East Asia

Those trying to understand China’s naval ambitions should be wary of the tacticization of strategy. Sea power isn’t just about the latest hardware.

The cooling of China’s real estate sector is good for the economy. But the government is right to be worried about the social consequences of the bubble bursting.

Will North Korea ever abandon its nuclear program? And who is it helping acquire weapons? The Diplomat speaks with leading North Korea analyst Mark Fitzpatrick.

The relocation of U.S. forces was already a thorny issue in Japanese politics. But insensitive remarks by a government official have made things far worse.

Kim Jong-il’s regime seems to respond better to the carrot than the stick. The United States and others could try walking in Kim’s shoes as they look to reduce tensions.

China’s rapid economic advances over the past three decades are undeniable. But as social pressures build, is the country set to relive the trauma of America’s Gilded Age?

Better use of the U.S. Air Force is the most cost-effective and flexible approach to boosting the American presence in the Asia-Pacific.

South Korea’s patriarchal society has often pressured victims of sexual crimes to keep quiet. But a blockbuster movie revealing the abuse of children could help change this.

China can’t be expected to lead a rescue of Europe’s teetering economy. But as the risk of pain in Asia grows, some kind of concerted effort is looking essential.

The idea that Chinese strategists are too limited in their thinking to have a world-straddling navy is misplaced, argues James Holmes.

The best approach to China’s increased maritime assertiveness is to reinforce U.S. military alliances in Asia. It’s the most cost-effective way, too.

If Russia is going to have real influence in the Asia-Pacific it needs to show that it’s interested in working with Asia, not against it. But is it an opportunity or a threat?