Latest Stories
Jammu and Kashmir’s New Government Faces Formidable Challenges
Restoration of J&K’s statehood and economic development will be uppermost on the agenda of the Omar Abdullah government.
The History of Japan’s Nobel Peace Prize-Winning Nuclear Survivors’ Group
Nihon Hidankyo was honored “for its efforts to achieve a world free of nuclear weapons.” It’s a culmination of nearly 70 years of work.
China Conducts More Military Drills Around Taiwan
The drills were ostensibly a response to the National Day speech by Taiwan's president, which many overseas analysts had viewed as restrained.
Is Bangladesh’s Interim Government State Building by Stealth?
It has taken significant policy decisions and is seeking to alter the very nature of the state apparatus.
India Emerges as ASEAN’s Hedging Bet Against China at Laos Summit
The India-ASEAN joint statement endorsed ASEAN’s concerns over swiftly concluding a code of conduct in the South China Sea, in keeping with UNCLOS provisions.
Indonesia Asks Apple, Google to Block Chinese E-Commerce App Temu
The country's communications minister says that the app's "factory-to-consumer" model threatens to undermine millions of small businesses.
Most Read
Sri Lanka’s New President Is More a Pragmatist Than a Marxist
Anura Kumara Dissanayake is well aware that his handling of Sri Lanka’s vulnerable economy will determine his political future.
Forget China: In the Pacific Islands, the US Is Its Own Worst Enemy
The region wants nuclear justice for the Marshall Islands. Washington’s refusal undermines its Pacific strategy.
Competing Sectarianisms in Malaysia
A new bill seeks to tighten Islamic orthodoxies, imperiling the country's reputation for religious tolerance and inclusion.
Magazine
How Jokowi Conquered Indonesian Politics
He’s long been the most popular politician in the country. But will his 10 years in power leave a lasting legacy?
Kazakhstan’s Nuclear Power Conundrum
What is true and not in the arguments for and against nuclear power in Kazakhstan? Why does Russia loom so large in this debate? And is the government listening to the people?
The 75-Year Quest to Make China Great Again
On the surface, there is little that connects Xi Jinping’s PRC to that of Mao and Deng. But a closer examination of Xi’s rejuvenation strategy reveals an enduring set of political and economic principles and a high degree of policy continuity.
Moonis Ahmar on the Future of Bangladesh-Pakistan Relations
“Pakistan’s alignment with the BNP or Jamaat has always been counterproductive.”
Blogs
China Power
A New World Order
Boiling 54 Eggs: China’s Approach to Africa
Viewing China’s relations with individual African states as a single unified policy is misleading both for China and for those watching from afar.
Why Do China Bulls Keep Getting It Wrong?
China Pitches Its Model of Modernization to the Global South
What to Make of President Lai’s First National Day Address
Flashpoints
Diplomacy by Other Means
China Conducts More Military Drills Around Taiwan
The drills were ostensibly a response to the National Day speech by Taiwan's president, which many overseas analysts had viewed as restrained.
Taiwan’s Semiconductor Export Conundrum
Unmasking the ‘Group of Friends in Defense of the United Nations Charter’
Ishiba’s Integrated Deterrence: What Japan’s New Prime Minister Means for Taiwan
Asia Defense
Militaries of the Asia-Pacific
The Quad Is Quietly Adapting Methods of Security Cooperation
Don't overlook the incremental build-up of security cooperation within the Quad – like Exercise Malabar.
Minding Global South Realities Amid Indo-Pacific Strategic Competition
US Marine Corps Deploys a New Unmanned Semi-submersible Vessel on Okinawa, Japan
Philippine President Signs Bill to Stimulate Domestic Defense Industry
ASEAN Beat
Insights Into Half a Billion
Philippine Police Arrest Online Scamming ‘Kingpin’ in Luzon
Police allege that Chinese national Lin Xunhan, 33, has organized online fraud operations in several parts of the country.
Former Philippine President Duterte Makes Political Comeback Amid Usual Controversy
The Impact of a Fractured Jokowi-Prabowo Coalition
What Is Vietnam’s Strategic Narrative?
The Pulse
Perspectives on South Asia
Jammu and Kashmir’s New Government Faces Formidable Challenges
Restoration of J&K’s statehood and economic development will be uppermost on the agenda of the Omar Abdullah government.
Is Bangladesh’s Interim Government State Building by Stealth?
India Emerges as ASEAN’s Hedging Bet Against China at Laos Summit
Can Foreign Lenders Curb South Asia’s Infrastructure Corruption?
The Koreas
Divided Peninsula
Han Kang Becomes First South Korean to Win the Nobel Prize in Literature
Her award also provided a rare moment of national unity, as Koreans from both sides of the political divide rushed to praise Han and her writing.
8 Months on, South Korean Doctors Are Still on Strike
The Plight of the ‘Zainichi’ Koreans
Tourists and Diplomats Come Back to North Korea: A Chance for Renewed Engagement
Tokyo Report
News From Japan
The History of Japan’s Nobel Peace Prize-Winning Nuclear Survivors’ Group
Nihon Hidankyo was honored “for its efforts to achieve a world free of nuclear weapons.” It’s a culmination of nearly 70 years of work.
Ishiba’s Push for an ‘Asian NATO’ Is a Non-starter
Japan’s Foreign Policy Beyond the US Presidential Election
Japan’s New Prime Minister and the North Korean Abduction Issue
The Debate
Comment and Opinion
Navigating Security and Privacy in the Asia-Pacific: A Legal and Diplomatic Balancing Act
In response to mounting threats, governments have introduce a range of tighter security measures that often conflict with privacy and individual freedoms.
Amid the China-US Competition, Beware of Data Colonialism
Uzbekistan’s Upcoming Parliamentary Elections: A Chance for Change?
The Bangladesh Army Must Not Meddle in Politics
Crossroads Asia
The New Silk Road
Is There a Future for Central Asia’s Indian Ocean Transport Projects?
The viability of the projects depends on the region's ability to navigate geopolitical tensions, security challenges, and economic uncertainties.
Can China’s Global South Strategy Achieve Its Objectives in Central Asia?
Trial of 11 Journalists in Kyrgyzstan Ends in Prison Sentences and Acquittals
Commonwealth of Independent States Gathers in Moscow for Annual Heads of State Meeting
Trans-Pacific View
U.S. Policy on Asia
India and the US 2024 Election
Donald Trump and Kamala Harris differ considerably on foreign policy, but neither is likely to lead a significant enhancement of the India-U.S. strategic relationship.
From G2 to Cold War 2.0: The Changing US Attitude Toward China
America’s Achilles Heel in the Indo-Pacific
North Korea: The Overlooked Challenge for the Next US President
Pacific Money
Economy And Business
Indonesia Asks Apple, Google to Block Chinese E-Commerce App Temu
The country's communications minister says that the app's "factory-to-consumer" model threatens to undermine millions of small businesses.
Leveling the Playing Field for Streaming Services in the Philippines
Beijing’s Potential Retaliation Looms as EU Approves Chinese EV Tariffs
A Clash of Values: Human Rights and Environmental Standards vs. Free Trade
Oceania
The South Pacific
Australian Public Diplomacy and a National Rugby League Team in Papua New Guinea
The soft power, social capital, and shared stories the sport will stimulate are difficult to measure, but invariably will enhance the quality of the bilateral relationship.
How the US Election Could Affect New Zealand Foreign Policy
At UN, Australia’s FM Wong Defends International Institutions at a Time of Crisis
Tuvalu’s Water Woes
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
Voters Show up in Record Numbers to Kick off Jammu and Kashmir Assembly Elections
Eight constituencies in the Jammu region and 16 from the Kashmir Valley voted on the first phase of assembly elections. Two more rounds of voting remain.