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David Brunnstrom
For David Brunnstrom's latest contributions to The Japan Times, see below:
Prime Minister Fumio Kishida shakes hands with U.S. President Joe Biden during a trilateral summit at Camp David near Thurmont, Maryland, in August.
JAPAN / Politics / EXPLAINER
Apr 6, 2024
What U.S.-Japan defense shakeup will involve and why
Next week's summit between Biden and Kishida will bring a "historic" upgrade in defense ties between the long-time allies.
U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell
WORLD / Politics
Apr 4, 2024
Senior U.S. diplomat links AUKUS submarine pact to Taiwan
The project involves Australia acquiring nuclear-powered attack submarines as part of the allies' efforts to push back against China's growing power.
The Biden administration has regularly sent warnings about Nippon Steel's proposed purchase of U.S. Steel and has steadfastly sided with the United Steelworkers over the sale of a once-iconic firm based in Pennsylvania, a crucial swing state.
BUSINESS / Companies
Mar 14, 2024
Biden to express concern over Nippon Steel's deal for U.S. Steel, source says
U.S. officials and lawyers have drafted a statement of concern and the White House has privately informed Tokyo of Biden's move, according to reports.
The United States has cautioned Pacific Islands nations against assistance from China after reports surfaced that Chinese police are working in Kiribati.
ASIA PACIFIC / Politics
Feb 28, 2024
U.S. cautions after Hawaii neighbor Kiribati gets Chinese police
The news comes as Beijing renews a push to expand security ties in the Pacific Islands in an intensifying rivalry with the United States.
Palau President Surangel Whipps Jr.
ASIA PACIFIC / Politics
Feb 16, 2024
Anxious over funding delay, Pacific island nations warn about China
The additional amount currently needed is a relatively small $2.3 billion.
South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol, U.S. President Joe Biden and Prime Minister Fumio Kishida at a news conference at Camp David in Maryland in August
JAPAN
Jan 26, 2024
Biden to host Kishida for state visit in April
Trip comes as alliance deals with growing security concerns.
Sailors sit on a truck at the Cambodian Ream Naval Base in Sihanoukville, Cambodia, in 2019.
ASIA PACIFIC / Politics
Dec 7, 2023
U.S. monitoring reports of Chinese warships at Cambodian base
Radio Free Asia reported on Tuesday that Chinese warships had arrived at Cambodia's Ream Naval Base.
Demonstrators protest outside India's consulate in Vancouver on Sept. 25, one a week after Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau raised the prospect of New Delhi's involvement in the murder of Sikh separatist leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar.
WORLD / Politics
Nov 30, 2023
Indian official was behind plot to assassinate Sikh American in U.S., DOJ says
The target has publicly advocated for the establishment of a sovereign state for Sikhs.
Marshall Islands President David Kabua addresses the 78th Session of the U.N. General Assembly in New York on Sept. 20.
ASIA PACIFIC / Politics
Oct 17, 2023
U.S. finalizes 20-year extension of Marshall Islands ties
Washington is set to provide the Marshall Islands with $2.3 billion over the next 20 years.
Pacific Island Forum Secretary General Henry Puna
WORLD / Politics
Sep 19, 2023
Pacific island nations to hold second summit with Biden next week
Henry Puna of the Pacific Islands Forum said the region had gone from a period of neglect to one of strategic interest, competition and "manipulation."
U.S. President Joe Biden raises a toast in Hanoi on Monday. While the U.S. may have successfully bolstered strategic ties with India and Vietnam to counter China, rights advocates were disappointed, given Biden's vow to prioritize the issue when taking office in 2021.
WORLD / Politics
Sep 12, 2023
Biden accused of sidelining rights issues in Vietnam and India
For rights advocates, Biden's travels were a disappointment, given his administration's vow to prioritize the issue when taking office in 2021.
Japan Times
ASIA PACIFIC / FOCUS
Jul 22, 2023
Bringing Private King home: Reaching Pyongyang is the first challenge
Securing the return of citizens from North Korea has never been easy for the U.S. It may be even harder now, with communications now almost nonexistent.
Japan Times
WORLD / Politics
Jul 13, 2023
China's U.S. envoy makes rare Pentagon visit for security-related talks
A statement said the Chinese ambassador discussed defense relations and 'a range of international and regional security issues' in talks with a U.S. assistant secretary of defense.
Japan Times
ASIA PACIFIC / ANALYSIS
Jul 11, 2023
U.S. military deals unlikely to draw India away from Russian arms
The country’s multi-billion-dollar purchases of U.S. arms are more about developing its own domestic weapons industry, security officials and analysts say.
Japan Times
ASIA PACIFIC
Feb 28, 2023
China must be 'more honest' on COVID origins, U.S. ambassador says
Nicholas Burns' comments came after reports emerged that the U.S. Energy Department concluded the pandemic likely arose from a Chinese laboratory leak.
Japan Times
WORLD
Jan 12, 2023
Activists urge U.S. apology and compensation for nuclear testing in the Pacific
Marshall Islanders are still plagued by health and environmental effects of the 67 U.S. nuclear bomb tests there from 1946 to 1958.
Japan Times
WORLD
Dec 15, 2022
Eyeing China, Biden says U.S. is 'all in' on Africa
Biden's remarks aim to show that the United States is a better partner for Africa than China.
Japan Times
ASIA PACIFIC
Dec 2, 2022
U.S. and Asian allies impose new sanctions on North Korea after ICBM test
Japan designated three entities and an individual for new sanctions, the Foreign Ministry said, including the Lazarus Group suspected of carrying out cyberattacks.
Japan Times
WORLD / ANALYSIS
Dec 1, 2022
U.S. Republicans slam Biden's cautious response to China COVID protests
The White House has said it backs the right of people to peacefully protest in China but has stopped short of criticizing Beijing.
Japan Times
WORLD
Nov 11, 2022
Biden to seek firmer footing for China relations in first Xi meeting of presidency
The White House said the U.S. leader will hold talks Monday with China's president on the sidelines of a Group of 20 nations summit in Indonesia

Longform

Historically, kabuki was considered the entertainment of the merchant and peasant classes, a far cry from how it is regarded today.
For Japan's oldest kabuki theater, the show must go on