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Jesse Johnson
Japan Times
ASIA PACIFIC
Jun 21, 2020
Three U.S. aircraft carriers operating on doorstep of South China Sea
The deployment — the first of its kind since 2017 — is likely intended to send a message to Beijing amid rising tensions.
Japan Times
ASIA PACIFIC / ANALYSIS
Jun 17, 2020
North Korea falls back on familiar playbook to ratchet up tensions
North Korea is literally blowing up its relationship with the South. But its bark looks bigger than its bite — at least for now.
JAPAN / ANALYSIS
Jun 16, 2020
Is sudden decision to 'suspend' Aegis Ashore deployment a setback or a calculated retreat?
With Trump distracted by domestic issues, Abe may have judged the timing as ripe for halting the U.S.-made missile system without facing too much of a backlash.
JAPAN
Jun 10, 2020
Japan says it wants to take lead with G7 on Hong Kong security laws
Observers say Japan has been concerned that taking too hard of a line with China on Hong Kong could alienate Beijing just as stability returns to Sino-Japanese ties.
Japan Times
ASIA PACIFIC / ANALYSIS
Jun 9, 2020
North Korea severs hotlines in message to South — and U.S.
Pyongyang has “completely shut down all contact” with Seoul in a move some see as a message to Washington.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Politics / ANALYSIS
Jun 7, 2020
Japan threads the needle as U.S.-China animosity hits new highs
When it comes to increasingly fraught ties between Washington and Beijing, Tokyo is facing a “be careful what you wish for” moment.
Japan Times
JAPAN / Politics
Jun 4, 2020
Hong Kong democracy activists press Japan to reconsider Xi visit
Pro-democracy campaigners say timing of such a trip would be inappropriate given current international criticism over the human rights situation in the city.
ASIA PACIFIC / ANALYSIS
Jun 2, 2020
Trump envisions a three-way nuclear pact. China has other ideas.
Washington takes aim at Beijing's atomic ambitions as Trump administration vows to craft 'new era of arms control.'
JAPAN
May 27, 2020
Japan quells rumors it will pay for half of visitors' expenses
In tweets, the Japan Tourism Agency said the program under consideration would only cover “a portion of domestic travel expenses.”
ASIA PACIFIC / ANALYSIS
May 20, 2020
U.S. military faces down two challenges in western Pacific: COVID-19 and China
The U.S. military has battled to maintain its formidable presence in the western Pacific while reassuring allies about its readiness.
Japan Times
ASIA PACIFIC / ANALYSIS
Apr 28, 2020
Dead, incapacitated or healthy, Kim Jong Un speculation serves as useful thought exercise
Whatever Kim Jong Un's fate, speculation over his condition brings into focus important considerations for Asia, including how it might grapple with a scenario involving his death.
Japan Times
ASIA PACIFIC
Apr 21, 2020
Kim Jong Un returns to spotlight as questions over North Korean leader's fate arise
News of his incapacitation or death would have serious implications for Tokyo as Japan and the world continue to grapple with the deadly COVID-19 pandemic.
Japan Times
ASIA PACIFIC
Feb 13, 2020
Taiwan says U.S. flies B-52 bombers near island after Chinese drills
The U.S. military flew three Air Force planes — including two B-52 bombers — near Taiwan on Wednesday morning, the country's Defense Ministry and the U.S. Pacific Air Forces said, after China sent its own bombers and fighter jets for exercises near the island on Sunday and Monday.
Japan Times
ASIA PACIFIC
Jan 28, 2020
U.S. Navy sails warship near disputed islands in South China Sea for first time in 2020
The U.S. Navy said Tuesday that it had sailed a warship near the contested Spratly Islands in the South China Sea — home to fortified islands built by China — on Saturday, in what was believed to be its first freedom of navigation operation (FONOP) of 2020.
Japan Times
ASIA PACIFIC
Jan 26, 2020
Kim Jong Un’s aunt makes surprise appearance six years after husband’s execution
The once-influential aunt of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un made her first public appearance in more than six years, state media showed Sunday, dispelling rumors that she had been killed or taken her own life after the execution of her powerful husband, Kim's onetime No. 2.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Jan 26, 2020
All crew rescued after U.S. Navy chopper crashes off Okinawa
Five crew members aboard a U.S. Navy MH-60S helicopter that crashed in the Philippine Sea east of Okinawa's main island are rescued with the help of the Self-Defense Forces.
Japan Times
ASIA PACIFIC
Jan 22, 2020
North Korea confirms new defense chief amid leadership shake-up
North Korea confirmed Wednesday that an official who has overseen leader Kim Jong Un's pet construction projects has been named the nuclear-armed country's new defense minister.
Japan Times
ASIA PACIFIC / Science & Health
Jan 22, 2020
North Korea closes borders to all foreign tourists as new coronavirus spreads from China
North Korea has blocked foreign tourists from entering the country, travel operators said Wednesday, amid fears over the spread of a new coronavirus first detected in China.
Japan Times
ASIA PACIFIC
Jan 21, 2020
In similar move to Japan, South Korea to deploy anti-piracy unit to Middle East amid U.S. pressure
South Korea’s military will send an independent contingent to the Middle East to help guard oil tankers amid rising regional tensions rather than participating in a U.S.-led coalition, the Defense Ministry in Seoul announced Tuesday, taking a page out of the Self-Defense Forces’ playbook.
Japan Times
JAPAN / History
Jan 20, 2020
U.S. Navy aircraft carrier to be named for black Pearl Harbor hero
In an honor usually reserved for presidents, the U.S. Navy said Sunday that it would name a future Ford-class aircraft carrier after Doris "Dorie" Miller, the African American mess attendant who heroically leapt into combat — despite limited training — during Japan's surprise attack on Pearl Harbor....

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