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Philip J. Heijmans
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.
Japan Times
ASIA PACIFIC / Politics
Aug 24, 2021
Blasting China, Harris says U.S. won’t push Asia to pick sides
In Singapore, Harris spoke about the U.S. vision for a region built on rules, human rights, freedom of the seas and unimpeded commerce.
Japan Times
ASIA PACIFIC / Politics
Aug 23, 2021
Kamala Harris announces U.S. supply-chain initiative with Singapore
Harris sought to reassure allies in Asia over Washington's commitment to the region, as she faced a volley of questions on Afghanistan during a visit to Singapore.
Japan Times
ASIA PACIFIC / Politics
Aug 20, 2021
Kamala Harris heads to Singapore and Vietnam to bolster diplomatic pivot to Asia
The U.S. vice president will be aiming to boost economic and military cooperation in China's backyard, in the Biden administration's most high-profile trip yet to the region.
Japan Times
ASIA PACIFIC
May 17, 2021
Singapore schools go online to curb COVID-19 spread among children
The country reported 38 new cases in the community on Sunday, the highest number in more than a year, including 18 cases with no known infection route.
Japan Times
ASIA PACIFIC / Politics / FOCUS
Apr 6, 2021
China tests Biden with South China Sea tactic that misled Obama
It appears that Beijing is probing whether Biden will take action after pledging to work with allies to deter Chinese assertiveness.
Japan Times
ASIA PACIFIC
Mar 10, 2021
Brawling Myanmar monks show Buddhist nationalists backing coup
Buddhist monasteries are usually known as places of solace and meditation. But one in Myanmar's biggest city became the site of an ugly brawl in the aftermath of the Feb. 1 military coup.
Japan Times
ASIA PACIFIC
Mar 3, 2021
Southeast Asia rebuffs U.S. sanctions on Myanmar, giving generals a lifeline
On Tuesday, ASEAN foreign ministers sought to balance calls for the release of Aung San Suu Kyi with avoiding any interference in the country's internal affairs.
Japan Times
ASIA PACIFIC
Feb 13, 2021
Myanmar faces wider business fallout after Kirin retreat
Companies and investors are weighing the impact of a military coup that has thrust the once-thriving nation into a state of emergency.
Japan Times
ASIA PACIFIC
Feb 3, 2021
Myanmar army’s next problem: Defeating Aung San Suu Kyi in an election
Myanmar's army has plenty of examples in Asia of powerful elites that write rules favoring the establishment at election time.
Japan Times
ASIA PACIFIC
Jan 20, 2021
As Thailand’s troubles grow, the king moves to bolster his image
Looming over myriad crises is the months of rallies where protesters have openly criticized the monarchy, Thailand's most powerful institution.

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