By Kenji Watanabe
Covers the politics of the Indo-Pacific, from Washington DC back to Tokyo, Seoul and Taipei.
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
US Congressional Probe Targets Jared Kushner's Gulf Investments and Diplomatic Role
A senior US Democrat has launched a sweeping investigation into Jared Kushner's financial ties to Gulf sovereign wealth funds. The probe cen
Russia Threatens European Drone Suppliers to Ukraine, Raising Escalation Fears
Russia's Security Council deputy chair Dmitry Medvedev warned that European companies producing drones for Ukraine are now potential militar
Beyond the Headlines: Why Israel-Lebanon Ceasefire Fails to Guarantee Peace
A ten-day ceasefire has been announced following weeks of Israeli bombardment in southern Lebanon that killed over 2,000 and displaced one m
US Drone Incursions Surge: Cartels, Hezbollah Ties, and Military Gaps
In 2025, the US tracked 34,000 drone incursions along the southern border, a sharp increase from 2024. Mexican cartels, linked to Hezbollah,