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Lee Jong-wha
For Lee Jong-wha's latest contributions to The Japan Times, see below:
Japan Times
COMMENTARY / World
Aug 11, 2021
Can Pax Sinica replace Pax Americana?
Now, China is one centennial down u2014 and, according to President Xi, it has achieved its first goal. Is the "China Dream" within reach?
Japan Times
COMMENTARY / World
Jul 14, 2021
Building an inclusive digital future
AI, robots and other new technologies could threaten 15% of the average companyu2019s workforce as soon as 2025.
Japan Times
COMMENTARY / World
Apr 4, 2021
Is the 'Asian century' really here?
Some regard the current crisis as a tipping point that will accelerate Asiau2019s global resurgence. They point out that Asian countries managed the pandemic better than the West did.
Japan Times
COMMENTARY / World
Feb 10, 2021
Will East Asia win the pandemic?
East Asian economies should take great pride in what they achieved in 2020. But they cannot rest on their laurels.
Japan Times
COMMENTARY / World
Dec 7, 2020
RCEP has its limits when it comes to saving multilateral trade
The RCEPu2019s real significance lies in Chinau2019s participation. It is the first regional multilateral trade agreement the country has joined.
Japan Times
COMMENTARY / World
Oct 4, 2020
The perils of COVID-19 and big brother government in Asia
Governmentsu2019 newfound authority to regulate behavior and collect personal data due to the pandemic risks enabling serious violations of civil liberties and human rights.
Japan Times
COMMENTARY / Japan
Feb 5, 2020
Preventing the 'Japanification' of East Asia's economies
The former 'tigers' must tackle structural weaknesses to avoid a low-growth future
Japan Times
COMMENTARY / Japan
Oct 4, 2019
Saving the Japan-South Korea relationship
Historical and territorial disputes have consistently marred bilateral ties, but relations between the two democracies have hit a new low.
Japan Times
COMMENTARY / World
Sep 17, 2018
Education in the age of automation
The outcome of the race between technology and education will determine whether the opportunities presented by major innovations are seized, and whether the benefits of progress are widely shared.
Japan Times
COMMENTARY / World
Jul 27, 2018
Could North Korea be the next Vietnam?
Vietnam's "Doi Moi" economic reforms resulted in the creation of a market economy under the firm rule of the Communist Party. North Korea has what it needs to achieve a similar transformation.
COMMENTARY / World
May 30, 2018
Making the most of Asia's aging populations
With the right policies, Asian economies can mitigate the risks of this demographic trend and capitalize on their "silver dividend" to become more productive, resilient and dynamic than ever.
COMMENTARY / World
Apr 2, 2018
How Asia should respond to U.S. protectionism
Asian economies should use the threat of broader U.S. tariffs as an opportunity to revamp their own development models.
Japan Times
COMMENTARY / World
Jan 31, 2018
Asia's central banks should prepare to raise interest rates
As the global economic recovery gains momentum, the time has come to begin tightening monetary policy.
Japan Times
COMMENTARY / World
Oct 6, 2017
Time for South Korea to face its looming crisis
In the 1990s, South Korea waited for a crisis to erupt before responding with necessary reforms. But now the country is confronting a new set of internal and external risks.
COMMENTARY / World
Mar 26, 2017
The China-South Korea trade war must end
As long as North Korea poses such an acute threat, China's opposition to the THAAD missile defense system is pointless — and highly destructive.
COMMENTARY / World
Nov 22, 2016
Cooperation key to realizing an Asian century
If Asian countries can develop a shared vision for an economic community and a political association, this century could be theirs.
COMMENTARY / World
Sep 27, 2015
Containing the inevitable Chinese slowdown
China's economy is heading for a slowdown, but it doesn't have to be dire.
COMMENTARY / World
Jul 20, 2015
Asia's view of the Greek crisis
Perhaps Greece should look to Asia for proof that, by taking responsibility for its own destiny, a country can emerge stronger from even the most difficult trials.
COMMENTARY / World
May 27, 2015
The irresistible rise of the renminbi and the IMF
The IMF would be wise to include China's currency in its international reserve asset, the Special Drawing Right.
COMMENTARY / World
Mar 24, 2015
Asia's almighty middle class
Asia's rapidly growing middle class will serve as a keystone for economic and political development in the region.

Longform

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