Region
East Asia
North Korea Cracks Down on Local Markets, Overseas Defectors
By Gabriela Bernal
As COVID-19 continues to hamstring the economy, North Koreans grow increasingly desperate – and the government moves to keep everything under tight control.
How China’s Legal System Enables Intellectual Property Theft
By Daniel Rechtschaffen
China’s recent improvements in IP protection can’t overcome the fact that its legal system will never offer a level playing field.
Hong Kong’s Public Broadcaster Under Siege
By Jessie Lau
The arrest of a freelance journalist in connection with her work on an investigation is just the latest challenge to RTHK’s reporting.
Japan’s Prime Minister Meets Top South Korean Official, Raising Hopes for Thaw
By Associated Press
PM Suga met with Seoul’s National Intelligence Service director, a rare bilateral exchange amid strained relations.
US Marine Raiders Arrive in Taiwan to Train Taiwanese Marines
By Abhijnan Rej
Marine special forces – both Taiwanese but also American – will play a crucial role in defeating a large-scale Chinese invasion of Taiwan.
Why China’s Economy Keeps Booming Even After COVID-19
By Dingding Chen
With the pandemic controlled and society going back to normal, innovation and digitization are unleashing economic growth in China.
Biden Must Not Be Tempted by the Mirage of a US-China Reset
By Valerie Niquet
The temptation of reconciliation will face the stark reality of the CCP's ambitions and behavior.
China’s BRI and its High-Speed Railways to Nowhere
By James Guild
The railway projects being built under the Belt and Road Initiative offer marginal economic benefits at exorbitant costs.
What Do Chinese People Think of the US Election?
By Aadil Brar
Chinese state media call the U.S. election chaotic and costly, while social media users can't stop talking about it.
How Will North Korea Greet the Biden Administration?
By Liang Tuang Nah
Pyongyang will want to remind the Biden administration that the North is not to be ignored. The region should brace for destabilizing action.
Why Hasn’t China Congratulated Joe Biden?
By Shannon Tiezzi
China is keeping its head low for the simple reason that it has nothing to gain by doing anything different.
Why International Sanctions on Hong Kong May Not Work as Expected
By Jin Kai
The moves announced so far are mostly symbolic – and far from enough to change Beijing’s calculus.