Asia | Council on Foreign Relations

RealEcon

Weighing Biden’s China Tariffs

Global risks–including Chinese overcapacity–have increased, but government intervention should seek to minimize trade-offs.

Article by Matthew P. Goodman May 24, 2024 RealEcon
Hong Kong

The Trial of Jimmy Lai and the Future of Hong Kong

Virtual Event by James B. Cunningham, Caoilfhionn Gallagher and Elliott Abrams May 23, 2024
Iran

Iran’s Succession Woes, ICC Angers Israel, South Africa’s Election, and More

Iran’s regime carefully vets candidates for new presidential elections after the death of President Ebrahim Raisi in a helicopter crash; Israeli leadership reacts to the International Criminal Court (ICC) request for warrants to arrest Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant; South Africa prepares for a general election that could contest the ruling African National Congress’ long-standing majority; and Taiwan inaugurates Lai Ching-te as the new president, aggravating China.

Podcast with Robert McMahon and Carla Anne Robbins May 23, 2024 The World Next Week

India

India, Modi, and Hindu Nationalism

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is the most popular man in India. On track to be elected for a third term, he has boosted the country’s global standing and propelled strong economic growth while consolidating power and galvanizing majoritarian support for his Hindu nationalist agenda—all while growing closer to the United States. How could Hindu nationalism reshape India?

Podcast with Gabrielle Sierra , Ashok Swain and Hartosh Singh Bal May 23, 2024 Why It Matters
China

Advanced Manufacturing to be a Focus of China’s July Party Plenum

China's third plenum will likely emphasize manufacturing as a tool to remedy domestic economic problems, which may run the risk of heightening tensions with its trading partners.

Blog Post by Carl Minzner May 22, 2024 Asia Unbound
South China Sea

China’s Maritime Disputes

Disputes over overlapping exclusive economic zones in the South China Sea have intensified in recent decades, while the territorial row over the Senkaku/Diaoyu Islands in the East China Sea dates back to the nineteenth century.

Timeline by Beina Xu, Eleanor Albert, Lindsay Maizland and Clara Fong May 22, 2024

Taiwan

Analyzing Lai Ching-te’s Inaugural Address: More Continuity Than Difference

In his inaugural address, Taiwan’s new president Lai Ching-te signaled broad continuity on cross-strait issues. China, however, is likely to respond with increased pressure.

Blog Post by Rush Doshi and David Sacks May 21, 2024 Asia Unbound
United States

Why Biden Wants to Block the Nippon-U.S. Steel Deal

A proposed Japanese takeover of U.S. Steel is facing domestic political pushback that could challenge Biden administration foreign policy aims.

In Brief by Noah Berman May 21, 2024
Defense and Security

America’s New Cold Wars, With David Sanger

David Sanger, the White House and national security correspondent for the New York Times, sits down with James M. Lindsay to discuss how the post-Cold War ended and why the new era of geopolitical rivalry began.

Podcast with James M. Lindsay and David E. Sanger May 21, 2024 The President’s Inbox
China

Virtual Media Briefing: U.S. Tariffs on Chinese Imports

CFR experts discuss President Joe Biden’s decision to increase tariffs on various Chinese imports and the implications for the U.S. economy and U.S.-China relations.

Virtual Event by Zongyuan Zoe Liu , Brad W. Setser and Matthew P. Goodman May 16, 2024 Media Briefings
Thailand

Thailand’s Government Promised Change. It’s Delivering Chaos

The government of Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has done little to address Thailand’s pressing issues, and now, after a Cabinet reshuffle and high-profile resignations, it seems to be in chaos.

Article by Joshua Kurlantzick May 16, 2024 Asia Unbound
Thailand

Thailand’s Politics Suffer More Turbulence

The current Thai government, which assumed power in 2023, has proven ineffective in tackling the nation’s challenges, while its politics have become increasingly fractious.

Blog Post by Joshua Kurlantzick May 16, 2024 Asia Unbound
Myanmar

Will 2024 Be the Junta’s End in Myanmar?

Myanmar’s civil war between resistance groups and the ruling military junta has reached a decisive phase.

Blog Post by Joshua Kurlantzick May 15, 2024 Asia Unbound
India

Religion and Foreign Policy Webinar: India's 2024 General Elections

Lisa Curtis, senior fellow and director of the Indo-Pacific Security Program at Center for a New American Security, and Milan Vaishnav, senior fellow and director of the South Asia Program at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, discuss the geopolitical implications of India’s general elections and the influence of religion on politics in India. Alyssa Ayres, dean of the Elliott School of International Affairs at George Washington University and adjunct senior fellow for India, Pakistan, and South Asia at the Council on Foreign Relations, moderates the discussion.

Webinar by Lisa Curtis, Milan Vaishnav and Alyssa Ayres May 15, 2024 Religion and Foreign Policy Webinars
China

Religion in China

A significant proportion of China’s population claims to follow a religion. However, the government continues to toughen oversight, increase persecution of some religions, and attempt to co-opt state-sanctioned religious organizations.

Backgrounder by CFR.org Editors May 15, 2024