Top Stories
TOP
December 05, 2022
In Forming Malaysia’s New Cabinet, Anwar Strikes a Careful Balance
By Sebastian Strangio
The 28-member cabinet, which included members of four coalitions and an independent MP, was sworn in on Saturday.
November 30, 2022
The China-US Tech War: What’s Next?
Johanna Costigan, Shihoko Goto, and Alexandra Seymour the China-U.S. competition for tech dominance and the implications for third countries.
November 29, 2022
The Real Importance of China’s ‘Zero COVID’ Protests
By Shannon Tiezzi
“In China, everyone is one step from becoming a dissident” – and zero COVID has pushed many to make that final step.
November 28, 2022
Indian Intelligence Official Anand Arni on Pakistan’s New Army Chief Gen Asim Munir
By Sudha Ramachandran
“If Gen. Munir keeps Lt. Gen. Nadeem Anjum on in the post of DG-ISI, then it could signal warmer ties with the U.S.”
Diplomat Risk Intelligence
Insights Today – for Tomorrow
Diplomat Risk Intelligence offers you dedicated access to an exclusive network of subject matter experts on geopolitical, security, economic, and political trends covering the wider Asia-Pacific region.
Research Notes
Published by Diplomat Risk Intelligence, Research Notes
offer actionable insight to strategic decision-makers seeking to understand political risk and economic
trends in Asia.
November 29, 2022
A Rescue Plan for China’s Real Estate Market: How Far Will Beijing Go?
November 18, 2022
Notes From Islamabad: Pakistan Nears Breaking Point. Army Chief to Exit Amid Economic Crisis
November 8, 2022
China and Chips. The Biden Administration Moves Against China’s Semiconductor Industry
October 31, 2022
Behind Xi Jinping’s Plans for a New Chinese Economy: Political Leadership Shaped by Technological Imperative
Magazine
M
December 01, 2022
Political Instability Reigns Supreme in Malaysia
By James Chin
Despite Anwar Ibrahim’s ultimate victory at the head of a progressive, multi-ethnic coalition, the space for more pluralistic politics in Malaysia is closing.
December 01, 2022
Inheriting the Storm: Beijing’s Difficult New Relationship with Kabul
By Raffaello Pantucci
Far from inheriting an opportunity, China finds itself encumbered with an ever-expanding roster of problems in Afghanistan, which it is showing little interest in trying to resolve or own.
December 01, 2022
How South Korea’s Authoritarian Past Shapes Its Democracy
By Joan E. Cho
Understanding the weaknesses of South Korea’s democracy requires looking to the country’s authoritarian past.
December 01, 2022
China and the Long Game on Climate
By Marina Kaneti
The seeds for China’s current climate change strategy – for better or for worse – were laid with the Kyoto Protocol 25 years ago.
Blogs
China Power
A New World Order
P
December 06, 2022
Jiang Zemin Hailed by China’s Top Leaders in Memorial Service
By Associated Press
Current Communist Party leader Xi Jinping praised Jiang in an hour-long address at Beijing's Great Hall of the People.
December 06, 2022
Taiwan Watches China’s ‘White Paper’ Protests
December 05, 2022
China’s Prominent Role in the 2022 Qatar World Cup
December 03, 2022
‘Don’t Say Gay’ Is Happening in China Too. But It Can’t Turn Back the Clock.
Flashpoints
Diplomacy by Other Means
F
December 06, 2022
North Korea Fires Artillery Over South Korea-US Live-Fire Drills
By Mitch Shin
For two consecutive days, North Korea fired artillery shells in response to South Korea-U.S. joint live-fire drills.
December 06, 2022
North Korea Fires Artillery Near Border With South Korea
December 03, 2022
China’s Emerging Subsurface Presence in the Indian Ocean
November 30, 2022
US Dismisses China Objections to South China Sea Mission
Asia Defense
Militaries of the Asia-Pacific
D
December 07, 2022
Why Japan’s Missile Defense Requires ‘Counterstrike Capabilities’
By Kenji Nagayoshi
Japan’s strike capability debate must be accompanied by the political will of decision-makers.
December 05, 2022
Malabar and More: Quad Militaries Conduct Exercises
December 01, 2022
Will India Be Affected by Delays of Arms Imports From Russia?
December 01, 2022
Is North Korea Producing Munitions for Export to Russia?
ASEAN Beat
Insights Into Half a Billion
B
December 06, 2022
Indonesia’s Parliament Passes Repressive New Penal Code
By Sebastian Strangio
The passage came as protests against the new code erupted across the archipelago.
December 06, 2022
Glimmer of Justice for 9-Year-Old Killed in Philippine Drug War
December 05, 2022
In Forming Malaysia’s New Cabinet, Anwar Strikes a Careful Balance
December 05, 2022
Indonesia Set to Pass Controversial New Criminal Code This Month
The Pulse
Perspectives on South Asia
P
December 06, 2022
Taliban to Allow High School Graduation Exams for Afghan Girls
By Rahim Faiez
Afghan girls have been banned from high school classrooms but with little advance notice will be allowed one day to take graduation exams.
December 06, 2022
‘Obituaries’ of Indian TV Journalism Flood Social Media
December 05, 2022
India Signals It Will Continue to Buy Oil From Russia
December 05, 2022
Pakistan’s New Army Chief Faces Tough Internal Security Challenges
The Koreas
Divided Peninsula
K
December 06, 2022
The Dark Side of K-Pop
By Brandon Valeriano and Aleydis Nissen
Beneath the glittering surface image of K-pop idols lies the Dorian Grey-like heart of an industry that abuses and discards its trainees and stars.
November 30, 2022
The Public Safety Implications of the Itaewon Tragedy
November 29, 2022
The Implications of FTX’s Collapse for North Korea
November 28, 2022
Kim Jong Un Emphasizes Nuclear Development as North Korea’s ‘Ultimate Goal’
Tokyo Report
News From Japan
R
December 06, 2022
Japan’s Ruling Coalition Approves Counterstrike Capability
By Mina Pollmann
The long-debated move comes alongside increased defense spending amid worries about Japan's security environment.
November 24, 2022
Is This The Beginning of the End for Kishida?
November 23, 2022
Blue-ribbon Panel Urges Japan to Develop Counterstrike Capabilities
November 22, 2022
Japan’s Historic Yen Depreciation
The Debate
Comment and Opinion
D
December 02, 2022
US Policy Toward China Is Undermining Security for Communities in the Asia-Pacific
By Kate Alexander and Colleen Moore
Addressing collective challenges such as climate change will require abandoning militarized approaches for cooperation and diplomacy.
November 30, 2022
Sovereignty, Forum Shopping, and the Case of the Sulu Sultanate’s Heirs
November 29, 2022
China and Iran at the Tipping Point
November 28, 2022
Where Is the ‘New’ Kazakhstan, President Tokayev?
Crossroads Asia
The New Silk Road
A
December 07, 2022
Putin to Visit Kyrgyzstan for EAEU Summit
By Catherine Putz
Authorities in the Kyrgyz capital extended a ban on protests that’s been in place most of the year, hoping to head off any trouble when Putin (and Mirziyoyev) come to town.
December 06, 2022
Russia Wants to Speed up Joint Nuclear Power Plant Project in Uzbekistan
December 06, 2022
Mass Protests in Mongolia Decry ‘Coal Mafia,’ Corruption
December 02, 2022
What Tajikistan’s Persecution of Faromuz Irgashev Really Means
Trans-Pacific View
U.S. Policy on Asia
V
December 05, 2022
After the Biden-Xi Meeting: Righting China-US Relations
By Dingding Chen and Chen Yingfan
Dwindling communication opportunities between the two countries are gradually eroding the foundation of stable relations.
December 03, 2022
US Sanctions Leaders of Anti-Pakistan Terrorist Groups
November 29, 2022
New US Export Controls Need Allied Support
November 24, 2022
The Rationale Behind the US-ASEAN Electric Vehicle Initiative
Pacific Money
Economy And Business
M
December 06, 2022
Indonesia’s $20 Billion Energy Transition Partnership Takes Shape
By James Guild
The Just Energy Transition Partnership has laid out a roadmap to net zero, but many details are still only vaguely sketched.
December 05, 2022
Russian Oil Price Cap, EU Ban Aim to Limit Kremlin War Chest
December 03, 2022
China’s Bet on Intelligent Electric Vehicles
December 02, 2022
How the US Can Win the Chips War With China
Oceania
The South Pacific
O
December 05, 2022
Vietnam in the South Pacific: Dynamics for Strategic Cooperation
By Nguyen Minh Quang and James Borton
The recent visit of Vietnam’s National Assembly Chairman Vuong Dinh Hue to Australia and New Zealand sheds new light on the country’s post-COVID foreign policy.
December 02, 2022
Australian Economist Jailed in Myanmar Applauded in Parliament
November 28, 2022
Liberal Party Losses Grow With Victoria Elections
November 25, 2022
Detangling Semantics: Has Australia Really Been ‘Hawkish’ on China?
Videos
Asia on Video
VNovember 30, 2022
The China-US Tech War: What’s Next?
Johanna Costigan, Shihoko Goto, and Alexandra Seymour the China-U.S. competition for tech dominance and the implications for third countries.
October 14, 2022
What’s Next for India’s Congress Party?
September 07, 2022
Keeping Muharram Processions Alive in Kashmir
September 03, 2022
Where Does China-US Trade Go From Here?
Podcasts
Asia Geopolitics
P
December 03, 2022
China’s Late-2022 Protests: ‘Zero-Covid’ At the Breaking Point?
By Ankit Panda and Catherine Putz
What's driving China's late-2022 protests?
December 01, 2022
Three Southeast Asian Summits in a Redefined World
November 22, 2022
The G20, APEC, and ASEAN Summits: Taking Stock of November 2022 Diplomacy in Asia
November 10, 2022
What’s Driving Inter-Korean Tensions in Autumn 2022?
Photo Essays
Asia in Pictures
E
October 27, 2022
India Boosts Its Border Infrastructure in Arunachal Pradesh
By Rajeev Bhattacharyya
Roads and bridges as well as "vibrant villages" are being constructed and upgraded to improve overland connectivity to the border with China.