East Asia

Veteran Japan watcher Karel van Wolferen talks to The Diplomat about the fall of Hatoyama and what to expect from Naoto Kan.

The latest NPT review had interesting implications for Asia’s nuclear security. But securing binding agreements was tough.

And will Kim’s successors play his brinkmanship games? The Diplomat asks Asia analyst Adam Ward at the Shangri-la Dialogue.

Young voters helped deliver South Korea’s ruling party a wake up call. And a rebuke for playing up the Cheonan incident.

…anytime soon, says Loren Thompson. It’s a long way from having its own version of the F-22 fighter to challenge the US.

Don’t expect a tough Chinese line on Iran’s nuclear efforts. Burgeoning trade will keep calls for harsher sanctions in check.

As North Korea warns of war, Patrick Cronin asks if Pyongyang hardliners are trying to scupper their own country’s diplomacy.

European nations are making a mistake courting China, says John Lee. To maintain relevance they need to align with the US.

The Six-Party Talks are looking hopeless, says Minxin Pei. It’s time for policymakers to start planning for the worst. Now.

Chinese policymakers are looking for a change of behavior in North Korea, not in its regime, argues Richard Weitz.

The Chinese navy has been throwing its weight around in East Asia. A US Navy commander asks how much longer the US can do anything about it.

Last week’s state visit to China by Nicolas Sarkozy was another sign of improved Franco-Sino ties, says Richard Weitz.