Power play in East Asia
Two recent developments in East Asia ― one in Northeast Asia and the other in Southeast Asia ― have brought to the fore some of the latent tensions in the region.
Surge in Nuclear Power Projects Imperils Belarusian Program
According to Belarusian First Vice-Prime Minister, Uladzimir Syamashka, the end of July was scheduled to mark the finalization of an agreement between Belarus and Russia to build the nuclear power station at Astravets in the Hrodna region with construction of the station to start next July
US-China tensions over South China Sea
US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton’s provocative stance at the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) security forum last month, where she voiced opposition to China’s claims in the South China Sea, has inflamed another global flashpoint.
EU Seeks Caspian Gas Accord to Cut Russian Dependence
The European Union is seeking an agreement on a natural-gas pipeline between Turkmenistan and Azerbaijan as the 27-nation bloc aims to import Caspian fuel and reduce its dependence on Russia.
US Urges Japan To Take "Strong Measures" Against Iran
The United States on Wednesday urged Japan, which has long been having good relations with Iran, to emulate Europe and take "strong measures" to punish Tehran over its controversial uranium-enrichment program.
Poland and Lithuania discuss gas pipeline
The European Union could fund a portion of a natural gas pipeline discussed by Polish and Lithuanian officials, a gas company said.
US-China tensions over South China Sea
US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton’s provocative stance at the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) security forum last month, where she voiced opposition to China’s claims in the South China Sea, has inflamed another global flashpoint.
Japan's New Civil Nuclear Turn
Japanese Foreign Minister Katsuya Okada's reiteration of support last week for the Iranian fuel swap proposal outlined in the Tehran Declaration is the latest sign of a strategic reorientation in Japanese international nuclear policy.
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