Region
East Asia
What’s Behind North Korea’s Missile Testing?
By Liang Tuang Nah
The recent barrage of missile tests by North Korea is part political signaling, but it also has clear military and economic motivations.
North Korea Announces Ruling Party Plenary Meeting for Late December 2019
By Ankit Panda
The plenary meeting may coincide with a major policy decision by Kim Jong Un on diplomacy with the United States.
Technical Problems, Slowing Economy Cut China’s Carrier Ambitions
By Steven Stashwick
Plans to build more than four aircraft carriers apparently put on hold.
Hong Kong’s Carrie Lam Fears Violence Is on Upswing Again
By Associated Press
The chief executive says a new U.S. law and continuing violence will harm the economy.
Kim Jong Un‘s End-of-2019 Deadline Approaches: What Lies on the Other Side?
By Ankit Panda
The failure of U.S. engagement with North Korea in 2019 may manifest in a new crisis in 2020.
Bethany Allen-Ebrahimian: What the ‘China Cables’ Tell Us About Xinjiang
By Shannon Tiezzi
The takeaways from and significance of a trove of leaked Chinese government documents on Xinjiang.
Bonnie Glaser on the Future of US-China Relations, Taiwan, and Indo-Pacific Strategy
By Shannon Tiezzi, Juan Zhang, andRob La Terza
“I’m not very optimistic about the U.S.-China bilateral relationship in the near term…There are multiple conflicts of interest between the two countries.”
Imagery Suggests China Deployed Surveillance Aerostat to Mischief Reef in South China Sea
By Ankit Panda
The deployment would mark a first in the South China Sea.
North Korean Official: Up to United States What ‘Christmas Gift’ It Receives
By Ankit Panda
The warning may foreshadow further missile testing or another demonstration before the end of the year.
4 Lessons for India From China’s October 2019 Military Parade
By Suyash Desai
China’s October 1, 2019, demonstration of military might bears lessons for New Delhi.
Korea Wakes up to the Deadly Consequences of Spy Cams and Cyberbullying
By Jenna Gibson
Three high-profile deaths in Korea reignite discussions around privacy, prosecution, and mental health.
Pope Francis Preaches Anti-Nuke Message in First Japan Visit in 38 Years
By Thisanka Siripala
Pope Francis brought recognition to Japan’s “hidden” Christians while bearing pro-refugee and anti-nuclear messages of peace.