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The Diplomat is a current-affairs magazine for the Asia-Pacific, with news and analysis on politics, security, business, technology and life across the region.
Updated: 3 days 21 hours ago

Navigating the Many Issues Surrounding China’s Ports Abroad

Wed, 06/05/2026 - 19:56
An array of economic, political, and security issues are associated with China’s overseas ports.

China and Japan Are Entering a More Dangerous Phase of Rivalry

Wed, 06/05/2026 - 16:32
Neither China nor Japan wants war. The danger is that each side increasingly believes the other is preparing for one.

The US Is Running Dangerously Low on China Expertise

Wed, 06/05/2026 - 15:31
Insights from Rosie Levine.

Southeast Asia’s Scam Compounds: How the Law Fails Survivors

Wed, 06/05/2026 - 15:15
Many of the people who send fraudulent messages or manage fake investment accounts are victims of human trafficking and forced criminality.

A Year After Operation Sindoor: Rising Risks and Deepening Instability

Wed, 06/05/2026 - 14:57
The next India-Pakistan crisis will be shaped by compressed timelines, more domestic pressure, weaker external constraints, and the perception that escalation can be controlled.

10 Years After the Arbitration Ruling, Might Makes Right in the South China Sea

Wed, 06/05/2026 - 14:53
Beijing will disregard international law when in its own interest, forcing other countries to make difficult decisions about their own compliance.

My Brother’s 16-Year Sentence Was Not Enough for Uzbekistan. Now They Want Him to Disappear.

Wed, 06/05/2026 - 14:42
Dauletmurat Tajimuratov was sentenced to 16 years in prison in 2023. Last week 2.5 years were added to his sentence.

What Critics Get Wrong About China’s Digital Silk Road

Wed, 06/05/2026 - 14:24
The DSR continues to thrive largely because recipient governments see it as an attractive alternative.

A Generation Rethinking Marriage Amid Rising Family Strain in Uzbekistan

Wed, 06/05/2026 - 13:57
Behind steady population growth, shifting expectations and rising domestic tensions are transforming family life.

Terror Alert in Bangladesh: Between Denial and Reality

Wed, 06/05/2026 - 05:36
Ignoring quiet militant activity like online recruitment or fundraising is just as dangerous as exaggerating the militant threat for political reasons.

Why the ‘Control Rod’ Wouldn’t Budge: 20 Years of OPCON Transfer Debates

Tue, 05/05/2026 - 20:22
The difficulty and delay of OPCON transfer has not been because either side is unwilling. The question is no longer whether to transfer but how – and how well.

Amb. Ina Marciulionyte on the Future of EU-Mongolia Ties

Tue, 05/05/2026 - 18:34
EU projects “prioritize sustainable development, economic development, and democracy in Mongolia” – and, increasingly “peace and security” as well.

Japan’s Arms Export Shift Takes Shape in the Philippines

Tue, 05/05/2026 - 16:41
The plan to transfer warships to Manila reflects Tokyo’s new Indo-Pacific security role.

Will the US Serra Verde Acquisition Help Break China’s Rare Earth Monopoly?

Tue, 05/05/2026 - 16:16
One of the primary drivers behind the acquisition, backed by the U.S. government, is to disrupt the prevailing Chinese monopoly in rare earths. Will it actually work?

Better Late Than Never: Italy’s Strategic Bet on India

Tue, 05/05/2026 - 15:56
Italy’s growing engagement with India reflects a broader, even if somewhat belated, Indo-Pacific turn.

Taiwan’s President Makes Surprise Trip to Eswatini

Tue, 05/05/2026 - 15:36
Lai Ching-te succeeded in making his visit to Taiwan’s lone ally in Africa just weeks after China forced a high-profile cancellation of his original itinerary. 

South Korea’s Ruling Party Has a Jung Chung-rae Risk

Tue, 05/05/2026 - 14:51
With President Lee Jae-myung riding high in the polls and the June 3 local elections looking like a sweep, the ruling Democratic Party’s leader keeps getting in the way.

Foreign-Invested Apps and Taiwan’s Cybersecurity Blind Spot

Tue, 05/05/2026 - 14:33
The data generated by millions of Taiwanese users – their movement patterns, consumption habits, and delivery addresses – is increasingly spread among numerous foreign investors, including companies from China.

BJP Makes Major Gains in 3 of 5 State Assembly Elections

Tue, 05/05/2026 - 06:12
Prime Minister Narendra Modi's party has stormed to power in West Bengal and retained its hold over Assam and Puducherry.

The ICJ and the Limits of International Justice For the Rohingya

Tue, 05/05/2026 - 06:06
International courts can apportion legal responsibility, but cannot guarantee justice, safety, or safe return to Myanmar for more than 1 million Rohingya refugees.

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