The USA is planning a diplomatic boycott of the Beijing Winter Olympics, due to concerns over human rights violations in China. Professor Shaun Breslin, a leading expert on Chinese politics from the Department of Politics and International Studies, offers his view.

Tensions between Taiwan and China are at their worst in forty years, according to Taiwan's defence minister, who has warned of the risk of an accidental strike. Read more in BBC News. Professor Shaun Breslin, expert in Chinese International Relations from the University of Warwick, offers his comment.

Supporters of West Papuan independence have faced harsh penalties for raising their flag on 1 December. Dr Keith Hyams of the Department of Politics and International Studies comments on rising tension in the region.

Dr Catherine Jones, expert in East Asian politics from the Department of Politics and International Studies at the University of Warwick, comments on the increasingly hostile relationship between the USA and North Korea

Myanmar holds general elections on 8 November 2015 - the country's first elections since a nominally civilian government was introduced in 2011, ending nearly 50 years of military rule.

Kirsten McConnachie Assistant Professor, School of Law, briefly discusses the situation head of the elections. Dr McConnachie is available for media interviews. For further details please contact Nicola Jones, Communications Manager, University of Warwick 07824 540863 or N.Jones.1@warwick.ac.uk