By Kenji Watanabe
Covers the politics of the Indo-Pacific, from Washington DC back to Tokyo, Seoul and Taipei.
Why Washington Must Prioritize Deterrence in the North Pacific
The North Pacific is a critical but neglected theater linking US homeland defense and Indo-Pacific deterrence. Russia and China are exploiti
Iran Calls Its Counteroffer 'Reasonable' After Trump Rejects Nuclear Deal Proposal
Iran's foreign ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei called Tehran's counteroffer 'reasonable and generous' after President Trump rejected it
Pakistan's Fatah-3 Missile Could Extend Chinese Reach to Gulf
Pakistan unveiled the Fatah-3 supersonic cruise missile, its first operational system of this type, potentially narrowing India's BrahMos ad
Trump-Xi Summit Reflects US Strategic Drift, Not China's Ambition
The Trump-Xi summit in Beijing highlights US strategic drift in the Indo-Pacific, not China's rising ambition. Regional allies face transact
When the World's Greatest Power Can't Win: The Iran Lesson for Asia
The US confrontation with Iran reveals a paradox: military supremacy without political victory. This has reshaped calculations from Beijing
Ukraine War Strains Putin's Grip as Public Complaints Mount
Russia's inability to secure a quick victory in Ukraine has sparked unusually harsh public criticism of President Vladimir Putin's leadershi
Iran Uses Petroyuan Tariffs in Strait of Hormuz to Reshape Global Energy Trade
Iran is introducing tariffs in Chinese yuan for vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz, potentially generating $40-50 billion annually. Thi
Drones and Ancient Revolutions: Lessons from the Chariot and Composite Bow
The drone revolution in modern warfare echoes ancient military innovations like the chariot and composite bow. These historical parallels of
Khalilur Rahman: The Architect of Bangladesh's Strategic Ambiguity
Khalilur Rahman has become Bangladesh's most durable diplomat, surviving transitions from interim to elected government. His ability to bala
US-Japan Missile Drills Turn Philippines Into Forward Base in Pacific Rivalry
US and Japanese forces fired live missiles from Philippine soil for the first time during Balikatan exercises. The drills underscore Manila'
Iran's Millennia of Resistance: A Civilization Unbowed by Foreign Threats
Iran has never been colonized, despite invasions from Greeks, Arabs, Mongols, and Western powers. This deep-rooted resilience shapes its res
Rubio's 'Economic Nuke' Warning Exposes Flaw in US Hormuz Strategy
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio correctly identified Iran's control of the Strait of Hormuz as an 'economic nuclear weapon.' However, the