Region
East Asia
Japan’s Dilemma Over Nuclear Disarmament
By Thisanka Siripala
Japan’s refusal to sign the U.N. treaty banning nuclear weapons has exacerbated a Pandora’s box of internal and international criticism.
How China’s 17+1 Became a Zombie Mechanism
By Andreea Brînză
The Central and Eastern European countries were supposed to be China’s gateway to Europe; instead they have become its biggest headache
China Blocks Clubhouse, App Used for Political Discussion
By Associated Press
Thousands of Chinese had flocked to the app, which allowed unfettered discussion with people abroad about democracy, Taiwan, and other sensitive topics.
South Korea Restarts Cost-Sharing Negotiations With Washington
By Mitch Shin
With a new administration in Washington, Seoul welcomed the chance to resume SMA negotiations that have been stalled for nearly a year.
WHO Team Wraps up COVID-19 Origins Probe in Wuhan
By Associated Press
As expected, the team made few definitive pronouncements – other than ruling out the theory that the virus originally leaked from a lab in Wuhan.
How the Chinese State Mobilized Civil Society to Fight COVID-19
By Diana Fu
The COVID-19 crisis pushed to the frontlines a civil society that is mobilized and led by the Chinese Communist Party, whether directly or indirectly.
Tokyo Olympics Hits a New Roadblock: Sexism
By Yukari Easton
Sexist comments from the organizing committee head underline Japan’s deep-seated gender issues.
How China Joined the Sanctions Game
By Andrew Rennemo
Sanctions will continue to shape U.S.-China ties – with Beijing starting to give as good as it gets.
Chinese Whistleblower Doctor Honored on Anniversary of His Death
By Associated Press
The 34-year-old Li Wenliang was one of eight whistleblowers who local authorities punished for "spreading rumors" about the new virus.
Biden Needs a New Goal for North Korea
By Bonnie Kristian
A high-profile defector once again reiterates what should be obvious: North Korea will not denuclearize. Time for a new goal.
Lack of Transparency Complicates Japan’s Handling of COVID-19
By Xiaochen Su
Best practices for containing COVID-19 include widespread testing, aggressive contact tracing, and open public communication. The Japanese government does none of these.
Taiwan Will Restrict Lunar New Year Activities Due to COVID-19 Threat
By Nick Aspinwall
The country could also receive its first vaccine doses in February, although it must work around its exclusion from the World Health Organization.