Region
East Asia
China’s BRI Lending: $385 Billion in ‘Hidden Debts’
By Mercy A. Kuo
Insights from Brad Parks.
Are African Governments Expecting Too Much From FOCAC?
By Lauren Ashmore
The case of Africa’s agricultural exports to China highlights the progress made through FOCAC agreements -- and the road still left to travel.
Nuclear Proliferation Concerns in East Asia: Beyond North Korea
By Hart Rapaport
The nuclear situation in East Asia is more nuanced than the actions of a single nation.
Japan Approves Record Extra Defense Budget
By Kosuke Takahashi
Amid growing threats in East Asia, the Japanese cabinet approved a record extra budget for defense appropriations.
The Idiosyncrasies of China’s Bond Market
By Kate Jaquet
China’s bond market appears hampered by unpredictable default mechanisms, non-standardized bond covenants, and unreliable bond ratings.
Japan’s New Pandemic Border Restrictions Disappoint Residents Stranded Abroad
By Thisanka Siripala
Many foreign residents have had their hopes to enter Japan dashed as new border controls make little impact.
Why Has North Korea Struggled to Normalize Trade With China?
By Troy Stangarone
Since North Korea slammed its borders shut in the initial stage of the pandemic, it has made several motions toward resuming normal trade. None has panned out.
China’s Evolving Food Security Strategy
By Genevieve Donnellon-May and Mark Wang
China’s food security is part of its new national security strategy in the new “dual circulation” era.
Will Japan-South Korea Relations Ever Get Back on Track?
By Yuki Tatsumi
There has been a fundamental shift in the dynamics surrounding Japan-South Korea relations, with both sides hardening their approach.
Where Is the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation Headed Next?
By Njumbe Smith
As FOCAC gears up for its eighth session, a look at its development so far and future trajectory.
Ex-South Korean Strongman Chun Doo-hwan Dies at Age 90
By Hyung-jin Kim
Chun's rule, from 1979 to 1988, was marked both by severe political repression as well as rapid social and economic changes. He is most famous for ordering the Gwangju massacre, for which he never apologized.
Biden, Xi, and the Importance of Guardrails in the US-China Relationship
By Ankit Panda, Catherine Putz, and Ankit Panda and Catherine Putz
The United States and China aren’t satisfied with their relationship, but both sides appear to be interested in managing their differences.