The United States has moved increasingly from neutrality to direct intervention, which threatens stable peace. Saber-rattling and ill-advised words by U.S. leaders only makes things worse.

Japan’s decision to scrap an expensive land-based missile defense system coincides with an important rethink of its security strategy, in favor of offensive capabilities.

Attacks on nuclear-related sites in Iran set back the country’s ability to refine uranium by at least one or two years. Retaliation against Israel can be expected, maybe even war. But in an election year, the U.S. will probably keep its distance.

The influence of the United States can be seen in virtually every move of countries in the region that have a stake. China needs to promote its role as an anchor of peace and stability.

The region is at a critical crossroads. At stake is whether it will see more peaceful development or move toward a new cold war. Strengthened cooperation is the best choice to overcome difficulties.

China and India have found themselves in one of the worst border clashes since 1962. The two neighbors ought to take serious steps to fundamentally change the relationship to ensure that border clashes do not happen again.

In 1962, American Ambassador John Kenneth Galbraith deftly diffused tensions between China and India to stop an escalating conflict. Sixty years later, diplomats would do well to heed his example in moderating Sino-Indian tensions.

The South China Sea has seen an uptick in maritime showdown in recent months. The upshot is a dangerous, multifaceted Cold War just when the world needs maximum cooperation against COVID-19.

While other parts of the world struggle to manage the pandemic, East Asian leaders show dexterity and forward-thinking in recent pandemic responses and partnership summits.

The world still has networks of science and health interests that do not necessarily require political or diplomatic blessing by a sovereign state. These may provide a surer path to a less worrisome future.