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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: 4 days 6 hours ago

Malaysia’s Rare Earth Transition

Fri, 05/12/2025 - 04:58
An early adopter hopes to make “super magnets” for electric cars by 2030.

Singaporean Court Upholds Opposition Leader’s Conviction for Lying to Parliament

Fri, 05/12/2025 - 04:53
Pritam Singh of the Workers' Party told the press that he was "disappointed" with the decision but accepted it "fully and without reservation."

Indonesia Promises Action on Deforestation as Sumatra Flooding Toll Rises

Fri, 05/12/2025 - 00:50
Environmentalists say that the flash floods and landslides in Sumatra have been worsened by years of logging linked to mining operations.

India’s Buildings Could Be a Big Part of Its Climate Solution

Thu, 04/12/2025 - 20:39
Integrating solar directly into buildings could turn homes and offices into decentralized power plants and cut emissions right where they begin.

China Intensifies ‘Three Warfares’ Targeting Japan Over Takaichi’s Taiwan Remarks 

Thu, 04/12/2025 - 16:46
Beijing is intensifying its use of public opinion warfare, psychological warfare, and legal warfare against Japan.

US Steps up Defense Cooperation in Southeast Asia

Thu, 04/12/2025 - 16:01
Washington is making progress with a range of states: from staunch ally the Philippines to newer partner Vietnam and even Cambodia, where China's influence dominates.

Kyrgyz Election Commission Tosses Results From District With Highest Turnout, Citing Violations

Thu, 04/12/2025 - 15:58
The commission says all 14 candidates won’t be permitted to run again for the seat, but a court could reverse that decision.

Is China’s Real Estate Crisis Driving the Next Stage of Homegrown Innovation?

Thu, 04/12/2025 - 15:47
A closer look at the economic numbers suggests that a bad real estate industry is not all bad news for the Chinese economy.

Xi Jinping’s Grip on the Military Is Getting Stronger, Not Weaker

Thu, 04/12/2025 - 15:40
Xi continues to eliminate factional networks that could eventually develop into rivals for PLA loyalty.

China’s New ‘Two-Front Strategy’ Against Japan and Taiwan

Thu, 04/12/2025 - 15:26
The use of both international lawfare and historical narrative warfare signals a major, under-recognized shift in China’s Taiwan strategy and its approach to Japan.

Hong Kong’s Tragic Fire Shows the Consequences of a Hollowed-out Civil Society

Thu, 04/12/2025 - 15:04
The colossal failure of regulatory oversight across governmental departments is clear – and Hong Kong has quashed the civilian watchdogs that used to close the gaps.

How Asia’s Semiconductor Powerhouse Fits into ASEAN’s Strategic Future

Thu, 04/12/2025 - 14:30
With tensions between Tokyo and Beijing rising, ASEAN and Taiwan must balance economic integration with the political realities imposed by China’s growing assertiveness.

Timor-Leste’s Digital Statecraft

Thu, 04/12/2025 - 14:12
How Southeast Asia’s newest ASEAN member built a modern governance model. 

Saudis Also Fail to Defuse Pakistan-Afghan Taliban Crisis

Thu, 04/12/2025 - 12:32
Although the first round of talks was not successful, the Saudis will persist in their mediatory effort. Their prestige is on the line.

India’s Special Intensive Revision of Electoral Rolls Is Claiming Lives

Thu, 04/12/2025 - 08:16
The exercise has rapidly deteriorated into a pressure cooker of impossible deadlines, sleepless nights, and unchecked administrative coercion, now actively claiming lives.

Vietnam’s Cautious Acceptance of Chinese 5G Technology

Thu, 04/12/2025 - 05:16
Recent agreements with Huawei and ZTE reflect economic pragmatism rather than a shift in strategic trust.

Myanmar Opium Cultivation Jumps to Highest Level Since 2015: UN

Thu, 04/12/2025 - 04:53
The country's conflict is also having a countervailing impact on average poppy yields, which “sharply decreased” in 2025.

Thailand Seizes $300M in Assets as Scam Crackdown Deepens

Thu, 04/12/2025 - 02:57
Bangkok appears determined to clamp down on Cambodia-based scam syndicates, but allegations of high-level Thai involvement continue to dog Prime Minister Anutin.

Hat Yai Flooding Catastrophe a Massive Blow to Thailand’s PM Anutin

Thu, 04/12/2025 - 01:39
With a snap general election on the horizon, the Thai leader has been assailed for his government's sluggish response to a disaster that has killed at least 267 people.

Is the Economic Crisis in Laos Coming to an End?

Wed, 03/12/2025 - 21:20
The kip has stabilized and inflation is dropping, but the issue of the government's heavy external debt remains unresolved.

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