Housing three of the world’s largest economies and most influential nations — China, Japan, and South Korea — as well as Hong Kong, Macau, Mongolia, North Korea, and Taiwan — East Asia is a vital center of gravity in the Asia-Pacific. East Asia’s economic development has transformed the economic and strategic dynamic beyond Asia as well, boosting growth and trade across the globe. At the same time, festering historical disagreements, long-standing instability on the Korean Peninsula, enduring maritime disputes, and China’s growing military power raise a number of security concerns for the region and the world.
ASPI’s work on East Asia focuses on enhancing cooperation and dialogue within the region and between its countries and the United States. It also aims to develop mechanisms to enhance regional security, prosperity, and sustainability. For instance, ASPI is working to create a roadmap for linking carbon markets in China, Japan, and the South Korea to facilitate trilateral cooperation and their emissions reduction efforts. It is also engaged in a major initiative to decrease misperceptions and increase cooperation and trust between the U.S. and China. Through public events and expert commentary, ASPI also furthers understanding of the region in the rest of the world.
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Commentary
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articleChristopher Vassallo writes about how China is taking steps to steel its trade in Saudi oil from foreign financial sanctions, just as it seeks to protect its physical trade routes – all without having to supplant the dollar globally.
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paperRead about how Chinese popular opinion shapes the outcomes of geopolitical crises in the Indo-Pacific in this issue paper by Andrew Chubb.
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paperPhilippe Le Corre analyzes the Russia-China relationship from a European perspective and finds that most EU states are alarmed by the stronger relationship and condemn China's support of Russia.
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paperPhilipp Ivanov writes about the forces unifying and dividing China and Russia in 2023, how the two countries’ relationship is affected by the ongoing war in Ukraine, and the future trajectory and global impact of the relationship.
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paperLyle Morris examines China's calculations on Sino-Russian relations and finds that China’s unconditional support for Russia’s war of aggression may be wavering, as Beijing seeks ways to bring about an end to the conflict.
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paperGuoguang Wu reviews the trajectory of China’s policy on the Russian invasion of Ukraine, analyzing Xi’s calculations, miscalculations, and recalculations.
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paperBert Hofman writes about the state of the Chinese economy ahead of the Third Plenum.
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articleDiana Choyleva writes about data control in China and its impact on Chinese economy.
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paperThis is the first in a two-part series by Diana Choyleva where she explores how the leadership of Chinese President Xi Jinping has changed the fundamental incentives driving the behavior of key groups in China and beyond.
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articleNathan Levine writes about China's espionage operations around the world.
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articleMost economies in Southeast Asia are net food importers. Is now the time for Australia to step up its export production?
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articleAnalytical brief on South Korea's climate change targets post-COP27
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articleThe Hon. Dr. Kevin Rudd AC, Founding Chair of Center for China Analysis, Asia Society Polity Institute gave remarks at the Conference on the 100th Anniversary of Lee Kuan Yew's Birth.
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paperTaylah Bland explores China’s likely agenda at UNGA by analyzing its key national interests and top international concerns heading into this important meeting.
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articleASPI Senior Fellow Richard Maude reflects on Biden's decision not to attend the East Asia Summit in Jakarta.