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March 19, 2024

Hong Kong
Hong Kong’s Freedoms: What China Promised and How It’s Cracking Down

Beijing has tightened its grip on Hong Kong in recent years, dimming hopes that the financial center will ever become a full democracy.

Hong Kong police force a man's arms behind his back, as an officer stands close to the camera, in Hong Kong.
Backgrounder by Lindsay Maizland and Clara Fong

May 3, 2024

Japan
The U.S.-Japan Alliance

The alliance with Japan has been the cornerstone of U.S. security policy in East Asia for decades. Now, Japan’s role in global security is growing as challenges from China and North Korea mount.  …

Former U.S. Defense Secretary Leon Panetta addresses U.S. and Japanese forces at Yokota Air Base outside of Tokyo, October 24, 2011.
Backgrounder by CFR.org Editors

May 7, 2024

Public Health Threats and Pandemics
What Is Avian Flu?

A global surge in avian flu outbreaks in birds and some mammals is worrying poultry farmers, scientists, and health experts. The trend is provoking questions about the future of the disease and globa…

A man is kneeling, surrounded by poultry and farm equipment as he examines a bird on the ground.
Backgrounder by Mariel Ferragamo

February 4, 2005

China
CHINA: Beijing-Hong Kong Tensions

This publication is now archived. What’s the source of current tensions between Beijing and democracy activists in Hong Kong?Hong Kong democracy advocates have been lobbying Beijing to allow greater …

Backgrounder by Esther Pan

December 8, 2005

China
Hong Kong Pushes Beijing Back as Democracy Demands Continue

This publication is now archived. What’s the latest in the political sparring between Hong Kong and China?On December 21, Hong Kong politicians turned down a Beijing-backed proposal to reform Hong Ko…

Backgrounder by Esther Pan

February 8, 2024

Taiwan
Why China-Taiwan Relations Are So Tense

Taiwan has the potential to be a flash point in U.S.-China relations. U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s trip to Taipei in 2022 heightened tensions.

A statue of a Taiwanese soldier looks over the Taiwan straight at a Chinese city.
Backgrounder by Lindsay Maizland

April 17, 2024

Iran
Iran’s Revolutionary Guards

Conceived as the principal defenders of the 1979 revolution, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has evolved into an institution with vast political, economic, and military power.

Members of the Revolutionary Guards attend a parliamentary session in Tehran.
Backgrounder by CFR.org Editors