Security concerns will remain a barrier to Beijing-Tokyo rapprochement.

The departure of Ambassador Nikki Haley, a strong force for U.S. policies at the UN, illustrates a looming question: as the U.S. withdraws from the multilateral system it built, who will fill the void? China may be next.

Abe’s dash to Beijing had a faint air of desperation about it, akin to flirting with someone you have no strong intentions of getting serious with to win back the attention of the one whose undivided attention you seek.

Even ultimate failure would not invalidate his claim to be a truly historic president.

Trump’s UN speech rejected the globalism the rest of the world has accepted.

Malaysia’s old statesman is not afraid to speak his mind to both great powers.

Washington’s sudden hostility to its former role as a guardian of global stability has raised questions about how the international order will evolve. At the UN this week, Trump slammed multilateral diplomacy and global cooperation. President Xi Jinping of China (who was absent from the UN meetings) has continued to embrace these ideals.

Beijing rejects accusations that it seeks to meddle in the Nov 6 U.S. congressional elections.

China-US trade and global trade will stay on track, because President Trump simply can’t dictate everything.

North Korean leaders carefully cultivated the tone of the recent 70th anniversary celebrations to avoid antagonizing both Beijing and Washington. This could offer reason for cautious optimism regarding the continuing negotiations, but significant remaining differences in U.S. and North Korean aims and expectations should temper any early celebrations.