Opinion

The upheaval, and uncertain future of Prigozhin as Wagner chief, could affect the actions of the Wagner mercenaries in areas with a growing footprint of Chinese mining companies.

A clear majority of Thais turned their backs on traditional, conservative thinking in last month’s polls. Now is the time for the forces of change to be allowed to take hold, writes veteran Thai diplomat Kasit Piromya.

Escalating tensions are linked to the Taliban reducing long-established water supplies to Iran through upgrading dams and building a new canal.

Upholding the treaty signifies the maintenance of an Asean-centred and inclusive regional cooperation structure, with all parties supporting the bloc to play a greater global role.

The informal talks have threatened to dismantle any progress Asean has made on the issue so far, critics say, and could affect the bloc’s policy of non-interference.

In March, the first charge was brought against a former Australian soldier, Oliver Schulz. He was accused of the war crime of murder under the Commonwealth Criminal Code.

The desperate situation in Pakistan has led to the growth of people smugglers offering a swift exit from the country in exchange for large sums of money.

Despite Japan’s international stereotype as a socially conservative nation, corporate Japan and regional authorities have long lobbied parliament on LGBTQ rights.

The Middle Eastern country, renowned for its oil and dubious human rights record, is using huge amounts of wealth to fund the sport.

The US needs to engage Asean as a growing, pivotal region on its own merits, rather than as turf for big-power competition with China, former diplomat Scot Marciel writes in his new book.

Some experts say China should – like some other nations – aspire to a standard where it makes clear the intent behind its military strategy and defence procurement plans.

Ocean acidification, the ‘evil twin’ of climate warming, is another result of rising greenhouse gas emissions that could erode ocean biodiversity.

China’s ambassador to France defended his comments by stressing the importance of ‘freedom of speech’ in televised debate. But should diplomats be allowed to contradict their governments’ official positions with personal opinions?

One study of six Asia-Pacific countries, found that for every unit of local currency invested in increasing tobacco taxes, countries would earn between 20 and 1,057 units in return over a 15-year period.

Nato looks to venture into Indo-Pacific and deepen European involvement in Asia’s security but it remains widely distrusted in the non-Western world.

Megawati and Jokowi are from the same party, but it is apparent that they have differing views on their preferred candidate for Indonesia’s next president.

Gene-editing, minimising pesticides and planting drought-resistant crops could help the 450 million small farmers that produce more than 80 per cent of the Asia-Pacific’s food.