5 d. ago Signal failure for China’s railway diplomacy in Southeast Asia

Signal failure for China’s railway diplomacy in Southeast Asia  Lowy Institute

Events

2 w. ago Philippines and Japan signal defence pact’s depth via aid to quake

The Philippines and Japan have activated their new defence pact through a joint mission focused on delivering humanitarian aid following the deadly earthquake in Cebu, in a move that analysts say can lay the groundwork for deeper security cooperation in the region. The deployment marks the start of the Reciprocal Access Agreement (RAA), a landmark deal that allows troops from both countries to conduct joint exercises on each other’s territory. Signed in July 2024 and in force since September 11,...

Politics

2 w. ago World cannot ignore threat of a modernised North Korean military

For decades, discussions about North Korea’s military threat have centred almost exclusively on its nuclear weapons programme. This view, however, is increasingly inadequate for understanding the evolving security challenge that Pyongyang poses to Northeast Asia and beyond. Last month, North Korean leader Kim Jong-un signalled a fundamental shift in military strategy. Moving beyond his regime’s traditional emphasis on nuclear deterrence, Kim said the country would significantly upgrade its...

Events

3 w. ago Will Kim meet Trump again? Hopes grow for ‘surprise encounter’ at Apec

The prospect of a fourth summit between US President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un is gaining traction ahead of the Apec summit in late October, observers say, amid signs that both sides may be testing the waters for a return to high-level nuclear diplomacy. Speculation intensified after North Korea’s vice-foreign minister, Kim Son‑gyong, travelled to New York last week – the first visit by a senior North Korean diplomat since 2019 – to lead Pyongyang’s delegation at the UN...

Politics

3 w. ago As Apec summit nears, analysts see ‘possibility’ of a fourth Trump

The prospect of a fourth summit between US President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un is gaining traction ahead of the Apec summit in late October, observers say, amid signs that both sides may be testing the waters for a return to high-level nuclear diplomacy. Speculation intensified after North Korea’s vice-foreign minister, Kim Son‑gyong, travelled to New York last week – the first visit by a senior North Korean diplomat since 2019 – to lead Pyongyang’s delegation at the UN...

Politics

3 w. ago Largest art biennale in Central Asia signals new chapter for Uzbekistan

Bukhara once flourished as a Silk Road hub, where travelling poets, merchants and scholars converged. But under Soviet rule during the 20th century, the Uzbekistani city was for decades sealed off from the world, with few outsiders entering. This autumn, the narrow streets of the medieval city are abuzz again, but with a very different crowd: international art collectors, curators and artists gathering for the inaugural Bukhara Biennial. Taking place in recently restored caravanserais (historic...

Politics

3 w. ago Japan PM hopeful Takaichi signals review of trade deal with Trump

A top contender to lead Japan’s ruling party suggested that a trade renegotiation with the US could be on the table if the deal does not serve Japan’s interests. “We must stand our ground if anything unfair that is not in Japan’s interests comes to light in the process of implementing the deal,” Sanae Takaichi said on Sunday with regard to a US$550 billion Japanese investment fund that was part of an agreement to lower US tariffs. “That includes a potential renegotiation.” The right-leaning...

Politics