Most Read
What’s Behind the Deadly Riots in New Caledonia?
The violent unrest in New Caledonia is alarming. Sadly, the island territory is no stranger to violence.
Russian Fighter Deal Reflects Indonesia’s Goal of a ‘Sanctions-Proof’ Economy
As geopolitical tensions grow, Jakarta is seeking to insulate its military, and its economy, from possible Western pressure.
Yes, Japan Will Defend Taiwan
For Japan, peace in the Taiwan Strait is a matter of national survival. A proper discussion of Japanese intervention should thus ask “how” not “if.”
Magazine
The China-Pakistan-Afghanistan Triangle
The dynamics of this trilateral relationship will shape the future trajectory of Afghanistan and its broader implications for regional stability and prosperity.
Tandem Rule in Kyrgyzstan: The Pursuit of Money and Power
The Japarov-Tashiev tandem has sunk real roots into Kyrgyzstan’s society, and those roots are deeper and stronger than they might seem on the surface.
Thailand’s Grand Reconciliation: The Shinawatras and the Establishment
The rift between Thaksin and the establishment finally appears to have been resolved. This compromise not only fails to address any of Thailand’s past mistakes, but it actually repeats them.
Darcie Draudt-Véjares on South Korea’s Post-Election Politics
Economics doomed the PPP’s legislative chances. What now for President Yoon Suk-yeol?
Blogs
China Power
A New World Order
Deconstructing China’s Interest in the Niger-Benin Rapprochement
Beijing’s motivations concerning the conflict resolution in Niger include a mix of economic, political and reputational drivers.
Striking a Balance: China’s AI Ambitions and the Quest for Safety
Why Are Taiwanese Youth Protesting Against Legislative Reform?
Georgia’s Tacit Pivot to China
Flashpoints
Diplomacy by Other Means
How Will the Lai Government Handle Taiwan’s Maritime Disputes?
Like Beijing, Taipei officially maintains claims over islands in the East and South China Seas disputed with Japan, the Philippines, and Vietnam.
The Indo-Pacific Could Be Within Europe’s Reach
Yes, Japan Will Defend Taiwan
China Coast Guard Shadows Filipino Activists Sailing Toward Disputed Shoal
Asia Defense
Militaries of the Asia-Pacific
Why Japan Is Lagging Behind in Cyber Defense Capabilities
To introduce active cyber defenses, Tokyo will need to overhaul its bureaucracy and legal framework.
With Military Drills, Info Ops, China Steps up Gray Zone Pressure on Taiwan’s New Government
Russian Fighter Deal Reflects Indonesia’s Goal of a ‘Sanctions-Proof’ Economy
South Korea’s Competitive Advantages as a Global Military Supplier
ASEAN Beat
Insights Into Half a Billion
How Timorese Women Perceive the Election of Prabowo Subianto in Indonesia
While Dili has publicly welcomed the former general's election, other Timorese -- particularly women -- want justice for his role in past atrocities.
Asian Synthetic Drug Production Continued to Grow in 2023, UN Says
Two More Thai Activists Sentenced to Prison on Lese-Majeste Charges
Jemaah Islamiyah Is Not Back After Malaysia Attack
The Pulse
Perspectives on South Asia
What Drives People From ‘Booming’ Bangladesh to Migrate?
Under authoritarian rule, a small group of people have turned enormously rich. The rest have been pushed out of the growth bubble and forced to migrate abroad.
How India’s Politics Is Reshaping International Cricket
India, Iran, and the Taliban’s Gamble on Chabahar
Nepal’s Deputy PM Crosses Swords With Largest Media House
The Koreas
Divided Peninsula
Will Frozen China-South Korea Relations Thaw as Seoul Hosts Upcoming Trilateral Summit?
Chinese Premier Li Qiang’s expected visit for the summit will be a crucial indicator of the future of strained Seoul-Beijing relations under South Korea’s pro-U.S. President Yoon Suk-yeol.
South Korean Court Rejects Effort to Block Plan That Would Boost Medical School Admissions
The Great Debate Over South Korea Developing Nuclear Weapons Is Back
South Korea’s Tortuous Reckoning With the Itaewon Tragedy
Tokyo Report
News From Japan
Japan’s Slush Fund Scandal Intensifies in Diet Discussions
Political parties clashed over political fundraising reform as lawmakers deliberate on proposals for varying levels of transparency and punishment.
Osaka Will Host the 2025 World Expo. Can Japan Pull It Off?
Can Japan Boost Its Foreign Students Count to 400,000?
Decoding Japan Foreign Minister Kamikawa’s Tour of Africa, Europe, and South Asia
The Debate
Comment and Opinion
Days of Reckoning on the Future of ‘Natural’ Gas in Asia
The gas industry in Australia and across Asia needs to face the music being played by major economies and governments worldwide.
In Lawmaking, the Details Matter. Taiwan Would be Wise to Remember That
China-Israel Relations: Caught in a Downward Spiral
Shifting the Narrative on Climate Transition For Southeast Asian Businesses
Crossroads Asia
The New Silk Road
Anti-Migrant Protests Expose Problems in Kyrgyzstan’s Evolving Migration Landscape
The recent conflict laid bare genuine challenges within the labor market and significant shifts in the country's migration landscape.
Competing Digital Futures: Europe and China in Central Asia’s Tech Development
Mongolia’s Political Parties Showcase Candidates for the 2024 Parliamentary Election
South Asian Students Targeted by Angry Mob in Kyrgyz Capital
Trans-Pacific View
U.S. Policy on Asia
The Bipartisan Clash Over US Electric Vehicle Policy
The Biden administration’s strategy to compete with China’s dominance hasn’t won buy-in from Republicans, who are skeptical about the entire industry.
Why US Semiconductor Export Controls Backfire
The Luzon Economic Corridor: A Badly-Needed Win For the US in Southeast Asia?
No China-US Trade War This Year, But Uncertainty Ahead in 2025
Pacific Money
Economy And Business
Did Illegal Tin Mines Really Steal $26 Billion From the Indonesian State?
The Indonesian government recently brought corruption charges against Harvey Moeis, a wealthy businessman with interests in the mining sector.
New Energy Competition: It’s Politics First for Both US and China
Thailand’s Showdown Over Interest Rates, Explained
Musk to ‘Consider’ Opening Battery Plant in Indonesia, Senior Official Says
Oceania
The South Pacific
Over 100 Feared Dead in Landslide in Remote Part of Papua New Guinea
Rescue efforts are underway after a landslide hit a village in Enga province in the middle of the night.
In Riot-Stricken New Caledonia, French President Says He Won’t Rush Through Voting Reforms
New Caledonia Riots: The Azerbaijan Factor
Victoria State’s Booming Population and Busted Budget
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
New Delhi’s Quiet Student Solidarity With Palestine
Full-fledged protests in India’s capital were quickly muffled, so students have resorted to quieter means of dissent.