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Jesse Johnson
Japan Times
JAPAN
Dec 23, 2022
North Korea fires off two ballistic missiles as flurry of launches continues
Friday's launch comes after the North fired off two missiles on Sunday — what it later termed as a test for the development of a spy satellite that it plans to complete by next April.
Japan Times
ASIA PACIFIC
Dec 19, 2022
North Korea to finish preparations for spy satellite by April
Pyongyang claimed to have conducted “an important final-stage test” for the development of the satellite, one of leader Kim Jong Un's key goals for bolstering his arsenal.
Japan Times
ASIA PACIFIC
Dec 18, 2022
North Korea fires two medium-range missiles into Sea of Japan
The launches came just days after Japan committed to acquiring a 'counterstrike capability' that would allow it to strike enemy bases and command sites — including inside North Korea.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Dec 17, 2022
U.S. hails Japan's new security strategy as China lashes out over moves
Washington called Tokyo's revision of key security documents a 'bold and historic step,' while Beijing urged Japan to refrain from hyping the 'China threat.'
Japan Times
JAPAN
Dec 16, 2022
Japan approves major defense overhaul in dramatic policy shift
The government passed revisions to three key security documents that outline a tough new stance on China and pave the way for Tokyo's acquisition of a 'counterstrike capability.'
Japan Times
JAPAN / FOCUS
Dec 7, 2022
With revisions to key security documents, pacifist Japan set to blaze a new trail
Upcoming changes could usher in dramatic shifts in the country's defense-oriented policy amid what Tokyo calls an 'increasingly severe security environment.'
Japan Times
JAPAN
Dec 6, 2022
Kishida seeks to hike defense spending by more than 50% over five years
The new budget would put Japan closer to the target Kishida ordered last week of spending 2% of gross domestic product on defense by 2027.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Nov 30, 2022
Japan eyes buying up to 500 Tomahawk missiles from U.S., report says
U.S. President Joe Biden reportedly indicated that Japan was “a high priority” buyer for the weapons and emphasized his intention to steadily proceed with the possible sale.
Japan Times
ASIA PACIFIC / ANALYSIS
Nov 30, 2022
China could triple nuke arsenal, Pentagon says in report spotlighting submarine capabilities
In an annual report that also spotlighted Beijing's designs on Taiwan, the U.S. Defense Department said it expected China could have 1,500 nuclear warheads by 2035.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Nov 29, 2022
In major shift, Kishida sets defense spending target at 2% of GDP for first time
Japan has long maintained an informal cap on defense spending of around 1% of GDP, but calls for an increase have grown amid escalating threats from China and North Korea.
Japan Times
ASIA PACIFIC / ANALYSIS
Nov 20, 2022
North Korea's Kim has revealed he has a daughter. Why now?
The first public appearance of an heir to the isolated country's leader may offer clues into plans for his regime and its nuclear arsenal.
Japan Times
ASIA PACIFIC
Nov 19, 2022
North Korea, vowing to counter threats with nukes, says test was of new ICBM
Pyongyang said the Hwasong-17 ICBM launch was part of its 'top-priority defence-building strategy,' with the North labeling the missile 'the strongest strategic weapon in the world.'
Japan Times
ASIA PACIFIC
Nov 18, 2022
Kishida says North Korean ICBM fell into Japan EEZ off Hokkaido
The suspected intercontinental ballistic missile was believed to have fallen into waters 210 kilometers off Hokkaido.
Japan Times
WORLD / FOCUS
Nov 16, 2022
Trump's fresh White House bid to reverberate in Japan
Japan's ability to muddle through Trump's term is often attributed to Shinzo Abe, but his assassination earlier this year means there are likely few “Trump whisperers” left in Tokyo.
Japan Times
ASIA PACIFIC / Politics / ANALYSIS
Nov 15, 2022
Biden and Xi ease Cold War fears, but fundamental frictions remain
While their “blunt” talks marked a positive — if modest — step forward, the million-dollar question is whether that momentum can be sustained, as key challenges remain.
Japan Times
PODCAST / deep dive
Nov 9, 2022
‘High waves and dangerous storms’: How China’s moves are affecting Japan
Despite a recent spate of North Korean missile tests, Japan's larger concerns have mainly focused on activities taking place to the south of the country — specifically, those involving China and Taiwan.
Japan Times
ASIA PACIFIC
Nov 9, 2022
North Korea launches missile as U.S. counts midterm election votes
The Defense Ministry said the missile had traveled for 250 kilometers, hitting a maximum altitude of 50 km before falling into the Sea of Japan, outside Japan's exclusive economic zone.
Japan Times
ASIA PACIFIC / ANALYSIS
Nov 8, 2022
Spate of launches raises prospect of North Korean missile with multiple nuclear warheads
Such a weapon would potentially allow for a single missile to drop nuclear warheads on a broad swath of targets, complicating missile defense efforts.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Nov 6, 2022
Japan and Britain look to sign defense pact next month, report says
The pact would serve as a legal basis for joint exercises and logistics cooperation, while boosting cooperation with mutual ally the U.S. amid concerns over China's growing assertiveness.
Japan Times
ASIA PACIFIC
Nov 5, 2022
North Korea continues frenetic pace of missile launches as U.S. B-1B bombers fly to South
The missiles were the latest in a flurry of launches by the North, including one of an intercontinental ballistic missile that was believed to have failed in-flight over the Sea of Japan.

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