Region
East Asia
North Korea Party Congress Begins With Kim Jong Un’s Confession of Failure on the Economy
By Mitch Shin
One of the most important events in North Korea started January 5 as Kim conveyed his messages over the quarantine and economy.
WHO Expert Visit to China for COVID-19 Origin Probe Remains Under Negotiation
By Associated Press
Earlier this week, the WHO head expressed his disappointment at a “last minute” halt to a planned experts’ visit.
Blue House Reshuffles Cabinet in Bid to Protect Moon’s Approval Ratings
By Mitch Shin
With Moon’s approval ratings declining gradually, two of his senior cabinet members have been replaced.
With Ship Seizure, South Korea Again Stuck Between the US and Iran
By Kyle Ferrier
The South Korean tanker MT Hankuk Chemi is collateral damage in the larger U.S.-Iranian tensions.
Hong Kong Police Arrest 53 Pro-Democrats on Subversion Charges
By Jessie Lau
The charges stem from a plan to win a majority in Hong Kong's legislature and use that power to veto the government's budget.
Trump, China, and Foreign Policy as Theater
By Abhijnan Rej
A new op-ed by Mike Pompeo and Marshall Billingslea vividly demonstrates everything that has been wrong with Trump’s China policy.
Third Chinese Aircraft Carrier Nears Completion Amid Shipyard Expansion
By Steven Stashwick
Work begins on fourth carrier, but future plans remain murky.
Reports: Dozens of Hong Kong Pro-Democracy Figures Arrested
By Associated Press
Those arrested took part last year in an unofficial primary election that Beijing denounced as a "serious provocation."
North Korea’s Biggest Political Event Comes at Fraught Moment
By Associated Press
The Worker's Party's apex meeting comes after a year of economic pain resulting from COVID-19-induced border closures.
What Is the Truth About COVID-19 in North Korea?
By Mitch Shin
North Korea insists there have been no coronavirus cases in the country. So why does it keep tightening restrictions, despite the heavy cost?
China’s Africa Diplomacy Starts 2021 on a High Note
By Shannon Tiezzi
Foreign Minister Wang Yi is making his traditional first trip to Africa, kicking off an important year for China-Africa cooperation.
The Struggle Over Jimmy Lai’s Bail Is a Struggle Over Hong Kong’s Freedom of Expression
By Jerome A. Cohen
Bail has become the most immediate arena in which the ongoing struggle between China’s Communist Party and Hong Kong’s judicial system is taking place.