Region
East Asia
Over 300 North Korean Soldiers Have Died in Russia’s Kursk Region
By Mitch Shin
South Korea’s National Intelligence Service reported that more than 300 North Korean soldiers were killed fighting against Ukraine, while more than 2,700 were injured.
Wang Yi’s First African Tour After FOCAC9 Sets the Tone for Africa-China Relations in 2025
By Huiyi Chen and Aishat Adebayo
Wang’s visits to Namibia, the Republic of Congo, Chad, and Nigeria set the tone for key African aspirations for relations with China in 2025.
As Iran Faces a Crucial Choice, China Has Much at Stake
By Mu Chunshan
On Chinese social media, some want Iran to go nuclear – but others think it should learn from China’s “reform and opening.”
Proposed US State Legislative Actions on China in 2023: 5 Case Studies
By Flora Yan
Breaking down notable activities in five states – Texas, Michigan, Hawai‘i, Florida, and Missouri.
Beyond Missiles and Trade: China’s Use of Cultural Ties to Influence Taiwan
By Yu Ting Chen and Charles K. S. Wu
Besides military tactics and economic statecraft, China leverages cultural and ethnic connections with Taiwan to achieve its political objectives.
The US Pivot to Asia Reborn: Old Grand Strategies, New Challenges
By Zane Kheir
United States and Japan are dusting off old geopolitical frameworks for the Pacific not seen since World War II.
North Korea’s Position on the Turmoil in South Korea
By ISOZAKI Atsuhito
Pyongyang has been surprisingly restrained.
The Real Roots of Formalism in Chinese Bureaucracy
By Zhuoran Li
Xi blames local leaders’ “lack of responsibility” as the root of formalism. However, interviews with local cadres suggest otherwise
China’s Internal Struggles: The Rising Violence That Could Lead to Foreign Aggression
By Irene Chou
An uptick in “revenge on society” attacks demonstrates the growing discontent at home. The CCP might seek to channel that anger to another target.
China’s Economy Took Center Stage in Xi’s New Year Address – as a Positive
By Lewis Eves
Xi Jinping attempted to spin slower growth as a “remarkable” achievement.
Trump 2.0 and Japanese Firms: Assault, Acclimation, and Adaptation
By Jean-Marc F. Blanchard and C. Lawrence Greenwood
While consequential, Trump 1.0 was not as earthshattering for Japanese companies as many feared. It would be a mistake, though, to assume Trump 2.0 will be the same.
Blinken’s Last Trip to Seoul and Its Implications
By Le Nhu Mai
During this sensitive time of Seoul’s political turmoil, Blinken’s much-awaited visit to South Korea is the last gift that the Biden administration wants to offer its ally.