Central Asia is emerging as a region on its own terms, balancing Russian and Chinese influence with growing ties to the West, while asserting political agency and economic ambition.
Asian officials publicly downplayed the U.S. midterms, but behind closed doors many quietly welcomed the outcome – viewing a steadier, less volatile Washington as essential for regional security and smooth trade
As AI redraws the geopolitical map, Southeast Asian governments stand at a high-stakes crossroads: sprint toward rapid adoption to seize economic and strategic opportunities, or tighten controls to protect sovereignty, security, and the resilience of their democracies
U.S. Senator Marco Rubio is calling for a bolder American economic push into Central Asia, arguing that stepped-up U.S. investment and trade there can blunt Beijing’s growing influence while still preserving stable, pragmatic ties with China
Former U.S. President Donald Trump said he “may” meet North Korean leader Kim Jong Un during his upcoming Asia trip – a surprise possibility that could revive stalled diplomacy and dramatically reshape tensions across the region
U.S. Defense Secretary Hegseth met with Asia-Pacific allies to strengthen defense ties-reinforcing regional security, intensifying joint exercises, and coordinating efforts to counter emerging strategic threats
Former U.S. President Donald Trump’s public endorsement of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has sent shockwaves through his inner circle. Aides say they’re unnerved, fearing it could reignite fierce debate over Middle East policy and add fresh controversy to an already combustible election-year politics
As climate stress intensifies, Central Asia’s fragile states are clashing over shared rivers and shrinking reservoirs – a stark warning that tomorrow’s power struggles will be fought over water, not oil
South Asia Notes probes mounting tensions between India and the United States, spotlighting fresh trade skirmishes and strategic rifts that put Washington and New Delhi’s “partnership of the century” narrative under serious strain
US President Donald Trump has hinted he might meet North Korean leader Kim Jong Un during his upcoming Asia tour – a possibility that has reignited speculation about stalled nuclear talks and thrown fresh uncertainty over the future of regional diplomacy
Donald Trump hinted he might meet North Korean leader Kim Jong Un during his upcoming Asia trip, igniting fresh speculation that diplomatic efforts to revive denuclearization talks could be back on the table
In a candid exchange, Asia Business Daily CEO Jang Beomsik and Korea Council on Foreign Relations President Lee Sihyung delved into evolving regional economic currents and the diplomatic hurdles confronting Korean firms, trading sharp insights and practical strategies to help companies navigate a rapidly shifting landscape
Across Asia, food has been turned into diplomatic currency: governments are packaging signature dishes to charm foreign publics, lure tourists and unlock new markets-transforming cuisine into a potent instrument of soft power
South Korean Prime Minister Lee urged Central Asian leaders to partner with Korea in building a “new Silk Road” – a bold, forward-looking campaign to weave tighter trade, energy and infrastructure links, boost regional connectivity and spark shared economic growth
Experts at the “Envisioning ONE ASIA” forum examined Asia’s shared future, highlighting Japan’s evolving role in regional integration, economic cooperation and cultural exchange across the continent.
Nikkei Asia reports that China now wields decisive leverage over Donald Trump – a seismic shift recalibrating trade, security and diplomacy as Washington and Beijing brace for a renewed strategic showdown
South Korea has gathered Central Asian leaders to revive Silk Road-era ties, aiming to weave stronger economic, energy and security partnerships as shifting regional dynamics and mounting great‑power rivalry redraw the map
For a fleeting moment – a staged handshake and a shared smile at the BRICS summit – Xi and Modi seemed to reopen a channel of dialogue. But the optics masked deeper strategic fissures: Asia’s nuclear-armed rivals remain sharply divided over borders, spheres of influence, and the very future of regional security
The U.S. State Department has issued a travel advisory for citizens in West Asia, warning of escalating regional tensions and urging heightened vigilance – advising travelers to reassess plans and take extra precautions
Trump’s policies disrupted Southeast Asia’s emergence as a strategic alternative to China, undermining regional alliances and economic partnerships, experts say. The New York Times examines the lasting impact on U.S.-Asia relations.