The Asia Cable | Nick Ayrton (孔澜岳) | Substack

Asia Daily

Asian Affairs

The Mogami Memorandum & the New Frontier for Japanese Arms Sales

Japan’s frigate deal with Australia marks a major step away from its postwar restraints on arms exports.

May 1 • Caleb Mills

The Emerging Franco-German Consensus on China

Two of Europe's major powers are increasingly coming together regarding the People's Republic.

Mar 30 • Sapna

Chinese Counterterrorism Diplomacy in Afghanistan: Cooperation or Coercion?

How Beijing uses investment, recognition, and security demands to shape Taliban behavior after the U.S. withdrawal.

Jan 6 • James Andrew Calderon

Voices From Expo 25: Inside an Imperfect Showcase

With outages, infestations, and language gaps, Expo 25 wavers between mismanagement and marvel, its promise kept alive by people who still show up.

Nov 6, 2025 • Nattan Casey Plewissara

Hello From Expo 25: Connection, Culture & Co-Being

A World Expo is a place where all nations come together and present their latest innovations and celebrate their cultural uniqueness.

Oct 6, 2025 • Nattan Casey Plewissara

Perspectives

Takaichi’s Clandestine Gamble: Japan’s Intelligence Council Explained

The proposed National Intelligence Council is one of Japan’s most consequential postwar security reforms.

Apr 29 • Caleb Mills

Takaichi’s Realpolitik

Japan's Prime Minister has set out an ambitious foreign policy approach, but at what cost to the regional status quo?

Apr 27 • Griffin Grubb

Contesting Self-Governance in the South Pacific

New Zealand’s China concerns deepen a Cook Islands sovereignty dispute.

Feb 25 • Griffin Grubb

How Washington and Moscow Drove the EU’s Indo-Pacific Pivot

As transatlantic trust erodes, the EU’s Indo-Pacific pivot is becoming a bid for strategic autonomy and geopolitical relevance.

Feb 23 • Sapna

Thailand’s 2026 Election: Reform, Patronage, or Decline

Sunday’s vote will decide whether Thailand tries to rewrite the rules, doubles down on brokerage politics, or drifts deeper into stagnation.

Feb 8 • Nattan Casey Plewissara

The Asia Cable

The Asia Cable offers a panoramic view of Asia's political dynamics, economic developments, and cultural fabric.

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