East Asia
Suspected Nuclear Expansion in North Korea and its Strategic Implications
New evidence suggests the development of additional nuclear facilities, raising concerns over North Korea’s growing capabilities.
China and Spain Strengthen Ties Midst War in the Middle East
A look into how Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez’s visit to China represents a larger trend of international unification against the war in Iran.
Kim Jong Un’s Teenage Daughter Joins Military Drill Amid Succession Conversations
South Korean intelligence agency receives insider information about Kim Jong Un’s Succession.
Energy Shocks and Economic Vulnerability in East Asia
Rising oil prices driven by Middle East tensions are exposing structural vulnerabilities across East Asian economies
China Sanctions Japanese Lawmaker Over Taiwan Ties, Deepening Tensions With Tokyo
Beijing’s sanctions on Keiji Furuya highlight how Taiwan is becoming an even more sensitive flashpoint in China-Japan relations and regional security politics.
Protests in South Korea Over Trump’s Request For Aid in the Middle East
South Korean protesters crowd the US Embassy in Seoul to push back against possible deployment of Korean naval soldiers to the Middle East.
Japan Seeks US Backing Ahead of Trump’s China Talks
In their March White House summit, Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi urged US President Donald Trump to publicly commend Japan amid tense relations with China, a request that Trump agreed to honor during his upcoming talks with Xi Jinping.
North Korea’s Missile Tests and Escalating Security Tensions in East Asia
Missile tests and military exercises are reinforcing a cycle of tension in East Asia
Strait of Hormuz Closure and the Resulting Effects on Japan’s Energy Supply
Iran’s closure of the Strait of Hormuz following the US-Israel attacks have had disastrous repercussions for Japan’s supply of oil.
Rising Tensions Between China and Japan: Taiwan, Security, and Economic Fallout
Political tensions over Taiwan are beginning to reshape diplomatic relations and economic exchanges between China and Japan.
After Trump’s ‘Dry in the U.S.’ remark, South Korea’s nuclear submarine debate reignites entirely
South Korea’s options are becoming more complex as variables from the United States emerge in the discussions that were conducted on the premise of low-enriched uranium.
Japan PM Takaichi: "Defense Spending to Reach 2% of GDP Two Years Ahead of Schedule"
The new Prime Minister of Japan signals a sharp turn in security policy in the midst of rising security tensions with China and North Korea.
Soybeans at the Heart of Codependency: Food Security and Market Loss
Amid rising tensions with the U.S., China accelerates soybean imports from South America, reviving fears of long-term market loss among American farmers.
U.S.-South Korea Joint Military Exercise Prompts Threats from North Korea
Thursday, April 17: The semiannual joint “Freedom Flag” exercise between the U.S. and South Korea is set to begin today amidst tensions on the Korean Peninsula.
Bank of Japan Holds Rates at 0.5% amid Global Uncertainty
The Bank of Japan (BOJ) held its short-term interest rate at 0.5% in its March 19 meeting. The decision was widely expected, reflecting the central bank’s cautious approach as U.S. trade policies and a slowing Chinese economy weigh on Japan’s outlook.
TSMC’s Tightrope: Navigating Silicon Supremacy amid U.S.-China Rivalry
As geopolitical tension escalates, TSMC is expanding overseas while reaffirming its domestic roots. Caught between American pressure and Taiwanese interests, the chipmaker must balance global ambition with its role as Taiwan’s silicon shield.
The Implications of the China-U.S. Tariff Battle
Global markets have been shaken this past week by a tariff tit-for-tat between the U.S. and China, as both countries engage in what has been described by Chinese officials as a “fight to the end.” This tariff war is unique as President Donald Trump reversed the majority of his “reciprocal tariffs” on dozens of other countries—keeping a universal 10% on all imports to the U.S.—while elevating those against China due to a perceived “lack of respect” at the country’s decision to retaliate.
South Korea Removes its President Democratically — but Bigger Crises Loom
Yoon Suk-yeol’s ousting marks a victory for democratic checks and balances, but unresolved policy gridlock, economic uncertainty, and deepening social divides leave South Korea at a crossroads ahead of the June snap election.
North Korea Launches Missiles in Response to U.S.-South Korea Military Drills
North Korea's recent ballistic missile launches, coinciding with the U.S.-South Korea military drills, reflects its ongoing strategy of military escalation in response to perceived threats. With advancements in missile precision and solid-fuel technology, the tests pose new security challenges
China’s Parliamentary Session Begins: Main Foreign Policy Takeaways
Yesterday marked the start of China’s 14th National People’s Congress (NPC) in Beijing, a week-long meeting attended by top Chinese Communist Party (CCP) leadership including Chinese President Xi Jinping, the Politburo Standing Committee, and over 3,000 delegates from across the country. The session, also known as Two Sessions, is a means for top leadership to convey decisions about the priorities of the CCP for the next year, including economic and foreign policy decisions.