Why Does South Korea Need an Aircraft Carrier?

February 16, 2021

Continuing the previous story, let’s talk about other military programs of South Korea that are not of a defensive nature. The aircraft carrier Since late 2020, the South Korean Navy has been pushing …

What Explains COVID’s East-West Divide?

February 3, 2021

Opinion

COVID-19 has been ruthless in choosing winners and losers around the world. The obvious “losers” have been those countries led by right-wing nationalists: Brazil, India, Russia, the United Kingdom, an…

Gymnastic Wonders or Just Plain Carelessness?

December 26, 2020

Opinion

On November 4, 2020, the South Korean military deployed near the border with the North was put on high alert and sent to search for an unidentified person detected by technical controls. For the searc…

The China Moment

November 23, 2020

Opinion

China has achieved the almost impossible – a free trade agreement with 14 countries – the ten ASEAN, plus Japan, South Korea, Australia and New Zealand, altogether 15 countries, including China. The s…

RCEP set to supercharge the New Silk Roads

November 20, 2020

Opinion

Ho Chi Minh, in his eternal abode, will be savoring it with a heavenly smirk. Vietnam was the – virtual – host as the 10 Asean nations, plus China, Japan, South Korea, Australia and New Zealand, signe…

The RCEP Deal Signed on Sunday Represents a New Era in World Trade Relations

November 19, 2020

Opinion

A major treaty was signed on 16 November 2020 and it has been barely noticed by the western media. The treaty in question was between 15 predominantly Asian states, with two exceptions being Australia…

Seoul’s “New Old” Proposal to End Inter-Korean Conflict

October 12, 2020

Opinion

On September 22, 2020, South Korean President Moon Jae-in “called for a declaration to the end of” the Korean conflict in a prerecorded speech addressed to the participants of the 75th session of the …

Nukes and North Korea: A New Direction?

October 9, 2020

Opinion

North Korea’s acquisition of nuclear weapons has changed the nuclear balance in Northeast Asia. But it hasn’t altered the way politicians and diplomats approach the question of arms control and disarm…