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Sanctions, the Taliban, and an Iranian Port: The Uncertain Future of India’s Kabul Route
India’s approach to the Taliban has gradually shifted from purely humanitarian aid to a focus on trade and transit.
COP30 and China’s Tibetan Plateau Paradox
China’s stewardship of the Third Pole will shape not only Asia’s water security but the credibility of global climate cooperation.
Why a Full-blown War Against the Taliban May Not Benefit Pakistan
The Pakistani economy is in dire straits. A prolonged war could bleed its economy further.
Trump’s G2 Moment: Dawn of a New World Order?
The emergence of a robust G-2 dialogue may signal a transition from a unipolar world to a bipolar one.
A New Name for New Delhi?
A BJP parliamentarian recently called for the renaming of the Indian capital as Indraprastha.
Chinese Rhetoric on Okinawa and the Ryukyu Islands
Beijing is trying to drive a wedge between Okinawa and Tokyo.
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
China: Blue Porcelain and Rare Earths
China’s mineral-rich clays are the raw material for world-renowned porcelain – and super-strong magnets.
Nuclear Tests and Their Legacy of Harms in Asia-Pacific
Beyond Fiber-Optic Cables: Securing Seabed Before the Next Crisis
Pakistan’s Generals Are Marching Toward Another Disaster
Asia Defense
Militaries of the Asia-Pacific
Takaichi Government Moves to Expand Japan’s Defense Exports After Komeito’s Exit
With a willing partner in Nippon Ishin, the ruling LDP is advancing its defense export ambitions.
Why the New Hangor-Class Submarines Are Crucial for the Pakistan Navy
Through the Tempest: The Philippines’ Defense Posture in Troubled Waters
Nuclear Subs and Bounded Autonomy: The Evolving Logic of the South Korea-US Alliance
ASEAN Beat
Insights Into Half a Billion
Indonesian Activists Protest Plans to Grant Former President Suharto ‘Hero’ Status
The proposal to recognize the authoritarian former leader is a sign of the historical revisionism that has gained momentum under President Prabowo Subianto.
Thailand Announces Plans to Trace ‘Gray Money’ Transactions Linked to Scams, Crime
In the Philippines, Corruption Protests Continue to Hound the Marcos Administration
Singapore Introduces Mandatory Caning For Scamming Offenses
The Pulse
Perspectives on South Asia
Sanctions, the Taliban, and an Iranian Port: The Uncertain Future of India’s Kabul Route
India’s approach to the Taliban has gradually shifted from purely humanitarian aid to a focus on trade and transit.
Why a Full-blown War Against the Taliban May Not Benefit Pakistan
A New Name for New Delhi?
27th Amendment to Pakistan’s Constitution on the Anvil
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
The Future of Japan’s Official Development Assistance Under Takaichi
Takaichi is recasting Japan’s relationship with ASEAN from one of development partnership to one of security cooperation.
Japan’s New Government Boasts High Approval Ratings
‘Golden Age’ of the Japan-US Alliance in the Shadow of Abe
Japan-South Korea Relations Under a Takaichi Sanae Government
The Debate
Comment and Opinion
People, Finance, Nature: What COP30 Means for Southeast Asia
After years of patchy progress, the upcoming U.N. conference offers an opportunity for the region to take significant strides toward its climate goals.
Behind the Marble Walls: A Glimpse Into Turkmenistan
Renewables, Sustainable Growth and Competition in the East Asian Market
Turning Off Starlink Coverage Won’t Destroy Myanmar’s Scam Centers
Crossroads Asia
The New Silk Road
Uzbekistan to Introduce Visa-Free Entry for US Citizens From January 1
Meanwhile, Uzbek citizens face one of the highest visa-refusal rates in the United States.
Mongolia’s Defector Dilemma: Navigating the Korea Divide
A Mini-Detente Between Trump and Xi: What It Means for Central Asia
C5+1 at a Crossroads: Charting the Next Decade of US-Central Asia Engagement
Trans-Pacific View
U.S. Policy on Asia
Trump’s G2 Moment: Dawn of a New World Order?
The emergence of a robust G-2 dialogue may signal a transition from a unipolar world to a bipolar one.
The Strategic Costs of US Exchange Program Cuts in Southeast Asia
Why Trump Should Have Raised China’s Transnational Repression With Xi Jinping
The Trump-Xi Summits, Then and Now: Trade, Taiwan, and Russia
Pacific Money
Economy And Business
Indonesia’s Never-Ending Quest for a National Car
President Prabowo Subianto says the country will begin producing a home-grown car within three years, but a lot of details remain unclear.
Japanese Markets Look Poised to Prosper With New Government, China-US Trade Truce
India’s Tryst With Strategic Experimentation
Philippine, UAE Have Applied for CPTPP Membership, Report Claims
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
Inside China’s Struggle for Influence in Central Asia
For Beijing, Central Asia is a testing ground for its foreign policy innovations – and a challenge.