East Asia

Naoto Kan’s days as premier look numbered, says veteran Japan watcher Karel van Wolferen. But who comes next is much less clear.

Does a cash-strapped US face a Cold War redux as China encourages it to ramp up defence spending? Boosting alliances is the way to respond, says Brad Glosserman.

Despite its growing military and economic power, Russia doesn’t see China as a threat. The potential chaos in Central Asia is another matter.

Next week, Chinese students take the national college entrance exam. It’s the soul-destroying culmination of years of study. And as good as it gets.

Is the talk around the port of Gwadar a sign that China is considering a string of pearls strategy? Anti-air missile batteries will be the first sign.

Talks between the US and Chinese militaries can be great. But dialogue can also reduce trust over maritime differences as well boosting it.

The hundreds of North Koreans escaping into China each year are facing ever tougher border controls. Those caught face imprisonment and torture.

September 11 distracted the United States from China’s rise. Without the attacks, China wouldn’t be where it is today, says Frank Ching.

Are economics trumping non-proliferation concerns for Chinese officials dealing with Iran and North Korea? A new UN report suggests maybe.

With the Communist Party leadership transition coming next year, China’s leaders are nervous about anything that could stoke instability.

As public opinion turns against nuclear power in Asia’s democracies, could China step in and grab some extra strategic clout in the process?

Massively indebted, Japan needs new funds to pay for recovery efforts and kick-start its economy. It’s time to be innovative.