As an Asia-focused tech and human rights journalist, I’ve found the TikTok debate has become far too polarized. There only seem to be two options: one, unilaterally ban or force a sale of TikTok, or allow it unfettered access to users in democracies around the world. To me, the idea of any democratic government essentially … Read more
Amid escalating climate concerns and pressing environmental challenges, South Asia stands at a critical juncture. Recent initiatives, such as commitments forged at COP28 and ongoing efforts to combat air pollution, underscore the region’s steadfast commitment to steering toward a sustainable future. Internationally, endeavors persist to ensure coherence between last year’s COP28, this year’s COP29 in … Read more
Few weeks are as historic in the shared history of Japan, the Philippines, and the United States as this one. The focus this week will be on these countries’ three leaders — Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio, U.S. President Joe Biden, and Philippine President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr. — and their summit in Washington. But … Read more
China has long held a key position in the global electronics supply chain, from manufacturing of iPhones to home appliances. However, in recent years, some electronics manufacturers have diversified the geographic distribution of their production capacity in response to rising costs and geopolitical uncertainty, a trend that was accelerated by COVID-related supply chain disruptions. The … Read more
A “historic” visit will take place, according to the U.S. Deputy Secretary of State, when President Joe Biden hosts Japan’s Prime Minister Kishida Fumio for a state visit on April 10. During the second such state visit since 2015, Kishida will, at the urging of a bipartisan group of Senators, speak at a joint session … Read more
More deaths at sea, another capsized boat and more tragedy. This time it is Rohingya fleeing either persecution in Myanmar or unlivable conditions in makeshift camps outside the country. Seventy deaths and counting from the latest incident alone. The trendline for Rohingya escaping on boats to head for places like Indonesia or Australia is showing … Read more
A treaty to address crimes against humanity globally has been under discussion for a decade. Next week in New York, states have a key opportunity to move towards turning it into a reality, and those from the Asia-Pacific region have a crucial role to play. The general need for this treaty is beyond doubt. No … Read more
U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo and Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin met in Thailand this month to discuss ways to strengthen Thailand-United States commercial relations, highlighting potential collaboration on semiconductors, clean energy, and sustainability, including cooperation on civil nuclear energy and electric vehicles. Earlier in March, Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and … Read more
Since January 2022 the Kyrgyz government has been considering the construction of a nuclear power plant (NPP) as a means to address the country’s growing energy needs. At the time, then-Kyrgyz Minister of Energy Doskul Bekmurzaev (later in 2022 he was charged with abuse of power and dismissed) and the general director of Rosatom, the Russian … Read more
When I talk with foreign friends in Beijing, some of them mention that they are increasingly confused about China’s foreign policy. Does China want to change the status quo in the Asia-Pacific? Is China using Europe as a bargaining chip with the United States? How did “wolf warrior” diplomacy come about? Their questions are interesting … Read more