Country
United States
Vietnam and US to Upgrade Diplomatic Relationship Next Month, Report Says
By Sebastian Strangio
The move is a win for U.S. diplomacy, but is consistent with Hanoi's goal of building relationships with all of the contending major powers.
This Week in Asia: August 18, 2023
The Diplomat’s weekly video round-up of Asia news.
Energy Cooperation Should Be a Third Pillar of Taiwan-US Relations
By Evan Matthews
Taiwan is no exception to the long list of countries facing difficulties in their transition to green energy. The United States can help.
Despite China’s Threats, Taiwan VP’s US Visit Sees Muted Reaction
By Brian Hioe
Vice President William Lai, who is also the DPP's presidential candidate, transited New York and San Francisco this week.
Japan at the Center of Airpower Defense Diplomacy in the Indo-Pacific
By Shingo Nagata
Defense diplomacy is the peacetime diplomatic activity of militaries aimed at maintaining and strengthening relations with allies and partners.
How the US-Taliban Deal Failed Afghanistan
By Natiq Malikzada and Trevor Filseth
None of Washington’s errors in Afghanistan was greater in scope than the peace agreement signed with the Taliban in February 2020.
China Is Not a Revisionist Power in the Gulf
By Leon Sinfield
Shared interests with the United States prevent Beijing from challenging the status quo in the region.
No-Confidence Vote in Vanuatu Fails
By Dechlan Brennan
Despite the outcome of the no-confidence vote, there is no doubt the constant political sniping – both by lawmakers and international players – is damaging to the internal politics of Vanuatu.
North Korea Asserts US Soldier Travis King Crossed Border After Becoming Disillusioned With America
By Hyung-jin Kim
North Korea may be reluctant to hold a low-ranked solider like King for long because he won't provide it with high-profile U.S. intelligence.
For Southeast Asia, US Industrial Policy Might be a Risky Bet
By Kevin Chen
Southeast Asian countries were optimistic about cashing in on the Inflation Reduction Act, but there are several hurdles standing in the way.
South Korea’s Yoon Calls for Strong Security Cooperation with US, Japan Ahead of Camp David Summit
By Hyung-jin Kim
Yoon said the importance of Seoul-Washington-Tokyo security cooperation is growing on the Korean Peninsula and in the region.
Can an Upgraded US Partnership Help Vietnam Escape China’s Orbit?
By Khang Vu
Recent history shows the dangers in seeking to escape the gravitational pull of its northern neighbor.