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Updated 27 Jul 2026, 2:30 am SGT Search

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14 stories
Update time unavailable12 sourcesSources
Asia-PacificSouth China Morning PostYuko Murasereporting

India aims for a 200-ship navy to counter China and Pakistan

India’s ambition to grow its navy past 200 ships within the next decade has taken on fresh urgency as China expands the world’s largest naval fleet and Pakistan adds advanced Chinese-built attack submarines, heightening New Delhi’s anxieties in the Indian Ocean. Analysts see this month’s commissioning of the stealth frigate INS Mahendragiri and submarine…

Why it matters: This adds another read on how maritime pressure, access, and deterrence are shifting in public view. South Asia links continental rivalry to the maritime logic of the wider Asia-Pacific region.

Maritime Security
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Southeast AsiaSouth China Morning PostNick McKenziereporting

Why new US tariffs threaten Trump government’s credibility in Asean

A new wave of US tariffs that hit seven Southeast Asian countries is set to reinforce perceptions of Washington as an unreliable partner to the region, according to analysts. Citing what it said were forced labour practices uncovered in its latest investigations, the US on Thursday imposed levies ranging from 10 to 12.5 per cent on 60 economies – with the…

Why it matters: This matters because diplomatic sequencing often reveals alignment changes before force posture does. Southeast Asia often shows how middle powers hedge while still making consequential choices.

Diplomacy & Statecraft
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JapanThe DiplomatNick McKenzieanalysis

The Power Behind Japan’s Takaichi Government

Nippon Ishin has, through its alliance with Takaichi, exerted an influence on the Japanese government that far exceeds its parliamentary strength.

Why it matters: This matters because diplomatic sequencing often reveals alignment changes before force posture does. Northeast Asia remains the region where alliance credibility and industrial depth collide most visibly.

Diplomacy & Statecraft
Open brief
North KoreaThe DiplomatNick McKenzieanalysis

The Rise of North Korea’s Nuclear-Armed Navy

North Korea is pushing its navy higher in the defense hierarchy, signaling that sea-based nuclear forces are becoming a more central part of Pyongyang’s deterrence strategy.

Why it matters: This adds another read on how maritime pressure, access, and deterrence are shifting in public view. Northeast Asia remains the region where alliance credibility and industrial depth collide most visibly.

Maritime Security
Open brief
Asia-PacificDevpolicy BlogYuko Muraseanalysis

The Nakamal Agreement has been signed, but at what cost?

Australia has secured the Nakamal Agreement with Vanuatu, but at what diplomatic cost? Siobhan McDonnell examines the pressure tactics used, the one-sided obligations imposed on Vanuatu and the goodwill Canberra may have sacrificed for a single treaty. About the author/s Siobhan McDonnell Siobhan McDonnell is an Associate Professor at the Crawford School of…

Why it matters: This matters because diplomatic sequencing often reveals alignment changes before force posture does. The Pacific file is strongest when it follows local politics and public priorities first.

Diplomacy & Statecraft
Open brief
ChinaAsia TimesNick McKenzieanalysis

Chinese chip stocks dive as overvaluation defies Beijing’s rescue

Shares of Chinese chip makers tumbled on Thursday after state fund support that had briefly steadied broader tech stocks earlier in the week failed to hold back a sector that analysts say has long been overvalued. Among the hardest hit, Hua Hong Grace Semiconductor plunged 12.58%, Beijing YanDong Micro Electronic fell 10.55%, Ningbo Silicon Electronics […]…

Why it matters: This matters because export controls, chips, cables, and cloud infrastructure are now central tools of statecraft. Northeast Asia remains the region where alliance credibility and industrial depth collide most visibly.

Technology & Chips
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ChinaThe DiplomatShirley Leunganalysis

Why China Is Investing in Planetary Defense

For China, planetary defense is about building its international image and strengthening national security. However, the same factors also constrain China's global contribution.

Why it matters: This matters because diplomatic sequencing often reveals alignment changes before force posture does. Northeast Asia remains the region where alliance credibility and industrial depth collide most visibly.

Diplomacy & Statecraft
Open brief
AustraliaDefense News — Asia PacificShirley Leungreporting

Australia whips together a hybrid air defense weapon

Australia successfully tested a “Frankenstein” medium-range air defense system last month harnessing existing and new capabilities in a novel way.

Why it matters: This points to the harder question behind announcements: whether factories and maintenance capacity are keeping pace. Australia and New Zealand often reveal how allied strategy translates into budgets, posture, and Pacific policy.

Defense Industry
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VanuatuRNZ PacificNick McKenziereporting

Vanuatu government blasts chiefs' demand to replace first female MSG head with a man

Vanuatu's government has condemned the country's customary leaders who have reportedly called for revoking the appointment of the first woman to lead the Melanesian Spearhead Group.

Why it matters: This is a reminder that Pacific politics can move the regional balance without following outsider scripts. The Pacific file is strongest when it follows local politics and public priorities first.

Pacific Islands
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Southeast AsiaThe DiplomatYuko Muraseanalysis

Philippine, Chinese Foreign Ministers Exchange Protests Over South China Sea Clash

Both nations have accused the other for instigating the incident at Second Thomas Shoal, which has overshadowed this week's ASEAN meetings in Manila.

Why it matters: This adds another read on how maritime pressure, access, and deterrence are shifting in public view. Northeast Asia remains the region where alliance credibility and industrial depth collide most visibly.

Maritime Security
Open brief