Region
East Asia
Kishida Places Japan’s Business Interests at the Forefront of Climate Policy
By Duncan Bartlett
The new prime minister told COP26 that Japan will lead the push for greener energy in Asia. However, like India and China, Japan is reluctant to consign coal to history.
Taiwan to Host 1st WorldPride in East Asia: Why That’s Important
By Jason Bartlett
Kaohsiung beat out Washington D.C. to host WorldPride 2025.
Honduras’ President Is in Taiwan for a Surprise State Visit
By Shannon Tiezzi
Taiwan, afraid of losing yet another ally, is eager to shore up support ahead of Honduras’ election.
What Did South Korea Promise at COP26?
By Troy Stangarone
South Korea is among the world’s most carbon intense economies. What changes is Seoul willing to make?
Agent Chrysanthemum: North Korean Spy Indicted for Coercing Defectors to Return ‘Home’
By Jason Bartlett
Coercing, and even abducting, defectors is a common tactic for authoritarian regimes to discourage defection.
In Europe, President Moon Sought Support for Inter-Korea Peace Process
By Mitch Shin
South Korea’s President Moon Jae-in reaffirmed allies’ cooperation on the North Korea issue on the sidelines of the G-20 and U.N. climate summits.
An Afghan Refugee’s Shattered Japan Dream
By Lee H.O.
A young Afghan woman who emigrated to Japan became ensnared in a nightmare, caught between an abusive partner and a rigid bureaucracy.
As Other Countries Try Living With COVID-19, China Keeps up Zero Tolerance
By Huizhong Wu
Despite the advent of vaccines, China is sticking to its approach of strict lockdowns, multiple rounds of mass testing, and centralized quarantine wherever an outbreak is found.
Seoul Rejects Refugee Claims by Chinese North Korean Defectors
By Hyung-jin Kim
Some experts say 3,000-5,000 ethnic Chinese live in North Korea and are the only foreigners with permanent residency rights.
Previewing India-Japan Ties Under PM Kishida
By Titli Basu
Back in 2015, then-Foreign Minister Kishida helped shaped the India-Japan Indo-Pacific Vision 2025. Where do ties stand today?
Can China’s Singles’ Day Go Green?
By Tang Damin
For e-commerce giants to reach sustainability, they first need to be transparent about their climate footprints.
COVID-19 Complicates China’s ‘Football Dream’
By Shannon Tiezzi
China’s men’s national team has remained firmly stuck in the lower echelons of international football, as evidenced by its current long-shot quest to reach the World Cup.