Archive
February 2021
Will the Biden Administration Push Russia and China Closer Together?
By Natasha Kuhrt and Marcin Kaczmarski
Sino-Russian relations are largely motivated by anti-Americanism – but that alone will only advance ties so far.
Trouble at the University of the South Pacific
By Joshua Mcdonald
Last week, Fiji deported the university's vice chancellor, leading some to suggest relocating its headquarters to Samoa.
Report Shows Rising Southeast Asian Trust in US, Falling Trust in China
By Sebastian Strangio
Fear of China, and optimism about the Biden administration, underpin the shift in regional opinion toward the two superpowers.
Tokyo Olympics: Mori to Leave but Gender Issue Remains
By Associated Press
Despite the Olympic chief's resignation, Japan continues to be a country run "by a club of old men."
Myanmar Coup Leader: ‘Join Hands’ With Army for Democracy
By Associated Press
Anti-coup protesters are unlikely to be swayed by Sen. Gen. Min Aung Hlaing's call for unity.
Parsing Australia’s Insecurity Complex
By Ross B. Taylor
As the annual debates over Australia Day show, Australians continue to grapple with their country's place in the Asia-Pacific.
Philippines Vaccine Program Hindered by Delays, Public Distrust
By Nick Aspinwall
The government’s mass vaccination start date is in flux, and Filipinos still harbor fears after a 2016 dengue vaccine scandal eroded public confidence in vaccinations.
Myanmar Junta Readies Draconian Cyber-Security Legislation
By Sebastian Strangio
The draft law is clearly intended to rein in the use of social media by the country's burgeoning Civil Disobedience Movement.
Japan Expects Biden to Rejoin the TPP
By Daisuke Akimoto
The U.S. was critical in convincing Japan to join the trade pact. Now Tokyo wants to bring Washington back into the fold.
Myanmar Coup: The View From Yangon
By Hugh Bohane
Residents in Myanmar express their alarm, anger, and sense of deja vu over the February 1 coup.
Indian Defense Minister Outlines Ladakh Disengagement Plan
By Abhijnan Rej
Rajnath Singh’s speech at the upper house of the Indian parliament described a plan to create a buffer zone in the north bank of Pangong Lake.
First Biden-Xi Phone Call Shows Not Much Has Changed in US-China Relations
By Shannon Tiezzi
While China calls for cooperation, the new U.S. administration shares many of the same talking points of the Trump team.