Region
East Asia
How South Korean Soldiers and YouTube Catapulted a K-Pop Girl Group to Fame
By Jenna Gibson
Brave Girls hit it big after a viral video popularized a four-year-old song.
Can Smaller Countries Produce Competitive Fighters?
By Jacob Parakilas
Plenty of countries could use a modern fighter that isn’t the F-35. But building such a fighter and successfully selling it are two very different objectives.
Kerry Heads to China for Climate Talks
By Shannon Tiezzi and Ellen Knickmeyer
In a sign of the issue's important in the overall relationship, climate envoy John Kerry will be the first high-ranking Biden official to travel to China.
China’s Exports Rise as Global Demand Revives
By Joe McDonald
Chinese exports to the United States jumped 53.6 percent in March to $38.7 billion despite tariff hikes still in place on Chinese goods.
Hong Kong’s Activists in Exile
By The Diplomat staff
From Nathan Law to Ted Hui, a growing number of pro-democracy figures are choosing life overseas amid a widening crackdown at home.
China’s Digital Silk Road and the Global Digital Order
By Richard Ghiasy and Rajeshwari Krishnamurthy
China’s Digital Silk Road is an ambitious vision to catalyze global digitalization. What will it mean for digital governance?
The Biden-Suga Summit: What to Expect
By Joshua W. Walker
If both leaders play their cards right, ties between Tokyo and Washington could anchor a peaceful and rules-based order in the Indo-Pacific for years to come.
Global Trade Is Recovering From the Pandemic. North Korea’s Economy Isn’t.
By Troy Stangarone
With its borders still locked down, North Korea isn’t benefiting from China’s return to growth. That’s unlikely to change anytime soon.
Zhao Kezhi’s Legacy Could Define China’s Regional Security Paradigm
By Tristan Kenderdine
The 20th Party Congress will mark the end of Zhao’s CCP career, but his internal affairs policy will continue.
Ping Pong Diplomacy: Made in Japan
By John Darwin Van Fleet
Remembering the Chinese, Japanese, and American table tennis players who paved the way for a historic diplomatic opening.
Iran Frees South Korean Ship Held Amid Dispute Over Funds
By Isabel Debre and Jon Gambrel
South Korea's Foreign Ministry said Iran released the tanker and its captain after seizing the vessel in January.
Taiwan Picks Up the Pieces in Aftermath of Deadly Train Crash
By Nick Aspinwall
Authorities are investigating after a crane truck slid and fell in front of a passenger train, leading to a crash that killed 50 people.