Jesse Johnson - The Japan Times

ASIA PACIFIC / Politics / FOCUS

Nov 7, 2021

Can South Korea’s main presidential candidates revitalize relations with Japan?

The conservative opposition People Power Party has tapped former top prosecutor Yoon Seok-youl, 60, as its presidential candidate, while the ruling Democratic Party picked Lee Jae-myung, 56.

JAPAN / Politics

Nov 1, 2021

Big-name Japanese politicians chopped down to size in Lower House poll

Sunday's election saw a number of well-known lawmakers lose in their districts, with a handful regaining seats in the lower chamber via the proportional representation system.

JAPAN / Politics / ANALYSIS

Oct 31, 2021

Bold foreign policy moves unlikely as Kishida bides time ahead of Upper House election

Kishida has laid out pressing foreign policy priorities — from a tougher stance on China to bolstering the U.S.-Japan alliance. But don't expect radical changes from the new leader.

JAPAN / ANALYSIS

Oct 20, 2021

North Korea's new SLBM prompts Japan to consider seeking strike capability

Pyongyang's recent spate of weapons tests have triggered concern in Tokyo, with top officials openly suggesting the possibility of Japan acquiring the ability to attack enemy bases.

JAPAN

Oct 19, 2021

Chinese and Russian navies' Tsugaru Strait transit highlights growing defense ties

The sailing through the narrow strait separating Japan's main island and Hokkaido follows drills between the two nations in the Sea of Japan.

JAPAN / Politics / ANALYSIS

Oct 18, 2021

Japan's LDP vows sharp defense budget hike, but public focus elsewhere

With voters and the party's coalition partner, Komeito, more concerned about resuscitating Japan's pandemic-hit economy, large increases to defense outlays are unlikely to win much support.

ASIA PACIFIC / ANALYSIS

Oct 14, 2021

North Korea’s display of weaponry hints at what to expect in the months to come

Analysts say Kim Jong Un is positioning himself to ride out the pandemic and the Biden presidency — all while normalizing his regime's weapons tests.

ASIA PACIFIC / Politics

Oct 9, 2021

China's Xi says reunification with Taiwan 'will be realized'

Xi sounded an ominous tone, reiterating that “Taiwan independence is the greatest obstacle to national reunification and the most grave hidden danger to national rejuvenation.'

ASIA PACIFIC / EXPLAINER

Oct 6, 2021

Saber-rattling around Taiwan ratchets up tensions to new heights

Chinese incursions into the self-ruled island's air defense identification zone and drills by democratic nations off Okinawa have highlighted the severity of the situation around Taiwan.

JAPAN

Oct 5, 2021

Fixed-wing aircraft flown from Japanese warship for first time since WWII

The Defense Ministry has confirmed the successful landing and departure of cutting-edge F-35B stealth fighter jets operated by the U.S. Marines from the Maritime Self-Defense Force's Izumo.

JAPAN

Oct 5, 2021

Kishida moves quickly to hold talks with 'Quad' leaders

In separate talks with U.S. President Joe Biden and Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison, the leaders agreed to strengthen bilateral cooperation.

JAPAN / Politics / ANALYSIS

Oct 4, 2021

Kishida uses new Cabinet to signal continuity to allies and China

Japan's new prime minister will need to draw upon his extensive experience as foreign minister in balancing relations with Beijing.

ASIA PACIFIC

Oct 3, 2021

China sends record number of warplanes near Taiwan for second day in a row

Although mass incursions had been rare until recently, large numbers of Chinese warplanes now routinely conduct operations near Taiwan, stoking fears of training for a conflict.

ASIA PACIFIC

Sep 29, 2021

North Korea says it tested difficult-to-stop 'hypersonic missile'

Hypersonic missiles are far faster and more maneuverable than ballistic ones, making them potentially difficult targets for missile defenses.

ASIA PACIFIC

Sep 28, 2021

North Korea conducts third weapons test in just over two weeks

The test came as the North's U.N. envoy told the General Assembly that his country had a “right” to develop weapons for self-defense in the face of the United States' “hostile policy.”

JAPAN / Politics

Sep 21, 2021

LDP leadership contender Sanae Takaichi holds rare talks with Taiwan president

Tsai Ing-wen joined the meeting with the conservative LDP politician, who is known for her hawkish views on China, in her capacity as head of Taiwan's ruling DPP.

JAPAN / Politics / ANALYSIS

Sep 20, 2021

LDP contenders put China in crosshairs in bid to win votes

Foreign policy has taken on increased importance in the party's presidential race, as candidates are trying to win over conservative members with a tough stance on Beijing.

JAPAN / Politics

Sep 19, 2021

LDP contender Sanae Takaichi says she'd accept U.S. intermediate-range missiles

The former internal affairs minister and China hawk was the party's sole presidential candidate to back the idea, calling such a move “absolutely necessary.'

ASIA PACIFIC / ANALYSIS

Sep 15, 2021

North Korean missiles land in Japan EEZ as nuclear threat grows

Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga has condemned the launches, the second test-firing in less than a week, as an “outrageous threat to peace and security in the region.'

JAPAN / Politics / FOCUS

Sep 14, 2021

With term set to expire, Suga looks to reaffirm Japan's role in 'Quad' at summit

Despite concerns about the outgoing prime minister's ability to contribute to the summit, the meeting will nonetheless act as a showcase for the Biden administration's priorities.

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