Comparative Connections - Related Publication

Comparative Connections v.11 n.3 - Full Version

dfernandez — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 00:00:00 -0400

-Regional Overview: Promises Kept, for Better and for Worse
-U.S.-Japan Relations: Interpreting Change
-U.S.-China Relations: Strategic & Economic Dialogue Sets Agenda for Cooperation
-U.S.-Korea Relations: Bill’s Excellent Adventure

Comparative Connections v.11 n.3 - Australia-East Asia and U.S. Relations

dfernandez — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 00:00:00 -0400

Australia’s government swung from the right to the left of the political spectrum in 2007. The U.S. did the same in 2008. Yet, not much changed in the fundamentals of the 57-year-old U.S.-Australia alliance. The assertion of alliance continuity, however, comes with a major caveat: the tectonic effects being exerted by China’s rise.

Comparative Connections v.11 n.3 - China-Russia Relations

dfernandez — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 00:00:00 -0400

Perhaps more than any time in the past 10 years, the third quarter highlighted both the potential and the problems of this bilateral relationship. On the one hand, the two militaries successfully conducted their joint antiterrorism exercise, Mirnaya Missiya (Peace Mission) 2009, in China’s Jilin Province.

Comparative Connections v.11 n.3 - Japan-Korea Relations

dfernandez — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 00:00:00 -0400

The highlight of the third quarter was Japan’s general election on Aug. 30 and the inauguration of the Hatoyama Cabinet on Sept. 16.

Comparative Connections v.11 n.3 - Japan-China Relations

dfernandez — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 00:00:00 -0400

After months of anticipation, Prime Minister Aso Taro dissolved the Diet on July 21 and scheduled elections for the Lower House. On Aug. 30, Aso’s Liberal Democratic Party suffered a crushing defeat at the hands of the Democratic Party of Japan and DPJ President Hatoyama Yukio became prime minister on Sept. 16.

Comparative Connections v.11 n.3 - China-Korea Relations

dfernandez — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 00:00:00 -0400

North Korea’s missile tests in early July marked an apparent peak in its provocative behavior as Pyongyang shifted to a “charm offensive” strategy with a series of meetings between North Korea and the international community.

Comparative Connections v.11 n.3 - North Korea-South Korea Relations

dfernandez — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 00:00:00 -0400

Dealing with North Korea resembles the board game Snakes & Ladders (known in the U.S. as Chutes & Ladders). The first half of this year was an especially long snake/chute. Pyongyang’s missile and nuclear tests, and its general bellicosity, not only undid last year’s slight gains in the Six-Party Talks (6PT), but were a strange way to greet an incoming U.S.

Comparative Connections v.11 n.3 - China-Taiwan Relations

dfernandez — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 00:00:00 -0400

Beijing and Taipei made little progress in cross-Strait relations this quarter. Typhoon Morakot and other extraneous factors combined to frustrate progress but did not change the positive momentum. Preparations are underway for talks on an Economic Cooperation Framework Agreement (ECFA) and the fourth round of SEF-ARATS talks later this year.

Comparative Connections v.11 n.3 - China-Southeast Asia Relations

dfernandez — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 00:00:00 -0400

Myanmar’s military offensive against armed militias of minority groups along the border with China disrupted the status quo that had prevailed along the frontier for the past two decades and complicated the extensive Chinese interests that have developed in the border region during this period.

Comparative Connections v.11 n.3 - U.S.-Southeast Asia Relations

dfernandez — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 00:00:00 -0400

Despite the renewed incarceration of Burma’s Nobel laureate Aung San Suu Kyi after a July “show trial” as well as renewed economic sanctions against the military junta, in late September Washington announced a change in its Burma policy, agreeing to reengage members of the regime.