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David Pierson
For David Pierson's latest contributions to The Japan Times, see below:
Chinese leader Xi Jinping during the final session of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in San Francisco on Friday
ASIA PACIFIC / Politics / ANALYSIS
Nov 18, 2023
A rare opportunity to see China’s leader up close and (sort of) personal
President Xi Jinping of China is one of the most self-contained Chinese leaders in decades, who reveals next to nothing about his personal life.
U.S. Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo is greeted by Shanghai Party Secretary Chen Jining, in Shanghai on Wednesday.
ASIA PACIFIC / Politics
Sep 2, 2023
U.S. officials are streaming to China. Will Beijing return the favor?
Such visits could help convey Beijing’s interest in stabilizing ties with Washington. But China has been noncommittal.
Japan Times
ASIA PACIFIC
May 13, 2023
In Xi’s China, economic needs may take a back seat to security
Xi Jinping wants to insulate China from perceived threats from the West. He also wants to promote the country as deserving of foreign investment and clout. Can he do both?
Japan Times
ASIA PACIFIC
May 10, 2023
Hong Kong wants more tourists, but mostly ‘good quality’ ones, please
The return to Hong Kong of budget tour groups from mainland China is sparking frustrations, and a dose of snobbery, in a city starved for business.
Japan Times
ASIA PACIFIC / Politics
Apr 22, 2023
As Xi befriends world leaders, he hardens his stance on the U.S.
China’s top leader, Xi Jinping, rolled out the red carpet for President Luiz InAcio Lula da Silva of Brazil, lauding him as "an old friend of the Chinese people.” He sipped tea in a garden with President Emmanuel Macron of France, treating him to a performance of an ancient Chinese zither. And he talked on the phone with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Saudi Arabia’s de facto ruler, offering well wishes for the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.
Japan Times
WORLD / ANALYSIS
Mar 18, 2023
Xi, cast as peacemaker, wades into Russia’s war in Ukraine
The Chinese leader is expected to meet in person next week with President Vladimir Putin of Russia, and a call with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of Ukraine could follow.
Japan Times
ASIA PACIFIC
Jan 7, 2023
China’s COVID surge threatens villages as Lunar New Year approaches
China is bracing for an onslaught of infections in its fragile countryside as millions of people crowd onto trains and buses to return to their rural homes for the Lunar New Year holiday.
Japan Times
WORLD / ANALYSIS
Dec 31, 2022
Xi and Putin meet again, two strongmen in a weak moment
Since Russiau2019s invasion of Ukraine began in February, Putin has been isolated and highly dependent on China to maintain a semblance of diplomatic and financial stability.

Longform

Yoshiko Koide sits in a classroom at Nagoya College where she teaches a Japanese-language observation seminar.
How a dictionary came to spark outrage among the web’s otaku