By Kenji Watanabe
Covers the politics of the Indo-Pacific, from Washington DC back to Tokyo, Seoul and Taipei.
Taiwan's KMT Offers US a Diplomatic Off-Ramp from Cross-Strait Conflict
Taiwan's Kuomintang opposition leader Cheng Li-wun met Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing, proposing cooperation over confrontation. Th
US Navy's Next-Gen Fighter Competition Tests Carrier Aviation's Future Against China
The US Navy will select a builder for its next-generation F/A-XX carrier-based fighter in August. The program is central to maintaining the
US and China Compete to Build Fusion Energy Supply Chains, Forcing European Choice
The strategic rivalry between the United States and China has expanded into the race for fusion energy, a potential source of limitless clea
US Counterterrorism Strategy in Flux Amid Rising Threats and Asian Security Concerns
A series of domestic attacks in March has highlighted US counterterrorism vulnerabilities. White House adviser Sebastian Gorka has repeatedl
China's Drone-Launched Mines Could Encircle Taiwan and Entangle US Forces
China's military is developing a strategy to deploy autonomous underwater drones for offensive minelaying in key regional sea lanes. The pla
India's INS Aridhaman Submarine Bolsters Credible Sea-Based Nuclear Deterrent
India has commissioned its third nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine, INS Aridhaman, advancing its sea-based nuclear deterrent. The
Ukraine's Ground Robots Capture Russian Position in Historic First
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced that ground robots captured a Russian position, a first in the war. The milestone highlight
Iran Rejects New Talks with US, Citing Trump's 'Erratic' Threats and Naval Confrontation
Iran has declared it will not negotiate with the US, labeling President Trump's behavior as 'erratic' following his threat to destroy the co
Hormuz Blockade Raises Stakes Ahead of Trump-Xi Summit
A US naval blockade of the Strait of Hormuz has escalated Persian Gulf tensions, directly challenging China's oil imports from Iran. The div
Lee Jae-myung's India Visit Tests a Strategic Partnership at a Crossroads
President Lee Jae-myung's three-day visit to India marks a critical moment for bilateral ties amid shifting regional dynamics. The partnersh
Iran Reopens Strait of Hormuz Following Israel-Lebanon Ceasefire, US Maintains Naval Blockade
Iran announced the full reopening of the Strait of Hormuz to international shipping following a ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon. Former
Israel-Lebanon Ceasefire: Fragile Truce Masks Ongoing Conflict and Hormuz Tensions
Israel announced a ten-day ceasefire with Lebanon after weeks of bombardments that killed over 2,000 people. Iran declared the Strait of Hor