East Asia Beat

The map shows Vietnam and disputed territories in the South China Sea.

China’s Aircraft Landings in The South China Sea Worry Its Neighbors

The stakes are high for both the US and Asian nations bordering vital sea lanes where territory is disputed and military conflict possible.

Zhejiang’s Christians Are Resisting a Campaign Against Church Crosses

Even China's state sanctioned churches have criticized the crackdown on Christian crosses in Wenzhou.

Chinese Leader Xi Caught in a Bind Over Unprecedented Hong Kong Protests

Xi Jinping's options to defuse the crisis come with high political and economic costs.

Hong Kong Crisis Tests China's 'One Country, Two Systems' Model

Some experts say that the model designed three decades ago is at risk of collapse.

China Attempts Major PR Stunt in Tibet Amid Crackdown

Foreign participants in a Beijing-organized forum hail Chinese policies as bloody crackdown ensues.

Are Cambodian Leaders Serious About Implementing Reforms?

Questions abound over a political agreement reached between Prime Minister Hun Sen and opposition leader Sam Rainsy.

Decisions on Lao Dams Give Mekong River a Respite But Concerns Linger

One dam project is to come under greater scrutiny while another may be locked in a court battle.

China’s Holding Back of Terrorism Evidence Seen as Baffling

Foreign reporters and observers are prevented from independently verifying state media accounts.

Are China and Vietnam on the Verge of Another War?

It's in neither country's interest to go to war, experts say.

No Cheers as China Poised to Become World's Largest Economy

Beijing downplays report that China is set to overtake the US in terms of purchasing power.

Will China Use Russian-Style Tactics to Settle Territorial Disputes in Asia?

The Ukraine crisis overshadows U.S. President Barack Obama's upcoming Asia trip.

Water-Energy Nexus Reaches Crisis Level in Asia

The challenge of meeting energy demand in the region may well come at the expense of water resources.

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By Dan Southerland

Dan is RFA’s Executive Editor. He spent nearly two decades as a foreign correspondent in Asia based in Tokyo, Saigon, Hong Kong and Beijing. He was The Washington Post's bureau chief in Beijing for more than five years and previously worked as a war reporter and diplomatic correspondent for The Christian Science Monitor.