Politics

A statue of a Chin tribesman stands in front of a model of the heart-shaped Rih Lake at the National Races Village in Yangon. (Photo by Sean Gleeson)
Politics

Myanmar's monument to myth

Cosmetic vision of national harmony belies fraught history of ethnic relations

25 May 2017
A statue of a Chin tribesman stands in front of a model of the heart-shaped Rih Lake at the National Races Village in Yangon. (Photo by Sean Gleeson)
Politics

Myanmar's monument to myth

Cosmetic vision of national harmony belies fraught history of ethnic relations

25 May 2017
Better times: ethnic representatives at Myanmar's August 2016 peace talks (Photo by Aung Naing Soe)
Politics

Divergent strategies behind Myanmar's peace process

Peace efforts in Myanmar complicated by multiple stakeholders with different agendas

22 May 2017
A Ta'ang National Liberation Army soldier on guard duty in Shan State amid clashes with Myanmar's military in February 2016 (Photo by Steve Tickner)
Politics

Aung Naing Oo: Myanmar's peace talks are growing even more tangled

Government faces greater obstacles as armed groups start to cooperate

11 May 2017
Myanmar's armed forces at their annual military parade and ceremony to mark Armed Forces Day in the capital, Naypyitaw, on March 27. (Photo by Steve Tickner).
Politics

Why Myanmar's military is not planning a coup

Speculation about military intentions makes for a good conspiracy theory but facts tell a different story

8 May 2017
Representatives at the ADB'S 50th annual meeting discussed the challenges facing Asia as the region pursues prosperity. (Photo by Akira Kodaka)
Economy

ADB meeting finds the 'Asian century' so close, yet so far

Infrastructure and banking reforms key to easing poverty, participants say

8 May 2017
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