Archive
2022
The Rationale Behind the US-ASEAN Electric Vehicle Initiative
By Xirui Li
The Biden administration has announced its intention to compete more vigorously with China for Southeast Asia's EV market.
Australia’s ANZ Bank Exits Myanmar Due to Post-Coup Turmoil
By Sebastian Strangio
The bank, which was awarded a banking license in Myanmar in 2014, said it was withdrawing due to the country's "increasing operational complexity."
Thai Drug Legalization Advocates Fight Growing Marijuana Backlash
By Sebastian Strangio
In June, the country became the first in Asia to legalize the use of marijuana for medical purposes. But a booming recreational market has prompted a sharp backlash.
Kim Jong-un’s Daughter and the ICBM
By Atsuhito Isozaki
North Korea’s leader debuts his offspring, and sends a message.
Protesting Workers Beaten at Chinese iPhone Factory
By Joe McDonald and Zen Soo
New workers at a Foxconn factory in Zhengzhou are protesting that the company changed the terms of their work agreements.
Is This The Beginning of the End for Kishida?
By Jio Kamata
Kishida and the LDP may not face a national election until 2025, but the prime minister is already on shaky ground.
Space and Technology Were Big Winners at China’s 20th Party Congress
By Namrata Goswami
China’s top leadership changes reflect the prioritization of space, science, and technology.
Kazakh History Textbooks Teach Indifference Toward the Next-of-kin in Chinese Xinjiang
By Berikbol Dukeyev
The Kazakh public generally remains silent about the plight of ethnic Kazakh detainees held in Xinjiang. The education system is one reason why.
Blue-ribbon Panel Urges Japan to Develop Counterstrike Capabilities
By Takahashi Kosuke
The Japanese defense ministry estimates that Tokyo will need to spend 48 trillion yen on defense over the next five years if it wants to achieve its security goals.
Dawn of the Drone Age in Central Asia
By Francisco Olmos
Central Asian countries have been stepping up their drone capabilities.
India’s Tribes Seek Official Religion Status for Belief System
By Sheikh Saliq
Apprehensions have grown over Hindu nationalist groups seeking to bring these nature worshippers into the Hindu fold.
Malaysia’s Democratization Poses New Challenges to China’s BRI Projects
By Imran Shamsunahar
Elites' growing need for democratic legitimization is impacting the fate of a slew of large-scale Chinese projects.