Archive
February 2021
Japan’s Pragmatic Diplomacy Straining Under Myanmar Crisis
By Sebastian Strangio
In the wake of the February 1 coup, Tokyo's strategy of pragmatic engagement has come under increasing pressure.
COVID-19 Has Widened South Korea’s Gender Gap
By Troy Stangarone
As in many countries, the pandemic has had an outsized impact on women.
China’s Soft Power Grows in the Philippines
By Jason Hung
China is using a targeted expansion of its pop culture and media in the Philippines to promote pro-China narratives and content.
India Introduces New Rules to Regulate Online Content
By Associated Press
The new regulations would require social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter to swiftly erase content authorities deem unlawful.
Mongolia Starts Its COVID-19 Vaccinations
By Uranbileg Tumurkhuyag
New Prime Minister Oyun-Erdene became the first to get his shot, kicking off Mongolia's vaccine campaign.
RFE/RL’s Uzbek Service Reveals Secret Mountain Resort
By Catherine Putz
In an investigation released this week, RFE/RL poked into the Uzbek president’s alleged secret resort in the mountains.
Even as Peace Talks Resume, Killing Soars in Afghanistan
By Ezzatullah Mehrdad
After a month-long hiatus, the Taliban and Afghan government are talking again. Will it make a difference for Afghans?
A Korean Poet Is the Latest Example of China’s ‘Cultural Imperialism’
By Choi Seong Hyeon
Baidu’s introduction of a popular Korean poet as “Chinese” adds more fuel to the theory that China is trying to “steal” Korean cultural icons.
Is International Pressure Coalescing on China’s Xinjiang Policy?
By Eleanor Albert
Separate moves from Canada, the U.S., and the U.K. show signs of growing backlash to China's human rights abuses.
Jaishankar Reaches Out to Delhi’s Indian Ocean Partners
By Rajeswari Pillai Rajagopalan
Indian Foreign Minister Jaishankar paid recent visits to the Maldives and Mauritius.
Reversing the Tide of Violence, Treading the Path of Peace in the Philippines
By Gus Miclat and Karen Tañada
After a promising start under President Duterte, the Philippine peace process has fallen apart. But civil society can help get things going again.
The Disengagement at Pangong Lake: What Happens Now Between India and China?
By Ankit Panda
The two sides initiated a disengagement along the banks of Pangong Lake in Eastern Ladakh. What happens next?