Prioritizing Social Stability Over Democratic Reforms: Uzbekistan Announces New Development Programs
Uzbekistan’s new national development programs prioritize socio-economic developments over democratic reforms.
Thailand News
Fresh headlines from Thailand, aggregated from leading English-language publications.
Balancing China and Russia: India’s Tightrope Walk at BRICS
New Delhi aims to keep BRICS relevant to the Global South while preventing its transformation into a Chinese bandwagon or an explicitly anti-Western coalition.
Land Seizures in the Name of Development in Vietnam
More and more Vietnamese are being forcibly displaced to make way for development. Many are reluctant to speak out, because “between a victim and a criminal lies only a fragile line.”
Why Pakistan Is Shrugging Off Trump’s Latest Iran Sanctions
A Pakistani statement signals to Tehran that Islamabad will not undermine a relationship or existing trade ties that have long faced pressure from U.S. sanctions.
The Limbang Question Lingers On
The territory's curious status is the result of an unresolved border dispute between Malaysia and Brunei that dates back to the British colonial era.
As the World Nomad Games Come Home, Japarov Expands Kyrgyzstan’s National Story
The opening of the games coincided with Kyrgyzstan's 35th independence anniversary and a major Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit.
To Secure the Natuna Sea, Indonesia Needs More Than New Ships
Maritime security is one of Indonesia’s most demanding defense domains. And at its current stage, Indonesia needs significant help.
Japan, South Korea, and the New Logic of Nuclear Energy Security in Northeast Asia
The two neighbors are reshaping the nuclear politics of Northeast Asia – and doing so increasingly in concert with Washington.
Ayesha Siddiqa on the Pakistan Army’s Police State
Siddiqa argues that Pakistan is not a hybrid regime but a case of constitutional militarism, sanctioned by a parliament that has legislated away its own relevance.
China Wants to Push Taiwan out of the Pacific
China’s pressure campaign against Taiwan doesn’t end when a country switches recognition to Beijing.
Tajikistan Taxes Tourism Trips Abroad to Fund Development at Home
The new rules would hit Tajikistan’s tourism companies while benefiting an affiliated state body.
Was Abe Shinzo an Idealist?
A new biography of Japan's longest-serving prime minister reevaluates his realist legacy.
Despite Delays, China Could Gain Ground in the Space Race
While the U.S. still holds considerable advantages gained through its earlier lunar explorations, China’s planned mission could provide it with a crucial edge.
Taiwan Finally Passed Its 2026 Budget. What Got Cut?
The budget was passed almost 9 months late, amid growing concern that defense spending was being held up – especially funding for drones.
Jeremy Douglas on Southeast Asia’s Drug Boom
"This is a region that is arguably now the largest epicenter of synthetic drug production in the world," says the UNDOC deputy director.
Ethanol Issue Has Entered Indian Kitchens, Impacting Household Budgets
What began as an energy policy to reduce crude imports has travelled through the agricultural supply chain and ended up on the dinner table.
India, China Take Small Step Forward Toward Border Settlement
At the recent special representatives talks in Beijing, the two sides agreed to work on identifying less contentious sections of their disputed border.
Myanmar’s Min Aung Hlaing to Visit Vietnam Soon, State Media Says
All four mainland Southeast Asian states have now extended an official invitation to the general-turned-president since his inauguration in April.
Indonesia, United States Kick Off Annual Multinational Military Exercises
Super Garuda Shield 2026 will involve more than 4,700 troops from 13 nations, and observers from a further eight others.
Vietnam’s Expanding Strategic Partnerships: Why Canada Could Be Next
Recent developments suggest that the two middle-powers are on the cusp of an important diplomatic upgrade.
The ‘Unique’ Communications That Saved Lives Before Nepal’s Devastating Flood
Survivors and experts say that instant word-of-mouth warnings may have saved hundreds of lives on August 26.
How Great Power Rivalry Is Fracturing the Pacific Islands Forum
Absences from this year's Leaders' Meeting are raising questions about the group's solidarity amid growing China-U.S. competition.
A Deadly Flood Underscores the CCP-Imposed Information Vacuum in Tibet
The disaster exposed a stark contrast: open reporting is emerging from Nepal, while information from Tibet remains almost entirely dependent on China’s tightly controlled state media.
Micronesian Islands Meet Against Backdrop of Great Power Competition
Micronesian governments are elevating unilateral hedging efforts in forums like the MIF, in pursuit of a unified risk-management strategy and regional identity.
Kazakhstan’s New Parliament Appoints Tokayev’s Pick, Aibek Dadebay, as Chair
Kazakhstan’s new unicameral parliament voted in favor of appointing the leader of the Adilet party, a close confidant of President Tokayev, as its first chairman.
What Zheng He’s Changing Role Reveals About China’s Maritime Strategy
The historical figure has been invoked to advance different symbolic ends as Beijing’s goals and capabilities change.
Hitting a High Point: The Australia-Indonesia 2+2
The significance of the 2+2 is the growing web of cooperation between Canberra and Jakarta.
Sri Lanka’s Luxury Property Boom Is Outrunning Its Regulations
As Colombo's luxury towers rise, the laws and institutions meant to oversee them lag far behind. Financial history shows that rarely ends well.
Breaking Through Infoglut: Australia’s Anger-information Overload Cycle
COVID, global warming, conspiracy theorists, natural disasters, financial collapses – and a sham social media ban. It’s no wonder young Australians are glum.
After 25 Years, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Faces an Uncertain Future
The SCO faces an uncertain future. Its key members fear each other at least as much as they need each other.