DRI | COVID-19 IN ASIA
Presented by Diplomat Risk Intelligence
October 16, 2020
Indonesia Secures Access to Promising British COVID-19 Vaccine
By Sebastian Strangio
Having struggled to contain the spread of the coronavirus, the country has put all its chips on securing access to an effective vaccine.
October 13, 2020
North Korea’s No-Mask Military Parade Angers South Korea
By Tae-jun Kang
Apparently North Korea’s commitment to fighting COVID-19 – which saw a South Korean official killed in early October – has its limits.
October 09, 2020
Amid a Pandemic, Evictions Plague the Philippines
By Michael Beltran
How can Filipinos, especially low-income families, stay at home when they are being forced into homelessness?
DRI | APAC Risks, Analyzed
DRI
October 15, 2020
Demystifying China’s Role in Italy’s Port of Trieste
By Francesca Ghiretti
The ghosts of Chinese control or even ownership have haunted the port since a March 2019 MoU. But those concerns have always been overblown.
October 14, 2020
China’s Bid to Conquer Russia’s 5G Market Should Worry the Kremlin
By Danil Bochkov
Russia’s overdependence on Chinese 5G equipment has implications for the country’s technological development and security.
October 13, 2020
A Nuclear North Korea’s Wake-up Call
By Ankit Panda
A spectacular pre-dawn parade on Saturday served to remind the world of North Korea’s continuing missile progress.
Magazine
M
October 01, 2020
Fiji 50 Years On
By Stewart Firth
Fiji’s long-running split along lines of racial identity is at the center of the country’s tortured politics.
October 01, 2020
Pakistan’s Hybrid Regime: The Army’s Project Imran Khan
By Mohammad Taqi
With its latest power play, Pakistan’s civilian-military regime might have bitten off more than it could chew.
October 01, 2020
Myanmar’s Peace Process: The China Factor
By Yun Sun
China has an undeniable role in Myanmar’s peace process, but an ultimate resolution lies in Burmese hands.
October 01, 2020
The Asia Inheritance: Trump and US Alliances
By Abraham M. Denmark and Shihoko Goto
U.S. alliances have been tested under the Trump administration – but have also proven more durable than many expected.
Blogs
China Power
A New World Order
P
October 19, 2020
Following Fresh US Sanctions, Will China Bail out Iran?
By Emily Jin
When the United States cuts off Iran completely, will China step in? This question comes at a critical time, but the answer is complicated.
October 16, 2020
China’s Approach to Mediating Middle Eastern Conflicts
October 17, 2020
China Tried to Pry India and Taiwan Apart. They Only Grew Closer.
October 16, 2020
COVID-19 Spells Trouble for China in East Africa
Flashpoints
Diplomacy by Other Means
F
October 19, 2020
What Does the New Asia Power Index Say About the Quad?
By Abhijnan Rej
The Lowy index points to a grim bipolar future for Asia.
October 19, 2020
Is the Quad Bound by Values or Interests?
October 16, 2020
Hedging, Over Commitment, and the Escalating Risk of Conflict in Southeast Asia
October 17, 2020
Five Eyes Defense Ministers Meet Amid Widening Agenda
Asia Defense
Militaries of the Asia-Pacific
D
October 15, 2020
Japan Launches New Submarine Class
By Steven Stashwick
JS Taigei is first of a larger, quieter class to face increasingly assertive Chinese warships.
October 14, 2020
Analog Threats in a Digital World
October 12, 2020
India’s Drone Dreams – And Reality
October 09, 2020
US Pushes Quantum Tech as Rivalry With China Intensifies
By Other Means
Geopolitics in Asia With Ankit Panda
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October 19, 2020
Australia Returns to the Malabar Exercise
By Ankit Panda
The navies of India, Japan, the United States, and Australia will participate jointly in Malabar 2020.
October 10, 2020
North Korea’s Parade: The Domestic Context
September 30, 2020
Another ‘Quad’ Ministerial in Early October 2020: What Now?
September 16, 2020
What Can Asia Expect From Suga’s Japan?
ASEAN Beat
Insights Into Half a Billion
B
October 19, 2020
Myanmar Calls Off Polling in Rakhine, Shan Conflict Zones
By Sebastian Strangio
The cancellations were expected, but some say the decisions were selective and benefit the ruling National League for Democracy.
October 19, 2020
Defying State of Emergency, Thailand Student Protests Roll Onward
October 16, 2020
4 Reasons the Philippines Needs Public Asset Disclosures From Its Politicians
October 16, 2020
Thai PM Refuses to Resign, Police Crack Down on Protesters
The Pulse
Perspectives on South Asia
P
October 19, 2020
Amid Rising Big Power Tensions, Nepal Seeks a New Foreign Policy
By Kamal Dev Bhattarai
Kathmandu will have to balance Beijing, New Delhi, and Washington as it seeks a new way forward to advance national interest.
October 19, 2020
Upcoming Festivities in India Could Create a New COVID-19 Challenge
October 19, 2020
Afghans Say Preventing the Next War as Vital as Ending This One
October 19, 2020
Opposition Rallies Rock Pakistan As Its Leaders Push Against Imran Khan and the Military
The Koreas
Divided Peninsula
K
October 19, 2020
What’s Next for Moon’s North Korea Policy?
By Hae Won Jeong
The Moon Jae-in administration continues to call for an end-of-war declaration. Is that realistic?
October 16, 2020
South Korea Looks to Cap Public Debt, But Is It Actually a Problem?
October 13, 2020
North Korea’s No-Mask Military Parade Angers South Korea
October 09, 2020
North Korea Strengthens Propaganda Efforts Ahead of Key Party Anniversary
Tokyo Report
News From Japan
R
October 19, 2020
Japan’s Pragmatic New PM Pushes Abe’s Vision on Southeast Asia Trip
By Associated Press
As Suga Yoshihide jets off on his first overseas trip as Japan's leader, he is battling a number of controversies at home.
October 15, 2020
Japan’s Suga Set to Authorize Arms Sales to Vietnam
October 14, 2020
Japan’s Approach to Ghana Is a Blueprint for African Development
October 10, 2020
After Abe, Will Press Freedom Improve in Japan?
The Debate
Comment and Opinion
D
October 19, 2020
In New York, Protesters Mark ‘Global Day of Action’ Against the CCP
By Wilder Alejandro Sanchez
The October 1 gathering brought together Uyghurs, Mongolians, Tibetans, Kazakhs, and their supporters.
October 19, 2020
Public Shaming is Terrible, But So Is Poor Journalism
October 16, 2020
Why Bangladesh Must Let the Rohingya Speak for Themselves
October 16, 2020
A Real Opportunity for Religion Law Reform in Uzbekistan
Crossroads Asia
The New Silk Road
A
October 19, 2020
Kyrgyzstan Working Toward New Elections Under New Rules
By Catherine Putz
Kyrgyzstan looks likely to have a new parliament election sometime in December and a presidential poll in January. It may also have a constitutional referendum.
October 19, 2020
Italian Policemen Sentenced for Kidnapping Kazakh Ex-Banker’s Family
October 16, 2020
Why the World Should Care About Language in Inner Mongolia
October 16, 2020
Kazakhstan’s Fintech Group Lists in the London Stock Exchange
Trans-Pacific View
U.S. Policy on Asia
V
October 19, 2020
Hollywood Made in China
By Mercy A. Kuo
Insights from Aynne Kokas.
October 19, 2020
Of Hostage Diplomacy and History: China and American Political Polarization
October 16, 2020
US Appoints New Special Coordinator for Tibetan Affairs
October 13, 2020
US Presidential Elections 2020: The Future of Hong Kong
Pacific Money
Economy And Business
M
October 16, 2020
What Will Indonesia’s Internet Economy Look Like?
By James Guild
Absent improvements in regulation and licensing, the breakneck growth in Indonesia's digital economy will soon reach its limits.
October 16, 2020
The Age of Limited Globalization Is Upon Us
October 08, 2020
How to Promote Chinese Foreign Trade in the Post-Pandemic Era?
October 08, 2020
Afghanistan’s Economy – and Access to Aid – at Stake in Peace Talks
Asia Life
The Other Asia-Pacific
L
October 16, 2020
Pandemics and the Post: Mongolia’s Pony Express
By William Taylor
The most famous horse-based postal relay came with the rise of the great Mongol Empire in the 13th century.
October 14, 2020
After Outrage, Indian Brand Pulls Ad with Interfaith Couple
October 14, 2020
Korean Super Group BTS Faces Uproar in China Over War Comments
October 09, 2020
As COVID Restrictions Ease in China, Silk Road Tourism Blooms Again
Oceania
The South Pacific
O
October 16, 2020
Ardern Poised to Win Re-election in New Zealand.
By Joshua Mcdonald
Jacinda Ardern’s Labor Party is expected to come out far ahead in Saturday’s election, but may end up needing the Greens as a coalition partner.
October 14, 2020
Australia Looks to Tighten Government Oversight of University Agreements With China
October 14, 2020
PIF Fragmentation May Alter US-China Competition in the Pacific
October 09, 2020
Pacific Islands Forum Presses for Human Rights Mission to West Papua
Podcasts
Asia Geopolitics
P
October 09, 2020
Trouble in Kyrgyzstan: Assessing the October 2020 Crisis
By Ankit Panda
Catherine Putz explains the background to Kyrgyzstan’s October 2020 crisis.
October 03, 2020
India’s Illiberal Turn and the Indo-Pacific
September 25, 2020
Southeast Asia Caught Between the US and China
September 21, 2020
Cambodia’s Microfinance Industry in Troubled Waters
Photo Essays
Asia in Pictures
E
October 15, 2020
Protesters Again Fill the Streets of Bangkok
By Cory Wright
Gathering at the Democracy Monument, protesters then marched on Government House, where the prime minister’s offices are located.