Region
East Asia

The Significance and Challenges of the Japan-US-South Korea Summit
By KAWASHIMA Shin
The summit statement’s wording is revealing.

Japan Battles Backlash After Releasing Wastewater From Fukushima Nuclear Power Plant
By Thisanka Siripala
The release of treated but still radioactive wastewater into the Pacific Ocean has exacerbated tensions with neighboring countries.

The Japanese Companies Pursuing a Hydrogen Economy
By Daisuke Akimoto
As the government moves to put its updated hydrogen strategy into practice, more and more Japanese companies are entering the industry.

Will Taiwan Still Be a Peacekeeper After Its Upcoming Presidential Election?
By Calvin Chu
William Lai faces questions over his perceived support for Taiwan independence. But basic political realities will push any Taiwanese leader to refrain from making risky moves.

Japan’s Defense Ministry Requests Largest Ever Budget for Fiscal Year 2024
By Takahashi Kosuke
Japan's defense build-up, including pursuit of a counter-strike capability, continues to require record-setting funds.

US Transits as Part of Taiwan’s Gray Zone Diplomacy
By Edward Kuperman
Taiwanese politicians’ “transits” through the United States have a 30-year history spanning both DPP and KMT administrations.

Can Economic Ties Continue to Power China-US Relations?
By Shannon Tiezzi
A visit to China by the U.S. commerce secretary saw more deliverables than any other recent exchange, but there are still hard limits on what can be achieved.

North Korea Launches Ballistic Missiles After US Flies Bomber During Drills
By Hyung-jin Kim
Hours after the U.S. flew a B-1B bomber to the Korean Peninsula as part of field exercises with South Korea, the North launched two short-range ballistic missiles.

How Terry Gou’s Independent Run Impacts the 2024 Taiwanese Election
By Jake Levy
Taiwan's four-way presidential race will mean a dramatic end to the campaign season.

Who Wants to Talk? Communication Difficulties Constrain Japan-China Relations
By Mark S. Cogan
In the face of increasing Chinese and Russian airspace incursions, Tokyo needs to find a way to communicate its concern both assertively and effectively.

A UN Body Sheds Light on the Fate of Disappeared Uyghurs
By William Nee
The Working Group on Arbitrary Detention has provided more evidence of China’s use of enforced disappearances in Xinjiang.

Fukushima Wastewater Release Roils China-Japan Relations
By Shannon Tiezzi
Beijing has been relentless in its criticism, and both sides have complained of harassment as the controversy grows.