Blog
Trans-Pacific View
The Next Battleground in Trump’s Trade War: Vietnam
By Alexander Hitch
Vietnam is likely the Trump administration’s next trade target. But the calculus differs in key ways from China.
US Tries Its Hand at Shuttle Diplomacy Amid Japan-South Korea Disputes
By Mina Pollmann
Defense Secretary Mark Esper visited Tokyo and Seoul in an attempt to insulate security cooperation from rising tensions.
The Japan-US ‘Mini-Deal’ Has Big Implications
By Stephen Olson
As the US and Japan intensify trade negotiations, the push for a quick “mini-deal” on agriculture and autos will have far-reaching impact.
Playing the Right Hand: US Negotiations With the Taliban
By Jeff Smith
Washington needs to remain clear-eyed about its goals as it looks to exit Afghanistan.
US Defense Secretary Visits Mongolia to Strengthen Military Bonds
By Lolita C. Baldor
Secretary Esper's visit marked the third high-level U.S.-Mongolia engagement in recent weeks.
US, Japan Look to Clinch Trade Deal in September
By Mina Pollmann
With China talks stalling, Trump may be more inclined to give Japan concessions to seal in a trade 'win.'
The Biggest Threat to the US Indo-Pacific Strategy? Washington Itself.
By Derek Grossman
The strategy’s success depends on continued forgiveness from allies and partners.
New Military Vehicle Deal Approval Puts US-Thailand Alliance in Focus
By Prashanth Parameswaran
Progress on the agreement put the defense aspect of the relationship back in the headlines.
Time to Take the US-Indonesia Strategic Partnership Seriously
By Patrick M. Cronin and Isabelle M. Burke
The U.S. and Indonesia must turn phrases like “strategic partnership” into a tangible reality.
Rare Earths in the US-China Trade War
By Mercy A. Kuo
Insights from Ryan Castilloux.
US Intervention Can’t Break the Japan-Korea Impasse
By Shihoko Goto
Washington's mediation may provide a temporary fix, but not a long-term resolution to the core problems.
Taiwan President to Stop in Denver as US-Taiwan Ties Strengthen
By Nick Aspinwall
Tsai’s 2-day stopovers in New York and Denver have drawn significant attention as Taiwan seeks to leverage its bond with the US.