By Kenji Watanabe
Covers the politics of the Indo-Pacific, from Washington DC back to Tokyo, Seoul and Taipei.
Pakistan's Mediation Gamble: Can Islamabad Bridge the US-Iran Divide?
Pakistan has brokered a ceasefire between the US and Iran, but its role as mediator faces steep hurdles. Washington's maximalist demands and
Bangladesh's Paramilitary Force Cannot Be Fixed by a New Name
Bangladesh's interim government proposes renaming the Rapid Action Battalion to shed its toxic reputation. But the force's history of extraj
Greenlanders Protest US Consulate Opening, Reject Trump's Ambitions
Hundreds of Greenlanders protested the opening of a new US consulate in Nuuk, chanting 'Go home' and 'No means no.' Prime Minister Jens-Fred
US Aircraft Losses Over Iran Raise Questions About Pacific Air Superiority Against China
The US has lost or damaged 42 aircraft in Operation Epic Fury against Iran, including fighters, tankers, and drones. The losses highlight vu
Xi Jinping Lectures Trump on Hubris and the Thucydides Trap
Chinese President Xi Jinping used Trump's Beijing visit to lecture him on avoiding the Thucydides trap, blaming strategic miscalculation rat
Pakistan's Saudi Deployment Signals Gulf Security Shift
Pakistan has reportedly sent 8,000 troops, JF-17 fighters, drones, and HQ-9 air defense systems to Saudi Arabia under a confidential 2025 mu
Turkey's Yildirimhan ICBM Reveal Signals Nuclear Deterrence Ambitions Beyond NATO
Turkey showcased the Yildirimhan ICBM at Istanbul's SAHA 2026 expo, claiming a 6,000 km range. Analysts see the move as a signal of nuclear
Cuba's Drone Buildup with Russian, Chinese, and Iranian Backing Raises US Alarm in the Caribbean
Cuba has acquired over 300 drones since 2023 with Russian and Iranian support, raising fears for US security in the Caribbean. US officials
Trump's Taiwan Remark Exposes US Strategic Gap in Asia
Trump called Taiwan a 'place' and said he is 'neutral' on its security. The remark exposes the US strategic gap in the First Island Chain. B
China's Missile Expansion Reshapes Taiwan Contingency Planning
China's missile production has accelerated sharply, with 81 listed firms supplying components in 2025. The PLA Rocket Force arsenal grew by
AI Governance Goes Live: From Pentagon Targeting to Virtual Ministers
The US Pentagon's Maven system processed over 5,000 targeting recommendations daily during the Iran conflict. Albania has appointed a virtua
Bangladesh's $2.8 Billion Padma Barrage: A Bet on Self-Sufficiency as Ganges Treaty Nears Expiry
Bangladesh has approved the $2.8 billion Padma Barrage to store monsoon water, a tacit admission that diplomacy with India has failed to sec