Hong Kong TheStarsHub — One of the world’s most densely populated cities might seem an unlikely refuge for endangered wildlife. But behind the concrete jungle of Hong Kong, where more than 7 million people mingle in a 430 square mile area home to more skyscrapers than New York city, lies one of the last holdouts … Read more
Advertisement A recent flurry of Chinese diplomatic initiatives in the Middle East seems to be drawing countries closer to Beijing’s orbit while chipping away at the United States regional influence. Some analysts have gone as far as to suggest that a “Pax Sinica” is emerging in the region. But Middle Eastern countries are not necessarily … Read more
Advertisement During his keynote address at the China-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Summit in December 2022, Chinese President Xi Jinping noted his trip to Saudi Arabia heralded a “new era” in the China-Arab partnership and invited the Gulf states to join the Global Security Initiative (GSI) “in a joint effort to uphold regional peace and stability.” … Read more
Advertisement Japan and South Korea are finally emerging from their long diplomatic stalemate. In a surprise move, Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio will make a two-day visit to Seoul starting on May 7 to meet with President Yoon Suk-yeol. This is a reciprocal trip, coming less than two months after Yoon’s trip to Tokyo in … Read more
Tokyo TheStarsHub — A police officer was found dead in the grounds of the Japanese Prime Minister’s official residence early Friday morning, according to Tokyo Metropolitan Police, who are investigating the incident as a possible suicide. Prime Minister Fumio Kishida was not at the residence when a fellow police officer found the 25-year-old man in … Read more
Advertisement Europe’s reliance on Russian oil and gas pales in comparison to the United States’ dependence on China for critical minerals. Amid heightened technology competition and a global push toward green energy, China’s dominance of the critical mineral supply chain presents the United States with an unsustainable strategic vulnerability. The United States should cooperate with … Read more
Seoul, South Korea TheStarsHub — For years, South Korea’s biggest annual LGBTQ pride celebration has been held in the same grassy square in central Seoul, which fills up with performers and joyful participants decked out in rainbow costumes. But this year, the Seoul Queer Culture Festival (SQCF) has been turned away from the venue, which … Read more
Asia Defense | Security | East Asia As Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia move to deepen relations with Taiwan, they also have a lot to offer in terms of civil defense cooperation. People rehearse a rescue operation in a damaged building during a civil raid drill in Taipei, Taiwan, Thursday, May 4, 2023. Credit: AP Photo/Chiang Ying-ying Advertisement In recent … Read more
The Koreas | Politics | East Asia Pyongyang has been publishing belligerent statements slamming the South Korea-U.S. summit – and is eagerly seizing on South Korean criticisms for its own advantage. South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol (right) and first lady Kim Keon-hee (not pictured) arrive at Blair House in Washington D.C. on April 24, 2023. Credit: Office of the … Read more
Advertisement President Joe Biden will use this week’s celebratory state visit by South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol to underscore that the United States is ready to step up its efforts to deter a North Korean attack on South Korea, according to the White House. Biden will announce specific new nuclear deterrence efforts as well as … Read more