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The Diplomat
@thediplomat.com
· Dec 3
The Diplomat – Asia-Pacific Current Affairs Magazine
In-depth analysis and commentary on events across the Asia-Pacific region, with a focus on geopolitics, defense, economics, social, and environmental issues.
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We're The Diplomat and if you want to know what's happening in Asia you should read us.
Hello Bluesky!
We're The Diplomat and if you want to know what's happening in Asia you should read us.
In this episode of The Diplomat Asia, we discuss China’s rare earth dominance, the rise of rare earth mining in Myanmar, and the geopolitical and environmental implications of both these trends.
Inside China’s Rare Earth Empire: The Hidden Costs in Myanmar
Welcome to the dirty side of rare earths, which ironically are key to the “clean energy” transition.
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November 25, 2025 at 4:33 PM
In this episode of The Diplomat Asia, we discuss China’s rare earth dominance, the rise of rare earth mining in Myanmar, and the geopolitical and environmental implications of both these trends.
Kyrgyzstan’s democracy wasn’t perfect, but it was very much alive.
As the upcoming election approaches, many struggle to recognize the country’s political arena.
As the upcoming election approaches, many struggle to recognize the country’s political arena.
Is Politics Dead in Kyrgyzstan?
As snap parliamentary elections approach, there’s a distinct lack of energy or interest.
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November 25, 2025 at 3:30 PM
Kyrgyzstan’s democracy wasn’t perfect, but it was very much alive.
As the upcoming election approaches, many struggle to recognize the country’s political arena.
As the upcoming election approaches, many struggle to recognize the country’s political arena.
How BlackBerry (yes, THAT BlackBerry) became Canada’s Indo-Pacific anchor
How BlackBerry Became Canada’s Indo-Pacific Cybersecurity Anchor
A Canadian company left for dead in 2016 is now advancing Ottawa’s regional interests more effectively than many government initiatives.
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November 25, 2025 at 2:30 PM
How BlackBerry (yes, THAT BlackBerry) became Canada’s Indo-Pacific anchor
China controls up to 90% of the world’s rare earth supply chain — but the dirty secret is that much of it is mined in war-torn Myanmar, with devastating environmental consequences.
Inside China's Rare Earth Empire: The Hidden Costs
China controls up to 90% of the world’s rare earth supply chain — but the dirty secret is that much of it is mined in war-torn Myanmar, with devastating consequences.
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November 25, 2025 at 1:28 PM
China controls up to 90% of the world’s rare earth supply chain — but the dirty secret is that much of it is mined in war-torn Myanmar, with devastating environmental consequences.
Sri Lanka does not face the threat of an external invasion or the return of an armed insurgency. Instead, threats to national security will come from cyberspace, in the maritime domain, and in the airspace around the island.
Sri Lanka’s Defense Upgrade Cannot Rely on Foreign Donations Only
Its military modernization should be shaped by a coherent, long-term acquisition plan, rather than what external partners are willing to donate.
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November 25, 2025 at 12:33 PM
Sri Lanka does not face the threat of an external invasion or the return of an armed insurgency. Instead, threats to national security will come from cyberspace, in the maritime domain, and in the airspace around the island.
Hokims, local governors, serve as the heads of executive authority at the regional, district or city level and they are not elected by the people.
In Uzbekistan, Local Development Without Local Democracy
A new scheme to allocate funds for mahalla-level infrastructure is unlikely to cater to actual local needs.
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November 25, 2025 at 11:29 AM
Hokims, local governors, serve as the heads of executive authority at the regional, district or city level and they are not elected by the people.
Dhaka has sent India a note verbale requesting the extradition of the former PM, who has been found guilty of crimes against humanity and sentenced to death.
Why India Will Not Extradite Sheikh Hasina
Dhaka has sent India a note verbale requesting the extradition of the former PM, who has been found guilty of crimes against humanity and sentenced to death.
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November 25, 2025 at 10:36 AM
Dhaka has sent India a note verbale requesting the extradition of the former PM, who has been found guilty of crimes against humanity and sentenced to death.
If a protest were now to develop following the November 30 election, the government is liable to say “see, we told you!” and if one does not form, it can say “see, we prevented it!”
Kyrgyz Authorities Arrest Alleged Protest Plotters Ahead of Election
Once again, the Kyrgyz government has cried wolf as an election approached.
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November 25, 2025 at 9:34 AM
If a protest were now to develop following the November 30 election, the government is liable to say “see, we told you!” and if one does not form, it can say “see, we prevented it!”
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security justified the decision on the grounds that the country has “made notable progress in governance and stability.”
Trump Administration Ends Deportation Protections for Myanmar Immigrants
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security justified the decision on the grounds that the country has “made notable progress in governance and stability.”
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November 25, 2025 at 8:38 AM
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security justified the decision on the grounds that the country has “made notable progress in governance and stability.”
According to the Washington-based Stimson Center, the past decade has seem a spike in unregulated mining activity in Myanmar, Laos, and Cambodia.
Unregulated Mining Boom Pouring Toxins Into Southeast Asian Rivers: Report
According to the Washington-based Stimson Center, the past decade has seem a spike in unregulated mining activity in Myanmar, Laos, and Cambodia.
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November 25, 2025 at 7:32 AM
According to the Washington-based Stimson Center, the past decade has seem a spike in unregulated mining activity in Myanmar, Laos, and Cambodia.
From China’s export restrictions and China-U.S. rivalry to Myanmar’s unregulated mines and the growing environmental crisis spreading into Thailand and the Mekong Basin, this is the hidden cost of the “green energy transition.”
Inside China's Rare Earth Empire: The Hidden Costs
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China controls up to 90% of the world’s rare earth…
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November 25, 2025 at 6:40 AM
From China’s export restrictions and China-U.S. rivalry to Myanmar’s unregulated mines and the growing environmental crisis spreading into Thailand and the Mekong Basin, this is the hidden cost of the “green energy transition.”
Australia gave up its COP31 hosting bid in a deal with rival Turkiye. The backdown is a significant economic and diplomatic blow.
Why Did Australia Drop Its Bid to Host the COP31 Climate Talks?
Australia gave up its hosting bid in a deal with rival Turkiye. The backdown is a significant economic and diplomatic blow.
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November 25, 2025 at 5:31 AM
Australia gave up its COP31 hosting bid in a deal with rival Turkiye. The backdown is a significant economic and diplomatic blow.
The Indian government’s counterterror strategy is little more than an oft-repeated (dis)proportionate application of force.
Delhi Explosion and India’s Counterterrorism Response
Without a new, holistic approach, India will continue to lag in achieving its goal of ending terrorism.
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November 25, 2025 at 4:31 AM
The Indian government’s counterterror strategy is little more than an oft-repeated (dis)proportionate application of force.
A tactical truce with the United States has redirected China’s coercive pressure toward Tokyo and across the Taiwan Strait.
How the Trump-Xi Summit Led to a Blow up in China-Japan Ties
A tactical truce with the United States has redirected China’s coercive pressure toward Tokyo and across the Taiwan Strait.
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November 25, 2025 at 3:29 AM
A tactical truce with the United States has redirected China’s coercive pressure toward Tokyo and across the Taiwan Strait.
Performative ambition at COP30 failed the Global South – again.
A Philippine Youth Climate Activist on a Deadly COP30
Performative ambition failed the Global South – again.
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November 25, 2025 at 2:35 AM
Performative ambition at COP30 failed the Global South – again.
Dil Mohammed has been detained in Bangladesh since January 2023. The WGAD just ruled that his incarceration “lacks any legal basis and is thus arbitrary.”
UN Declares Detention of Rohingya Leader Arbitrary
Dil Mohammed has been detained in Bangladesh since January 2023. The WGAD just ruled that his incarceration “lacks any legal basis and is thus arbitrary.”
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November 25, 2025 at 1:32 AM
Dil Mohammed has been detained in Bangladesh since January 2023. The WGAD just ruled that his incarceration “lacks any legal basis and is thus arbitrary.”
The integration of China’s drone technology with its new amphibious assault ships reflects its military modernization and shift in strategic focus
Type 076 Warship Highlights PLA’s Shift Toward Unmanned Aerial Dominance
The integration of China’s drone technology with its new amphibious assault ships reflects its military modernization and shift in strategic focus.
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November 25, 2025 at 12:36 AM
The integration of China’s drone technology with its new amphibious assault ships reflects its military modernization and shift in strategic focus
Poor-quality construction continues to plague China because the incentives haven’t changed.
Hongqi Bridge Collapse Is a Warning. China’s Leaders Should Listen.
Poor-quality construction continues to plague China because the incentives haven’t changed.
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November 24, 2025 at 11:30 PM
Poor-quality construction continues to plague China because the incentives haven’t changed.
Did you know you can support The Diplomat by buying books through our Bookshop.org shop? Read The Diplomat -- Read Like The Diplomat.
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The Diplomat Bookshop
Since its launch in 2002, The Diplomat has been dedicated to quality analysis and commentary on events occurring in Asia and around the world. The Diplomat reaches an influential audience of…
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November 24, 2025 at 10:39 PM
Did you know you can support The Diplomat by buying books through our Bookshop.org shop? Read The Diplomat -- Read Like The Diplomat.
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China’s dominance of rare earth supply chains, and their critical role in nearly all of our modern technology, is a hot topic these days, and for good reason: 90 percent of processed rare earth products are made in China.
Inside China’s Rare Earth Empire: The Hidden Costs in Myanmar
Welcome to the dirty side of rare earths, which ironically are key to the “clean energy” transition.
buff.ly
November 24, 2025 at 9:30 PM
China’s dominance of rare earth supply chains, and their critical role in nearly all of our modern technology, is a hot topic these days, and for good reason: 90 percent of processed rare earth products are made in China.
Why is New Delhi’s approach to the Taliban is so different this time around?
Modi and the Mullahs: India’s Embrace of the Taliban
Why is New Delhi’s approach to the Islamist fundamentalist group is so different this time around?
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November 24, 2025 at 8:35 PM
Why is New Delhi’s approach to the Taliban is so different this time around?
Bangladeshis have not forgotten the Jamaat’s role in the horrific violence of 1971. But they want change, a shift away from corruption.
To Vote or Not to Vote for Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami
Bangladeshis have not forgotten the Jamaat’s role in the horrific violence of 1971. But they want change, a shift away from corruption
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November 24, 2025 at 7:28 PM
Bangladeshis have not forgotten the Jamaat’s role in the horrific violence of 1971. But they want change, a shift away from corruption.
Welcome to the dirty side of rare earths, which ironically are key to the “clean energy” transition.
Inside China’s Rare Earth Empire: The Hidden Costs in Myanmar
Welcome to the dirty side of rare earths, which ironically are key to the “clean energy” transition.
buff.ly
November 24, 2025 at 6:37 PM
Welcome to the dirty side of rare earths, which ironically are key to the “clean energy” transition.
Thailand’s Foreign Ministry has vehemently denied Cambodian allegations that an 18-year-old woman was gang raped by seven Thai soldiers in black uniforms, as she attempted to cross the closed land border with a group of 13 compatriots who also claimed they were beaten.
Thailand Denies Claim Its Soldiers Gang-Raped Cambodian Woman
The Thai military has dismissed the allegations as “fake news” as the vitriol between the two sides escalates.
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November 24, 2025 at 5:25 PM
Thailand’s Foreign Ministry has vehemently denied Cambodian allegations that an 18-year-old woman was gang raped by seven Thai soldiers in black uniforms, as she attempted to cross the closed land border with a group of 13 compatriots who also claimed they were beaten.
Alice Guo is accused of faking Philippine nationality in order to win election in Bamban, a small agricultural town north of the capital Manila.
Ex-Philippine Mayor Sentenced to Life in Prison For Involvement in Cyberscams
Alice Guo is accused of faking Philippine nationality in order to win election in Bamban, a small agricultural town north of the capital Manila.
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November 24, 2025 at 4:33 PM
Alice Guo is accused of faking Philippine nationality in order to win election in Bamban, a small agricultural town north of the capital Manila.