Most Read
Is Anyone Buying the Bangladesh Government’s Narrative on the Protest?
It has blamed the opposition BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami for the recent protests, describing those who targeted the security forces as "terrorists" and not students.
Myanmar Rebel Group Claims Capture of Major Military HQ in Shan State
The fall of the military's Northeastern Regional Command headquarters would mark a turning-point in the country's civil war.
The Collateral Victims of Kim Jong Un’s About-Face on Korean Unification
The rejection of unification marked a massive paradigm shift for the North Korean state and its sympathizers – including Japan’s pro-North Korean community.
Magazine
SCO Expansion: A Double-Edged Sword
China and Russia have pushed the Shanghai Cooperation Organization beyond its original mission, at the expense of practical regional collaboration.
Japan’s Enhanced Security Engagement With the Pacific Islands
The expansion of security and defense cooperation stands as the most spectacular change in Japan’s contribution to the region in recent years.
Indian Foreign Policy Under Narendra Modi: A Decade of Transformation
Modi’s assertive foreign policy approach has redefined India's image to that of a more proactive global player. But can India live up to the hype?
Sara Hsu on China’s Economic Policy Under Xi Jinping
Under Xi, China’s economic approach “has been and is likely to be state-led innovation and development.”
Blogs
China Power
A New World Order
Why China Isn’t Ready (Yet) to Mediate a Russia-Ukraine Peace Deal
Even though it is in China’s interest to lead a peace deal in the Russia-Ukraine conflict, the benefit of waiting for the strategically optimal time outweighs the potential risks.
China Mediates a New Era of Palestinian Unity
What the Third Plenum Means for China’s Decarbonization Effort
China: A Silent Ally Protecting Venezuela’s Maduro
Flashpoints
Diplomacy by Other Means
Monitoring China’s Mineral Stockpiling and Understanding Its Military Implications
Discerning when China is stockpiling – and why – is increasingly challenging given China’s increasing secrecy about mineral-related information.
Is America Ready for the New Cold War?
The ‘Corridorizing’ of Asia: Cooperation, Competition, and Consequences
The Most Misunderstood – and Important – Factor in the AI Arms Race
Asia Defense
Militaries of the Asia-Pacific
JGSDF Plans to Build a Missile Firing Range on Japan’s Easternmost Island
This will be the first launch range for a missile with a firing range of over 100 kilometers in Japan.
Philippines and Singapore Broaden Defense Ties With New Agreement
The Mongolia-NATO Partnership
South Korea’s Nuclear Latency: A Critical and Analytical Evaluation
ASEAN Beat
Insights Into Half a Billion
Vietnam Communist Party Chief’s Funeral Draws Thousands of Mourners, Including World Leaders
Among those in attendance were the fourth-ranked leader in the Chinese Communist Party, a former Japanese prime minister, and top Cabinet officials from the U.S. and India.
Philippines Plans to Siphon Oil Cargo From Sunken Tanker to Avert ‘Environmental Catastrophe’
Indonesian FM Criticizes Myanmar Junta Over ASEAN Peace Plan
Who Cares If Malaysia and Thailand Join BRICS?
The Pulse
Perspectives on South Asia
Sri Lanka to Vote in Presidential Elections on September 21
The first election since the mass unrest in 2022 is likely to be a fiercely fought contest.
Is Anyone Buying the Bangladesh Government’s Narrative on the Protest?
India and UK Launch Tech Initiative as New British Foreign Minister Makes His First Official Visit
History’s Key Role in Deadly Student Protests in Bangladesh
The Koreas
Divided Peninsula
North Korea’s Market Dilemma: Balancing Control and Revenue Generation
While markets remain regulated to varying degrees across regions, authorities appear focused on stimulating rather than shutting them down, likely as a means to raise funds.
The Collateral Victims of Kim Jong Un’s About-Face on Korean Unification
Han Dong-hoon Elected Leader of South Korea’s Conservatives After Tumultuous Party Convention
Belarus’ Foreign Minister Will Visit North Korea for Possible Talks on Russia Cooperation
Tokyo Report
News From Japan
Kishida Has Returned From the Political Precipice Before. Can He Do It Again?
Despite consistently low approval ratings, Kishida seems insistent on retaining the LDP presidency. How will he fare in the upcoming leadership race?
The Coming Clash Between Japan’s Current and Former Prime Ministers
Nippon Ishin no Kai’s Baba Nobuyuki Faces Hard Political Realities in Tokyo and Osaka
Japan’s Defense White Paper Sounds Alarm Over China, North Korea, Russia
The Debate
Comment and Opinion
The Wall Street Journal Owes Hong Kong Reporters an Explanation
Selina Cheng was let go by WSJ only two weeks after being elected as the chair of the Hong Kong Journalists Association.
Why Are Women Forbidden From Wearing Hijab In Uzbekistan’s Schools?
ASEAN Must Step-up or Face Irrelevance on the Myanmar Crisis
Can the US ‘Resolve Tibet Act’ Make a Difference?
Crossroads Asia
The New Silk Road
What Explains the Declining Reputation of Higher Education in Uzbekistan?
There are many factors, but ultimately a college diploma no longer guarantees employment and the youth of Uzbekistan are skeptical of its necessity.
What Is the SCO Doing Wrong? Lessons From ASEAN and SAARC
Brides Too Soon: The Rising Trend of Early Marriages in Uzbekistan
The Stati v Kazakhstan Saga Ends
Trans-Pacific View
U.S. Policy on Asia
Building Resilient Critical Minerals Supply Chains for the Quad
To “China-proof” their critical minerals supply chains, Quad nations must improve intra-Quad partnerships, while solidifying trade with other countries.
As Kamala Harris Eyes US Presidency, Reaction in Her Mother’s Native India Is Muted But Tinged With Pride
Blinken Set to Visit 4 Southeast Asian Nations on Regional Tour
How Will the Judicial Branch Impact the Future of TikTok and China-US Relations?
Pacific Money
Economy And Business
Germany Is Phasing out Chinese Tech From 5G Networks. Is It the Right Call?
Germany’s decision to exclude ZTE and Huawei parts from its 5G networks stems from geopolitical anxieties and strategic concerns.
Vietnam Allows Big Companies to Buy Clean Energy Directly to Meet Their Climate Targets
Thailand to Begin Enrollment for Massive Stimulus Program Next Month
Is Fuel Subsidy Reform Finally On the Way in Southeast Asia?
Oceania
The South Pacific
Cultural Unity and Heritage: The Role of FestPAC in the Pacific Islands
The Festival of Pacific Arts and Culture is a powerful platform for cultural preservation, fostering identity, and promoting regional unity.
Shifting Models of Sovereignty in the Pacific
Australia Aims to Broaden Media Engagement in the Indo-Pacific
The Pacific’s Evolving Map
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
The Future of Cross-Strait Ties Under a Lai Presidency in Taiwan
How will China approach a Lai-led Taiwan?
A New Russia-North Korea Strategic Partnership: Geopolitical Implications for Asia
Putin Goes to Beijing: Where the Russia-China Relationship Stands in 2024
Taking Stock of Russia-Central Asia Relations in 2024
Photo Essays
Asia in Pictures
Bangladeshi University Students Protest Quota System Reforms
The students argue that the quota system is discriminatory and hinders merit-based appointments in government jobs.