Asia Geopolitics

Donald Trump’s Asia itinerary sparks speculation about a possible summit with Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping. The discussion explores China’s reluctance, the complications posed by Ukraine, and the competing agendas surrounding a potential great-power deal. It also examines ASEAN engagement, U.S. capacity in the region, and the diplomatic meetings most likely to happen.

South Korea faces diplomatic friction with Ukraine over North Korean POWs, while a U.S. commander’s comments ignite debate over where South Korea begins. The discussion explores Seoul’s balancing act between Washington and Moscow, the constitutional claim to the entire peninsula, inter-Korean diplomacy, unification fears, and generational shifts that could reshape policy.

AUKUS reaches its fifth anniversary amid questions about its durability and future. The discussion explores submarine transfers, aging fleets, shipbuilding bottlenecks, and the partnership’s push into AI, quantum technology, hypersonics, and autonomous systems. It also examines AUKUS as a response to China’s rise and the political and industrial hurdles that could shape what comes next.

In the latest episode of the Asia Geopolitics podcast, hosts Katie Putz and Ankit Panda are joined by Shannon Tiezzi, The Diplomat’s editor-in-chief, to discuss the outcomes – as we know them so far – from the latest Xi-Trump meeting, this time in Washington, DC. Xi’s state visit was heavy on vibes, as Tiezzi wrote in the aftermath, but light on substance. All the same, the meeting has implications for trade, tech, Taiwan and more. You can subscribe to The Diplomat’s Asia Geopolitics podcast on Apple Podcasts and Spotify; and watch the episode on YouTube.

A deep dive into the new Mecca Joint Defence Agreement and why Turkey, Saudi Arabia and Pakistan signed it. Discussion of the pact’s opaque text and early tests from Houthi-Saudi clashes. Questions about whether Pakistan’s nuclear arsenal affects allied deterrence. A comparison with other collective security arrangements and signs to watch for future credibility.

A line-by-line reading of a surprise presidential social media post that reshaped a major U.S.-South Korea military exercise. Conversation covers how messages to North Korea and Kim Yo-jong were framed. Discussion looks at sudden operational impacts and morale from last-minute changes. The hosts also explore how alliance politics, burden sharing, and wider diplomatic signaling to Iran and regional partners feature in the post.

In this episode of The Diplomat’s Asia Geopolitics Podcast hosts Ankit Panda and Katie Putz examine the status of the Russia-North Korea partnership. Since the signing of a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Treaty in 2024, the two have held three strategic dialogues, the most recent in late July in Moscow. How transactional is the massive shift in their relations and how sensitive is it to the Ukraine war? And what does China -- which has its own nuanced relations with North Korea and Russia -- think about the growing closeness between Moscow and Pyongyang?You can subscribe to The Diplomat’s Asia Geopolitics podcast on Apple Podcasts and Spotify; and watch the episode on YouTube.

On July 6 China tested a submarine-launched intercontinental ballistic missile into the South China Sea. A PLA statement after the test claimed that “the missile test was a routine part of China’s annual military training program, and relevant countries had been notified in advance.” In this episode of The Diplomat’s Asia Geopolitics Podcast hosts Ankit Panda and Katie Putz take stock of the test and the reactions across the Pacific. The July 6 was the first time that China has launched a submarine-launched ballistic missile into international waters, and only its the second launch of a ballistic missile into international waters since 1980. Also unusual: China provided notice to Australia, Japan, the U.S. and others, through in some cases only half an hour.You can subscribe to The Diplomat’s Asia Geopolitics podcast on Apple Podcasts and Spotify; and watch the episode on YouTube.

A midyear review of U.S. policy in Asia, weighing a symbolic military command rename against ongoing alliances and partnerships. A look at takeaways from the Shangri-La Dialogue and shifting forum dynamics. Discussion of regional perceptions that U.S. attention is diverted by crises in the Middle East and Ukraine. A preview of key issues to watch in the rest of the year.

Today on The Diplomat’s Asia Geopolitics podcast hosts Ankit Panda (@nktpnd) and Katie Putz (@LadyPutz) take a look at the fragile framework reached between the U.S. and Iran and how it fits stylistically into U.S. President Donald Trump’s dealmaking and diplomatic record. You can subscribe to The Diplomat’s Asia Geopolitics podcast on Apple Podcasts and Spotify; and watch the episode on YouTube.