Politics

Members of parliament eat lunch during a farewell ceremony for them after attending the last day of the Union Parliament session in Naypyitaw on Jan. 29.
Politics

Myanmar's legislative agenda slowed by parliamentary schedule

Legislature held hostage by an unclear timetable

6 May 2017
The Association of Southeast Asian Nations has half a century under its belt.
Economy

ASEAN summit underscores dearth of leadership

Not-so-golden anniversary sees members treat China with kid gloves

6 May 2017
ADB President Takehiko Nakao, right, and AIIB President Jin Liqun sign a memorandum of understanding in May 2016.
Economy

The case for a truly international Asian infrastructure summit

The region's $26 trillion challenge transcends borders and geopolitics

5 May 2017
A construction site at the Thilawa special economic zone near Yangon, Myanmar. (Photo by Keiichiro Asahara)
Economy

ADB guides Vietnam, Cambodia to greater growth

Lender-funded tech, training programs inspire confidence

4 May 2017
Leaders pose during the 30th ASEAN summit in Manila on April 29.
4 May 2017
This photo taken on April 21 shows Chinese-built structures and an airstrip on the reclaimed Subi Reef in the Spratly Islands.
4 May 2017
Thai security forces deal with the aftermath of an attack on electricity poles in Thepa district, Songkhla, that formed part of a wave of coordinated blasts across 19 districts in all four of Thailand's insurgency-affected southern provinces on the night of April 6-7 2017. (Courtesy of Anthony Davis)
Politics

Glimmers of hope amid southern Thailand violence

Insurgents' slow emergence from shadows could help pave way to peace

3 May 2017
Asian Development Bank headquarters in Manila: The lender forecasts Asia will need $1.7 trillion per year in infrastructure improvements from 2016 to 2030.
Economy

The ADB faces up to new challenges

As the multilateral lender marks 50 years, its skills are more vital than ever

3 May 2017
Takehiko Nakao
Economy

ADB chief sees 'even bigger role' for multilateral lenders

Besides funding infrastructure, tackling climate change is on the agenda

3 May 2017
Leaders pose during the 30th Association of Southeast Asian Nations summit in Manila on April 29.
International relations

ASEAN makes concession to China

Summit statement drops references to South China Sea reclamation, arbitration

30 April 2017
ASEAN foreign ministers meet in Manila on April 28, ahead of the bloc's 30th summit on Saturday.
The Future of Asia 2017

ASEAN at 50: Carry on soul searching?

The bloc must streamline decision-making as global tensions rise

28 April 2017
Association of Southeast Asian Nations foreign ministers pose for a group photo during the ASEAN Foreign Ministers Meeting in metropolitan Manila on April 28.
Politics

ASEAN airs 'grave concern' over North Korea missile tests

Message likely to be reflected in chairman's statement on Saturday

28 April 2017
A lone power shovel works at a road construction site in Yakawlang, Afghanistan.
Economy

Think the RCEP is about free trade? Think again

Beijing-led pact is aimed at saving China's own economy via the Belt and Road

27 April 2017
The Yangshan Deep Water Port in Shanghai
Economy

The long, frustrating quest for free trade in Asia

A defanged TPP and an undercooked RCEP make for a murky future

27 April 2017
The Yangshan Deep Water Port in Shanghai
Economy

The long and frustrating quest for free trade in Asia

A defanged TPP and an undercooked RCEP make for a murky future

27 April 2017
A lone power shovel works at a road construction site in Yakawlang, Afghanistan.
Economy

Think the RCEP is about free trade? Think again

Beijing-led pact is aimed at saving China's own economy via the Belt and Road

27 April 2017
Former U.S. Trade Representative Michael Froman
Economy

If US won't lead on trade, China will: Ex-US trade rep

Michael Froman urges engagement in Asia-Pacific to counter Beijing's influence

27 April 2017
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has continued the country's missile development in spite of U.N. sanctions.
International relations

ASEAN countries at impasse on North Korea

Friendly ties soured for some by Kim Jong Nam murder

27 April 2017
Kachin Independence Army soldiers train at their headquarters in Laiza, Kachin State, in January. (Photo by Steve Tickner)
Politics

Myanmar peace process lurches toward next phase

New signs of cooperation among rebel groups could slow Aung San Suu Kyi's ambitions

25 April 2017
China completed this artificial island in disputed territory in the South China Sea.
Economy

ASEAN easing stance on China's maritime encroachment

Philippines, host of summit this week, among those changing their tune

25 April 2017
U.S. Vice President Mike Pence, left, stands with Indonesia's President Joko Widodo as he talks to reporters at the Presidential Palace in Jakarta on April 20.
Politics

Pence puts Trump administration on right foot with ASEAN

News of presidential visit to regional summits in November sends positive signal to Asia

23 April 2017
Stream article image
Politics

Foreign ministers of US, ASEAN to meet in May

Talks in Washington will focus on security cooperation

21 April 2017
An elephant being dressed up for Colombo's main <i>perahera</i> on Feb. 10 ​ (​Photo by​ Marwaan Macan-Markar​)​
Politics

The politics of elephants in the room

Sri Lanka looks after its pachyderms but keeping the human-animal peace isn't easy

20 April 2017
An elephant being dressed up for Colombo's main <i>perahera</i> on Feb. 10 ​ (​Photo by​ Marwaan Macan-Markar​)​
Politics

The politics of elephants in the room

Sri Lanka looks after its pachyderms but keeping the human-animal peace isn't easy

20 April 2017
The port city of Kyaukpyu, in western Myanmar, is at the heart of China's drive for new resources and trade routes.
Politics

A new Myanmar oil pipeline helps China dodge US influence

Fewer crude imports by sea means greater energy security for oil-hungry country

20 April 2017