Region
East Asia
High-Ranking North Korean Defectors: A Sign of Cracks in Kim Jong Un’s Regime?
By Lee Min-Yong
This trend may signal growing skepticism among North Korea’s elite, potentially undermining the foundation of Kim Jong Un’s regime.
Like-minded Middle Powers in the Indo-Pacific: The Case of Australia and South Korea
By Le Nhu Mai
In anticipation of post-Biden uncertainties, Australia and South Korea are looking to further consolidate their burgeoning ties.
Navigating Strategic Ambiguity: South Korea’s Position Post-NATO Summit
By Jina Kim
South Korea has a chance to elevate its status as a NATO partner, but this might strain relations with China and provoke retaliatory actions from Russia.
Having It Both Ways: Third Plenum Promises Reforms and Doubles Down On Xi’s Grand Vision
By Katja Drinhausen, Max J. Zenglein, and Rebecca Arcesati
The key meeting of the CCP’s Central Committee strengthened Xi and will likely disappoint citizens and the private sector.
How Should the World Perceive Today’s Hong Kong?
By Michael Mo
Hollowed out by Beijing, the city, once the world’s freest society, should be viewed as an example of the state of post-authoritarianization.
South Korean Military Intel Official Arrested for Allegedly Leaking Secrets, Reportedly on Spies
By Hyung-jin Kim
South Korean media reported the employee gave a Chinese national thousands of confidential documents, including information about South Korean spies operating abroad.
For Discontented Chinese Netizens, the Charm of the Olympics Is Wearing off
By Yaqiu Wang
Many users see little to celebrate amid growing social, economic, and political constraints at home.
Fixing Deteriorating US Deterrence on the Korean Peninsula
By Connor Fiddler
Thus far, the Washington Declaration has not had the intended effect. What more can the United States do?
Does Kim Jong Un Really ‘Not Care’ About the US Election?
By Taehee Lee
Whatever Pyongyang says officially, the U.S. presidential race between Donald Trump and Kamala Harris will have big implications for North Korea.
Crucial July Politburo Meeting Conveys Rare Sense of Urgency for China’s Leaders
By Lizzi C. Lee
The CCP leadership pledged to prioritize domestic consumption and demand, but markets remain skeptical.
China’s Third Plenum Wants to Raise Household Income. That’s Good News for the US.
By Fuxian Yi
Planned reforms could indirectly help balance China-U.S. trade by boosting consumption, thereby reducing political hostility between the two major powers.
Japan Further Accelerates Military Integration With the US
By Takahashi Kosuke
As the alliance marks “one of the strongest improvements in 70 years,” there are concerns that this will position Japan as the front line in U.S. strategy to deter China.