Most Read
The US Risks Irrelevance in Asia
Washington’s credibility problem would be easier to address if U.S. policymakers knew what they wanted in Asia (and don't say primacy; that ship has sailed).
The Politics of China’s Land Appropriation in Bhutan
China has built 22 villages and settlements within Bhutan’s customary borders. And there is no sign that Bhutan can do anything about it – or that Beijing will face any costs.
The Power of Names: Turkey’s Shift From Central Asia to Turkestan
Ankara continues to strengthen its bid for influence in the region by stressing historical and cultural ties.
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
A Hong Kong University Launched the World’s First Large-Scale AI Model Earth Observation Satellite
This cutting-edge satellite showcases Hong Kong’s growing role in China’s space ambitions and highlights the city's strategic importance in technological development.
China’s Political Mobilization Challenge
Is It Too Late for China’s Israel Policy?
Why Bangladesh-China Defense Ties Are Poised to Strengthen After the Monsoon Revolution
Flashpoints
Diplomacy by Other Means
‘Not Welcome’: China’s ICBM Test Raised Alarms in the Pacific Islands
Regional leaders probably criticized China more for its ICBM test than for anything else in recent years. The U.S. should take note.
The Falklands War of 1982: Lessons for a Potential 21st Century China-US Conflict Over Taiwan
The Quad’s Coast Guard Cooperation: New Dynamics in Power Politics
How Vietnam Can Realize Its Semiconductor Ambitions
Asia Defense
Militaries of the Asia-Pacific
What’s Behind the China-Thailand ‘Strike-2024’ Exercise?
At first glance, these exercises may appear routine, following the established pattern since 2005. However, one thing sets the Strike-2024 exercises apart.
The Thai Air Force Chose a New Fighter. The More Interesting Question Is What Comes Next.
North Korea’s Nuclear Submarine Program Could Seriously Complicate a Future US War Effort
The Quad Is Quietly Adapting Methods of Security Cooperation
ASEAN Beat
Insights Into Half a Billion
Small Explosion Damages Chinese Consulate in Mandalay
The apparent attack comes at a time of growing Chinese support for the beleaguered military junta in Naypyidaw.
Prabowo Subianto Sworn In As Indonesia’s Eighth President
Philippine Congress Hearings Reveal Sordid Details of Duterte’s Drug War
GPS Jamming in Myanmar
The Pulse
Perspectives on South Asia
India and China Reach Breakthrough Agreement on Border Tensions
The two sides have agreed on patrolling arrangements along their disputed border in the Himalayas.
Why India Needs to Incentivize Water Reuse
Forging New Alliances: India’s BRICS Summit Diplomacy in Russia
The Problem With Bangladesh’s Reform Commissions
The Koreas
Divided Peninsula
K-pop Idol Tears and International Ripples
When a K-pop star cries, the stock market mirrors the emotion as investors demand accountability.
The India-South Korea-US Triad’s Emerging Roles in the Indo-Pacific
Harris or Trump? South Korea’s Own Political Divide Colors Views of the US Election
Han Kang Becomes First South Korean to Win the Nobel Prize in Literature
Tokyo Report
News From Japan
Berlin’s Peace Statue Faces Removal Amid Japanese Pressure
The statue, which commemorates the "comfort women" of World War II, has embroiled the local government in a minor diplomatic controversy.
The History of Japan’s Nobel Peace Prize-Winning Nuclear Survivors’ Group
Ishiba’s Push for an ‘Asian NATO’ Is a Non-starter
Japan’s Foreign Policy Beyond the US Presidential Election
The Debate
Comment and Opinion
How the Patriotic Investment Act Can Counter China’s Stimulus Package
A little-noticed bill introduced in the U.S. Congress has the potential to chill American investors’ appetite for Chinese assets.
In Financing ‘Infrastructure for Tomorrow,’ the AIIB Refuses to Learn From Its Past
Navigating Security and Privacy in the Asia-Pacific: A Legal and Diplomatic Balancing Act
Amid the China-US Competition, Beware of Data Colonialism
Crossroads Asia
The New Silk Road
Mongolia Encourages Trilateral Projects With China, Russia at SCO Summit
The first trilateral summit between the countries’ prime ministers aimed to tackle government-to-government issues and find ways to enhance cooperation
How Tajikistan and Uzbekistan Are Resolving Transport Connectivity Issues
What Does Kyrgyzstan Have to Do With the Spanish Seizure of Chemical Products Bound for Russia?
The View From the Ground: China’s Evolving Strategy in South and Central Asia
Trans-Pacific View
U.S. Policy on Asia
The US Risks Irrelevance in Asia
Washington’s credibility problem would be easier to address if U.S. policymakers knew what they wanted in Asia (and don't say primacy; that ship has sailed).
Harris, Human Rights, and a Problem for Modi
India and the US 2024 Election
From G2 to Cold War 2.0: The Changing US Attitude Toward China
Pacific Money
Economy And Business
New Leadership Creates Fresh Momentum For EU-Indonesia FTA Talks
Incoming administrations in Brussels and Jakarta offer hope for progress in the long-running negotiations.
Prabowo’s 8% Growth Gamble: Reform or Bureaucratic Bloat?
The EUDR Hints at the Limits of Market Access as Leverage
Prabowo to Reappoint Sri Mulyani as Indonesia’s Finance Minister
Oceania
The South Pacific
Climate and China Weigh on How the US Views Pacific Relations
In contrasting Harris and Trump's platforms there is one commonality: the continued competition with China for global political and economic power, including in the Pacific.
What Can Be Done About Australia’s Declining Birthrate?
Australia’s Response to Atrocities: A Tale of 2 Tragedies
Australian Public Diplomacy and a National Rugby League Team in Papua New Guinea
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.