By Kenji Watanabe
Covers the politics of the Indo-Pacific, from Washington DC back to Tokyo, Seoul and Taipei.
Hormuz Blockade Threatens Global Food Security, Analysis Shows
A blockade at the Strait of Hormuz would overwhelm land-based alternatives, which can handle only 5% of a single container ship's cargo. Wit
Trump Cites China Meddling Claims to Push Federal Election Takeover
President Donald Trump delivered a primetime address claiming China stole 220 million US voter files. He used the declassified intelligence
Trump's Iran Standoff: No Good Escalation Options Left in Strait of Hormuz
Iran's control over the Strait of Hormuz has left Trump with no viable military escalation options. Despite heavy US bombardments, Iran's mi
China's Desert Mock-Up of US Destroyer Signals Shift in Anti-Carrier Strategy
China has built a detailed 155-meter mock-up of a US Arleigh Burke-class destroyer in the Taklamakan Desert. The facility, completed in six
Trump's Iran Strategy Hits Strategic Dead End in Strait of Hormuz
Trump has resumed airstrikes and a naval blockade against Iran after declaring the June ceasefire over. But military, diplomatic, and econom
Why Iran Finally Shut the Strait of Hormuz After Decades of Bluffing
Iran has struck tankers in the Strait of Hormuz and hit US bases across the Gulf, escalating a conflict with Washington. For decades, Tehran
Arctic Emerges as Key Node in Indo-Pacific Missile Defense Network
The Arctic's geolocation makes it ideal for missile early warning and interception. Russia and China are expanding cooperation, challenging
France's Ukraine Arms Deal Faces Funding and Production Hurdles
France has announced a major arms package for Ukraine, including Rafale fighters and licenses to produce SCALP missiles and Aster 30 interce
US Wartime Buildup Races Against China's Industrial Clock in Indo-Pacific
The US is accelerating its defense industrial base for a potential Indo-Pacific conflict, but a CSIS report highlights persistent weaknesses
Iranian Foreign Minister Mocks Trump's Strait of Hormuz Toll Plan
Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi mocked President Trump's plan to charge a 20% fee for guarding the Strait of Hormuz. Araghchi
Ukraine's Demographic Collapse Dashes Hopes for an Ethnically Pure State
Ukraine's population has plummeted to 22-25 million, with only 6-9 million working-age adults. Kyiv now openly calls for mass migration, und
Why US Military Force Alone Cannot Secure the Strait of Hormuz
Iran's attacks on Gulf vessels in Omani waters have triggered a new cycle of US-Iran escalation. Washington's reliance on punitive airstrike