Region
East Asia
China’s Zero COVID Policy to Renew US West Coast Port Congestion
By Sara Hsu
Lockdowns in Shanghai and elsewhere are resulting in shortages, as there’s a backlog of goods waiting to be moved within China and around the world.
Japan’s New Diplomatic Bluebook: Revised by the Russia-Ukraine War
By Daisuke Akimoto
Japan has changed its approach to Russia compared to past editions of the annual report. Has Tokyo given up on a peace treaty with Moscow?
China’s CIPS: A Potential Alternative in Global Financial Order
By Mercy A. Kuo
Insights from Emily Jin.
Shanghai Eases COVID-19 Restrictions, Hong Kong Ends Entry Ban
By Joe McDonald
Hong Kong is easing a 2-year-old travel ban as its outbreak fades. Shanghai continues loosening restrictions, but much of the city remains confined to their homes.
Amid Low Birth Rate Worries, China Increases Pressure on Women
By Chauncey Jung
As Beijing grapples with a coming demographic crisis, China’s state media are taking aim at feminism and abortion services.
Is Japan Willing to Pay the Price of Sanctioning Russia?
By Christopher Edward Carroll
Prime Minister Kishida has moved forward with sanctions on Russia after its invasion of Ukraine. So far the public is willing to shoulder the economic burden.
Clean at Home and Polluting Abroad: The Trouble With China’s Energy Finance
By Mathias Lund Larsen and Lars Oehler
Renewables make up 3/4 of Chinese energy investments at home, but only 1/4 abroad. One reason is the Chinese financial system’s preference for SOEs, which these days are looking for markets to unload excess capacity.
Moon and Kim Exchange Letters Amid Frozen Inter-Korea Relations
By Mitch Shin
Less than three weeks before Moon Jae-in leaves office, the leaders of the two Koreas exchanged hand-written letters talking up the efforts of the peace process.
Defense Panel Within Japan’s Ruling Party Urges Tokyo to Acquire ‘Counterattack Capability’
By Kosuke Takahashi
The proposal, which stretches the limits of Japan's defense-oriented security policy, will inform the government’s long-term National Security Strategy.
Layoffs at China’s Internet Giants Indicate a Deeper Dilemma
By He Jun
The tech industry's struggles also points to deeper problems in capital allocation and consumption in China's economy.
Are Semiconductors a National Security Issue?
By Chi-hung Wei
It has become conventional wisdom in the United States that semiconductor manufacturing is a security issue. But that view is mistaken.
Loyalty for Luxury: How the Kim Family Buys Support From North Korean Elites
By Jason Bartlett
Similar to his father and grandfather, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un uses a combination of fear tactics and gift giving to help secure his influence over members of the North Korean elite.