Latest Stories
The Martial Law Crisis: How Military Disobedience Helped Save South Korea’s Democracy
Lower-ranking soldiers, through acts of disobedience, played a crucial role in stopping an undemocratic power grab. That holds lessons that extend beyond South Korea.
As US Decouples, China Strengthens Biotech Ties With Japan
From joint ventures to licensing deals, biotechnology is emerging as a strategic bridge between China and Japan.
Central Asia Opens Diplomatic Rift With Turkiye Over Cyprus
Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan signed U.N. resolutions deeming Northern Cyprus “occupied.”
What Did US Businesses Have to Say About Trump’s Tariffs?
Before the tariffs, businesses took advantage of a public comment period to lay out the dangers of a trade war. It seems clear that the Trump administration didn’t take their concerns into account.
What Top Chinese Economists Think of Trump’s Tariffs
China’s academic and policy circles see economic and diplomatic opportunities amid the crisis of Washington’s trade war.
The World Shouldn’t Turn Away From the Rohingya Community
“I fear it is becoming more difficult to get people to pay attention.”
Most Read
MH370: The Devil Is in the Data
Could data gathered by amateur radio operators finally unlock the truth about the doomed Malaysia Airlines flight?
The Art of Not Dealing: China’s 3-Ring Strategy for a Prolonged Trade War
Beijing is executing a three-layered plan: shoring up its domestic front, tightening the screws on the U.S., and repositioning itself on the global stage.
F-47: The US 6th-Generation Aircraft Plan Signals a Shift Toward Superiority
The announcement signals a shift toward the pursuit of nuclear superiority – which history shows will weaken deterrence and increase the likelihood of nuclear crises.
Magazine
Adani’s Controversial Footprint in India’s Neighborhood (and Elsewhere)
The growth of the Adani Group, especially overseas, has mirrored Modi’s political ascendancy. As a result, controversy involving Adani projects causes backlash against India as a whole.
Cambodia: The Unbearable Memory of the Khmer Rouge
April 17, 1975 – the day Phnom Penh fell – can perhaps never be fully reappropriated because of the strong sense of shame and pain that surrounds it.
Will Lee Jae-myung Rise From South Korea’s Political Chaos?
Lee Jae-myung’s strategic bet – that he can leverage widespread public discontent without further deepening societal divisions – will pose a key test for South Korea’s democracy.
Larry Diamond on the Importance of US Foreign Aid
“Ending aid is not a strategy to make America great again. It’s a strategy to make America resented and isolated in the world.”
Blogs
China Power
A New World Order
As US Decouples, China Strengthens Biotech Ties With Japan
From joint ventures to licensing deals, biotechnology is emerging as a strategic bridge between China and Japan.
What Top Chinese Economists Think of Trump’s Tariffs
Unsung Heroes of World War I Bring Together Chinese and Europeans
How China’s Companies Are Responding to the US Trade War
Flashpoints
Diplomacy by Other Means
China’s New Deep-Sea Cutting Tool Exposes Vulnerability of Undersea Cables
China, in developing deep-water cable-cutting technology, may be sending a message of intent.
The Big Lie: Being Pro-US Won’t Force China to Invade Taiwan
The Indo-Pacific Region in the Agenda of Germany’s Coalition Government
PLA Assertiveness in the Tasman Sea Is a Wake-up Call on China’s Dual-Use Infrastructure in the Pacific
Asia Defense
Militaries of the Asia-Pacific
The Martial Law Crisis: How Military Disobedience Helped Save South Korea’s Democracy
Lower-ranking soldiers, through acts of disobedience, played a crucial role in stopping an undemocratic power grab. That holds lessons that extend beyond South Korea.
Are the Russians Eyeing West Papua for an Overseas Military Base?
The Evolution of the Baloch Liberation Army
F-47: The US 6th-Generation Aircraft Plan Signals a Shift Toward Superiority
ASEAN Beat
Insights Into Half a Billion
Xi Jinping Declares China’s ‘New Era’ With Cambodia
From crime to canals, more than 30 agreements were signed during Xi's two days in Cambodia.
2 Rohingya Refugees Die in Indonesia Amid Global Funding Crunch
Cambodia’s Haunted Present: 50 years After Khmer Rouge’s Rise, Its Murderous Legacy Looms Large
In Malaysia, China’s Xi Jinping Again Strikes Cooperative Note
The Pulse
Perspectives on South Asia
The Emerging Exception: India Sees Itself as Transcending Middle Power
India no longer sees itself as merely a middle power, but as a key player shaping the global order: an “emerging great power.”
The National Security Implications of Starlink’s Entry Into India
Bangladesh Pokes India in the Eye; Delhi Hits Back
Through Climate Diplomacy, Nepal Sounds the Alarm on the Himalayas
The Koreas
Divided Peninsula
Will the PPP’s Attempt at an Anti-Lee Jae-myung Coalition Work?
Would-be presidential candidates within the ruling People Power Party are looking to form a big tent to prevent the opposition leader from becoming president, but there’s reason for skepticism.
Will the PPP Survive After the Snap Presidential Election?
North Korea Human Rights Advocacy in Turmoil
Unlocking India-South Korea Trade Opportunities: Insights from the Recent Partnership Economic Forum in Seoul
Tokyo Report
News From Japan
Tariff Talks an Opportunity to Reinvigorate the Japan-US Alliance
With the 24 percent additional tariffs on Japan suspended for 90 ninety days for negotiations, the U.S. and Japan should approach this moment as a chance to forge a new economic compact.
Abe Shinzo and Japan’s ‘Discovery of India’
Japan and Europe Should Forge Ahead With Their Own Alliance, Without the US
Japan Enacts FY 2025 Budget After Rare Revisions
The Debate
Comment and Opinion
The World Shouldn’t Turn Away From the Rohingya Community
“I fear it is becoming more difficult to get people to pay attention.”
Beijing Cannot Be Trusted to Mediate on Iran’s Nuclear Program
Trump’s Second Coming: Mongolia Watches the Chaos With Caution
We Owe Afghan Women a Chance to Make Their Own Destiny
Crossroads Asia
The New Silk Road
Central Asia Opens Diplomatic Rift With Turkiye Over Cyprus
Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan signed U.N. resolutions deeming Northern Cyprus “occupied.”
Trans-Afghan Railway: Will Uzbekistan Develop the Kandahar Route?
Why Uzbekistan Continues to Push for Engaging With Afghanistan
What Mongolia Can Learn From South Korea’s Waste Management System
Trans-Pacific View
U.S. Policy on Asia
What Did US Businesses Have to Say About Trump’s Tariffs?
Before the tariffs, businesses took advantage of a public comment period to lay out the dangers of a trade war. It seems clear that the Trump administration didn’t take their concerns into account.
Ending China’s De Minimis Exception Brings 3 Benefits for Americans
China Doesn’t Fear Tariffs. It Fears a Credible US Industrial Strategy.
After FM Phone Call, Are Pakistan-US Ties on the Mend?
Pacific Money
Economy And Business
The US Flip-flop Over H20 Chip Restrictions
Last week, reports surfaced that the White House would still allow Nvidia to export its H20 chips to China, surprising the tech industry. Now the restrictions are back on.
The Trump Tariff Shock Should Push Indonesia to Reform Its Economy
Why ASEAN Countries Often Run Trade Surpluses
What a US Exit From the Information Technology Agreement Would Mean for America and the World
Oceania
The South Pacific
The 4 Keys to Australia’s Democracy Edge
Threats to democracy seen in the U.S. are a global issue, but differences in the media and political systems limit their impact in Australia — for now.
Solomon Islands, FSM Consider Labor Mobility Scheme
Rabuka’s Support for Trump Doesn’t Earn Fiji Reprieve From US Tariffs
Cooperation, Coordination, and Strategic Denial: Echoes and Lessons from Cold War Oceania
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
Photo Essays
Asia in Pictures
The Untold Stories of Peshawar’s Gemstone Market at Namak Mandi
Pakistan’s largest and most important gemstone and mineral market is deeply intertwined with the region’s borders, conflict, and undocumented economies.