Archive
June 2022
Why Are Canadian Pension Funds Investing in Sanctioned Chinese Companies?
By Dennis Kwok and Sam Goodman
Canada's passive approach to investment has let government-run pension funds pump money into Chinese firms linked to human rights violations and forced labor.
Biden’s Taiwan Policy Is the Most Dangerous Issue in China-US Relations
By Qi Weiqun
President Biden’s repeated promises to defend Taiwan reflect a shift in U.S. strategic thinking that threatens the bottom line of China-U.S. relations.
Japan’s Defense Budget: Double or Nothing?
By Bradley Isakson
The Kishida administration should maintain a calculated, long-term approach to increasing Japan’s defense budget.
Japan Eases Foreign Tourism Ban, Allows Guided Package Tours
By Mari Yamaguchi
The Japan Tourism Agency says tours are being accepted from 98 countries and regions.
Indonesia and Qatar Collaborate on Afghanistan Relief Efforts
By Muhammad Zulfikar Rakhmat and Yeta Purnama
The two are Muslim-majority nations that have sought a similar role as international mediators.
Cambodia Has Little to Gain From Hosting a Chinese Military Presence
By Sokvy Rim
Allowing China exclusive access to the Ream Naval Base, or any other facility, would seem to contradict the broader direction of the country's foreign policy.
Malaysia Abolishes Mandatory Use of the Death Penalty
By Sebastian Strangio
While falling short of a total ban on capital punishment, the move is a rare sign of progress for Southeast Asia.
Myanmar Junta to Move Forward With Trial of Australian Economist
By Sebastian Strangio
Sean Turnell, a former adviser to Aung San Suu Kyi, was arrested shortly after last February's coup d'etat.
North Korea’s Belated Effort to Import COVID-19 Medical Supplies
By Troy Stangarone
Pyongyang only ramped up its pandemic-related imports after admitting its first outbreak. Is it too little, too late?
Taiwan’s KMT Looks to Boost Ties With US
By Hiro Fu
The head of Taiwan’s opposition party, Eric Chu, wants the world to know his party is “consistently” pro-American.
India Makes Its Relationship With the Taliban Regime More Official
By Sudha Ramachandran
Indian and Taliban officials are reported to have discussed diplomatic relations during a recent meeting in Kabul.
The Big Problem With Labor’s ‘Plan to Build a Stronger Pacific Family’
By Corey Lee Bell
The Pacific Islands are not interested in being Australia’s – or China’s – “little brothers.”