South China Sea
Taiwan soft-pedals Scarborough claim as Manila ties take priority
Philippines' UN filing exposes gap between Taipei’s sovereignty claims and growing security priorities
Laos
Satellite imagery shows work underway on Laos’ latest large Mekong River dam
Experts say the Pak Beng dam and the many others like it put the livelihoods of local communities at risk.
Korea
Clash of Clans knockoff popular in North Korea with more than 40,000 players online
Footage of the bootleg smartphone game, called “Fortress Defense,” leaked on Chinese social media.
Pacific
PNG’s closure of Taiwan trade office signals expanded economic ties with China
Experts said the move was diplomatically confusing, but that PNG could expect vast sums of Chinese money.
South China Sea
Philippines bets on classrooms to strengthen South China Sea claims
Experts say education can build lasting public support, but could also narrow future diplomatic options.
Tibet
Late former premier Zhu Rongji used economics to tighten China’s grip on Tibet
The Zhu-led Western Development Strategy was able to “bring Tibetans in line with Chinese government policies.”
Tibet
Beijing resumes demolition of major Tibetan Buddhist academy, satellite imagery shows
Advocates say China razes monks’ homes to restrict religious freedom and further ethnic unity law’s reach in Tibet.
South China Sea
Proposed US-led tech hub in the Philippines will secure supply chains, create jobs
The hub signals Washington’s symbolic return to the site of its largest overseas bases, analysts said.
Pacific
Solomon Islands signs security agreement with US, reaffirms neutrality
Engaging with both Beijing and Washington is ‘standard practice’ for countries in the region, experts said.
Pacific
Taiwan tests economic leverage after Papua New Guinea closes representative office
Analysts say liquefied natural gas review reflects a gradual shift, though Taipei’s leverage remains limited.
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