To many anaylists, China is the second major state power in the international system. China’s economy has grown at staggering rates in recent decades, and many are projecting that China will surpass the United States as the world’s largest economy in the not so distant future. Furthermore, China is a world military power, and has great power in the United Nations, as it is one of the five permanent veto-members of the Security Council.

And because of this rising influence of China, there has been a focus on the relationship between China and its neigbors, as well as the increased role China is playing on the internation stage. With a fast growing economy, China is increasing its activity in terms of international investments. However, activists are putting a spotlight on its domestic policies, as well as its support for leaders such as Omar al-Bashar in Sudan, as well as their continued rights abuses against Tibetans, as well citizens within mainland China.

Elsewhere in the region, Japan continues to be a regional power. In North Korea, Kim Jung Un recently killed his uncle, who many saw as the major power threat to the leader. Relations between North and South Korea continue to be tense, as are relations between North Korea and neighboring Japan. In Thailand, the red shirts have continued to protest the power and strength of the military.

This section will include articles and book links to the international relations of East Asian states.