Region
East Asia
Japan Prepares for Winter Wave of Infections
By Thisanka Siripala
Japan's deadly summer peak, which brought the health care system to a standstill, has prompted a new coronavirus policy ahead of winter.
What COP26’s Shift Away From Coal Means for Mongolia
By Bolor Lkhaajav
Coal-based economies like Mongolia will need a rewiring of climate finance to make a transition to clean energy possible.
China’s Sixth Plenum Report Proclaims Bright Future Under Xi
By Jesse Turland
The CCP meeting served to reinforce the existing consensus on history, rather than overturn it – but also paved the way for the continuation of Xi's reign.
Kishida Places Japan’s Business Interests at the Forefront of Climate Policy
By Duncan Bartlett
The new prime minister told COP26 that Japan will lead the push for greener energy in Asia. However, like India and China, Japan is reluctant to consign coal to history.
Taiwan to Host 1st WorldPride in East Asia: Why That’s Important
By Jason Bartlett
Kaohsiung beat out Washington D.C. to host WorldPride 2025.
Honduras’ President Is in Taiwan for a Surprise State Visit
By Shannon Tiezzi
Taiwan, afraid of losing yet another ally, is eager to shore up support ahead of Honduras’ election.
What Did South Korea Promise at COP26?
By Troy Stangarone
South Korea is among the world’s most carbon intense economies. What changes is Seoul willing to make?
Agent Chrysanthemum: North Korean Spy Indicted for Coercing Defectors to Return ‘Home’
By Jason Bartlett
Coercing, and even abducting, defectors is a common tactic for authoritarian regimes to discourage defection.
In Europe, President Moon Sought Support for Inter-Korea Peace Process
By Mitch Shin
South Korea’s President Moon Jae-in reaffirmed allies’ cooperation on the North Korea issue on the sidelines of the G-20 and U.N. climate summits.
An Afghan Refugee’s Shattered Japan Dream
By Lee H.O.
A young Afghan woman who emigrated to Japan became ensnared in a nightmare, caught between an abusive partner and a rigid bureaucracy.
As Other Countries Try Living With COVID-19, China Keeps up Zero Tolerance
By Huizhong Wu
Despite the advent of vaccines, China is sticking to its approach of strict lockdowns, multiple rounds of mass testing, and centralized quarantine wherever an outbreak is found.
Seoul Rejects Refugee Claims by Chinese North Korean Defectors
By Hyung-jin Kim
Some experts say 3,000-5,000 ethnic Chinese live in North Korea and are the only foreigners with permanent residency rights.