Topic
Diplomacy
Syria Is Not One of China’s Strategic Priorities
By Dale Aluf
Make no mistake: China's leadership is not happy about the fall of Assad. But compared to Russia and Iran, Beijing had far less at stake.
China Is Learning to Be a Better Aid Partner in the Pacific. The West Can Too.
By Jonah Bock
Beijing’s politically focused aid gives the United States a unique opportunity, as it maps where Beijing’s interests are deeply sown or where China is trying to expand its influence.
Sri Lankan President’s India Visit Energizes Relations
By Rathindra Kuruwita
While agreements promise economic recovery, concerns remain regarding their long-term implications for Sri Lanka’s sovereignty and economic independence.
Japan-South Korea Relations Under Trump
By KIMIYA Tadashi
After a meltdown in South Korea, what becomes of a thorny relationship?
The Release of the ‘Bali Five’ Was a Masterclass in Foreign Diplomacy and Cooperation
By Aisyah Llewellyn
In negotiating the return of the Australian drug convicts, Jakarta and Canberra have displayed tact and sensitivity.
Myanmar to Release Detained Thai Fishermen Next Month, Officials Say
By Sebastian Strangio
A Myanmar court has suspended their prison sentences, but the 27 Myanmar crewmembers detained with them have not been so lucky.
Why Japan Is Worried After the Impeachment of South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol
By Jio Kamata
South Korea’s diplomatic and security relations with Japan experienced a dramatic turnaround under Yoon. Tokyo fears that progress won't last under a new president.
Uzbekistan Moves to Protect Rights of Uzbek Citizens in Russia
By Niginakhon Saida
As the Ukraine war drags on, Central Asian nationals, including Uzbeks in Russia – particularly those in Russian prisons – are increasingly vulnerable. Can Tashkent protect their rights?
Thailand Confirms Details of ‘Informal’ Myanmar Meetings
By Sebastian Strangio
Bangkok will this week host two separate consultations that will attempt to break the deadlock on Myanmar. Don't expect any dramatic progress.
Malaysia’s Anwar Appoints Former Thai PM as Advisor on ASEAN Affairs
By Sebastian Strangio
Thaksin Shinawatra, 75, is the first member of a “informal advisory group” that Malaysia intends to establish during its chairmanship of the Southeast Asian bloc.
Trump Wants China’s Help in Making Peace in Ukraine. He’s Unlikely to Get It.
By Stefan Wolff and Tetyana Malyarenko
A carefully managed continuation of the war against Ukraine, by contrast, benefits China in asserting its global leadership.
Will Trump Reopen Back-Channel Diplomacy with North Korea?
By Hanjin Park and Jiachen Shi
Drawing lessons from the back-channel diplomacy of his first term, Trump may well reengage North Korea through secret negotiations.