Region
East Asia
China Bans ‘Sissy Men’ From TV
By Joe McDonald
The latest regulation reflects official concern that Chinese pop stars are making China’s young men too effeminate.
Why Did North Korea Restart Its Nuclear Reactor?
By Mitch Shin
The reported restart of the Yongbyon nuclear reactor is likely a bid for attention at a time when the United States is more focused on China’s rise.
Japan and Kazakhstan: Partners in Nuclear Disarmament
By Marin Ekstrom
Tokyo and Nur-Sultan share a commitment to nuclear non-proliferation rooted in their first-hand experiences with the trauma of nuclear weapons.
Hong Kong Crackdown Continues With Canceled Concerts, Sentenced Activists
By Associated Press
Denise Ho’s sold-out concerts were canceled, feeding concerns that Hong Kong’s cultural scene is the latest target of China’s tightening control.
How China’s Worldview Took Over Hong Kong
By Simon Shen
Hong Kong’s changing stance on sensitive issues like Tiananmen is a cautionary tale for the rest of the world.
China’s Hydropower Plan on the Brahmaputra
By Hongzhou Zhang and Genevieve Donnellon-May
Climate goals and local interests are driving Tibet’s hydropower boom, which will have implications far beyond China.
Deterrence vs. Engagement: Striking the Right Balance in North Korea Policy
By Yangmo Ku
The optimal solution to North Korea’s nuclear and missile challenges will require a middle ground between stronger deterrence and maximal engagement.
US Climate Envoy in Japan to Push Efforts to Cut Emissions
By Mari Yamaguchi
John Kerry is in Japan to press Tokyo for more aggressive action on emissions.
Fentanyl in America: A Barometer of the China-US Relationship
By Bonnie Girard
China has numerous potential avenues for cracking down on illegal drug production and export. What it lacks is the political will to do so.
Chen Gang a Dark Horse to Lead China’s Strategic Technoindustrial Policy
By Tristan Kenderdine
Chen Gang will likely enter the Politburo in 2027. His experience governing technoindustrial clusters will be a valuable skill set for top governance positions through the 2020s.
China’s Personal Information Protection Law and Its Global Impact
By Yiming “Ben” Hu
China first dedicated law on personal data protection will have a global impact.
Japan’s COVID-19 Vaccination Drive Success Is an Opportunity for Global Leadership
By James Gannon and Kazuyo Kato
Tokyo is battling a surge in COVID-19 cases, but its initially slow vaccination campaign has surged ahead too.