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Jesse Johnson
Japan Times
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.'
Japan Times
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 Times
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.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Politics
Sep 13, 2021
LDP leadership contender Kishida unveils initiatives to counter China
Kishida, taking a page from the Biden's administration's multilateral approach to dealing with Beijing, has called for Tokyo to work even more closely with other 'like-minded' democracies.
Japan Times
ASIA PACIFIC / ANALYSIS
Sep 13, 2021
North Korea tests new cruise missiles that put Japan in striking distance
The new weapon, which could evade missile defenses and deliver nuclear bombs to most of the country, is expected to play into the ongoing debate over Japan acquiring strike capabilities.
Japan Times
ASIA PACIFIC
Sep 9, 2021
North Korea's Kim oversees first military parade since Biden's swearing-in
The parade, which did not reveal any new weapons systems, was apparently directed at a domestic audience with an aim of boosting morale amid the battle against the coronavirus.
Japan Times
ASIA PACIFIC
Sep 8, 2021
U.S. warship sails near man-made South China Sea islet, flouting new Chinese law
The U.S. Navy vessel passed near a Chinese-held island for the first time since Beijing began implementing a law requiring foreign vessels to give notice before entering waters it claims.
Japan Times
ASIA PACIFIC
Sep 7, 2021
South Korea joins elite club with test of sub-launched ballistic missile
South Korea joined an exclusive group last week, becoming only the eighth country — and sole non-nuclear nation — to successfully test-fire a submarine-launched ballistic missile.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Politics
Sep 7, 2021
Facing intraparty obstacles, Ishiba wrestles with role in LDP election
The former defense chief has long had ambitions to become prime minister, but his fraught relationship with the LDP could block his way — and change the race for everyone else.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Politics
Sep 6, 2021
Kono emerges as top contender to replace Suga in polls as LDP race gains steam
With the party's popularity having taken a hit over the pandemic, and an election due to be held this autumn, public support could give a candidate a crucial edge in the LDP vote.
Japan Times
JAPAN / ANALYSIS
Sep 6, 2021
U.S.-Japan alliance to take hit from Suga’s decision to step down
While the overall direction in the two countries' relations is unlikely to shift, progress is likely to be stymied by the change in Japanese leadership.
Japan Times
ASIA PACIFIC / ANALYSIS
Aug 30, 2021
North Korea appears to restart nuclear reactor, presenting fresh challenge to Biden
The restart of the plutonium-producing reactor at the Yongbyon nuclear site has been described as 'deeply troubling' by the U.N. atomic agency.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Politics / FOCUS
Aug 29, 2021
To China's chagrin, Japan-Taiwan talks could pave the way for closer ties
In recent months, the Tokyo-Taipei relationship has grown even closer as Japan became far more vocal in the public sphere about its concerns over China's assertiveness.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Politics / ANALYSIS
Aug 22, 2021
U.S. ambassador pick Rahm Emanuel could give Japan a direct line to Biden
After nearly two years, Japan could soon be getting a high-profile, Senate-approved U.S. ambassador — one who has the ear of the American president.
Japan Times
ASIA PACIFIC / ANALYSIS
Aug 17, 2021
China trumpets U.S. decline, but Asia's lessons from Afghan chaos hard to discern
Even as Chinese state media seizes on the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan as a signal of America's decline, the view from Beijing's halls of power is likely far more nuanced.
Japan Times
ASIA PACIFIC / Politics / ANALYSIS
Jul 27, 2021
In surprise move, two Koreas restore communications and agree to improve ties
The unexpected agreement comes more than a year after Pyongyang blew up ties — and an inter-Korean building that had been symbolic of the relationship.
Japan Times
JAPAN / ANALYSIS
Jul 20, 2021
Moon’s Olympic absence points to protracted stalemate with Japan
Tokyo had been lukewarm on a visit, as it did not expect the South Korean president to propose solutions to festering grievances over historical, political and economic issues.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Jul 19, 2021
South Korea’s Moon scraps plan to visit Tokyo for Olympics
Plans to hold the first in-person summit between the leaders of Japan and South Korea had hit a snag over a disparaging comment by a Japanese diplomat about the South Korean president.
Japan Times
ASIA PACIFIC / Politics / ANALYSIS
Jul 14, 2021
Fifty years since Kissinger's secret visit, Sino-U.S. ties now fraying fast
The downward trajectory is unlikely to be altered any time soon, experts say, as top officials in both countries are buckling down for a long-haul competition.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Jul 7, 2021
Tokyo Olympics spectator issue moves into the political arena
With signs emerging of a new wave of infections in the capital, competing narratives are emerging about the safety of allowing fans at Olympic venues.

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