Threats to peace and stability are never far from the surface in Northeast Asia, as North Korea’s recent satellite rocket launch and third nuclear test demonstrated. But with new leaders taking power almost simultaneously in China, Japan and South Korea, and the US determined to maintain its influence in Asia, could a new Cold War be on the horizon?
The current wholesale leadership transition across Northeast Asia comes at a time of renewed tension over North Korea's belligerence, China's more aggressive posture and the American “pivot” toward Asia. By Gilbert Rozman
The many leadership changes that took place in East Asia over the last year or so have broad implications for peace and stability. If the leaders get it right, the future looks good, but potential conflict is not far from the surface. By Takashi Inoguchi
After two years of preparations and secret maneuvering, China has now ushered in its new leadership — the ‘fifth generation’ to rule the nation since 1949. By David Shambaugh
The recent changes in leadership in Northeast Asia could lead in two very different directions — one peaceful, one not — depending on how foreign policy unfolds in different capitals. By Joon Hyung Kim
Why, with the launch of a satellite rocket and a third nuclear test, did Kim Jong Un jeopardize relations with so many incoming leaders in the region? By Haksoon Paik
North Korea’s nuclear test on Feb. 12 set off a predictable cascade of international criticism and calls for stiffer sanctions, but the US should engage North Korea diplomatically and also reassure China about its intentions. By Leon V. Sigal
As Shinzo Abe takes over as Japan's new prime minister, the country is facing a rapidly changing geopolitical landscape in Asia, one that requires bolder steps than previous Japanese governments have been willing to take. By Jonathan Berkshire Miller
Authoritarian Russia has embarked on its own “pivot” toward authoritarian China. But the dynamic between Russia’s faltering system and China’s rapid rise to power are complex. By Lilia Shevtsova
US strategists aim to check or reduce the rapidly increasing influence and power of China in the Asia-Pacific region, and block the possibility that a China-centered trading bloc will emerge that excludes the US. By Wang Yong
China can join the TPP at any time, if it sees a reason to do so. Although China once complained that it had yet to receive an “invitation” to the TPP, the fact is that any member of the APEC forum is entitled to join. By Takashi Terada
Japan's broadband infrastructure is among the best in the world, but a combination of cultural, business and regulatory factors have kept the country from realizing its online potential. By Andy Yee.
The US is touting the TPP as a way to foster greater economic integration and propel growth for members. But it excludes China and could lead Beijing to develop its own Sino-centric trade bloc. By Inkyo Cheong
The efforts to craft a Code of Conduct for all parties involved are key to ensuring that the South China Sea disputes don't escalate into armed conflict. By Mark J. Valencia
The announcement by newly-elected Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe that he might consider visiting the Yasukuni Shrine has reignited controversy. By Jennifer Lind
In recent years, drug dealing and smuggling have become a countrywide problem as both external terrorists and domestic extremists use drugs to fund their operations. By Saroj Kumar Rath
Lessons from the earlier crisis provided the foundations for recovery this time around, writes Shalendra D. Sharma.
For many young democracies, economic issues create political fault lines. But in Taiwan, the politics of national identity defined the early democratic period and helped bring down the ruling KMT. By Yu-Shan Wu
Over the past decade or so, Taiwan's growth in personal income has slowed considerably and the Taiwanese economic miracle has begun to fade. The key to reviving the economy lies in promoting Taiwan’s long neglected services sector. By Tain-Jy Chen
Taiwanese President Ma Ying-jeou's policy of greater economic integration with mainland China, as well as Beijing's softer approach to cross-Strait relations, have helped revive Taiwan's beleaguered economy. By Yun-han Chu
Hugh White's The China Choice: Why America Should Share Power has raised a hullabaloo in international relations circles — and deservedly so. By Mark J. Valencia
Short reviews of China Goes Global: The Partial Power by David Shambaugh; From the Ruins of Empire: The Intellectuals Who Remade Asia by Pankaj Mishra, etc. By John Delury