China

Is China really preparing to attack Taiwan? East-West Center Senior Fellow Denny Roy focuses on Asia Pacific security issues and thinks the answer is no. The Conversation talked with him about what could be behind the recent events.

Today on The Conversation: East-West Center Senior Fellow Denny Roy discusses China-Taiwan and China-U.S. relations; Hawaiʻi Pacific University’s Oceanic Institute uses a federal grant to engage STEM majors; Honolulu Civil Beat's Suevon Lee reports on educators exiting teaching; Botanist Patti Welton reflects on three decades of conservation work at Haleakalā National Park; and Mānoa Honey & Mead's Yuki Uzuhashi celebrates the natural flavors gathered by his bees.

China has sent a record number of its planes very close to Taiwan in recent days. The United States calls the moves “provocative,” while the Beijing government says it’s the fault of the United States. Flights like these are not new, but they are symbolic.

China has a power problem — and it’s getting worse. This is not about political power — it’s about electricity. And it has implications that go far beyond the country’s borders.

This is a week of international diplomacy as the United Nations holds its General Assembly meetings in New York. Later this week, a smaller gathering of allies in the Indo-Pacific will draw international attention, especially from one nation that’s not invited.

Stock markets around the world started the week with heavy losses. One big factor was a Chinese property developer — but what’s the story behind that company — and why is it spooking investors?

Three Chinese astronauts are in quarantine today — not because of the coronavirus, but because of a recent space mission. On Friday they touched down in a desert in Mongolia, wrapping up a three-month mission.

This summer’s Tokyo Olympics marked the first time that surfing was part of the games. This past weekend, the sport made another debut appearance in Asia — part of a growing trend.

China is continuing to extend its authority over Hong Kong. Some recent moves have been aggressive in targeting opposition to the Beijing government, but the latest development focuses on the Chinese flag.

China’s government is limiting video games for young people. The state-run news agency Xinhua reports that starting Wednesday, anyone under the age of 18 can only play online video games for a total of 3 hours a week — and only on weekends.