East Asia

No posts of Books and Monograph.

The ASEAN Way of Conflict Management in the South China Sea

This article examines how the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) conflict management process in the South China Sea (SCS) has been conducted and whether the ASEAN way can effectively manage the dispute, in which China is a prime and important actor. It argues that rising tensions in the South China Sea are a direct result of the changed balance of power in the region given the asymmetry between China and ASEAN members. China has taken advantage of ASEAN efforts to develop a code of conduct that is premised on the ASEAN way.

Overview of Korea’s Arctic Policy Development

In his Murmansk speech in 1987, Gorbachev proposed the Arctic as the shortest sea route linking Europe to the Far East and the Pacific Ocean, triggering a new perspective on the region.1 Since then, the 1991 Arctic Environmental Protection Strategy (AEPS), referred to as the Finnish Initiative, has been created as a multilateral, non-binding agreement among Arctic states to protect the environment by monitoring, assessment, emergency preparedness/response, and conservation of the Arctic zone.

China’s Role in Arctic Affairs in the Context of Global Governance

For nearly a quarter of the past century a series of notable changes have taken place in the Arctic. All of them, whether political, economical, environmental or climate-related, inevitably had an impact on regional and global governance. This commentary mainly focuses on the role of China in Arctic affairs in the context of global change and global governance.

The Maritime Tiger: Exploring South Korea’s Interests and Role in the Arctic

South Korea is not a traditional Arctic state, but it has several key interests in the region. This article explores the sources of those interests and the country’s commercial activities in the Arctic in the areas of shipping, shipbuilding and hydrocarbons. Since the country’s polar interests transcend commerce, however, attention is also paid to the importance of science and research and development in Korean culture.

Nehru, Patel and China

On November 7, 1950, Vallabhbhai Patel wrote his celebrated letter to Jawaharlal Nehru on India’s China policy. ‘The Chinese Government has tried to delude us by professions of peaceful intention’, he stated, referring to Beijing’s decision to move troops into Tibet. A new challenge confronted India as a result of the ‘disappearance of Tibet, as we knew it, and the expansion of China almost up to our gates’. ‘Chinese ambitions … not only cover the Himalayan slopes on our side but also include the important part of Assam.

China’s Tryst with the IORA: Factoring India and the Indian Ocean

Engaging with a multilateral body requires constructive foreign policy forethought, especially for a country that is not a fully fledged member of that body. China’s overtures to the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) exemplify this approach. The Indian Ocean and India are the two most immediate elements in China’s policy approach to the IORA. With 20 member states, extra-territorial major powers as important dialogue partners, and the increasing importance of energy politics in the region, the IORA today is a significant multilateral body in China’s calculus.

Contemporary India–China Dynamics: From an Orthodox to an Autonomous Course?

This review essay examines the significance of India–China relations against the background of the current phenomenon of a multipolar world in the light of four recent publications on the subject. Tien-sze Fang’s and Jeff M. Smith’s works discuss the current facets of India–China relations, while William Antholis’s and Carl J. Dahlman’s works deal with the character and standing that India and China bring to their regional and global discourse.

Two to Tango: The US and China in the Asia-Pacific

In the last decade, the dynamics of inter-state relations in the Asia Pacific have changed rapidly, largely due to the rise of China. Competition rather than cooperation has become the order of the day. In the East and South China Seas, freedom of navigation, competitive claims over maritime boundaries and air space security are experiencing an evolution of new brinkmanship between the US, an established super power, and the People’s Republic of China (PRC), an emerging super power, unfolding new challenges for the other potential regional players including India.

Asian States in Crisis

Problems common to many Asian states suggest a pattern of crisis in Asia. The evidence suggests that the root cause is the similarity in the patterns of political development of postcolonial states. In Asia such states have attempted to reconcile state strength and internal diversity by constructing a triangular balance between identity construction, hegemonic governance and economic development. Unfortunately, this fragile balance eroded as state structures matured and economies grew, which increasingly exposed countries to escalating crises of legitimacy and instability.

India–South Korea Relations and the Emerging Regional Architecture

South Korean president Park Geun-hye visited India in January 2014 after India and South Korea marked 40 years of diplomatic relations the previous year.1 These developments symbolise a burgeoning relationship between two of Asia’s leading economies and democracies. However, they have added significance as Asia undergoes a shift in the strategic balance of power.

Japan and the Philippines: Towards a Stronger Strategic Partnership

The Philippines became the first Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) member state to sign a defence pact with Japan.

Sriram Vellore
December 06, 2023
IDSA Comments

Fukushima Wastewater Discharge: Japanese and Chinese Public Diplomacy Strategies

Japan and China are utilising parallel strategies to influence each other and the world over the latest fault-line in their contentious relationship.

Arnab Dasgupta
November 03, 2023
IDSA Comments

Japan’s Supplementary Defence Budget

Japan’s new supplementary defence budget focuses on hardware, personnel and bases.

Arnab Dasgupta
October 18, 2023
Issue Brief

The Okinawa Factor in Japan–China Relations

Okinawa prefecture has the potential to be a new factor affecting Japan-China relations, unless the Japanese government can manage local grievances.

Arnab Dasgupta
August 04, 2023
IDSA Comments

Changing State Perception of Nuclear Deterrence in Japan and South Korea

With increasing North Korean nuclear and missile threats, and Chinese nuclear force modernisation, the prospects of indigenous nuclear weapons acquisition by Japan and South Korea cannot be ruled out.

Japan–NATO Ties: A Difficult Partnership

Japan’s proposal to host a NATO liaison office in Tokyo is facing objections from NATO members like France, who view it as a distraction from the alliance’s core task of ensuring security in Europe.

China’s Push for Science and Technology Collaboration with BRI Countries

China is aiming to make science and technology (S&T) cooperation a significant component of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).

Takeaways from the Prime Minister’s Visit to Japan, Papua New Guinea and Australia

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Japan, Papua New Guinea and Australia provides glimpses of how India can best exemplify the voice of the Global South.