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Jon Herskovitz
Japan Times
ASIA PACIFIC
Nov 10, 2021
China's COVID surge could set back Kim Jong Un’s border reopening
New COVID-19 restrictions in the Chinese area bordering North Korea may have scuttled Kim Jong Un's plans to reopen a vital crossing that has been closed for almost two years.
Japan Times
WORLD / FOCUS
Oct 19, 2021
China’s orbiting missile exploits weakness in U.S. defenses
The weapon missed its mark, but could later become capable of sending warheads around American anti-missile systems.
Japan Times
ASIA PACIFIC
Oct 7, 2021
North Korea is trying to hide uranium plant expansion, watchdog group says
Satellite imagery shows that previously reported construction in an area at the Yongbyon uranium enrichment plant has been covered to hide details of the building's layout.
Japan Times
ASIA PACIFIC
Oct 5, 2021
North Korea trades scorn for flattery to win benefits from Moon
While North Korea has frequently shifted between provocations and diplomatic overtures, Kim now appears to be trying to do both at the same time.
Japan Times
ASIA PACIFIC
Sep 18, 2021
North Korea’s work at uranium plant points to missile buildup
Any expansion of its enrich uranium program would be another sign that Kim Jong Un is removing self-imposed constraints on his atomic weapons program put in place during talks with the U.S.
Japan Times
ASIA PACIFIC
Aug 4, 2021
Kim Jong Un’s head bandage is added to list of health mysteries
Images of the North Korean leader at events in late July showed a bandage and later a dark greenish spot on the back of his head.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Jul 14, 2021
Olympics boss Bach aims to put ‘most-followed’ games on track
The stakes are enormous for Suga, whose political fortunes are closely tied to the games, and for the IOC, which faces scrutiny on whether it is prioritizing money over public health.
Japan Times
ASIA PACIFIC
Jun 28, 2021
North Korea highlights Kim’s weight loss as food shortage builds
By allowing comment on Kim's weight, the country's propaganda apparatus supported a familiar theme in the myth-making of regime leaders.
Japan Times
ASIA PACIFIC / Politics
Jun 21, 2021
Biden nuclear envoy ready for talks ‘anytime’ with North Korea
Their meeting was the first among the envoys since Biden took office and came just days after Kim Jong Un said his country is ready for 'both dialogue and confrontation.'
Japan Times
ASIA PACIFIC
Jun 5, 2021
North Korea’s Kim appears in public for the first time in a month
Periods of prolonged absences have become a bit more frequent for Kim since the start of the coronavirus pandemic. The current break is believed to be his seventh since 2020.
Japan Times
ASIA PACIFIC / FOCUS
Nov 27, 2020
Kim Jong Un likely to let his missiles do the talking with Biden
Having branded the president-elect an 'imbecile,' Pyongyang has made clear that it prefers dealing with Trump.
Japan Times
JAPAN / ANALYSIS
Sep 12, 2020
Abe lays groundwork for strike capability, but leaves decision to Japan’s next leader
In his last full week on the job, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe laid the groundwork for a plan to allow preemptive strikes on enemy bases.
Japan Times
ASIA PACIFIC / FOCUS
Aug 27, 2020
Kim Jong Un’s regime baffles world with contradictory signals
The coronavirus has further cut the flow of intelligence out of the country, with North Korea slashing traffic across the Chinese border.
Japan Times
ASIA PACIFIC / FOCUS
Jul 7, 2020
North Korean defectors face wrath of both Seoul and Pyongyang
Two brothers who led defector groups were questioned by police last week, after the government sought to have them prosecuted over leaflets sent over the border.
Japan Times
ASIA PACIFIC
Jun 25, 2020
Kim Jong Un’s erratic behavior shows North Korea is stuck
On Wednesday, Kim continued to surprise, announcing the suspension of newly announced “military action plans” against South Korea. Hours later, Seoul said it observed North Koreans removing loudspeakers that were recently installed.
Japan Times
ASIA PACIFIC / Politics / ANALYSIS
Jun 10, 2020
Kim raises pressure on South Korea's Moon to split with Trump
Both North Korea and left-leaning supporters of South Korean President Moon Jae-in want him to restore economic ties broken by security tensions. But pleasing them would mean angering U.S. President Donald Trump.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Sep 19, 2019
Eight years since nuclear disaster, Fukushima hopes Rugby World Cup can clean up its image
On pristine pitches in northeastern Japan, the Argentine men's rugby team practiced their scrums, line-outs and set plays in the sunshine in preparation for their opening game against France this week in the Rugby World Cup.
Japan Times
ASIA PACIFIC / Politics / ANALYSIS
Mar 13, 2019
Kim Jong Un might not want the risks that come with the riches Trump is promising North Korea
U.S. President Donald Trump has spent a lot of time trying to convince Kim Jong Un that great wealth awaits if he gives up his nuclear weapons and opens North Korea's economy. Yet that carries big risks for the young leader.

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