evaluating the Taliban’s Economic Policies
The Taliban’s interim government has boasted about its economic success, but few Afghans are feeling a positive impact.
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
Upcoming Biden-Xi Talks Won’t Rehabilitate China-US Relations
As it stands, the usefulness of high-level bilateral discussions is largely limited to performing for each side’s domestic audience.
China-Africa Summit Shines a Spotlight on Eswatini, Taiwan’s Lone Partner in Africa
China-Africa Summit 2024: The Octopus’ Embrace
Hong Kong Slams US Congress for Passing a Bill That Could Close Its Representative Offices
Flashpoints
Diplomacy by Other Means
Taking Stock of the South Korea-US Nuclear Consultative Group
The new mechanism is supposed to provide reassurance over the credibility of the U.S. nuclear umbrella.
PM Anwar Says Malaysia Will Not Halt Oil and Gas Exploration in South China Sea
The Danger of Distrust on the Iran-Pakistan Border
Peacemaker vs Peacemaker: India and China’s Diplomatic Duel Over Ukraine
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
Philippine Vice President Threatened With Impeachment Over Fund Misuse
Sara Duterte’s refusal to answer queries from legislators over her office’s budget has some raising the prospect of an impeachment vote.
The Sanctioning of Ly Yong Phat: Milestone or Mirage?
Death Toll Climbs to 199 in Vietnam as Typhoon’s Aftermath Brings Flash Floods and Landslides
Defund Indonesia’s Deadly Peat Fires
The Pulse
Perspectives on South Asia
Maldives President to Visit India Amid Danger of Debt Default
Malé is hoping for a bailout from New Delhi after credit rating agencies downgraded the country’s debt over a high risk that it could default on an Islamic bond.
Is Pakistan on the Brink of Another Political Showdown?
Sajith Premadasa Says the Rich Will Pay More If He Becomes Sri Lanka’s President
Evaluating the Taliban’s Economic Policies
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
Engagements With the Myanmar Military Undermine Localized Approaches to Humanitarian Assistance
International organizations should focus on strengthening local networks and providing cross-border aid rather than waiting for authorization from the junta to operate in conflict zones.
How 9/11 Changed – and Didn’t Change – Afghanistan
Is It Time to Declare a Moratorium on the Death Penalty in Bangladesh?
To Secure Peace in the Indo-Pacific, Include Taiwan in the UN System
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
Why Biden Should Welcome Vietnam’s To Lam to the White House
Lam's unique status and the fortuitous timing make his upcoming trip to the United States an important moment to solidify recent progress in bilateral relations.
Donald Trump Visits a Vietnamese Restaurant
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?
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.
