Analyst Matt Gertken examines the upcoming meeting between the ASEAN countries and the United States and how Indonesia's absence could be interpreted as way to balance its relationship with China.

Intelligence from various parts of Asia suggest China is becoming more assertive. Stratfor's founder Dr. George Friedman discusses possible reasons for this development.

In a preview of an in-depth STRATFOR report to be released Sept. 14, China Director Jennifer Richmond examines the players and issues in China's 2012 generational leadership change.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Il is preparing to transfer power, likely to his youngest son, Kim Jong Un. Rodger Baker sees an imminent convening of the Korean Workers' Congress as paving the way for this transition, just the second in 60 years, and discusses the political machinations that will accompany this process.

Analyst Reva Bhalla explores South Asian stakeholders' intentions and concerns following China's reported deployment of military personnel to Kashmir.

Analyst Matt Gertken discusses how the recent warming relations between the U.S. and China should be viewed as temporary and how deeper divisions persist.

Analyst Rodger Baker discusses the now-debunked defection rumors of China's bank chief from earlier in the week, and he analyzes what role a more politically assertive military could have in the country's 2012 leadership transition.

Analyst Rodger Baker examines the links between North Korea's foreign policy and its impending succession and possible economic reform.

China has agreed to build East Timor's new military headquarters in a deal signed Aug. 24. Analyst Rodger Baker explains that this is just one of China's many moves to increase its influence in the region.

China’s gross domestic product (GDP) is close to surpassing Japan’s to become the second largest in the world. Analyst Rodger Baker explains the multiple fundamental weaknesses in China’s economic system and why GDP is not the only indicator of a state’s economic strength.