Region
East Asia
The Real Importance of China’s ‘Zero COVID’ Protests
By Shannon Tiezzi
“In China, everyone is one step from becoming a dissident” – and zero COVID has pushed many to make that final step.
China Virus Protests Hit Hong Kong After Mainland Rallies
By Kanis Leung and Zen Soo
In the biggest protests in over a year, around 100 Hong Kongers showed their support for protesters in mainland cities.
Kim Jong Un Emphasizes Nuclear Development as North Korea’s ‘Ultimate Goal’
By Mitch Shin
Kim continues to double down on the importance of the nuclear program for his country.
Once Again, KMT Scores Big in Taiwan’s Local Elections
By Brian Hioe
In many ways, the election results maintained the status quo of pan-Blue dominance over local politics, rather than a dramatic return to form for the KMT.
Crowd Angered by COVID-19 Lockdowns Calls for China’s Xi to Step Down
By Dave Kang and Huizhong Wu
"You cannot compare it to any other country," one protester said. "We have to find a way out."
Detangling Semantics: Has Australia Really Been ‘Hawkish’ on China?
By Grant Wyeth
To resist bullying is only “hawkish” if you sympathize with the bullies.
North Korea’s Kim Yo Jong Slams Sanctions Measures
By Mitch Shin
After Kim’s statement belittling Yoon in August, this was her second discourteous statement toward the South Korean president.
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.
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.
China Anti-virus Curbs Spur Fears of Global Economic Impact
By Joe McDonald
Changes in China's anti-virus controls may be a step toward lifting controls, but "zero COVID" might stay in place until as late as the second half of next year.
Did Costa Rica’s Decision to Recognize China Pay Off?
By Nohelia Rivera-Matias
15 years after Costa Rica became the first Central American state to switch recognition from Taiwan, has San Jose capitalized on the change?