Blogs

Asia Unbound

CFR fellows and other experts assess the latest issues emerging in Asia today.

Latest Post

Subscribe to Blog Updates
U.S. President Donald Trump speaks in the Oval Office at the White House in Washington, U.S. February 4, 2025.
U.S. President Donald Trump speaks in the Oval Office at the White House in Washington, U.S. February 4, 2025. Elizabeth Frantz/Reuters
Subscribe to Blog Updates

Trump Is Making Taiwan More Vulnerable

by David Sacks February 21, 2025

While Taiwan has largely stayed out of the spotlight, Trump’s actions have already made it more vulnerable.

Read More
Southeast Asia
Trump’s Abrupt Turn to Russia—and Whether a U.S.-Russia Team Could Gain Any Sway in South and Southeast Asia
President Trump’s new geopolitical strategy of aligning with Russia to counter China is highly controversial and raises questions about its effectiveness and impact on U.S. interests and global politics.
Article by Joshua Kurlantzick February 19, 2025 Asia Unbound
Philippines
Marcos Jr. Lies About Ending the Brutal Philippine Drug War—And a Lot More
Despite Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s promises to end the brutal drug war and improve human rights, his actions have largely failed to deliver on these commitments, continuing the violent policies of his predecessor, Rodrigo Duterte.
Article by Joshua Kurlantzick February 19, 2025 Asia Unbound
Southeast Asia
Southeast Asia Responds to Trump Tariffs
The Trump administration’s tariffs on China and reciprocal trade policies will lead Southeast Asian countries to seek alternative trade partners and increase China’s influence in the region.
Post by Joshua Kurlantzick February 14, 2025 Asia Unbound
  • China
    Trump’s Initial Moves Will Benefit China
    President Trump has followed through on his campaign promises so far—to China’s benefit.
    Post by Joshua Kurlantzick February 11, 2025 Asia Unbound
  • China
    Marriages in China Crash, Portending Deeper Demographic Woes
    Numbers of marriages in China dropped dramatically in 2024. The continuing decline in marriages likely signals further declines in birth rates, intensifying China's demographic headwinds.
    Post by Carl Minzner February 10, 2025 Asia Unbound
  • Japan
    The Ishiba-Trump Era
    On Friday, Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru and President Donald Trump sat down for the first time to discuss the U.S.-Japan alliance.
    Post by Sheila A. Smith February 10, 2025 Asia Unbound
  • China
    Tariff Turbulence: How Trump’s Mexico Tariffs Could Shift Gears in the U.S. Auto Market
    Tariffs on Mexican imports could further elevate the comparative advantage of Chinese EV makers at the cost of U.S. automakers.
    Post by Zongyuan Zoe Liu February 7, 2025 Asia Unbound
  • China
    Trump Is Fulfilling His Campaign Promises; Plus, How Beijing Is Handling the Brewing U.S.-China Tariff Battle
    Trump’s administration is following through on its campaign promises to implement tariffs, but China has become more resilient and prepared to counter U.S. economic pressure.
    Article by Joshua Kurlantzick February 5, 2025 Asia Unbound
  • Bangladesh
    Bangladesh Could Turn to China as Trump Pulls Aid From the Country
    The Trump administration’s decision to freeze foreign aid to Bangladesh could undermine U.S. strategic interests by pushing Bangladesh closer to China.
    Article by Joshua Kurlantzick January 29, 2025 Asia Unbound
  • Asia Program
    Faced With Rapidly Aging Society, China Releases Long-Term Plans on Dementia and Eldercare Services
    Beijing has rolled out policy frameworks aimed at expanding eldercare and dementia services for an aging China but it is unclear how effective they will be.
    Post by Carl Minzner January 28, 2025 Asia Unbound