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Diplomacy & Crisis News

China’s Own Version of Ambiguity in the Taiwan Strait

TheDiplomat - Fri, 21/08/2026 - 15:30
As the U.S. mulls “strategic clarity,” China may be shifting its pressure campaign away from highly visible military coercion toward methods that are less easily classified. 

Australia and Thailand Deepen Ties to Hedge Against Global Uncertainty

TheDiplomat - Fri, 21/08/2026 - 15:29
The building of collaboration with countries like Thailand is central to Australia’s long-term strategic vision.

How an Academic Became Collateral Damage to China’s Interests in Myanmar

TheDiplomat - Fri, 21/08/2026 - 14:43
The arrest of Burmese-American scholar U Min Zin highlights China’s determination to ensure its role in Myanmar doesn’t come under scrutiny. 

Is Pakistan’s Province Debate a Political Gimmick?

TheDiplomat - Fri, 21/08/2026 - 14:38
Recurring discussions of whether, and how, to create new provinces avoids a conversation about provincial autonomy. 

Nepal’s Tibet Conference Controversy Is About More Than Chinese Pressure

TheDiplomat - Fri, 21/08/2026 - 13:21
The cancellation of the in-person event also reflects Nepal’s lack of confidence in its ability to manage politically sensitive events.

What Asia’s Industrialization Lessons Can Teach Fragmented States

TheDiplomat - Fri, 21/08/2026 - 11:40
Political differences do not have to disappear before economic interdependence can deepen.

The Last Breath of Rayong

TheDiplomat - Fri, 21/08/2026 - 07:42
Planned LNG projects and land reclamation operations in the eastern Thai province are taking a toll on its fishing communities.

Vietnam Proposes Ending Death Penalty For 6 More Offenses

TheDiplomat - Fri, 21/08/2026 - 06:59
At the same time, the government is introducing tougher sentencing provisions for acts deemed to undermine the state or the authority of the ruling Communist Party.

Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir Elected Bangladesh’s New President

TheDiplomat - Fri, 21/08/2026 - 06:33
The presidential election has reopened debate over Article 70 of the Constitution, which can cost parliamentarians their seats if they vote against their party.

Why Criminals Love the Chinese Economy

Foreign Affairs - Fri, 21/08/2026 - 06:00
And why Beijing can’t—or won’t—crack down.

Singapore Needs a Broader Conversation About How to Measure Economic Progress

TheDiplomat - Fri, 21/08/2026 - 04:59
The country continues to notch up impressive annual growth figures, but how much are they benefiting the average Singaporean?

Ahead of Xi Visit, US Designates American Held in China as ‘Wrongfully Detained’

TheDiplomat - Fri, 21/08/2026 - 02:09
Min Zin, who heads a leading Myanmar-focused think-tank based in Thailand, has been accused of "engaging in espionage and ​endangering China’s national security.”

China Isn’t Winning the Digital Order – Yet

TheDiplomat - Thu, 20/08/2026 - 22:01
In Southeast Asia, Beijing is building the digital infrastructure, but not (yet) writing the rules.

ROK-US Alliance Management Via Social Media

TheDiplomat - Thu, 20/08/2026 - 21:54
A line-by-line analysis of U.S. President Donald Trump's surprising (?) social media post downsizing the ongoing South Korea-U.S. military exercises at the very last minute.

What Are the Implications of the Mecca Pact for India? 

TheDiplomat - Thu, 20/08/2026 - 19:49
New Delhi needs a new roadmap for navigating relations in the Gulf and increasing its security profile.

A 4,000‑yr‑old Rock Painting in Indonesia Offers Clues to One of Humanity’s Greatest Migrations

TheDiplomat - Thu, 20/08/2026 - 19:31
Austronesian explorers from what is now Taiwan may have leapfrogged to centers of influence, rather than simply advancing to the next nearest island.

Why the World’s Hedging Responses to China’s Rare Earth Dominance Have Failed

TheDiplomat - Thu, 20/08/2026 - 18:24
At the heart of the global effort to diversify away from Chinese supply of critical minerals is the tension between friendshoring and strategic autonomy.

After 9 Years, China Is Reopening Its Borders To Recycled Plastic

TheDiplomat - Thu, 20/08/2026 - 17:26
Now Beijing needs to build domestic demand for recycled materials – and global rules for the trade.

Dhaka’s Balancing Act: Post-election Bangladesh Between India, China, and the US

TheDiplomat - Thu, 20/08/2026 - 16:13
Dr. Smruti S. Pattanaik joins host Tushar Shetty to examine Bangladesh six months after its first post-uprising election.

North Korea Dismisses Trump’s Recent Overtures to Kim Jong Un

TheDiplomat - Thu, 20/08/2026 - 15:49
Days after U.S. President Donald Trump showed his interest in meeting with the leader of North Korea, Pyongyang responded by launching short-range ballistic missiles and publishing a harsh statement.

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