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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: 2 days 12 hours ago

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.

Singapore, New Zealand Agree to Keep Vital Supplies Flowing in Times of Crisis

Tue, 05/05/2026 - 05:32
The Agreement on Trade in Essential Supplies, which was agreed in October, is the world’s first legally-binding bilateral supply chain resilience agreement.

Indonesia, Japan Sign New Defense Agreement, Eye Possible Arms Transfers

Tue, 05/05/2026 - 03:27
With the recent removal of its longstanding ban on lethal arms exports, Tokyo is set to become an active defense industry player in Southeast Asia.

From Consensus to Consequence: Rethinking ASEAN’s Myanmar Approach 

Mon, 04/05/2026 - 18:32
The self-admitted failure of ASEAN’s “Five-Point Consensus” demands an escalatory response. 

Will Any Central Asian Leaders Head to Moscow for Victory Day 2026?

Mon, 04/05/2026 - 18:22
With the celebration expected to be toned down under possible threat of Ukrainian drone strikes, fewer foreign dignitaries are expected.

What Orban’s 16-Year China Experiment Reveals About Europe

Mon, 04/05/2026 - 15:56
Orban amplified and politicized Hungary’s China ties, but the deeper drivers behind them extend well beyond one illiberal leader.

The Contradictions Shaping Japan’s Russia Policy 

Mon, 04/05/2026 - 15:34
Will Japan’s Russia policy shift again – or settle into ambiguity?

Uzbekistan Aims to Expand Extremism Law and Grow List of Extremist Crimes

Mon, 04/05/2026 - 15:14
In an attempt to further control religious expression, Uzbekistan has updated its blacklist of extremist sites and drafted a law to expand the list of related crimes. 

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