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Asia Unbound

CFR fellows and other experts assess the latest issues emerging in Asia today.

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President Joe Biden, Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, and President Yoon Suk-yeol (left to right) at the May 2023 G7 Summit in Hiroshima, Japan.
President Joe Biden, Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, and President Yoon Suk-yeol (left to right) at the May 2023 G7 Summit in Hiroshima, Japan. Official White House Photo by Cameron Smith
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The North Korean and Chinese Threats Are Growing. But so Is the Trilateral Response.

by Sue Mi Terry May 28, 2024

With renewed support from Russia and China, there are fears that a North Korean crisis is coming. In light of this, the trilateral security relationship among the United States, Japan, and South Korea has reached a new level of cooperation. Read More

Vietnam
As Vuong Dinh Hue Resigns, Vietnamese Politics Get Even Messier
Resignations in Vietnam’s top political leadership have exposed widespread societal corruption and prompted a succession crisis for the party. 
Blog Post by Joshua Kurlantzick May 1, 2024 Asia Unbound
Singapore
Singapore’s New Prime Minister Lawrence Wong Faces Challenges From Day One
After two decades in office, Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong will pass the baton to the ruling party’s chosen successor, who faces a complex geopolitical environment and growing challenges to the party’s leadership at home.
Blog Post by Joshua Kurlantzick April 25, 2024 Asia Unbound
China
Numbers of Visitors to China Rises From Pandemic-Era Lows
International arrivals to China seem to be picking back up as Beijing seeks to use tourism to boost its stagnating domestic economy.
Blog Post by Carl Minzner April 25, 2024 Asia Unbound
  • China
    China’s Battle Against Air Pollution: An Update
    Although China seems to have continued improving air quality during the Covid era, it is premature to celebrate the end of its war against pollution.
    Blog Post by Yanzhong Huang April 24, 2024 Asia Unbound
  • Myanmar
    The Bottom Is Falling Out for Myanmar’s Junta
    The Myanmar army is experiencing a rapid rise in defections and military losses, posing questions about the continued viability of the junta’s grip on power.
    Blog Post by Joshua Kurlantzick April 22, 2024 Asia Unbound
  • Japan
    Prime Minister Kishida’s Tour de Force
    The highlights from Kishida Fumio's busy week in Washington.
    Blog Post by Sheila A. Smith April 15, 2024 Asia Unbound
  • United States
    The U.S.-Japan-Philippines Trilateral Was a Success, but Other Southeast Asian States Are Unlikely to Follow
    The success of the U.S.-Japan-Philippines trilateral summit underscored the Joe Biden administration’s dedication to building partnerships in the Indo-Pacific, but Southeast Asian nations are less interested.
    Blog Post by Joshua Kurlantzick April 12, 2024 Asia Unbound
  • Myanmar
    Myanmar’s Military is Facing Defeat Amid Civil War
    Myanmar’s military faced a significant loss in the town of Myawaddy, bordering Thailand, this week.
    Blog Post by Joshua Kurlantzick April 10, 2024 Asia Unbound
  • Vietnam
    Vietnamese Politics Tries to Pretend its Placid—But It’s Not
    The Vietnamese government tries to project an air of stability and competency, but recent corruption scandals and a looming succession crisis have tarnished the leadership’s image.
    Blog Post by Joshua Kurlantzick April 8, 2024 Asia Unbound
  • Supply Chains
    U.S.-South Korea Policy Coordination on Supply Chain Resiliency
    On November 28, 2023, the Council on Foreign Relations’ program on U.S.-Korea Policy held an in-person workshop on U.S.-South Korea policy coordination toward China on supply chain resiliency. 
    Blog Post by Jennifer Ahn April 2, 2024 Asia Unbound