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Philip J. Heijmans
Japan Times
ASIA PACIFIC
May 8, 2023
Singapore’s soaring rents are becoming a political problem
For the ruling People’s Action Party, solving the housing problem is crucial as the party navigates succession.
Japan Times
ASIA PACIFIC
Apr 11, 2023
U.S. and Philippines launch biggest exercises yet in wake of China's Taiwan drills
The presence of more than 17,600 military personnel for the the annual Balikatan exercise almost doubles last year’s level, according to the U.S. Embassy in Manila.
Japan Times
ASIA PACIFIC
Mar 3, 2023
Philippine leader's embrace of U.S. troops near Taiwan revives old grievances
In some communities, stories about mistreatment by visiting U.S. troops in the past still resonate.
Japan Times
ASIA PACIFIC
Dec 21, 2022
China accused of new territorial grab in South China Sea
Tensions between China and other claimants in the South China Sea — the Philippines, Taiwan, Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam and Brunei — have been rising for years.
Japan Times
ASIA PACIFIC / FOCUS
Dec 15, 2022
Indonesia struggles to build military that can stave off China
Incursions by Chinese vessels into waters around the Natuna Islands, between Malaysia and Indonesia, have put Jakarta on alert.
Japan Times
ASIA PACIFIC / Politics
Nov 25, 2022
Anwar Ibrahim faces many pitfalls after finally becoming Malaysia PM
The new leader will have to steer the economy at a time of surging inflation and living costs, all while navigating deepening religious and racial fault lines.
Japan Times
ASIA PACIFIC
Oct 26, 2022
Myanmar junta defends air strikes killing 60 people at concert
Sunday's aerial attack in Kachin State killed concert performers along with civilians and militia officers.
Japan Times
ASIA PACIFIC
Aug 26, 2022
Malaysia’s king is facing pressure over possible Najib pardon
For the king, giving such a pardon poses a conundrum since it risks angering a wide segment of the population.
Japan Times
ASIA PACIFIC
Aug 25, 2022
Even from jail, Najib Razak likely to remain a kingmaker when Malaysia votes
Najib began serving a 12-year prison sentence Tuesday over the 1MDB financial scandal, but retains widespread popularity and deep influence in the ruling United Malays National Organization.
Japan Times
WORLD / Politics
Aug 16, 2022
Singapore’s next prime minister warns U.S. and China may ‘sleepwalk into conflict’
Lawrence Wong said the relationship between the world's biggest economies was on a 'very worrying” trajectory.
Japan Times
ASIA PACIFIC
Aug 10, 2022
Nancy Pelosi trip hinders Biden effort to galvanize Asia against China
The shockwaves from the highest-level U.S. visit to Taiwan in a quarter century are still reverberating around the region days after she flew back to Washington.
Japan Times
WORLD
Jul 8, 2022
China diplomatic blitz counters U.S. as Antony Blinken arrives in Asia
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi has secured a fresh pledge from Thailand for a $5.2 billion rail link and talked of a possible 'golden age” of ties with the Philippines' new president.
Japan Times
WORLD / ANALYSIS
Jun 13, 2022
U.S. makes Asia inroads by playing down need to oppose China
Washington has sought to boost its support in the region by reassuring nations they don't need to join a coalition against China, drawing a stark contrast with Beijing's threats.
Japan Times
ASIA PACIFIC
May 21, 2022
Biden struggles to woo Asian nations wary of upsetting China
Before Biden touched down in South Korea on Friday, many officials in the region struggled to understand the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework.
Japan Times
ASIA PACIFIC / Politics
Mar 23, 2022
U.S. threat to sanction China is spooking other nations in Asia
While Russia made up less than 1% of global trade with Southeast Asia in 2020, nations may be reluctant to cuts ties with its largest source of arms.
Japan Times
WORLD
Mar 14, 2022
Europe imported more weapons ahead of war in Ukraine, report says
European states accounted for 13% of global arms transfers in the period between 2017 and 2021, the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute found.
Japan Times
BUSINESS / FOCUS
Nov 10, 2021
China seizing Pacific trade opportunities while U.S. still pursues ‘America First'
Nearly five years after withdrawing from an 11-nation Pacific trade deal, the U.S. is still struggling to articulate its economic vision for the region.
Japan Times
ASIA PACIFIC
Oct 6, 2021
Singapore passes contentious law to counter foreign interference
Singapore has passed legislation that gives officials the authority to order internet service providers to disclose 'harmful' information from foreign entities.
Japan Times
ASIA PACIFIC
Sep 21, 2021
China's neighbors worry Australia sub deal will destabilize region
Some Southeast Asian nations are concerned that the AUKUS partnership could provoke China and spur a regional arms race.
Japan Times
ASIA PACIFIC
Aug 30, 2021
Singapore PM vows moves to ‘defuse resentments over foreigners’
Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong pledged to tighten restrictions on foreign workers, tackling an issue that has stirred anger in the traditionally open city-state as it recovers from a pandemic-induced recession.

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