Region
East Asia
Japan’s Surge in COVID-19 Infections Threatens To Derail Healthcare System
By Thisanka Siripala
Overstretched emergency rooms struggle to treat a growing number of coronavirus inpatients.
Would China Use Nuclear Weapons First in a War With the United States?
By Gregory Kulacki
Recent American statements on Chinese nuclear weapons policy merit closer scrutiny.
Low-Tech Japan Challenged in Working From Home Amid Pandemic
By Associated Press
Many Japanese firms rely too much on the physical workspace, making adapting to the pandemic challenging.
African Countries Respond to Guangzhou’s ‘Anti-Epidemic Measures’
By Eleanor Albert
Widespread reports of racism against Africans put China into damage control mode.
China’s Diplomats Show Teeth in Defending Virus Response
By Associated Press
Chinese envoys have taken to using sharper language overseas.
Missile Investments Are Needed to Meet China’s Nuclear Challenge
By Richard D. Fisher, Jr.
Convincing China to agree to nuclear limitation agreements will require investments in American forces.
Casino-Heavy Macau Looks to End COVID-Induced Slowdown
By Jason Hung
Macau should start to lift border restrictions in order to boost its tourist-dependent economy.
South Korean Soccer League Season Set to Kick Off on May 8
By Associated Press
The league will be imposing strict social-distancing regulations for players on and off the field, but games will start May 8.
Why China’s Propaganda Efforts So Often Backfire
By Jo Kim
An obsession with finding enemies and uniting the front makes it difficult to “tell China’s story well.”
Covering All the Bases: How Taiwan Opened Its Baseball Season Amid COVID-19
By Bo-jiun Jing
Taiwan is one of the few countries still playing live sports. Here’s how its pro baseball league made that happen.
COVID-19 Is a Test for World Leaders. So Far, Japan’s Abe Is Failing.
By Jeff Kingston
The pandemic has exposed feeble leadership on the part of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.
What South Korea Thinks About the Kim Jong Un Health Rumors
By Jenna Gibson
While Seoul was quick to downplay the possibility, search trends and stock markets showed a fascination with the rumor that Kim was in critical condition.