Region
East Asia
Hong Kong Is Still an Irreplaceable Financial Gateway for China
By Simon Shen
Hong Kong is still China’s financial gateway to the world. What happens if the West pulls back?
China’s ‘Secret Weapon’ Against COVID-19 Won’t Work for Post-Pandemic Economic Recovery
By Zhuoran Li
The CCP was able to mobilize its people to fight COVID-19. It's having a harder time convincing Chinese to spend money.
South Korea’s Supreme Court Upholds 17-Year Jail Term for Ex-President Lee
By Associated Press
Lee Myung-bak was convicted of taking bribes before and during his presidency.
China’s Fifth Plenum: What You Need to Know
By Shannon Tiezzi
China's leaders issued a blueprint for the next five years - and beyond. Below, the highlights.
South Korea Holds out Hope for WTO Director-General Role
By Jenna Gibson
It's now a 2-person race for the next WTO head. Can Yoo Myung-hee emerge with the win?
US Approves Sales of Anti-Ship Cruise Missiles to Taiwan
By Steven Stashwick
Truck-mounted Harpoon missiles and other recent sales are aimed at repelling a potential invasion by China.
China Shows Signs of Cracking Down on ‘Silk Road’ Crime
By Sebastian Strangio
The bizarre story of She Zhijiang, who ran a Southeast Asian casino empire while a fugitive from the law in China, demonstrates the limits of Chinese power.
Denuclearization, Diplomacy, and Beyond: North Korea Plans for 2021
By Ankit Panda
Kim Jong Un’s year did not go as planned. What lies ahead for the Korean Peninsula?
Southeast Asia and Japan’s Indo-Pacific Vision: What’s Next After Suga’s ASEAN Tour?
By Prashanth Parameswaran
The trip raised questions about continuity and change in Japan’s approach to Southeast Asia after Abe.
North Korea’s Elite Defectors
By Mitch Shin
Despite its avowedly socialist nature, North Korea is governed by a rigid class system – and not all defectors come from the bottom.
What Happens to the CCP If China’s Economic Growth Falters?
By Alexis Leggeri
Thanks to a rapid build-up in its domestic security capacity, the Party has the ability to substitute hard control for economic legitimacy.
What Can Taiwan’s Semiconductor Industry Learn From Japan?
By Gary Xie and Sophie Grant
Taiwan’s semiconductor industry will require major restructuring if it wishes to maintain its competitive edge in the crowded global market.