<p>The Asia-Pacific is home to more people than any other region. Centered on the western rim of the Pacific Ocean, this region includes the easternmost countries of continental Asia as well as the archipelagos that punctuate the coast. Several of these countries, most notably China, experienced rapid economic growth in the second half of the 20th century, giving the region a new sense of global economic relevance that continues today. That relevance, however, depends largely on China, a power in transition whose rise is testing the network of U.S. alliances that have long dominated the region. How effectively Beijing manages its transition will shape the regional balance of power in the decades to come.</p>

Centered on the western rim of the Pacific Ocean, the Asia-Pacific region includes the easternmost countries of continental Asia as well as the archipelagos that punctuate the coast. 

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This photo, taken in Lima in November 2024, shows Chinese President Xi Jinping (left) and Peruvian President Dina Boluarte attending the inauguration ceremony for the Chinese-built and operated "megaport" in the small Peruvian town of Chancay.

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People on March 15 in Tehran, Iran, clean up rubble from a missile attack. The Iran war will almost certainly continue through the next week amid Israeli threats to escalate and expand strikes due to Iranian attacks targeting Israeli civilians and the U.S. deployment of additional military assets to the region.

A look at what the coming week will bring -- and a list of recommended RANE articles from the week that was.

The Weekly Rundown: The Iran War Continues, a European Parliament Delegation Visits China

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How will the trajectory of China-U.S. trade conversations change in light of conflict in the Middle East?

The Decision Advantage: The Impact of the Iran War on the Asia-Pacific Region

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Geopolitics of Demographics

While far from deterministic, demographics plays a key role in influencing a country's domestic and international politics, as well as its economic and financial development.

The Geopolitics of Demographics: Politics and Economics

A man fills up his truck at a Petroleum Sarawak Berhad (Petros) station in Kuching, Malaysia, on June 20, 2025.

While fuel subsidies have so far cushioned the impact, if the Iran-related energy disruptions persist, the government may have to sacrifice economic reforms to preserve political support before the next election.

Malaysia's Ballooning Fuel Subsidy Costs Will Test the Government's Reform Agenda

Japan's Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi addresses a news conference at the Prime Minister's office in Tokyo on Feb. 18.

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The Japanese prime minister may offer economic and security concessions during her upcoming summit with the U.S. president to avoid direct entanglement in the Iran conflict while preserving the relationship with Washington.

Iran War Heightens Stakes of Key Takaichi-Trump Summit

Demographics may not be destiny, but it does play a major role in questions of national power.

The Geopolitics of Demographics: An Introduction

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A large plume of smoke rises March 7 over Tehran after explosions were reported in the Iranian capital during the night.

The Weekly Rundown: The Iran War Continues, Takaichi Meets With Trump

South Korean President Lee Jae Myung asserted in a Cabinet meeting on March 31 that the country requires "detailed emergency measures" to deal with difficulties arising from heavy reliance on Middle Eastern oil, adding that the constitution allowed him to issue an emergency decree, if necessary.

South Korea: Lee Considers Rare Emergency Decree To Address Energy Crisis

Canberra is in discussions with key buyers of its liquefied natural gas exports, namely Japan, South Korea, Singapore and Malaysia, to ensure that these partners prioritize Australia when shipping refined fuel products -- including petrol, diesel and jet fuel -- as regional shortages emerge, Bloomberg reported on March 31.

Australia: Canberra Seeks To Leverage LNG for Refined Fuel

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto agreed to deepen cooperation on energy supply chains, including liquefied natural gas and coal, alongside expanded economic and industrial collaboration during the latter's visit to Japan, Bloomberg reported on March 31.

Japan, Indonesia: Tokyo, Jakarta Deepen Energy, Industrial and Defense Ties

Myanmar's Senior Gen. Min Aung Hlaing stepped down as commander in chief of the country's military and entered the presidential selection process, Reuters reported on March 30.

Myanmar: Junta Leader Resigns Command, Prepares for Presidency

Australia's National Cabinet is preparing staged responses to potential fuel shortages, including voluntary conservation measures and possible fuel rationing, the Australian Financial Review reported on March 30.

Australia: National Cabinet Mulls Fuel Rationing

Chinese tankers delivered more than 260,000 barrels of diesel to the Philippines and about 100,000 barrels of distillates to Vietnam on March 28-29, Bloomberg reported on March 29.

China, Philippines, Vietnam: Beijing Sends Needed Fuel as South China Sea Talks Resume

China's Taiwan Affairs Office announced on March 30 that the chair of Taiwan's main opposition Kuomintang party, Cheng Li-wun, would visit China from April 7-12 at the invitation of President Xi Jinping.

Taiwan, China: KMT Chair Cheng To Visit Beijing, May Meet With Xi 

The ruling Mongolian People's Party selected party head and chairman of the legislature since November, Uchral Nyam-Osoryn, to be Mongolia's next prime minister, AP reported on March 29.

Mongolia: New Prime Minister Selected After Second Resignation in a Year

Asia-Pacific

SITUATION REPORTS

South Korea: Lee Considers Rare Emergency Decree To Address Energy Crisis

Australia: Canberra Seeks To Leverage LNG for Refined Fuel

Japan, Indonesia: Tokyo, Jakarta Deepen Energy, Industrial and Defense Ties

Myanmar: Junta Leader Resigns Command, Prepares for Presidency

Australia: National Cabinet Mulls Fuel Rationing

China, Philippines, Vietnam: Beijing Sends Needed Fuel as South China Sea Talks Resume

Taiwan, China: KMT Chair Cheng To Visit Beijing, May Meet With Xi

Mongolia: New Prime Minister Selected After Second Resignation in a Year

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