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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 hours 22 min ago

Merz in China: Germany Between De-Risking and Strategic Partnership

Fri, 27/02/2026 - 15:38
Merz’s trip should not be viewed as a strategic pivot, but as a focused attempt to rebalance an increasingly uneven economic relationship.

What Should Australia Do About Its ‘ISIS Brides’?

Fri, 27/02/2026 - 15:18
Ultimately, the dilemma facing the Australian government about these women and their children stems from an uncomfortable truth: citizenship is a concept that sits above good and bad behavior.

The Future of Japan’s Regional Banks: Demographics, Mergers, and a Tight Market

Fri, 27/02/2026 - 15:06
Regional banks helped fund Japan’s post-war economy. But can they survive a dwindling population?

Is China’s New Embassy in London Actually a Security Risk?

Fri, 27/02/2026 - 14:44
The reality depends on how the site fits into wider influence operations, the consolidation of diplomatic outposts, and renewed U.K. engagement with China amid shifting global alliances.

Kazakhstan at a Critical Minerals Crossroads: Tungsten and Middle Power Resource Sovereignty 

Fri, 27/02/2026 - 14:21
Kazakhstan finds itself at the intersection of two structural trends: the militarization of the global economy and the technological rivalry between the United States and China.

Muhammad Deepak: A Symbol of Defiance Against Hindutva’s Hate Politics

Fri, 27/02/2026 - 12:00
When a mob of Hindutva goons descended on a Muslim shopkeeper, a young gym owner stepped forward to defend him.

Is Balochistan the Region’s New Drug Cultivation and Trafficking Hub?

Fri, 27/02/2026 - 09:19
The Taliban regime’s ban on poppy cultivation in Afghanistan has led to this illicit crop being cultivated in neighboring Balochistan.

Helpless in Bangladesh: Rohingya Women and the Failures of Protection

Fri, 27/02/2026 - 06:49
Refugees in Bangladesh are vulnerable to kidnappings and forced recruitment, alongside restrictive movement regimes, and denial of access to education and livelihoods.

Is Cambodia’s PM Really Lying About His Ignorance of Scamming ‘Kingpin’ Chen Zhi?

Fri, 27/02/2026 - 06:26
If not, it raises serious questions about the government's ability to detect, let alone eradicate, organized crime within its own borders.

How the Rakhine War Affects Bangladesh’s Economy

Thu, 26/02/2026 - 20:50
In addition to disrupting the official trade flow, the war in Myanmar has led to a spike in smuggling, black markets, and other economic crimes.

Escapes from Islamic State Camps in Syria: Implications for Southeast Asia

Thu, 26/02/2026 - 20:27
The region may be far away, but the emptying of camps housing foreign Islamic State fighters and their families could have local repercussions. 

Why Did Donald Trump Leave China Out of His State of the Union Address?

Thu, 26/02/2026 - 16:20
Trump’s careful approach to China stems from an internal Republican battle over tariffs with the midterm elections looming in November.

Bangladesh’s 2026 Election: Where Are the Women? 

Thu, 26/02/2026 - 16:03
Out of 300 seats up for grabs in Bangladesh's general election, just seven women won election.

EU Sanctions Envoy Asks Kyrgyzstan to Stop Helping Russia Dodge Sanctions

Thu, 26/02/2026 - 15:36
"We are not asking Kyrgyzstan not to have trading relations with Russia. We only ask that that trading relationship does not involve the deliberate circumvention of our sanctions…” 

Japan Is Moving to Expand Defense Exports. Constitutional Revision Is a Bigger Ask.

Thu, 26/02/2026 - 15:16
While most Japanese lawmakers support revising the constitution, they are more divided on what, exactly, needs to change.

North Korea Codifies Nuclear Statehood and Hostile ‘Two-State’ Relations at 9th Party Congress

Thu, 26/02/2026 - 14:37
During the seven-day WPK conclave, Kim Jong Un introduced the “Haekpangasoe” system while reaffirming his will to beef up nuclear capabilities in a new five-year military development plan.

Research and Innovation in India: Between Expansion and Integrity

Thu, 26/02/2026 - 14:33
Record patent filings in recent years suggest an expanding research ecosystem. Yet with only a fraction granted and even fewer commercially worked, scale may be outpacing substance.

Modi Crosses the Rubicon and Embraces Israel

Thu, 26/02/2026 - 13:12
He could have used his trip to Israel to call explicitly for de-escalation of tensions with Iran and a negotiated settlement; instead, he chose silence on that front.

Southeast Asia’s Grab Finally Turns a Profit

Thu, 26/02/2026 - 05:17
Under mounting pressure from shareholders, the app finally broke into the black for the first time last year.

Thai Election Body Certifies Most Parliamentary Seats, Affirming Bhumjaithai Victory

Thu, 26/02/2026 - 04:49
With the remaining seats likely to be confirmed next week, a new coalition government is expected to be formed in the coming weeks.

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