Region
East Asia
China’s Missing COVID-19 Data
By Johanna M. Costigan and Jin Ye
Center-local dynamics are incentivizing a cover-up of China’s COVID-19 statistics well before they reach the public.
Yoon Comment Sparks Diplomatic Row Between South Korea, Iran
By Kim Tong-hyung
President Yoon Suk-yeol's comments describing Iran as the “enemy” of the UAE during a trip to that country triggered a diplomatic spat.
Japan’s Largest Opposition Party Seeks Moderation, But the Base Disagrees
By Jio Kamata
After a decade in the political wilderness, the Constitutional Democratic Party is trying to broaden its appeal – but its base is not pleased.
Taiwan’s Diplomatic Crossroads
By Wang Linbin
Nancy Pelosi’s visit to Taiwan in August 2022 provoked a flurry of visitors from liberal democracies. Will Taiwan prioritize these countries over its formal diplomatic allies?
Mongolia: Politics and Protests in 2023
Anand Tumutogoo, Bolor Lkhaajav, and Julian Dierkes discuss the factors behind Mongolia's December protests, and the likelihood of a repeat this spring.
The Unification Church, Japan, and North Korea
By ISOZAKI Atsuhito
The Unification Church and North Korea are closely linked, despite the church's adamant anti-communist stance.
Surviving Old Age Is Getting Harder in Japan
By Thisanka Siripala
Seniors living in poverty or working to supplement their income are on the rise as Japan’s public pension system cracks under a super aging society.
US, Chinese Officials Discuss Climate, Economy Ahead of World Economic Forum
By Fatima Hussein
U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen held her first face-to-face meeting with outgoing Vice Premier Liu He in Zurich.
Russia’s Irrational War in Ukraine Should Be a Warning for Predicting China’s Behavior
By Jan Švec
Many of the factors that led to Putin’s disastrous decision are also present in China’s authoritarian system.
TSMC’s US Investments Spark Political Controversy in Taiwan
By Brian Hioe
Plans for new chip plants in the U.S. have sparked concerns about Taiwan’s “silicon shield” – and whether Washington has Taipei’s best interests at heart.
Kim Jong Un Sends New Year’s Cards to Xi and Putin
By Mitch Shin
North Korean state media reported that Kim Jong Un sent New Year’s cards to leaders of various countries, including China and Russia.
Why Taiwan’s Main Opposition Party Can’t Shake Its Pro-China Stance
By Chieh Yen
The KMT’s structure keeps it beholden to a group that is increasingly out of step with Taiwan’s general population on China and unification.