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February 8, 2024

Taiwan
Why China-Taiwan Relations Are So Tense

Taiwan has the potential to be a flash point in U.S.-China relations. U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s trip to Taipei in 2022 heightened tensions.

A statue of a Taiwanese soldier looks over the Taiwan straight at a Chinese city.
Backgrounder by Lindsay Maizland

May 3, 2024

Japan
The U.S.-Japan Alliance

The alliance with Japan has been the cornerstone of U.S. security policy in East Asia for decades. Now, Japan’s role in global security is growing as challenges from China and North Korea mount.  …

Former U.S. Defense Secretary Leon Panetta addresses U.S. and Japanese forces at Yokota Air Base outside of Tokyo, October 24, 2011.
Backgrounder by CFR.org Editors

May 15, 2024

China
Religion in China

A significant proportion of China’s population claims to follow a religion. However, the government continues to toughen oversight, increase persecution of some religions, and attempt to co-opt state…

Chinese Hui Muslim women gather for a group photo before a flag raising ceremony before Eid al-Fitr prayers at the historic Niujie Mosque on April 22, 2023 in Beijing, China.
Backgrounder by CFR.org Editors

April 17, 2024

Iran
Iran’s Revolutionary Guards

Conceived as the principal defenders of the 1979 revolution, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has evolved into an institution with vast political, economic, and military power.

Members of the Revolutionary Guards attend a parliamentary session in Tehran.
Backgrounder by CFR.org Editors

March 15, 2006

Taiwan
Taiwan Raises Its Voice Again

Taiwanese President Chen Shui-bian is continuing to take steps toward Taiwan independence that are seen as provocative and unwelcome by Beijing and Washington. But experts say his actions are driven …

Backgrounder by Esther Pan

February 16, 2005

Defense and Security
TAIWAN: Presidential Election

This publication is now archived. What are the main issues in the upcoming Taiwan election?Experts say the biggest issues in the March 20 presidential vote are Taiwan’s relationship with China and th…

Backgrounder by Esther Pan

March 19, 2024

Hong Kong
Hong Kong’s Freedoms: What China Promised and How It’s Cracking Down

Beijing has tightened its grip on Hong Kong in recent years, dimming hopes that the financial center will ever become a full democracy.

Hong Kong police force a man's arms behind his back, as an officer stands close to the camera, in Hong Kong.
Backgrounder by Lindsay Maizland and Clara Fong