Latest Stories
US Senator Urges SpaceX to Block Internet Access to Southeast Asian Scam Operations
Any attempt to block criminal organizations from using the Starlink internet service could also deprive resistance groups of a vital communications tool.
Thailand, Cambodia Dispute Status of Border Ceasefire
The Thai army accused its Cambodian counterpart of violating the ceasefire, which was intended to end a fierce five-day border conflict.
What’s the Deal With Trump’s Trade Agreements in Southeast Asia?
Three nations have now brokered similar trade agreements with the mercurial U.S. president, although little is set in stone.
Mongolia’s New Challenge: Illegal Drugs
A recent viral video had shone a spotlight on the rise of both drug trafficking and drug use in Mongolia.
Beyond the Ceasefire: How the US and China Shadowed the Cambodia-Thailand Clash
The rapid announcement of a ceasefire, with Malaysia as mediator, offered a welcome pause. Yet the dust had barely settled before the shadow of great power rivalry reemerged.
What Is Behind Gwadar’s Continued Water Woes?
The thirsty port city is once again fighting for water, with no permanent solution in sight.
Most Read
‘Great Recall’: Taiwan’s Democratic Experiment
Taiwan is embarking on a globally unprecedented experiment in the use of a relatively obscure democratic mechanism: the recall vote.
Who Was Behind the Drone Attack Against Indian Separatist Outfits in Myanmar?
The attack on ULFA(I) camps just across the border can be seen as the fallout of the geopolitical rivalries among many countries – and the way their ambitions converge in Myanmar.
How Barack Obama Planned to Destroy North Korea’s Weapons of Mass Destruction
The North Korean arsenal grew to alarming proportions during Obama’s two terms in office, prompting Pentagon planning for a preemptive strike.
Magazine
Russian Without Russians: The Politics of Language in Uzbekistan
A new generation is questioning the privileged place of the Russian language in public education and everyday life – while still grappling with its utility, legacy, and political weight.
The Transnational Origins of Taiwan’s Semiconductor Industry
Donald Trump’s self-proclaimed “victory” in his chip war against Taipei is premised on a fundamental misunderstanding of how we got to where we are.
Anatomy of an Insurgency: Balochistan’s Crisis and Pakistan’s Failures
Recent escalations demonstrate both the insurgents’ growing operational capabilities and the Pakistani state’s persistent reliance on heavy-handed military responses that continue to alienate Baloch society.
Michael Kugelman Revisits the India-Pakistan Crisis
“This is the first time since each country went nuclear that we’ve seen so much force used in so many places.”
Blogs
China Power
A New World Order
Polling Shows Central Europeans Remain Skeptical of China
A look into public opinion results provides an interesting complement to government-level dynamics in four nations' respective bilateral relations with Beijing.
Legal Minimalism: How the Notion of Sentience Disappeared From Chinese Law
Taiwan’s ‘Great Recall’ Fizzles Out
China’s Visa-Free Diplomacy
Flashpoints
Diplomacy by Other Means
Beyond the Ceasefire: How the US and China Shadowed the Cambodia-Thailand Clash
The rapid announcement of a ceasefire, with Malaysia as mediator, offered a welcome pause. Yet the dust had barely settled before the shadow of great power rivalry reemerged.
France Refocuses Its Indo-Pacific Strategy Amid a Shifting Global Order
Implications of ISKP’s Declaration of War Against the Baloch Liberation Army
The Limits of Pragmatic Intentions: The Evolving Story of China-India Rapprochement
Asia Defense
Militaries of the Asia-Pacific
South Korea’s Indo-Pacific Role Under Discussion in US Trade Talks
South Korea is seeking trade concessions, including on tariffs and non-trade barriers, in return for accepting the U.S. request to recalibrate the USFK’s strategic posture.
Strategic Implications of Taiwan’s 2025 Han Kuang Exercise
India’s Opposition to Bangladesh’s Defense Modernization Is a Self-Defeating Strategy
Hypersonic Arms in South Asia: Racing Toward Instability?
ASEAN Beat
Insights Into Half a Billion
US Senator Urges SpaceX to Block Internet Access to Southeast Asian Scam Operations
Any attempt to block criminal organizations from using the Starlink internet service could also deprive resistance groups of a vital communications tool.
Thailand, Cambodia Dispute Status of Border Ceasefire
Malaysia’s Anwar Calls for Ceasefire Between Thailand and Cambodia
Thailand and Cambodia Exchange Heavy Fire Along Disputed Border
The Pulse
Perspectives on South Asia
The Koreas
Divided Peninsula
North Korea Has ‘No Interest’ in Talking to Lee Jae-myung
For the first time since South Korea’s new president assumed office, Pyongyang explicitly nixed the Lee administration’s pro-dialogue approach to North Korea.
The Bodhisattva and the Shrine: Cultural Repatriation and Diplomacy in Japan-South Korea Relations
Pro-Yoon Lawmakers Announce Bid for People Power Party Leadership
The Growing Embrace of Russia and North Korea
Tokyo Report
News From Japan
Japan Avoids 25 Percent Tariffs With Investment Pledge in Landmark US Trade Deal
The deal reduces tariffs on Japanese exports, including autos and auto parts, to15 percent, in exchange for Japanese investment and import commitments.
Japan’s Neighbors Anxiously Assess the Results of the Upper House Election
The LDP Bears Responsibility for Japan’s Populist Surge
Japan-Canada Sign Security of Information Agreement
The Debate
Comment and Opinion
Why Is Taiwan Supporting an Illegal Israeli Settlement in the Occupied West Bank?
Taiwan’s reported donation to a medical facility could make it complicit in Israel’s violations of international law.
Why Doesn’t Cambodia Offer to Sell Disputed Land To Thailand?
Repressive Laws Are Increasingly Being Used to Silence Activists Across Asia
The US Must Treat India’s Transnational Repression as a National Security Threat
Crossroads Asia
The New Silk Road
Mongolia’s New Challenge: Illegal Drugs
A recent viral video had shone a spotlight on the rise of both drug trafficking and drug use in Mongolia.
From Terrorists to Trading Partners: Smoothing Kazakh-Afghan Relations
France, Mongolia Expand Civil Security and Emergency Response Cooperation
Tajikistan Orders Afghan Refugees Out en Masse
Trans-Pacific View
U.S. Policy on Asia
In Some Ways, Trump’s New AI Action Plan Actually Looks Familiar
The White House’s AI strategy echoes some of China’s approach, adding Trumpian characteristics to the policies of the Biden administration.
Trump’s Tariffs Aren’t the Only US Policy Hurting South Korea’s Economy
US, Indonesia Release Further Details of ‘Reciprocal’ Tariff Agreement
Trump Announces Trade Deal With Philippines, Small Reduction in Tariff Rate
Pacific Money
Economy And Business
What’s the Deal With Trump’s Trade Agreements in Southeast Asia?
Three nations have now brokered similar trade agreements with the mercurial U.S. president, although little is set in stone.
India’s Northeast Identified as Promising Area for Rare Earth Elements and Critical Minerals
International Labor Standards: The Missing Link in China-US Trade Negotiations
A Summer of Reckoning for Japan’s Economy
Oceania
The South Pacific
Australia, UK Sign Landmark Defense Deal
The Geelong Treaty commits Australia and the U.K. to the next 50 years of defense cooperation under AUKUS Pillar I.
When Will PNG’s Parliament Finally Decide Bougainville’s Status?
As Suffering in Gaza Mounts, Australia Condemns ‘Inhumane Killing’ of Palestinians
Between Partnership and Primacy: Australia’s Diplomatic Posture in Southeast Asia and the Pacific
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
Reviewing Thailand and Cambodia’s July 2025 Border Skirmish
What led to the flare-up of the long-running dispute between the two Southeast Asian neighbors?
A Trade ‘Deal’ and a Historic Election: What’s Next for Japan?
The Geopolitics of the Second China-Central Asia Summit
What Does South Korea’s New Progressive Administration Portend for Northeast Asia?
Photo Essays
Asia in Pictures
The Last 96 Hours of Taiwan’s Great Recall: In Images
It was a mad dash to the finish, with Taiwanese on both sides seeing the vote as a battle for the future of their country.