The hottest Asia-Pacific Substack posts right now

The US lacks the capability, skills, and strategic mindset to effectively oppose China in the Western Pacific and would struggle to defend Taiwan or Japan for any sustained period.
Much of America's decline is self-inflicted: poor strategic choices, weakened institutions, and degraded military thinking have eroded its ability to wage effective campaigns.
Changes in military technology and China's much greater capacity to generate and sustain forces give China a long-term advantage, so even if the US wins early battles, China is likelier to prevail over time.

It claims a pivot to "realism" but actually calls for expanding the U.S. military footprint worldwide — new bases near China, more access in Greenland and Panama, deeper Middle East involvement, and more presence in Europe and Africa.
The rhetoric rejects past regime change and nation-building, yet the plan and recent actions empower allies, enable interventions (e.g., Venezuela and Gaza), and push a wartime-scale boost in military production.
These strategy papers largely package presidential impulses as official doctrine, so U.S. priorities end up being whatever the president decides rather than a coherent, constrained strategy.

The rise of hardtech corporate VCs in China signals a shift in the tech unicorn landscape.
China's potential to surpass Japan in auto exports showcases the country's rapid economic growth.
India's emergence as a major economic power signifies a shift in global wealth and influence.

Don't get trapped in chasing productivity without focusing on the right problems.
Vietnam's coffee culture has survived despite a low number of Starbucks locations.
China's aging population may lead to economic challenges similar to Japan's lost decade.

Best of May in Asia-Pacific content curated in a post
Highlights include insights on Carro and Tokyo's pedestrian-friendly initiatives
Japan's resurgence in the Lithography industry and stock market activism

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February in Asia-Pacific had a lot of interesting content to explore
Japan's buses stay punctual with infrared sensors and smart technology
Innovative aquatech startup in Indonesia using smart technology to optimize feeding and increase farm productivity

China's silence during conflicts can raise concerns for global relationships. It shows how complex alliances and enmities really are in politics.
Russia is a key resource supplier to China, but supporting Russia could alienate China's other important partners, especially in the West.
It's important to recognize that wanting a stable relationship with Russia might not benefit China's global standing or its dealings with Western countries.

Taiwan is incredibly important for the Asia-Pacific region. Its location and resources make it crucial for maintaining stability and power in the area.
The future of Taiwan affects not just China but also its neighbors like Japan and South Korea. If Taiwan is threatened, it can impact these countries' ability to remain independent.
Political decisions regarding Taiwan can have serious consequences. For instance, changes in the U.S. stance on Taiwan could lead to major strategic setbacks for the U.S. in the region.

The agreement between the US, UK, and Australia to provide Australia with nuclear-powered submarines is a strong strategy to counter China's aggressive actions in the region. This partnership aims to ensure safer shipping routes in the East and South China Seas.
China is unhappy about this submarine deal as it sees it as a threat to its influence in Asia. The deal has also caused tensions with France, which lost a previous submarine contract with Australia.
The involvement of more countries in military alliances like the Quad shows a collective effort to respond to China's actions. This helps strengthen defense capabilities and creates a united front in the region.

The United States' retreat from global leadership has left dangerous gaps that won't be fixed by simply reversing past policies. Rebuilding influence and military power will take years and a clear political signal.
The spread of nuclear, chemical, and biological weapons and the ongoing threat of international terrorism are immediate dangers, especially if terrorists obtain a nuclear device. Cyber attacks add another level of risk and require clearer rules for distinguishing espionage, crime, and acts of war.
China and Russia pose different long-term threats: China is building military, naval, and cyber capabilities to dominate its neighbors, while Russia remains a nuclear-armed but economically weak aggressor. The U.S. needs tailored strategies, stronger human intelligence, and firmer alliance pressure to meet both challenges.