Region
East Asia
Is Japan’s New LDP Leader a Victory for the Party Establishment or a Risk?
By Thisanka Siripala
Kishida Fumio won the ruling party’s leadership election to become Japan’s next prime minister despite widespread public support for runner up Kono Taro.
China, US Hold Military Talks Amid Strained Ties
By Associated Press
The two-day video conference marked the first known direct high-level contact between Chinese and U.S. defense officials under the Biden administration.
Shortages, Shipping, Shutdowns Hit Asian Factory Output
By Elaine Kurtenbach
Manufacturing contracted in both China and Japan as the pandemic and related ripple effects continue to take a toll.
China’s AUKUS Response Highlights Beijing’s Bunker Mentality
By Bonnie Girard
Beijing seems completely unwilling – or unable – to consider its own actions might be feeding the “China containment” push.
Kim Jong Un Decides to Restore Inter-Korean Communication Lines
By Mitch Shin
The North Korean leader said the inter-Korean hotlines will be restored in early October, but also warned against the arms buildup of South Korea and the U.S.
What Would an End-of-War Declaration Mean for the United Nations Command?
By Ki Suh Jung
If the armistice agreement is no longer valid, what would be the UNC’s role, if any, on the Korean Peninsula?
Coal Shortages Force Blackouts Across China
By Jesse Turland
Trade wars on the international front and mine shutdowns at home have squeezed stocks of China’s main energy source, coal, triggering nation-wide blackouts.
Japan Ex-Diplomat Kishida Wins Party Vote, to Become New PM
By Mari Yamaguchi
Japan's new leader faces an uphill battle in reviving a pandemic-hit economy and addressing growing regional security risks.
Right Thinking and Self-Criticisms: Military Modernization With Chinese Communist Characteristics
By Derek Solen
Political education made a major appearance at the PLA Air Force’s annual air combat competition.
Western Investors Are Divided on Buying Chinese Assets, With Good Reason
By Sara Hsu
Two related issues are plaguing investors: debt risks for Chinese firms and the uncertainty as to if, when, and how China will regulate particular sectors.
AUKUS: Lessons for Japan’s Defense Industry
By Yuki Tatsumi
If Japan’s leaders were surprised to be left out, they shouldn’t be. The culture surrounding Japan’s defense industry is not ready for an AUKUS-like partnership.
AUKUS and the Indo-Pacific: Geopolitics, Technology, and Deterrence
By Ankit Panda
What does the new U.S.-UK-Australia trilateral cooperative partnership entail?