<p>The Asia-Pacific is home to more people than any other region. Centered on the western rim of the Pacific Ocean, this region includes the easternmost countries of continental Asia as well as the archipelagos that punctuate the coast. Several of these countries, most notably China, experienced rapid economic growth in the second half of the 20th century, giving the region a new sense of global economic relevance that continues today. That relevance, however, depends largely on China, a power in transition whose rise is testing the network of U.S. alliances that have long dominated the region. How effectively Beijing manages its transition will shape the regional balance of power in the decades to come.</p>

Centered on the western rim of the Pacific Ocean, the Asia-Pacific region includes the easternmost countries of continental Asia as well as the archipelagos that punctuate the coast. 

Asia-Pacific

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Beyond Quantitative Easing

The New Silk Road

Modernizing China’s Military

The U.S. and the Balance of Power

Globalization

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Coping With a Nuclear North Korea

Moscow Looks to the East

China in Transition

A Japanese Awakening

Asia-Pacific: Among Great Powers

Southeast Asia: Burdened by Consensus

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Statements made by Trump and his allies, including Elon Musk, offer insight into how his next administration will approach the regulation (or lack thereof) of AI, online content, data and monopolistic business practices.

Previewing Trump's Tech Policies

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Cargo containers painted with Chinese and U.S. flags. Trade disruptions, shifting military conflicts and domestic political turbulence will shape global affairs in 2025.

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Trade disruptions, shifting military conflicts and domestic political turbulence will shape global affairs in 2025.

2025 Annual Forecast: A Global Overview

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South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol speaks during a news broadcast on a television at a train station in Seoul on Dec. 3, 2024, after Yoon declared emergency martial law.

Despite lawmakers voting to impeach the president, there is still ample room for more political tumult in the months ahead, keeping South Korea's economic and foreign policy trajectory in limbo.

Yoon's Impeachment Opens a New Chapter in South Korea's Saga of Political Instability

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A sign reading ''leader of insurgents'' on a photo of South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol's face is held up during a protest calling for Yoon's ouster in Seoul, South Korea, on Dec. 8, 2024. 

A look at what the coming week will bring -- and a list of recommended RANE articles from the week that was.

The Weekly Rundown: Putin's Annual Press Conference, Another Impeachment Vote in South Korea

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South Korean President Yoon Suk-Yeol declares martial law on Dec. 3, 2024, in Seoul, South Korea. 

Legal, social and political pressures will likely still force Yoon out of office in the coming months, bringing a liberal president to power who would pursue pro-labor policies and reorient South Korea's foreign relations.

South Korea's President Yoon Not Impeached, but His End Is Nigh

Chart of stock market investment trading on blue background.

Economic coercion is becoming more prevalent in international politics, with certain countries leveraging their economic power to pursue political goals. 

Economic Power in International Politics

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Protesters call for the ouster of South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol outside the National Assembly in Seoul on Dec. 6, 2024.

The Weekly Rundown: An Impeachment Vote in South Korea, Syria's Government Wavers

People gather in front of the main gate of the National Assembly in Seoul, South Korea on Dec. 4, 2024, after President Yoon Suk Yeol declared emergency martial law. 

The president's brief gambit will likely stall his agenda and eventually lead to his departure, giving rise to an opposition more skeptical of U.S. and Japanese defense ties.

South Korea's Yoon Quickly Scraps Martial Law Order, but the Political Damage Has Been Done

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U.S. President Joe Biden and President Joao Lourenco of Angola on Nov. 30, 2023, at the White House. Biden on Dec. 2-4 will visit Angola, where he will focus on the Lobito Corridor project that aims to refurbish and expand railways connecting critical mineral-rich regions in Zambia and the Democratic Republic of Congo with the Angolan port of Lobito.

The Weekly Rundown: Biden Visits Angola, von der Leyen's Second Term

South Korean marines participate in joint exercises with U.S. forces Sept. 2 in Pohang, South Korea. Japan and South Korea set the blueprint for how militaries must contend with stiff competition for human resources.

Japan and South Korea set the blueprint for how militaries must contend with stiff competition for human resources.

Demographic Decline and Military Manpower: Understanding the Shifting Role of People in Conflict

South Korea's main opposition Democratic Party has prepared an impeachment motion against Prime Minister and acting President Han Duck-soo over his vetoes of two special counsel bills against suspended President Yook Suk Yeol and his wife, First Lady Kim Keon Hee, Yonhap News Agency reported Dec. 24.

South Korea: Opposition Threatens To Impeach Acting President

Myanmar's Arakan Army, an ethnic armed organization in the country's western state of Rakhine, claimed to have captured Ann township, a strategic victory edging the group closer to control over the entire state, Nikkei Asia reported Dec. 23.

Myanmar: Following Losses in the North, More of West Falls to Rebels

Vietnam will begin enforcing Decree 147 on Dec. 25, which requires social media users to verify their identities and compels tech companies to store user data onshore and share it with authorities on demand, AFP reported Dec. 23.

Vietnam: Stricter Cyber Law Coming Into Effect Dec. 25

United States Trade Representative Katherine Tai announced on Dec. 23 the initiation of a Sec. 301 probe into China's policies and practices in targeting the semiconductor industry for dominance, the Office of the United States Trade Representative declared. 

U.S., China: U.S. Launches Sec. 301 Investigation on Chinese Legacy Semiconductors

Australia announced a four-year, $118 million commitment to expand the Solomon Islands' police force, Reuters reported on Dec. 20. 

Australia, Solomon Islands: Canberra Commits to New Police Deal in Solomon Islands

China lifted its four-year import ban on Australian rock lobsters, China's final blanket ban on Australian imports after bans ended on coal, barley, wine and beef, The Wall Street Journal reported on Dec. 20.

China, Australia: Beijing Lifts Lobster Import Restrictions on Canberra, Ending Final Blanket Ban

The opposition Kuomintang and Taiwan People's Party pushed through Taiwan's legislature three measures, including one that requires at least 10 of 15 Constitutional Court judges to be present to hear a case and at least nine judges to rule something "unconstitutional," up from the current simple majority, Focus Taiwan reported on Dec. 20. 

Taiwan: Opposition's Power Grab To Increase Political Polarization

Malaysian National Security Council Director-General Raja Nushirwan Zainal Abidin announced plans to modernize his country's navy and air force to safeguard its maritime domain, including in the South China Sea, while still emphasizing dialogue and diplomacy with other claimants, namely China, The Straits Times reported on Dec. 19. 

Malaysia: Kuala Lumpur To Strengthen Territorial Defense in South China Sea

Asia-Pacific

SITUATION REPORTS

South Korea: Opposition Threatens To Impeach Acting President

Myanmar: Following Losses in the North, More of West Falls to Rebels

Vietnam: Stricter Cyber Law Coming Into Effect Dec. 25

U.S., China: U.S. Launches Sec. 301 Investigation on Chinese Legacy Semiconductors

Australia, Solomon Islands: Canberra Commits to New Police Deal in Solomon Islands

China, Australia: Beijing Lifts Lobster Import Restrictions on Canberra, Ending Final Blanket Ban

Taiwan: Opposition's Power Grab To Increase Political Polarization

Malaysia: Kuala Lumpur To Strengthen Territorial Defense in South China Sea

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