Analysis

The Rise of Durian Diplomacy

In Asia, soft power rests on a divisive, spiky fruit. October 17, 2025, 3:00 PM Comment icon View Comments ( )

An. illustration shows the back of a pickup laden with durian. One is cracked open with an odor waft coming out of it toward a Chinese flag at left. Palm trees frame the scene. The truck plate says Bangkok in Thai lettering.

A logo shows a red caterpillar munching on a globe with the words The Hungry Hegemon.

Where cuisine conquers all. Read more from the series.

The fruit’s scent announces its presence long before it comes into view. The aroma snakes down the lorongs , past the coffee houses and xian bing stalls of Kuala Lumpur’s Chinatown, ending at the gloved hand of the local fruit seller, who deftly slices off the b

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