Latest Stories
Uzbekistan: A Silk Mirage
An interview with Joanna Lillis on the contrasts between "new" and "old" Uzbekistan.
Japan’s Taiwan Policy Is Evolving – But Not Yet Transforming
Takaichi’s remarks stirred a firestorm, but her later clarifications highlight the limits on Japan’s involvement in a Taiwan crisis.
China Wants Teachers to Focus on Teaching, Not Paperwork
“Formalism” is dragging down China’s education sector. Will new policies help?
Pakistan’s Afghan Retaliation Imminent After TTP’s Twin Attacks
Islamabad has run out of patience following the TTP’s suicide attack in Islamabad and the storming of a school for military cadets in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Bangladesh’s Interim Government Bows to Islamists’ Pressure
It has gone against the country’s secular and creative spirit by scrapping the hiring of music and physical education teachers in primary schools.
Time to Get Ready for the Era of ‘Selective Protectionism’
What Mexico’s tariff hike for non-FTA countries means for ASEAN and beyond.
Most Read
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.
China’s Banner Year in Combat Aircraft
After massive developments in PLA aviation over the past year, it’s time for many observers to update their priors.
Pakistan’s Generals Are Marching Toward Another Disaster
The military’s approach reflects a familiar pattern: engaging in external aggression to mask internal decay and disarray.
Blogs
China Power
A New World Order
Flashpoints
Diplomacy by Other Means
Pakistan’s Afghan Retaliation Imminent After TTP’s Twin Attacks
Islamabad has run out of patience following the TTP’s suicide attack in Islamabad and the storming of a school for military cadets in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Tracking Conflict in the Asia-Pacific: October 2025 Update
North Korea Test-Fires SRBM as It Denounces South Korea-US Exercises
Why the West Can’t Escape China’s Rare Earth Dominance – Yet
Asia Defense
Militaries of the Asia-Pacific
Australia, Philippines Prep New Defense Agreement Amid Growing China Concerns
Despite being oceans apart, the Philippines and Australia are becoming closer than ever thanks to their shared maritime 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
Through the Tempest: The Philippines’ Defense Posture in Troubled Waters
ASEAN Beat
Insights Into Half a Billion
Southeast Asia’s ‘Problem Framing’ Problem
Very often, governments in the region leap to a solution before accurately defining what problem they are trying to solve.
Indonesia Officially Names Former President Suharto as National Hero
Thailand Suspends Peace Deal With Cambodia After Landmine Explosion
Thai Police Issue Arrest Warrant for Cambodian Tycoon Ly Yong Phat
The Pulse
Perspectives on South Asia
Bangladesh’s Interim Government Bows to Islamists’ Pressure
It has gone against the country’s secular and creative spirit by scrapping the hiring of music and physical education teachers in primary schools.
Massive Car Explosion Rocks India’s Capital
Sri Lanka’s Budget Tightens Taxes, Trims Discretion, and Seeks Space for China-India-IMF Balancing
India’s Labor Mobility Revolution: Turning Demographics Into Diplomacy
The Koreas
Divided Peninsula
Lee Jae-myung’s North Korea Policy Is Built on Outdated Assumptions
Every South Korean liberal president, including Lee, has built their North Korea policy on three assumptions. None of them still holds true.
What the 2025 APEC Summit Means for South Korea’s AI Ambitions
Lee and Xi Agree to Strengthen China-South Korea Relations
How North Korea Uses Vietnam to Avoid UN Sanctions
Tokyo Report
News From Japan
With Approval Soaring, How Ambitious Can Japan’s New Prime Minister Be?
Since taking office, Takaichi has shown a willingness to moderate on many issues – with the marked exception of national security policy.
The Future of Japan’s Official Development Assistance Under Takaichi
Japan’s New Government Boasts High Approval Ratings
‘Golden Age’ of the Japan-US Alliance in the Shadow of Abe
The Debate
Comment and Opinion
Crossroads Asia
The New Silk Road
A C5+1 or 5 C1+1s: The New Math of US Central Asia Policy
The focus of the C5+1 has narrowed to the economic realm, yielding big deals and sidelining big challenges.
Mongolia Badly Needs Education Reform
Lessons in Peace Building and Conflict Resolution From Fergana
The US Tightening of Commercial Driver’s License Regulations Hurts Central Asian Migrants
Trans-Pacific View
U.S. Policy on Asia
The Supreme Court’s Tariff Test: What Is at Stake for the Rule of Law and Global Trade
Beneath the technical arguments lies the question of whether the U.S. will reaffirm its commitment to the rule of law in trade – or abandon it.
What to Make of the Recent Trump-Xi Summit?
Trump’s G2 Moment: Dawn of a New World Order?
The Strategic Costs of US Exchange Program Cuts in Southeast Asia
Pacific Money
Economy And Business
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.
