Jesse Johnson - The 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.

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 / 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 / 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 / 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.

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 / 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 / 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.

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.

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 / 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

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.

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

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.

JAPAN

Jul 6, 2021

Deputy PM says Japan must defend Taiwan with U.S.

With the remarks, Aso became the most senior government official to state a clear scenario in which the SDF would be deployed to help defend another country or region.

ASIA PACIFIC

Jun 30, 2021

North Korea's Kim slams officials over 'great crisis' in virus fight

Kim accused senior officials of failing to carry out strict anti-virus measures, leaving the isolated country vulnerable to 'grave consequences,' state media reported Wednesday.

JAPAN / Politics

Jun 29, 2021

Senior Japanese defense official says democracies must back up Taiwan and stand up to China

The state minister of defense has suggested that Japan, the U.S. and other countries re-examine their decisions to follow the “One China” policy that recognizes Beijing instead of Taipei.

ASIA PACIFIC / ANALYSIS

Jun 28, 2021

As North Korea and U.S. vie for leverage, nuclear talks likely a long way off

Recent remarks by Pyongyang pouring cold water on chances of dialogue are almost certainly part of a choreographed response to a U.S. offer of unconditional talks.

ASIA PACIFIC / ANALYSIS

Jun 16, 2021

With record warplane incursion near Taiwan, China has a message: We won't be cowed

The mission comes as Beijing faces international calls to maintain peace in the Taiwan Strait and as the Chinese Communist Party's 100th anniversary fast approaches.

ASIA PACIFIC

Jun 16, 2021

China sends largest-ever number of warplanes near Taiwan

A record 28 warplanes have ventured into Taiwan's air defense identification zone just days after a G7 statement urged the peaceful resolution of cross-strait issues.

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