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Phil Stewart
For Phil Stewart's latest contributions to The Japan Times, see below:
A soldier stands in front of the grave sites of fallen soldiers in Kinmen, Taiwan, on Aug. 23, 2023. Chinese President Xi Jinping has ordered his military to be ready to take Taiwan by 2027, though many analysts see that as an attempt to galvanize his military rather than a timeline for invasion.
ASIA PACIFIC
Feb 1, 2024
How Washington is preparing for a Chinese invasion of Taiwan
It is looking at a key vulnerability — military logistics — and is setting up hubs in the Indo-Pacific region to ensure supplies are readily available.
Families of Israeli hostages held in the Gaza Strip by Palestinian militants gather with supporters for a demonstration demanding an immediate deal as they block off a road near the Israeli Ministry of Defense in Tel Aviv on Monday.
WORLD / Politics
Jan 30, 2024
U.S. vows to act after drone strike, endangering Gaza hostage talks
An attack Sunday by Iran-backed militants was the first deadly strike against U.S. troops since the Israel-Hamas war began, and marks a major escalation.
A satellite view of the U.S. military outpost known as Tower 22, in Rukban, Rwaished District, Jordan
WORLD
Jan 29, 2024
Three U.S. troops killed in Jordan drone strike linked to Iran
Biden blamed Iran-backed groups for the attack, the first deadly strike against U.S. forces since the Israel-Hamas war erupted in October.
Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein in Cairo on August 15, 2023
WORLD / Politics
Jan 25, 2024
U.S. and Iraq to begin talks on end of U.S.-led military coalition
The United States has 2,500 troops in Iraq, advising and assisting local forces to prevent a resurgence of the Islamic State group
Smoke billows over the Lebanese village of Odaisseh on Saturday during Israeli bombardment amid cross-border tensions in the Middle East.
WORLD / Politics
Jan 21, 2024
Missile attacks across Middle East raise Gaza escalation risks
Missiles and rockets launched by Iran-backed militants in Iraq hit al-Asad air base, where a number of U.S. personnel were being evaluated for traumatic brain injuries.
Houthi supporters rally to denounce air strikes launched by the U.S. and Britain, in Sanaa, Yemen on Jan. 12.
WORLD / Politics
Jan 17, 2024
U.S. strikes Houthi missiles as Greek vessel hit in Red Sea
Attacks by the Iran-allied militia on ships in the region since November have affected companies and alarmed major powers.
A Houthi military helicopter flies over the Galaxy Leader cargo ship in the Red Sea in this photo released on Nov. 20.
WORLD / Politics
Dec 29, 2023
U.S. allies reluctant on Red Sea task force
Italy and Spain have issued statements appearing to distance themselves from Operation Prosperity Guardian.
Some analysts say China seeks ambiguity in defense relations to constrain what Beijing sees as U.S. military provocations in the region.
ASIA PACIFIC
Dec 22, 2023
U.S. and China top brass speak for first time in over a year
U.S. Air Force Gen. Charles Q. Brown and Gen. Liu Zhenli of China's People's Liberation Army touched on "a number of global and regional security issues."
Former U.S. President Donald Trump speaks at a campaign rally in Reno, Nevada, on Sunday.
WORLD / Politics
Dec 19, 2023
Diplomats gird for 'doomsday' as prospect of Trump presidency looms
If he were to win a second term, Trump is likely to install loyalists — meaning his whims and isolationist policies would be easier to enact than before.
Newly recruits in the Houthi military force march through Sanaa, the capital of Yemen, on Dec. 2.
WORLD
Dec 12, 2023
Yemen's Houthis claim attack on Norwegian tanker
The ship had loaded vegetable oil and biofuels in Malaysia and was headed for Venice, Italy.
Damaged houses following the deadly Oct. 7 attack by Hamas gunmen in southern Israel.
WORLD
Dec 2, 2023
Israel's most wanted: The three Hamas leaders it aims to kill
Sources familiar with Israel's thinking have said that the offensive in Gaza was unlikely to stop until three top Hamas commanders are dead or captured.
U.S. Army soldier Travis King. Details are still scarce about King's treatment in North Korean custody and the soldier has not publicly explained why he fled to one of the world's most reclusive nations on July 19.
WORLD / Politics
Oct 20, 2023
U.S. Army charges Travis King with desertion over North Korea dash
Details are still scarce about King's treatment in North Korean custody
U.S. President Joe Biden meets with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in the Oval Office at the White House in Washington on Thursday.
WORLD / Politics
Sep 22, 2023
In Washington, Zelenskyy makes case for critical aid to Ukraine
The Ukrainian leader thanked U.S. President Joe Biden for a new $325 million military aid package of weaponry and air defenses.
Travis King
ASIA PACIFIC
Aug 5, 2023
U.S. won't invoke POW status for soldier who fled to North Korea
The decision, which could mean Travis King is not covered by protections entitled under the Geneva Convention, is highly sensitive for the U.S. military.
Visitors walk past a military fence at Imjingak peace park in the border city of Paju on Wednesday.
ASIA PACIFIC
Jul 21, 2023
U.S. worries mount over soldier after silence from North Korea
U.S. Army Secretary Christine Wormuth said Washington was fully mobilized in trying to contact Pyongyang, including through U.N. communications channels.
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
WORLD
Jun 5, 2023
Fighter jets chase small plane in Washington area before it crashes in Virginia
The fighter jets prompted a sonic boom over the U.S. capital in an attempt to pursue with the errant Cessna Citation, causing consternation among people in the Washington area.
Japan Times
WORLD
Mar 16, 2023
U.S. and Russian military chiefs in rare talks after drone downed
Moscow's Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu told his U.S. counterpart, Lloyd Austin, that American drone flights by Crimea's coast 'were provocative in nature.'
Japan Times
ASIA PACIFIC / ANALYSIS
Mar 11, 2023
China role in Saudi-Iran deal a tricky test for U.S.
The surprise deal to restore diplomatic ties offers much for the United States to be intrigued about. It also contains an element sure to make officials in Washington deeply uneasy.
Japan Times
ASIA PACIFIC
Mar 9, 2023
Australia expected to buy up to five Virginia class submarines as part of AUKUS, sources say
U.S. President Joe Biden will host leaders of Australia and Britain in San Diego next week to chart a way forward for provision of the nuclear-powered submarines.

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