CHINA

“Obama and Xi Try to Avoid a Cold War Mentality.” New York Times, June 10, 2013.

Over the weekend in California, President Obama and President Xi had their first lengthy talk on issues ranging from economy to cybersecurity. Although they tried hard to prevent the disputes from descending into a cold war mentality, forces on both sides pushed Obama and Xi into that same exact trap.

“China's economy stumbles in May, growth may fall in second quarter.” Reuters, June 10, 2013.

Risks are rising that China's economic growth will fall further in the second quarter and that full-year forecasts will be cut further, but Premier Li Keqiang said the economy was generally stable and that growth was within a "relatively high and reasonable range."

“Chinese Media Suggest N.S.A. Disclosure Will Hurt U.S. Ties.” New York Times, June 14, 2013.

Chinese state media highlighted revelations that the U.S. government was engaged in widespread monitoring of Internet and telephone communications, carrying reports suggesting the disclosures could damage relations between the two countries.

RUSSIA

“Rice and the Russians: Will Obama’s new national security advisor play nice and get along with Moscow?” Foreign Policy, June 7, 2013.

The relatively cordial relationship that the Obama administration has built with Russia may be in for a jolt as Susan Rice assumes the role of national security advisor. As a strong proponent of humanitarian intervention, Rice may irk Russia more than her predecessor did. 

“Putin’s Self-Destruction: Russia’s New Anti-Corruption Campaign Will Sink the Regime.” Foreign Affairs, June 9, 2013.

Over the past few months, Vladimir Putin has ousted and prosecuted many state officials under a new law that forbids officials from maintaining foreign bank accounts. By pursuing this aggressive anti-corruption campaign, Putin risks losing the support of elites and stoking public demand for more radical change, potentially dooming his hold on power.

WEAPONS OF MASS DESTRUCTION

“In Iran Race, All 8 Candidates Toe Hard Line on Nuclear Might.” New York Times, June 9, 2013.

All of the candidates running in today’s Iranian presidential election agree that Iran should not make concessions on its nuclear program. Widespread support for this no-compromise position suggests that international sanctions may be counterproductive to the goal of convincing Iran to end its nuclear program. 

“North Korea’s Dialogue With the South Collapses.” New York Times, June 11, 2013.

High-level talks between the governments of North and South Korea have collapsed after the two sides failed to agree on whether their respective delegations were of an equal rank. The failure of the talks, due to a procedural detail, is symptomatic of the growing mistrust between the two governments. 

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Compiled by Haolin Liu and Andi Zhou.