Region
East Asia
Rich South Korea, Unhappy Koreans
By Hyung-A Kim
South Korea has a glowing global reputation. So why do so many Koreans think “isaengmang” – this life is ruined?
Beyond ‘Wolf Warriors’: China’s Multidimensional Diplomacy
By Zhuoran Li
The case of the Sino-Japanese thaw in 2018 shows how China pursues foreign policy flexibility through ties with foreign political parties, individual politicians, and business leaders.
Mongolia, US Seek to Advance Economic Ties
By Bolor Lkhaajav
Mongolia and the United States took big steps forward in 2018 and 2019, but ties have stalled since then amid the pandemic and a downturn in economic engagement.
On Day of South Korea-Japan Summit Meeting, North Korea Fires ICBM
By Mitch Shin
Hours before President Yoon held a meeting with the Japanese prime minister in Tokyo, North Korea fired an ICBM toward its eastern coast.
Honduras Announces Intention to Drop Taiwan, Recognize China
By Brian Hioe
President Xiomara Castro is making good on a campaign promise to switch diplomatic recognition to China.
China Expresses ‘Grave Concern’ Over South Korea-US Military Drills
By Shannon Tiezzi
Beijing is throwing its weight behind Pyongyang’s claim that its missile tests are a necessary defensive response.
The Politics of Sexual Minorities in Japan
By Vindu Mai Chotani and Olivier Ammour-Mayeur
Despite efforts at the local level, LGBTQ rights won’t move forward much unless the LDP can find the political will to make it happen.
How to Enhance South Korea’s Support for Ukraine
By Troy Stangarone
South Korea is under increasing pressure to move from humanitarian aid to providing arms directly to Ukraine.
What the Iran-Saudi Agreement Reveals About China’s Approach to Conflict Management
By Guy Burton
Beijing prefers to lead from behind, engaging in “quasi-mediation” on diplomatic processes that are already in motion.
Xi Bets on His Own Personal Diplomacy in Russia, Ukraine
By Joseph Webster
Not lacking for self-confidence, Xi’s decision to insert himself into Russia-Ukraine mediation presents outsized opportunities and risks for Beijing, especially in Europe.
The Japan-South Korea Thaw Is Far From a Done Deal
By Jio Kamata
Japan's Kishida and South Korea's Yoon are ready to mend relations, but both leaders face problems back home.
North Korea Fires 2 SRBMs as US, South Korea Conduct Military Drills
By Mitch Shin
A day after the South Korea-U.S. joint military drills kicked off, North Korea fired two SRBMs toward its eastern coast as a corresponding measure.