Region
East Asia
Czech Senate President Milos Vystrcil on China, Taiwan, and the 16+1
By Shannon Tiezzi
The Czech Senate president discusses his 2020 trip to Taiwan, the future of China-Czechia relations, and the future of EU efforts in the Indo-Pacific.
US, China Defense Ministers Hold First Meeting
By Shannon Tiezzi
Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and Defense Minister Wei Fenghe spoke in Singapore, part of an effort to add “guardrails” to the China-U.S. competition.
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.
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.
South Korea’s Experiment With Gender Equality
By Mai Anna Pressley and Kayla Harris
President Yoon’s determination to do away with gender quotas in his Cabinet and elsewhere could have a devastating impact on South Korea.
Japan Looks to Alaska to Shore up Energy Supplies
By Mina Pollmann
The energy-rich U.S. state has attracted increased interest from Japan as Tokyo seeks to reduce imports of Russian oil and gas.
Will China’s ‘Global Security Initiative’ Catch on?
By Ovigwe Eguegu
China will need to secure buy-in from some other major global players if it wants the GSI to succeed.
Japan, NATO Boost Ties Amid Russia’s Invasion of Ukraine
By Mari Yamaguchi
Japan’s defense minister hosted NATO officials this week, pledging more joint exercises and military cooperation.
Japanese Former Defense Minister Morimoto Satoshi on a Taiwan Contingency
By Kosuke Takahashi
If “China can unify Taiwan while eliminating U.S. interference. This is the best scenario for China... The surrounding countries cannot help Taiwan.”