Archive
July 2021
President Moon Decides Against Olympic Visit to Japan
By Mitch Shin
After a Japanese senior diplomat’s lewd comment about Moon was reported, South Korea decided to stop negotiating with Japan over a presidential summit in Tokyo.
North Korea in a Nutshell
By Mercy A. Kuo
Insights from Kongdan Oh.
Serdar Berdimuhamedov and Turkmenistan’s Digital Transformation
By Rustam Muhamedov
As the Turkmen president’s son continues his tour of top government positions, digitalization remains a critical priority for the regime.
US Defense Chief Set for Southeast Asia Trip
By Sebastian Strangio
Lloyd Austin's three-nation tour comes amid concerns about a lack of focus in U.S. engagement with the region.
The Challenge of Modernizing a Navy: Malaysia’s Boustead Heavy Industries
By James Guild
A decade ago, the Malaysian shipbuilder was in fine health. Now it finds itself in financial straits.
As Delta Variant Rages in Southeast Asia, Health Workers Warned Not to Speak Out
By Alifah Zainuddin
The pandemic has highlighted deep-rooted problems in health service. Medical workers voicing out their concerns have put governments on the defensive.
Indonesia’s Delicate Dance Between China and the US
By Muhammad Zulfikar Rakhmat and M. Habib Pashya
Southeast Asia's largest country should seek complementary improvements in its relations with the two major world powers.
India Should Talk to China About Afghanistan
By Mohamed Zeeshan
Like India, China is concerned that Taliban-ruled Afghanistan could be a safe haven for Islamic militants.
Vietnam, US Reach Accord on Alleged Currency Manipulation
By Sebastian Strangio
Vietnam came under mounting U.S. pressure under the Trump administration over the alleged devaluation of its currency.
China’s ‘Circular 15’ Addresses Local Governments’ Hidden Debts
By Sara Hsu
Local government financing vehicle bonds are coming under increasing scrutiny as a source of financial risk.
US Peace Envoy Visits Islamabad as Pakistan-Afghan Ties Sour
By Kathy Gannon
Zalmay Khalilzad's visit came just hours after Afghanistan withdrew its ambassador from Pakistan.
China Rejects WHO Call for More Transparency on Origins Probe
By Shannon Tiezzi
China’s Foreign Ministry bluntly rejected the WHO’s call for China to be more cooperative with investigations into COVID-19’s origins.