Region
East Asia
The Benefits (and Limits) of China-US High-Level Diplomatic Engagement
By Susan Thornton
Beijing and Washington have two different visions for what a “stabilized” relationship would look like, and they will be difficult to reconcile.
Avoiding Misperception in the China-US Thaw
By Da Wei
Reducing misperception is key to avoid unrealistic expectations that might ruin the current process of diplomatic engagement.
China’s State Security Departments and Nationwide System
By Mercy A. Kuo
Insights from Alex Joske.
Rare Earths and Geopolitics: An Increasingly Messy Mix
By Tobias Burgers and Scott N. Romaniuk
A narrative has emerged suggesting that China possesses a willingness to leverage its control over REMs to punish nations over disagreements in the political arena.
China Renews Its Pitch on AI Governance at World Internet Conference
By Shannon Tiezzi
The big question is whether China’s Global AI Governance Initiative will get buy-in from the other major players – starting with the United States.
South Korea’s Ruling People Power Party Gears Up for Change Ahead of the 2024 General Election
By Eunwoo Lee
A major by-election defeat provided a wake-up call, yet intra-party rifts are hard to wish away.
Japan-South Korea Cooperation Amid Israel-Hamas Conflict Proves Benefits of Trilateral With US
By Evan Wright and Jessica A. Guarini
Coordination on evacuations of their citizens from the Middle East is a seemingly small but symbolically significant step for Tokyo and Seoul.
With Joint Fighter on the Horizon, Japan, UK Agree to Further Strengthen Bilateral Defense Ties
By Takahashi Kosuke
The two nations plus Italy aim to sign the Global Combat Air Program treaty by the end of 2023.
Is China a Friend? Time for Israel to Decide.
By Mordechai Chaziza
While it remains to be seen how the Israel-Hamas war unfolds, it has already shown the nature of the Sino-Israeli relationship and where China’s interests lie.
Where China’s Lithium Monopoly Comes From
By Tim Worstall
There is no shortage of raw lithium. China’s dominance of lithium processing is where the potential problem lies.
Global Competition for AI Regulation, or a Framework for AI Diplomacy?
By Charles Mok
As the U.S., EU and China are taking divergent leads in new AI regulations, a new framework for AI diplomacy is emerging, all under the shadow of strategic technological competition.
North Korea’s Nuclear Buildup Means Mutually Assured Destruction, Not Coercion
By Denny Roy
North Koreans have reasons to believe a large and highly survivable nuclear arsenal is necessary to deter the United States from attacking their country.