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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: 6 hours 29 min ago

Southeast Asia’s Mercenary Pipeline

Tue, 10/02/2026 - 03:24
Russia is recruiting increasing numbers of fighters from the region, using deceptive practices pioneered by Southeast Asia-based online scam operations.

Is Indonesia’s Nickel Production Cut Deliberately Undermining the Philippines’ Downstream Plans?

Tue, 10/02/2026 - 02:40
Indonesia’s production restrictions strengthen its position as a regional agenda setter. The Philippines, by contrast, risks becoming a price taker, bearing environmental pressures and reserve depletion while much of the value added occurs abroad.

44 Former Progressive Thai MPs Face Lifetime Ban From Politics

Tue, 10/02/2026 - 02:27
A day after suffering a shock defeat at a general election, the progressive People's Party has been dealt a fresh blow by the national anti-graft body.

Indonesia, Australia Sign Security Treaty, Pledge Joint Consultations

Tue, 10/02/2026 - 00:29
The agreement symbolizes the health of the relationship between Canberra and Jakarta, but stops short of providing binding security guarantees.

How Did Japan’s Space Program Evolve?

Mon, 09/02/2026 - 18:46
In "The Islands and the Stars," Subodhana Wijeyeratne charts how Tokyo's space program has changed over the past century.

Why Did Canadian Firm Laramide Abandon a Uranium Project in Kazakhstan?

Mon, 09/02/2026 - 17:14
Laramide President and CEO Marc Henderson called recent changes to the country's subsoil use law “a spectacular own goal." He characterized it as “de facto nationalization."

The Epstein Files and China’s Information War Against the Dalai Lama

Mon, 09/02/2026 - 16:45
China’s disinformation machinery kicked into high gear to launch its latest attack against the Tibetan spiritual leader.

Will Darwin Port Remain Under Chinese Control?

Mon, 09/02/2026 - 15:50
Australia’s prime minister pledged to reclaim operational control of the port. That still hasn’t happened, but the time might be drawing near.

What Will Happen to North Korean POWs in Ukraine?

Mon, 09/02/2026 - 15:28
The South Korean government has repeatedly conveyed its willingness to accept the soldiers as its citizens after the war.

India-EU Trade is Set to Grow. Its Environmental Costs May Grow Faster.

Mon, 09/02/2026 - 15:04
The India-EU Free Trade Agreement is expected to expand exports and employment. But many of the sectors set to benefit are also among India’s most polluting.

Starlink Launches in Tajikistan

Mon, 09/02/2026 - 14:40
The satellite internet service's arrival offers hope for connectivity in mountainous regions, but pricing and state control remain concerns.

Japan After the Landslide: Takaichi’s Supermajority and the Trump Challenge

Mon, 09/02/2026 - 14:13
Takaichi has the largest majority of any Japanese PM since World War II. Now she must decide how to tackle Japan’s difficult strategic environment.

Winds of Change: Can Taiwan’s Offshore Wind Deliver Fair Work Too?

Mon, 09/02/2026 - 14:04
Workers report debt-linked recruitment. Companies, financiers, and Taiwan’s government face a test of remedy.

The Geopolitics of India’s Foreign Assistance for 2026-27

Mon, 09/02/2026 - 09:17
In a region that increasingly benchmarks everything against China’s tempo, India’s aid will only buy influence when it also buys confidence.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami’s Election Doublespeak

Mon, 09/02/2026 - 05:44
The party’s constitution explicitly supports the implementation of Sharia. In their election speeches, leaders are singing a different tune.

Why Bangladesh’s Referendum is a Gamble

Mon, 09/02/2026 - 05:09
If actors with different visions for Bangladesh cooperate in crafting the rules of the game, the outcome may not sustain a stable system of governance.

Cambodia’s Image Problem

Mon, 09/02/2026 - 04:28
Onscreen and in real life, Southeast Asia takes the heat for a global wave of cybercrime.

India and the US Inch Closer to a Trade Agreement

Mon, 09/02/2026 - 03:40
For the short-term benefit of sealing a trade deal with an unreliable Trump, is New Delhi harming its own long-term security interests?

Conservative Bhumjaithai Party Wins Decisive Victory in Thai General Election

Mon, 09/02/2026 - 03:05
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul is set to be returned to office after the expected progressive "orange wave" failed to materialize.

What Does It Means to be ‘Pro-China’ in the Philippines?

Sun, 08/02/2026 - 21:52
China’s influence and activities are set to animate the political debates in the run-up to the next presidential election in 2028.

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