Pundits list South Korea’s close economic ties with China and need for China’s cooperation in dealing with North Korea as possible reasons for this unprecedented closeness. But another factor unrelated to the economy or security is likely prompting this intimacy—namely, the two countries’ strong sense of solidarity as victims of Japanese imperialism. Beginning in 2013, the tension between South Korea and Japan over unresolved historical controversies has risen, culminating in the suspension of dialogue between the highest-level leaders.

Jenny Yeji Yoo explores reforms in North Korea.

Chinese participation in the Burmese economy—and civil conflict—at the people’s expense has delegitimized Beijing in the eyes of Burmese citizens. China has argued it is providing employment and crucial infrastructure to a truly underdeveloped region. However, ethnic minority activists are skeptical that the benefits of China’s economic activity in Burma will trickle down as far as officials claim.

China Rewrites Its Property Laws

Maren Killackey surveys the Singapore Supreme Court's recent ruling on two cases that challenged the constitutionality of the country's colonial-era anti-gay law.

Cosmas Sibindi predicts that recent American inaction on the global stage will lead to China's rise to power.

Maren Killackey's latest essay for CPR

Maren Killackey's latest essay for CPR, on Shinzo Abe's economic policies.

Rekha Kennedy explores what the future might hold for the 'Umbrella Revolution' in Hong Kong

Asha Banerjee braved Penn Station and MSG to report on Indian Prime Minister Modi's visit to the U.S.

Asha Banerjee covers the second World Leaders Forum event with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe

Maren Killackey's first column for CPR

In early March, eight men and women attacked the central train station of Kunming, the capital of the southwestern province Yunnan. Armed with knives, these people slaughtered 28 civilians and left 130 injured in what the Chinese media have dubbed “China’s 9/11.” As pressure mounts on Beijing to react swiftly, Islamabad must do all it can to ensure that Beijing, its most powerful ally, does not lose faith but remains, in the words of former President Pervez Musharraf, a “time-tested and all-weather friend.”

If Sharif can clearly and effectively articulate to his people the brutality entailed by a Taliban regime, he can reduce the terrorist group's popular support. Only then will he able to subdue the military and to take on the Taliban at the negotiating table.

On October 26th 2013, the two most powerful politicians in Bangladesh, Sheikh Hasina, leader of the ruling Awami League, and Begum Khaleda Zia, leader of the opposition Bangladesh National Party, had a phone conversation after many years. All the two leaders did was bicker and squabble.