East Asia - The Diplomat

As Blinken Heads to China, What's on the Agenda?

By Matthew Lee

China's support for Russia will be a primary topic, along with war in the Middle East and tensions over Taiwan and the South China Sea.

Indo-Pacific Deployment 2024 Highlights Japan's Naval Diplomacy

By Andrew Orchard

The Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force's naval diplomacy mission has expanded to meet foreign policy needs.

Taiwan Is Indispensable in Preparing for Future Pandemics

By Hsueh Jui-yuan

As the WHO debates a new global health governance framework, Taiwan is left out of the discussion - to the detriment of future antipandemic efforts.

RIP, SSF: Unpacking the PLA's Latest Restructuring

By Ying Yu Lin and Tzu-Hao Liao

The Strategic Support Force is no more, and its functions are being separated into three separate arms: the Aerospace Force, Cyberspace Force, and Information Support Force.

Top Chinese General Takes Harsh Line on Taiwan, Other Disputes at International Naval Gathering

By Ng Han Guan and Christopher Bodeen

Central Military Commission Vice Chair Zhang Youxia said China's territorial sovereignty "brooks no infringement" and "cannot be challenged."

1 Dead, 7 Missing After 2 JMSDF Helicopters Crash in the Pacific Ocean

By Takahashi Kosuke

Japan's minister of defense said the cause was still being investigated, but called a mid-air collision a "high possibility."

The Complex Geopolitics of Mongolia's Language Reform

By Sumiya Chuluunbaatar

It has been almost 80 years since Mongolia switched to using the Cyrillic alphabet. Why is the government now promoting the traditional bichig script?

Leadership Shift in the House China Select Committee Could Cripple Congress' Anti-China Momentum

By Jiachen Shi

Representative Mike Gallagher's surprise resignation will create a leadership vacuum in the House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party, which he chaired.

The Japan-US Security Upgrade

By Mercy A. Kuo

Insights from Naoko Aoki.

Reconcept­ualizing Asia's Security Challenges

By Jean Dong

Conventional wisdom suggests that economic development driven by a hegemonic power leads to economic prosperity and peace. That may no longer be true.

Japan and North Korea Need to Start a New Chapter

By ISOZAKI Atsuhito

Can the leaders of the two countries part ways with their respective predecessors?

Hong Kong and the Safeguarding National Security Bill

By KURATA Toru

What comes next?