Latest Stories
The Key to Taiwan’s National Defense Lies Beyond Budget Figures
Alexander Gray is right to caution against complacency. But the solution is not to chase arbitrary spending thresholds.
Bangladesh’s BIGD Poll Risks Becoming a ‘Literary Digest’ Moment
Bangladesh needs independent, credible surveys that illuminate rather than obscure public opinion.
Consolidation of Taxi Services in Dushanbe Results in Public Transit Chaos
An attempt by city authorities to bring more order to the private taxi market erodes service quality and driver incomes.
Forging Sea Power Anew: The Merchant Marine Academy and America’s Indo-Pacific Strategy
In this new age of great power competition in the Indo-Pacific, the role of the merchant marine in supporting global operations, logistics, and power projection is essential.
Uzbekistan Moves to Silence Prominent Religious Scholar
The high-profile case of Mubashshir Ahmad underscores the Uzbek authorities’ growing scrutiny of religious leaders and online platforms.
China’s Political System Makes Consumption-led Growth Impossible
Beijing’s prioritization of political security necessitates a reliance on investment and exports – not consumption – to power the economy.
Most Read
China Won’t Stop Playing With Fire in the South China Sea
The collision between a China Coast Guard Ship and a PLA Navy vessel is an ominous warning sign.
Can India Survive the Trade War?
Trump’s tariff onslaught has forced India into a precarious position, and New Delhi is employing three strategies in tandem to get out of it.
Thailand’s Harsh Struggle With Cambodia
Is Lt. Gen. Boonsin Padklang, the head of Thailand's Second Army Region, costing Bangkok its goodwill?
Magazine
How Is Vietnam Navigating the New Trade War Era?
Can Vietnam adapt its economic model to this era of geopolitical fragmentation – or will it become collateral damage in someone else’s trade war?
The Evolution of ‘Made in China 2025’
Since the policy’s launch a decade ago, China’s industrial upgrade has widened to boost economic security and self-reliance.
The Quad in an ‘America First’ World
Eight years after its resurrection, the Quad still faces a significant gap between ambition and capability.
Ahmede Hussain on Bangladesh After the Monsoon Revolution
“The most significant challenge facing Bangladesh right now isn’t from the street or the public, but from the ruling elites themselves, particularly some of the major political parties.”
Blogs
China Power
A New World Order
China’s Political System Makes Consumption-led Growth Impossible
Beijing’s prioritization of political security necessitates a reliance on investment and exports – not consumption – to power the economy.
From Spectacle to Substance: What China’s Humanoid Robot Games Really Mean
Why China Isn’t Sweating Europe’s Rebalancing Push
Why China’s Fear of Failure Will Keep It Behind in the AI Race
Flashpoints
Diplomacy by Other Means
The Quad’s Role Amid China-US Tech Competition
The global implications of the China-U.S. tech rivalry have raised the imperatives for Quad cooperation on AI and semiconductors.
If China and India Mend Ties, Will South Asia Finally See More Stability?
Pakistan-US Counterterrorism Cooperation Takes Big Strides Forward
The Indo-Pacific Is Like the Cold War, But Not in the Way Most Think
Asia Defense
Militaries of the Asia-Pacific
How a Multi-Domain Command in Japan Would Reshape US Alliances in the Indo-Pacific
The establishment of the MDTF headquarters in Japan is poised to induce structural changes within the South Korea-U.S. alliance.
China Slowly Making Security Inroads in Southeast Asia, Report Says
A Strategic Turning Point for Australia-South Korea Defense Cooperation
The Indian Army’s Pakistan-Centric Restructuring
ASEAN Beat
Insights Into Half a Billion
To Counter China, India Should Support Myanmar’s Pro-democracy Movement
There is no scenario in which the military junta’s planned election will favor India's interests in Myanmar over China's.
Philippine Military Claims ‘Increased Chinese Movements’ at Second Thomas Shoal
Indonesia High-speed Rail Project a Financial ‘Time Bomb,’ Official Says
China’s Maritime Assertiveness Poses Risks to European Security, German FM Says in Indonesia
The Pulse
Perspectives on South Asia
From China Skepticism to Taiwan Engagement: How India’s Youth See Taiwan
Many young Indians admire Taiwan’s democratic resilience and technological prowess, but they would rather work in Taiwanese factories, labs, and internships than wave flags.
Has Donald Trump Upended India’s Grand Strategy?
Finally, India Extends Nepali PM Oli an Invitation to Visit
The Historical Great Powers of Asia: South Asia
The Koreas
Divided Peninsula
Lee’s Historic Trip to Tokyo: A Calculated Rapprochement
Given its symbolic and substantive significance, the approaching Lee-Ishiba summit is widely expected to articulate a new vision for South Korea-Japan relations.
The First Lee-Trump Summit: Addressing the North Korea Issue
Three Decades On, the Korean Wave Continues to Build Momentum
A Climate Lawsuit by Farmers Seeks to Hold South Korea’s Largest Emitter Accountable
Tokyo Report
News From Japan
Prime Minister Ishiba’s Balancing Act on WW2 Remembrance
The Japanese leader revived the phrase “remorse” in his remarks, while also seeking to appease conservative members of the LDP.
TICAD 9: Japan’s Renewed Vision for Africa’s Future
Why Ishiba Shigeru Is Not Resigning
Beyond Sanseito: Anti-Immigrant Rhetoric in Japan’s Upper House Election
The Debate
Comment and Opinion
The Key to Taiwan’s National Defense Lies Beyond Budget Figures
Alexander Gray is right to caution against complacency. But the solution is not to chase arbitrary spending thresholds.
Bangladesh’s BIGD Poll Risks Becoming a ‘Literary Digest’ Moment
Why Costa Rica Doesn’t Mind a Trade Deficit With China
How Cambodia’s Hun Sen Is Playing the World and Buying Time
Crossroads Asia
The New Silk Road
Consolidation of Taxi Services in Dushanbe Results in Public Transit Chaos
An attempt by city authorities to bring more order to the private taxi market erodes service quality and driver incomes.
Uzbekistan Moves to Silence Prominent Religious Scholar
UK Rolls Out Fresh Sanctions Against Another Kyrgyz Bank
US Hosts Annual Bilateral Consultation With Turkmenistan
Trans-Pacific View
U.S. Policy on Asia
Forging Sea Power Anew: The Merchant Marine Academy and America’s Indo-Pacific Strategy
In this new age of great power competition in the Indo-Pacific, the role of the merchant marine in supporting global operations, logistics, and power projection is essential.
Trump’s Tactical Concessions on Taiwan Are Not Strategic Retreats
US Transnational Repression Targets Hope California Legislation Will Turn the Tide
CARE’s Closure Signals a Deeper Crisis in Afghan Resettlement Policy
Pacific Money
Economy And Business
Thailand’s Tourist Arrivals Down on Competition, Safety Concerns
Foreign visitors to the country have fallen by nearly 7 percent so far in 2025.
Indonesia’s Digital Banking Scene is Getting Crowded
Is Trump Winning His Trade War With Asia?
Indonesia and Peru’s New FTA is a Model for South-South Cooperation
Oceania
The South Pacific
How Tuvaluans Can Relocate With Dignity Under the Falepili Union
As the relocation process begins, the Falepili Union must not only protect Tuvalu’s future but also honor the values it was meant to uphold.
New Zealand Is Trailing Its Allies Over Palestinian Statehood
Taiwan Is More Than a Sideshow in Australia’s Indo-Pacific Strategy
First Rocket Launch Highlights Space Momentum in Australia
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Asia on Video
Podcasts
Asia Geopolitics
Photo Essays
Asia in Pictures
Self-Help Groups Are Transforming Women’s Lives in India
For decades, men ruled the farms in Bihar. Now, it’s women who are reshaping the agricultural economy.