Region
East Asia
Australia and South Korea: Resetting Middle Power Ambitions
By Peter K. Lee and Sarah Teo
It is worth assessing if and how two of the Indo-Pacific’s most prominent middle powers might once again pursue creative and ambitious statecraft.
Seoul: No Evidence Slain Official Tried to Defect to North Korea
By Hyung-jin Kim
Disclosing confidential documents about the man's death was a campaign promise by current President Yoon Suk Yeol.
Trilateral – Not Quad – Is the Best Chance for Indo-Pacific Defense
By Hayley Channer
The Australia-Japan-U.S. trilateral is older and more formalized than the Quad – and unlike the latter, it explicitly embraces a defense mandate.
How Engaged Was China at the Shangri-La Dialogue?
By Mark S. Cogan
At this year's Dialogue, Chinese officials were strident and defensive – but it's better to have Beijing in than out.
A New Era for Beijing’s Quirky Music Scene
By Kyle Mullin
Beijing’s “uniquely intellectual” indie music scene has entered a new era, shaped by new restrictions (pandemic and otherwise) but still going strong.
As Taiwan Remembers Tiananmen, Hong Kong Looms Large
By Brian Hioe
The annual June 4 rally is now strongly connected to remembrance of Hong Kong's 2019 protest movement -- and the resulting political repression.
Takeaways From the 2022 Shangri-La Dialogue
By Ankit Panda and Catherine Putz
The Shangri-La Dialogue returned to convene for the first time since 2019 this year. What was on the agenda?
Mongolia’s ‘1 Billion Tree’ Movement
By Bolor Lkhaajav
The policy was launched to much fanfare, but can the participants follow through on their commitments?
Korean Peninsula Tensions Escalate Amid a Return to Old School Policies
By Mitch Shin
After a meeting with his U.S. counterpart, South Korea's foreign minister emphasized strengthening the joint extended deterrence against North Korea’s missile threats.
Foreign Banks Face Uncertainty in China
By Sara Hsu
China is a notoriously difficult place for foreign banks to successfully compete.
The Steep Cost of Bachelet’s Visit to China
By Patrizia Cogo and Lukian De Boni
Engaging with China on human rights risks legitimizing Beijing’s narratives – whether intentionally or not.
Kishida Vision for Peace: Japan’s Global Leadership Gambit
By Titli Basu
Is Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio proving to be as consequential a global statesman as his former boss, Abe Shinzo?