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Matt Spetalnick
Japan Times
ASIA PACIFIC
Jul 20, 2023
How a U.S. soldier made a mad dash into North Korea
The U.S. military was scrambling on Wednesday to determine the soldier's fate, as well as his motive.
Japan Times
WORLD / Politics
Jun 8, 2023
U.S. takes aim at China over Latin America trade tactics and fentanyl role
China has denounced U.S. sanctions on Chinese firms and individuals over their alleged involvement in the fentanyl trade and has accused Washington of trying to deflect blame.
Japan Times
ASIA PACIFIC
Apr 6, 2023
Taiwan resigned to diplomatic losses in Latin America, observers say
U.S. officials and other sources see limited options available to the administration of U.S. President Joe Biden for halting the gradual drift toward China in Washington’s neighborhood.
Japan Times
WORLD
Nov 16, 2022
Poland blast: How NATO's defense obligations could be triggered by Ukraine war
The United States and its allies have said they are investigating reports a deadly explosion in Poland on Tuesday was caused by stray Russian missiles.
Japan Times
WORLD / FOCUS
Jul 9, 2022
U.S. and Israel push Arab allies for joint defense pact amid Iran tensions
The two allies are seeking to lay the groundwork for an alliance with Arab states that would connect air-defense systems to combat Iranian drone and missile attacks in the Middle East.
Japan Times
WORLD
Jun 10, 2022
Biden rebuked over guest list at Americas summit he is hosting
The exclusion of Cuba, Venezuela and Nicaragua from the event prompted criticism from the leaders of Argentina and Belize.
Japan Times
WORLD
Jun 6, 2022
U.S. to let Eni and Repsol ship Venezuelan oil to Europe for debt
While any impact on global oil prices will be modest, Washington's greenlight to resume Venezuela's oil flows to Europe could provide a symbolic boost for the Venezuelan president.
Japan Times
WORLD / Politics
Dec 17, 2020
Biden likely to keep using sanctions weapon but with sharper aim
Biden is expected to make clear that sanctions will remain a central instrument of U.S. power — although it will no longer be deployed with the 'America First” bravado.
Japan Times
ASIA PACIFIC / ANALYSIS
Mar 1, 2019
As Trump returns empty-handed from summit with Kim, some in Washington breathe sigh of relief
Among some U.S. officials, congressional aides, analysts and others who track North Korea, there was a sigh of relief Thursday as President Donald Trump headed home from Vietnam empty-handed from his talks with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.
Japan Times
ASIA PACIFIC / ANALYSIS
May 26, 2018
U.S. 'maximum pressure' on North Korea faces test with summit in limbo
U.S. efforts to sustain and possibly intensify its "maximum pressure" campaign on North Korea are entering a perilous phase as a potential breakdown in diplomacy with Pyongyang raises fears that China may loosen its enforcement of international sanctions.
Japan Times
ASIA PACIFIC / ANALYSIS
May 25, 2018
Canceled Trump-Kim summit could return U.S., North Korea to crisis mode
President Donald Trump's cancellation of a summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un risks a return to crisis mode between Washington and Pyongyang, but both sides may be wary of letting the situation escalate into fears of war, as it did last year.
Japan Times
ASIA PACIFIC
Jul 22, 2017
U.S. presses Myanmar to cease military ties with North Korea
Myanmar's military has maintained ties with North Korea, even though the civilian-led government denies any cooperation, and the Trump administration is pressing for a complete break-off of remaining links, current and former U.S. officials said.
Japan Times
ASIA PACIFIC
Jul 14, 2017
New U.S. sanctions eyed on Chinese firms with North Korea ties: officials
Frustrated that China has not done more to rein in North Korea, the Trump administration could impose new sanctions on small Chinese banks and other firms doing business with Pyongyang within weeks, two senior U.S. officials said.
Japan Times
ASIA PACIFIC / ANALYSIS
Apr 4, 2017
When Trump and Xi meet, will it mean conciliation or collision?
When U.S. President Donald Trump meets Chinese President Xi Jinping this week, their summit will be marked not only by deep policy divisions but a clash of personalities between America's brash "tweeter-in-chief" and Beijing's cautious, calculating leader.
Japan Times
ASIA PACIFIC / Politics
Mar 21, 2017
Trump administration weighing broad sanctions on North Korea, top U.S. official says
The Trump administration is considering sweeping sanctions aimed at cutting North Korea off from the global financial system as part of a broad review of measures to counter Pyongyang's nuclear and missile threat, a senior U.S. official said Monday.
Japan Times
ASIA PACIFIC / Politics
Mar 19, 2017
Trump administration crafting big new arms sales to Taiwan, sources say
The Trump administration is crafting a big new arms package for Taiwan that could include advanced rocket systems and anti-ship missiles to defend against China, U.S. officials said, a deal sure to anger Beijing.
Japan Times
ASIA PACIFIC / Politics
Jan 24, 2017
Trump White House warns Beijing over 'takeover' of South China Sea
The new U.S. administration of President Donald Trump vowed Monday that the United States would prevent China from taking over territory in international waters in the South China Sea, something Chinese state media has warned would require Washington to "wage war."
Japan Times
ASIA PACIFIC / Politics / ANALYSIS
Jan 14, 2017
Trump team sends out contradictory signals as it seeks to craft tougher China policy
The incoming U.S. administration's tough talk against China has set the stage for showdowns on everything from security to trade and cyberspace, but contradictory signals are sowing uncertainty over how far President-elect Donald Trump is prepared to go in confronting Beijing.
ASIA PACIFIC / ANALYSIS
Jul 28, 2016
U.S. diplomatic strategy on South China Sea appears to founder
In the lead-up to an international court ruling on China's claims in the South China Sea this month, American officials talked about rallying a coalition to impose "terrible" costs to Beijing's reputation if it flouted the court's decision.
Japan Times
ASIA PACIFIC
Jun 21, 2016
U.S. Navy chief hopes carriers deter East Asia destabilization
The U.S. Navy chief said on Monday he hoped the deployment of two aircraft carriers on a training mission in East Asia would deter any attempts to destabilize the region, where military tensions have risen amid China's growing assertiveness.

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