Jan 09 , 2020

The U.S.’ commitment to back Japan in a conflict should not be extended to Japan’s vague claim of the Senkaku Islands. The territorial dispute between Japan and China is far too precarious, and one in which the U.S. should avoid in order to prevent further conflict with Beijing.

Oct 02 , 2019

The candidates for Taiwan’s upcoming election represent two distinct competing ideologies concerning Taiwan’s autonomy under mainland China. The outcome of the election could change the course of history for China-U.S.-Taiwan relations.

Jul 30 , 2019

President Trump’s continuing willingness to meet with Kim Jong-un reflects both a major shift in U.S. policy and the importance of China’s constructive influence. Beijing has pushed Washington for years to open a bilateral dialogue with Pyongyang, but previous U.S. administrations spurned or deflected China’s advice, until now.

Jun 18 , 2019

The United States is taking a huge risk by assuming China’s recent rhetorical and military aggression directed at Taiwan is just more of the same diplomatic gamesmanship. It is time to take seriously the PRC’s intentions to regain unity with Taiwan through force.

May 15 , 2019

As Taiwan’s 2020 presidential election approaches, both the governing Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) and the opposition Kuomintang Party (KMT) face divisive, close-fought primary battles among multiple candidates. Growing political volatility in Taiwan poses a major threat to Washington’s cautious balancing between Taipei and Beijing.

Feb 26 , 2019

Hardline, pro-independence activists in Taiwan are pushing for an independence referendum for the island to officially become an independent country, but these activists are risking catastrophe for themselves and the global community.

Jan 31 , 2019

Washington’s stubborn demand for complete, verifiable, and irreversible denuclearization of North Korea is the principal risk that the upcoming second summit next month may end in failure. Washington needs to abandon the utopian objective of complete denuclearization and pursue a more realistic objective.

Sep 27 , 2018

In sanctioning a singular department of the Chinese military to place pressure on Russia, the U.S. has made a diplomatic error that threatens two of its critical bilateral relationships.

Sep 07 , 2018

Beijing has launched a strategy to diplomatically isolate Taiwan, but these policies may have pushed a different group into action: Taiwan’s supporters in the American government.

Aug 13 , 2018

A modest change in U.S. policy could significantly dampen tensions in the South China Sea. Specifically, Washington needs to dramatically reduce its confrontational “freedom of navigation” patrols and stop treating Beijing as a disruptive element.