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Greg Torode
For Greg Torode's latest contributions to The Japan Times, see below:
The Hong Kong flag and surveillance cameras outside the Central Government Offices in Hong Kong
ASIA PACIFIC / Politics
Mar 8, 2024
Hong Kong government issues draft of new national security law
It includes sentences of up to life imprisonment for treason, 20 years for espionage and 10 years for state secrets offenses.
A floating barrier at the entrance of Scarborough Shoal in the South China Sea on Feb. 22
ASIA PACIFIC / Politics
Feb 27, 2024
Satellite images reveal floating barrier at mouth of disputed atoll in South China Sea
China claims the Scarborough Shoal, although it is inside the Philippines' 200-nautical mile exclusive economic zone.
Business people, diplomats and academics are watching developments in Hong Kong closely, saying the prospect of new laws targeting espionage, state secrets and foreign influence could have a deep impact on the global financial hub.
ASIA PACIFIC / Politics
Jan 30, 2024
Hong Kong leaders start push to tighten national security laws
New legislation could sharpen the 2020 regulations imposed by Beijing on the territory in response to months of pro-democracy protests.
An undated file photo shows Diego Garcia, the largest island in the Chagos archipelago and site of a major United States military base in the middle of the Indian Ocean, leased from Britain in 1966.
ASIA PACIFIC / Politics
Dec 14, 2023
Indian Ocean could become China's Achilles' heel in war on Taiwan
A struggle to protect energy lifelines even as demands increase could make a protracted war over Taiwan difficult for Beijing to sustain.
Chinese Navy's nuclear-powered submarine Long March 11 takes part in a naval parade off the eastern port city of Qingdao, China, in 2019.
ASIA PACIFIC / Politics / ANALYSIS
Oct 25, 2023
China launching new submarines with guided-missile capabilities
A new Pentagon report confirms that modified vessels seen in Chinese shipyards over the last 18 months are Type 093B guided missile submarines.
The Long March 11, a nuclear-powered submarine in China's navy
ASIA PACIFIC / Politics
Oct 9, 2023
China's next-generation stealth subs raise diplomatic tensions
Evidence suggests that the new vessels will be harder to track, with Beijing getting access to Russian stealth technology.
Chinese leader Xi Jinping takes part in a military review in China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region to commemorate the 90th anniversary of the founding of the Chinese People's Liberation Army in July 2017.
ASIA PACIFIC
Aug 1, 2023
China's Xi calls for combat readiness as PLA marks anniversary
Some say the moves reflect China's perception of increased external threats from the U.S. and its allies, and that Beijing is sending political messages.
Japan Times
WORLD
Jun 4, 2023
World's spy chiefs meet in secret conclave in Singapore
Such meetings are organized by the Singapore government and have been discreetly held at a separate venue alongside the security summit for several years, sources said.
Japan Times
ASIA PACIFIC
May 5, 2023
China's aircraft carriers play 'theatrical' role but pose little threat yet
Analysts say China has made progress with its carriers, but has yet to master operating in difficult conditions or adequately protecting the vessels.
Japan Times
ASIA PACIFIC / ANALYSIS
Apr 4, 2023
China's intensifying nuclear-armed submarine patrols add complexity for U.S. and allies
Beijing is for the first time keeping at least one nuclear-armed ballistic missile submarine constantly at sea, heaping pressure on Washington and its allies.
Japan Times
WORLD / FOCUS
Mar 8, 2023
Studying Ukraine war, China's military minds fret over U.S. missiles and Starlink
Ukraine has sharpened China"s focus by providing a window on a large power"s failure to overwhelm a smaller one backed by the West.
Japan Times
WORLD / ANALYSIS
Feb 23, 2023
Putin's nuclear treaty move raises stakes over China's growing arsenal
China"s nuclear arsenal is growing in size and sophistication — an expansion that the United States recently noted is now gathering pace.
Japan Times
ASIA PACIFIC
Dec 31, 2022
Lawyers exit Hong Kong as they face campaign of intimidation
Since a national security law was imposed in June 2020, Hong Kong lawyers have endured severe harassment, pushing many to leave the city.
Japan Times
ASIA PACIFIC / ANALYSIS
Nov 17, 2022
Beijing's freeze on Taipei contact fuels concern over risk of military clash
China ended formal high-level communication with Taiwan's government in 2016 after the island's voters elected Tsai Ing-wen, whom Beijing considers a separatist, as president.
Japan Times
ASIA PACIFIC / ANALYSIS
Oct 17, 2022
Xi's new generals face tough military challenges after party congress
In the face of various challenges, most of the incoming generals are likely to lack one element that marked at least some of their commission predecessors: combat experience.
Japan Times
WORLD / ANALYSIS
Aug 13, 2022
China's military drills near Taiwan offer spying opportunity for U.S. and allies
The drills provide an opportunity to scrutinize the missiles China would use to drive off foreign militaries intervening in any future invasion.
Japan Times
ASIA PACIFIC / Politics
Jul 5, 2022
Vatican envoy in Hong Kong warns Catholic missions to prepare for China crackdown
The Vatican's unofficial representative in Hong Kong delivered a stark message before finishing his six-year posting in March: The freedoms they had enjoyed for decades were over.
Japan Times
ASIA PACIFIC / ANALYSIS
Apr 30, 2022
Russia's Ukrainian quagmire providing tough lessons for China
Chinese military experts are discussing the conflict in private chat groups, offering their takes on Western involvement in Ukraine and Russia's perceived failings, scholars say.
Japan Times
ASIA PACIFIC / Politics
Apr 4, 2022
Hong Kong leadership contender emerges amid uncertain future
Former police officer John Lee, has signaled his intention to contest an election for the city's top job.
Japan Times
WORLD / ANALYSIS
Mar 18, 2022
Chinese military aid to Russia would be major role reversal, analysts say
China has developed armed drones, guided weapons and battlefield communications, systems that might help Russia fill gaps that are being exposed on the Ukraine front.

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A statue of "Dragon Ball" character Goku stands outside the offices of Bandai Namco in Tokyo. The figure is now as recognizable as such characters as Mickey Mouse and Spider-Man.
Akira Toriyama's gift to the world