Latest Stories
South Korea Wakes up to Southeast Asia’s Ballooning Scam Industry
But Seoul is finding out what other governments has discovered: getting concrete results is nearly impossible.
Twin Blasts in South Asia and the Region’s Dangerous Dilemmas
The region increasingly resembles a powder keg — one spark away from catastrophe.
Can Positive Change Happen from Within in Afghanistan Under the Taliban?
Attempts to impose rapid change from outside have repeatedly failed. International actors must not substitute Afghan agency, but enable it.
As COP30 Discusses Climate Action, Indian Capital Sees Pollution Protests
Following protests against severe pollution, India’s main opposition leader upheld “the right to clean air” as “a basic human right.” Will pollution finally become a political issue in India?
Australia and Indonesia to Sign ‘Watershed’ Defense Treaty in January
The agreement marks a high-point in the bilateral relationship, but stops short of marking a significant strategic reorientation on the part of Jakarta.
Thailand-Cambodia Peace Deal on the Brink After Clash in Disputed Border Settlement
The incident, which Cambodia says left one civilian dead, comes two days after a Thai soldier was reportedly injured by a landmine explosion at the border.
Most Read
Today Trump Is Talking to a Different North Korea
The DPRK of 2025 is fundamentally different – and far more dangerous – than when Trump last met Kim Jong Un.
27th Amendment to Pakistan’s Constitution on the Anvil
The amendment is likely to pass as the ruling coalition has the necessary two-thirds majority in both houses of Parliament.
US & Central Asia: What Is the C5+1?
On November 6, 2025, the Central Asian presidents will gather in Washington DC. The summit will be the crowning achievement for a decade-old format.
Blogs
China Power
A New World Order
Why China Is (Still) Not Interested in the Offer of a ‘G2’
History, ideology, and realism all contribute to the perception that Trump’s recent mention of the G-2 is just a U.S. “trap.”
China Wants Teachers to Focus on Teaching, Not Paperwork
Czechia: China’s Punitive Silence on Replay
COP30 and China’s Tibetan Plateau Paradox
Flashpoints
Diplomacy by Other Means
Twin Blasts in South Asia and the Region’s Dangerous Dilemmas
The region increasingly resembles a powder keg — one spark away from catastrophe.
The Nexperia Wake-Up Call: Can Europe Secure Its Tech Future Amid China-US Rivalry?
Pakistan’s Afghan Retaliation Imminent After TTP’s Twin Attacks
Tracking Conflict in the Asia-Pacific: October 2025 Update
Asia Defense
Militaries of the Asia-Pacific
Australia and Indonesia to Sign ‘Watershed’ Defense Treaty in January
The agreement marks a high-point in the bilateral relationship, but stops short of marking a significant strategic reorientation on the part of Jakarta.
Australia, Philippines Prep New Defense Agreement Amid Growing China Concerns
Takaichi Government Moves to Expand Japan’s Defense Exports After Komeito’s Exit
Why the New Hangor-Class Submarines Are Crucial for the Pakistan Navy
ASEAN Beat
Insights Into Half a Billion
Thailand-Cambodia Peace Deal on the Brink After Clash in Disputed Border Settlement
The incident, which Cambodia says left one civilian dead, comes two days after a Thai soldier was reportedly injured by a landmine explosion at the border.
Southeast Asia’s ‘Problem Framing’ Problem
Indonesia Officially Names Former President Suharto as National Hero
Thailand Suspends Peace Deal With Cambodia After Landmine Explosion
The Pulse
Perspectives on South Asia
As COP30 Discusses Climate Action, Indian Capital Sees Pollution Protests
Following protests against severe pollution, India’s main opposition leader upheld “the right to clean air” as “a basic human right.” Will pollution finally become a political issue in India?
Bangladesh’s Interim Government Bows to Islamists’ Pressure
Massive Car Explosion Rocks India’s Capital
Sri Lanka’s Budget Tightens Taxes, Trims Discretion, and Seeks Space for China-India-IMF Balancing
The Koreas
Divided Peninsula
South Korea Wakes up to Southeast Asia’s Ballooning Scam Industry
But Seoul is finding out what other governments has discovered: getting concrete results is nearly impossible.
Lee Jae-myung’s North Korea Policy Is Built on Outdated Assumptions
What the 2025 APEC Summit Means for South Korea’s AI Ambitions
Lee and Xi Agree to Strengthen China-South Korea Relations
Tokyo Report
News From Japan
Japan’s Takaichi Pushes Stricter Rules on Foreign Nationals
Regulations for foreign nationals in Japan became a major topic of debate in this year’s election. The new government is acting accordingly.
Japan’s Taiwan Policy Is Evolving – But Not Yet Transforming
With Approval Soaring, How Ambitious Can Japan’s New Prime Minister Be?
The Future of Japan’s Official Development Assistance Under Takaichi
The Debate
Comment and Opinion
Legal Pathways Will Save Rohingya Lives
Creating a pathway toward third-country resettlement is the only practical way to stop refugees from dying at sea.
Can Positive Change Happen from Within in Afghanistan Under the Taliban?
Decoding the Myths: Understanding Hindutva and Hindu Organizations in America
Restoring ASEAN’s Collective Negotiating Function
Crossroads Asia
The New Silk Road
Tajikistan’s Glaciers Are Collapsing While the Government Talks Green
A mismatch between eco-friendly government rhetoric and polluting actions on the ground is exacerbating Tajikistan’s climate change vulnerability.
A C5+1 or 5 C1+1s: The New Math of US Central Asia Policy
Mongolia Badly Needs Education Reform
Lessons in Peace Building and Conflict Resolution From Fergana
Trans-Pacific View
U.S. Policy on Asia
Can the NBA Help Heal China-US Relations?
As China-U.S. tensions rise, sports diplomacy offers a path back to healthy competition.
The Supreme Court’s Tariff Test: What Is at Stake for the Rule of Law and Global Trade
What to Make of the Recent Trump-Xi Summit?
Trump’s G2 Moment: Dawn of a New World Order?
Pacific Money
Economy And Business
South Korea’s Semiconductor Dependence Is Becoming a Structural Economic Risk
Persistent export concentration around memory chips leaves the Korean economy acutely vulnerable to global tech cycles.
Time to Get Ready for the Era of ‘Selective Protectionism’
Breaking Down the Philippines’ 2026 Budget
The Gyeongju Summit Was a Turning Point for APEC
Oceania
The South Pacific
New Zealand’s Recalibrated Foreign Policy at Play in Southeast Asia
Part of Wellington’s foreign policy reset seeks to reinforce ASEAN’s role in anchoring the wider region.
A Conundrum for Australia’s Liberal Party
The China Factor in Australia-US Relations
France’s Political Dramas Threaten More Instability in Violence-Wracked New Caledonia
Videos
Asia on Video
Podcasts
Asia Geopolitics
The State of US Asia Policy in the Trump Era, With Special Guest Jim Sciutto
Reflecting on the U.S. president’s recent Asia trip, how American partners view Trump’s nontraditional diplomatic style, and what (in Asia) keeps Jim up at night.
