East Asia
Chinese Americans Fired in Semiconductor Industry Exodus
On Oct. 13, in response to the new restrictions announced by the US Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) on the export to China of advanced semiconductors, chip-making equipment, and supercomputer components, major Chinese technology companies suspended large waves of their American employees.
South Korea President Yoon Suk Yeol’s Backward Step For Gender Equality
In alignment with his campaign promise, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol has announced his push towards abolishing a Gender Equality Ministry.
US Politicians Question China’s Status As A “Developing Country”
The US Senate put forward a proposed amendment on Sept. 21 calling for China not to be treated as a developing country and voted 96-0 in favor of the amendment. “The People’s Republic of China is not a developing country, and the United Nations and other intergovernmental organizations should not treat the PRC as such,” said Dan Sullivan, a senator from Alaska, in his remarks prior to the vote.
North Korea Threatens Preemptive Strike If Threatened: Should The West be Concerned?
Speaking at a massive military parade commemorating the 90th founding anniversary of the Korean People’s Revolutionary Army, Kim Jong Un emphasized the importance of nuclear weapons
What do rising tensions in the Asia-Pacific mean for China?
Tensions in the Asia-Pacific region continued to rise after AUKUS members released a joint statement noting their intentions to develop hypersonic weapons.
Korean Obsession Over College and the Fall of Cho's Family
Alongside the tough power transition from President Moon to President-elect Yoon, Korean society is experiencing a side-effect of its obsession with college.
Korea's new Blue House and the dawn of an uneasy transition
South Korea is going through a particularly tough transition of power for the future government due to various matters, including the move of the Blue House, which is Korea’s counterpart of the United States’ White House.
Meeting of high-ranking Chinese and Indian officials shows hope for cooperation, with reservations
The foreign ministers of China and India met last week for the first time since border clashes between the two countries ensued nearly two years ago.
Shanghai in Lockdown: How Long Will China’s No-COVID Policy Last?
Since our article last week reporting on the recent Chinese lockdown, authorities have instituted several changes to the previously announced plan.
Shanghai in Lockdown: A Strain on the Zero-COVID Policy
On Sunday, March 27, officials in Shanghai announced that the city would be reentering lockdown after the city recorded a record-high number of new cases since the initial appearance of COVID-19 in the country -- 2,678 cases.
Japan’s Response to Ukraine: A Surprisingly Tough Reaction
When Japan imposed sanctions against Russia immediately following the invasion of Ukraine, it broke from a long held “soft” approach to Russian diplomacy.
Beijing announces lowest growth target in 30 years amid rising challenges
China recently unveiled its new economic projections in its annual Two Sessions meeting, which draws delegates from across the country to announce national economic policies for the upcoming year.
Anger Turned into Assault: South Korean Party Leader Attacked Ahead of Presidential Election
On Monday, Song Young-gil, the Chairman of South Korea’s leading party, the Democratic Party, was attacked while campaigning for the upcoming presidential election.
Korea’s Presidential Election Impacted by Candidate Scandal and Ukraine
South Korea, with its presidential election taking place in less than a week, is experiencing various scandals surrounding its candidates as well as a global conflict of the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
Chinese Warplanes Reported in Taiwan Airspace as Tensions Continue to Rise
On Thursday, Feb. 24, Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense reported nine Chinese warplanes in their Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ).
Hong Kong’s COVID Surge Shows the Adverse Impact of “Zero COVID”
Hong Kong has recorded its highest number of daily COVID-19 cases since the pandemic began in 2020. Prior to last week, the city had only reached a peak of 2,000 daily cases.
Afghan Refugees in South Korea Resurface Past Controversy
Since the Taliban seized power of Afghanistan in August of 2021, some Afghans have found asylum in an unlikely host country - South Korea.
Brother of Qandeel Baloch Walks Free, Challenging Pakistan’s Honor Killing Laws
The Lahore High Court, in a shocking turn of events earlier this week, acquitted Waseem Azeem, who had strangled and killed his sister Qandeel Baloch, a well-known Pakistani social media star, in 2016 in order to defend his family’s “honor.”
Straddling Two Cultures: Chinese-Americans in the Olympics
Despite freezing temperatures on the slopes of the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics, Chinese discourse over the role of American-born Chinese athletes in the Olympics have become incredibly heated this year.
Controversy in Beijing Olympics
A woman dressed in a traditional Korean dress at the opening ceremony of the Beijing winter Olympics received condemnation from South Korea for cultural appropriation.