Region
East Asia
South Korea’s Local Governments Rise to the Occasion
By Yong Kwon
Local governments are pursuing unorthodox policy responses – from universal basic income to a government-backed food delivery app – to national challenges.
After Denouncing New US Sanctions, North Korea Fires 2 Short-Range Ballistic Missiles
By Mitch Shin
After the U.S. imposed sanctions on six North Korean individuals in the wake of the recent missile launches, Pyongyang launched two short-range ballistic missiles eastward.
Evergrande Still Looms Large Over Asian Markets’ 2022 Outlook
By Dmytro Spilka
Analysts expect a slowdown in 2022, but some sectors will buck the overall trend.
US State Department Study Dismisses China’s ‘Unlawful Maritime Claims’ in South China Sea
By Shannon Tiezzi
The study examined the legal case for China’s South China Sea claims and found it wanting.
Omicron Tests China’s ‘Zero-Tolerance’ COVID Approach Weeks Ahead of Beijing Olympics
By Huizhong Wu
More than 20 million people are under lockdown in China to prevent the virus’ spread, even as Beijing prepares to welcome thousands of foreigners for the Olympics.
Mongolia’s Female Peacekeepers: A Case Study for Gender Parity
By Bolor Lkhaajav and Bolor Ganbold
The U.N. has set a goal of full gender parity in peacekeeping operations. The experience of Mongolian women shows both the progress made and the serious challenges that remain.
Solving Japan’s Wage Stagnation Syndrome
By Richard Katz
Hint: Urging companies to hike wages won’t do the job.
Badiucao Explains How China Exports Its Propaganda and Censorship to the West
By Gian Luca Atzori
A dialogue with “the Chinese Banksy.”
Former Xinjiang Security Official Takes Charge of Hong Kong Garrison
By Associated Press
Maj. Gen. Peng Jingtang’s move to Hong Kong underlines the government’s focus on anti-terrorism in the city – something critics say is a smokescreen for cracking down on dissent.
North Korea Fires ‘Apparent’ Hypersonic Missile Off Its East Coast
By Mitch Shin
North Korea conducted a hypersonic missile test again on Tuesday, six days after it test-fired its second hypersonic missile.
South Korea’s Naval Shipbuilders Are Stepping Up in Southeast Asia
By James Guild
Unresolved disputes have prompted the region to look to Seoul to acquire stronger maritime deterrents.
Will China’s Railway in Laos Help Bolster Its ‘Soft Power’?
By Daniele Carminati
The inauguration of the long-promised rail line offers Beijing a chance to burnish its image in mainland Southeast Asia.