Region
East Asia
The PLA’s New Push for Military Technology Innovation
By Dr. Marcus Clay
As the U.S.-China technological competition intensifies, the Chinese military has created new mechanisms to accelerate military innovation. Will they succeed?
Taiwan Has ‘Brunch With Tsai’ After Her LGBT Support Angers Prayer Breakfast Organizers
By Nick Aspinwall
The president’s breakfast date was canceled at the last minute over her support for the LGBT+ community. Taiwanese internet users weren’t having it.
With New Offensive Weapons Package, Trump Administration Goes All-in for Taiwan
By Bonnie Girard
The sale of new missile systems stretches the concept of “defensive” weaponry to its limit.
Hong Kong Is Still an Irreplaceable Financial Gateway for China
By Simon Shen
Hong Kong is still China’s financial gateway to the world. What happens if the West pulls back?
China’s ‘Secret Weapon’ Against COVID-19 Won’t Work for Post-Pandemic Economic Recovery
By Zhuoran Li
The CCP was able to mobilize its people to fight COVID-19. It's having a harder time convincing Chinese to spend money.
South Korea’s Supreme Court Upholds 17-Year Jail Term for Ex-President Lee
By Associated Press
Lee Myung-bak was convicted of taking bribes before and during his presidency.
China’s Fifth Plenum: What You Need to Know
By Shannon Tiezzi
China's leaders issued a blueprint for the next five years - and beyond. Below, the highlights.
South Korea Holds out Hope for WTO Director-General Role
By Jenna Gibson
It's now a 2-person race for the next WTO head. Can Yoo Myung-hee emerge with the win?
US Approves Sales of Anti-Ship Cruise Missiles to Taiwan
By Steven Stashwick
Truck-mounted Harpoon missiles and other recent sales are aimed at repelling a potential invasion by China.
China Shows Signs of Cracking Down on ‘Silk Road’ Crime
By Sebastian Strangio
The bizarre story of She Zhijiang, who ran a Southeast Asian casino empire while a fugitive from the law in China, demonstrates the limits of Chinese power.
Denuclearization, Diplomacy, and Beyond: North Korea Plans for 2021
By Ankit Panda
Kim Jong Un’s year did not go as planned. What lies ahead for the Korean Peninsula?
North Korea’s Elite Defectors
By Mitch Shin
Despite its avowedly socialist nature, North Korea is governed by a rigid class system – and not all defectors come from the bottom.