Latest Stories
Philippines Declares Food Security Emergency to Bring Down Rice Prices
Despite slashing a tariff on imported rice last year, retail prices of the staple remain stubbornly high.
Just a Little Tax Spat? Russia Asks Kyrgyzstan to Stop Pressure on Companies
The Russian prime minister recently complained about "unfounded claims and illegal statements by high-level representatives of Kyrgyz government bodies against honest, bona fide Russian companies..."
What Is Iran Doing With 1000 Tons of Sodium Perchlorate From China?
The shipment of Chinese sodium perchlorate indicates a rapid rebuilding of Iran’s missile industry since Israeli strikes in October – with Beijing’s help.
What Should Australia Do in This Strongman Soft Power Age?
We have entered an era where strongmen leaders exercising brute force provides an irresistible emotional thrill. It’s a spectacle that no furry animal or sporting endeavor could match.
In Bangladesh, Islamists Are Stepping up Actions Against Women
A series of troubling incidents have seen Islamic groups threaten violence to force the cancellation of women's football matches and store openings featuring Bangladeshi actresses.
Americans, Robots, and More: Chinese Government Messaging in the 2025 Spring Festival Gala
In watching the Gala, we can see what political messaging is currently being promoted in China, and what is not.
Most Read
The State of the South China Sea: Coercion at Sea, Slow Progress on a Code of Conduct
Major developments in the South China Sea in 2024 do not augur well for 2025.
What Do POWs in Ukraine Teach Us About North Korea’s Military?
North Korean soldiers captured by Ukraine provide a rare window into covert military collaboration.
Why Politicians Are Urging Indians to Have More Children
Ethnic politics is driving politicians in India, which accounts for 18 percent of the global population, to call for stepping up the population growth rate.
Magazine
The New Red Scare: When Fear Becomes a Political Weapon
More than seven decades later, the legacies of the Red Scare have resurfaced in the United States – this time targeting China.
North Korea in Ukraine: What It Means for the World
It is time to examine not only the effects and effectiveness of North Korean troops in combat, but the wider implications for international security and conflict management.
Making Sense of Bangladesh’s Monsoon Uprising
Six months ago, Asia’s Iron Lady, Sheikh Hasina, fell dramatically from power. What happened?
Gi-Wook Shin on South Korea’s Political Maelstrom
The martial law episode – and all that followed – “reflects a broader global pattern of democratic erosion but also showcases Korea’s unique strengths.”
Blogs
China Power
A New World Order
Americans, Robots, and More: Chinese Government Messaging in the 2025 Spring Festival Gala
In watching the Gala, we can see what political messaging is currently being promoted in China, and what is not.
China’s Chilling Anti-Espionage Law
Symbolic No More? China’s Evolving Policy Tools Against US Sanctions
Chinese Stadium Diplomacy in Africa, Pt 2: Adey Ababa Stadium in Ethiopia
Flashpoints
Diplomacy by Other Means
What Is Iran Doing With 1000 Tons of Sodium Perchlorate From China?
The shipment of Chinese sodium perchlorate indicates a rapid rebuilding of Iran’s missile industry since Israeli strikes in October – with Beijing’s help.
Is China’s DeepSeek Using Smuggled AI Chips From Singapore?
The DeepSeek Doctrine: How Chinese AI Could Shape Taiwan’s Future
What to Make of Russia’s New Security Agreements
Asia Defense
Militaries of the Asia-Pacific
Japan, the UK, and Italy Discuss Bringing Saudi Arabia Into Their Next-Generation Fighter Jet Project
Should Japan prioritize shared values or securing oil money?
La Pérouse 25: France Bolsters Its Strategic Commitments in the Indo-Pacific
What Do POWs in Ukraine Teach Us About North Korea’s Military?
Why China’s Military Needs a New Communication Playbook
ASEAN Beat
Insights Into Half a Billion
Philippines Declares Food Security Emergency to Bring Down Rice Prices
Despite slashing a tariff on imported rice last year, retail prices of the staple remain stubbornly high.
Myanmar’s Military Junta Extends State of Emergency For Seventh Time
Philippine President Links Budget Petition to ‘Destabilization’ Plot
Thailand Versus the Scam Boom: A Look Into the Fight
The Pulse
Perspectives on South Asia
In Bangladesh, Islamists Are Stepping up Actions Against Women
A series of troubling incidents have seen Islamic groups threaten violence to force the cancellation of women's football matches and store openings featuring Bangladeshi actresses.
Long and Winding Road to Restoring Trust in China-India Relations
Nepal Wants Green Hydrogen. But Does It Need It?
Bangladesh and Pakistan Are Changing South Asia’s Geopolitical Landscape
The Koreas
Divided Peninsula
North Korea’s Economic Crisis: Solutions or More Controls?
A pattern of tightening market controls and soaring prices has culminated in an ambitious government intervention – a comprehensive plan to regulate the grain trade.
Kim Jong Un’s Emphasis on Chongryon
Trump 2.0 and the Debilitating, Discharging, and Devitalizing of Korean Companies
South Korean President Attends Impeachment Trial
Tokyo Report
News From Japan
It’s Not Just Trump: Japan’s Flawed Energy Plan Threatens Global Climate Goals
Since December, civil society protests have marked the Japanese government's drafting of its basic energy and climate action plans.
Japan Is Ready to Legalize ‘Active Cyber Defense’
What Next for Japan’s Relations With China?
Trump 2.0 and Japanese Firms: Assault, Acclimation, and Adaptation
The Debate
Comment and Opinion
America’s Blind Spot: How Failing Trade Enforcement Strengthens Beijing
Reported tariff assessments and changing trade patterns from 2018 to today tell a striking story of loopholes and weak enforcement in U.S. tariffs on China.
Beyond the Korean Peninsula: How the South Korea-US Alliance Can Contribute to Regional Security
On Human Rights, Malaysia’s ASEAN Chairmanship Promises More of the Same
Can Marco Rubio Help Rebuild US Influence in Latin America – and Erode China’s?
Crossroads Asia
The New Silk Road
Just a Little Tax Spat? Russia Asks Kyrgyzstan to Stop Pressure on Companies
The Russian prime minister recently complained about "unfounded claims and illegal statements by high-level representatives of Kyrgyz government bodies against honest, bona fide Russian companies..."
Torture Trial in Kazakhstan Ends in Prison Sentences, But Dissatisfaction Lingers
Kambarata-1 Brings Kyrgyz, Kazakh, and Uzbek Energy Officials Together in Tashkent
Trump 2.0 and Central Asia: Optimism After Rubio’s Comments
Trans-Pacific View
U.S. Policy on Asia
The Weave: China Policy and Trump’s Executive Orders
Most of the presidential actions Trump has taken thus far don't seem to relate to China directly. Yet all of them will impact the China-U.S. competition.
The Quad Under Trump 2.0: Early Signs of Shift Amid Continuity
Hawai’i’s Role in the US Indo-Pacific Energy Security Dilemma
Trump’s Aid Suspension Wreaks Havoc on Thailand-Myanmar Border
Pacific Money
Economy And Business
China’s AI Shock? What DeepSeek Disrupts (and Doesn’t)
DeepSeek’s success is not based on outperforming its U.S. counterparts, but on delivering similar results at significantly lower costs. The AI price war has begun.
The Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone, Explained
Why India’s Growth Momentum Is Losing Steam
Mongolia at Davos 2025: AI and Emerging Industries
Oceania
The South Pacific
What Should Australia Do in This Strongman Soft Power Age?
We have entered an era where strongmen leaders exercising brute force provides an irresistible emotional thrill. It’s a spectacle that no furry animal or sporting endeavor could match.
Australia’s Opposition Leader Softens Tone on China, With Election in Mind
AUKUS in the Age of Trump 2.0
Australia’s Population Has Grown, But Its House of Representatives Hasn’t
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
Life in Ladakh Along the Disputed Sino-Indian Border
For Changpa women in Chushul, the 2020 clashes came during a larger societal shift in gender roles.