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Richard Javad Heydarian
For Richard Javad Heydarian's latest contributions to The Japan Times, see below:
Japan Times
COMMENTARY / World
Apr 6, 2023
The Japan-Philippine-U.S. trilateral alliance in the making
The emergence of new trilateral security groupings in the Indo-Pacific region has been driven by a combination of factors including an aggressive China.
Japan Times
COMMENTARY / World
Feb 17, 2023
Bilateral defense deals between Tokyo and Manila could reshape Indo-Pacific security
Philippine President Marcos visited Tokyo seeking key partners in the region to play a pivotal role in Manila’s new foreign policy direction.
Japan Times
COMMENTARY / Japan
Feb 7, 2023
Bilateral ties between Tokyo and Manila at a crossroads
Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s landmark visit to Japan this week is more significant than it first looks.
Japan Times
COMMENTARY / World
Dec 23, 2022
The Asian nations bringing Washington and Beijing together
Southeast Asian nations have been playing a key role in mediating tensions between Washington and Beijing.
Japan Times
COMMENTARY / World
Nov 14, 2022
Philippines president looks to rebuild alliances in the Indo-Pacific region
Ferdinand Marcos Jr. appears to be overseeing a major shift in foreign policy, seeking to revitalize Manila's alliance with Washington and others.
Japan Times
COMMENTARY / World
Aug 3, 2022
Marcos administration changing tack on foreign policy in the Philippines
The newly elected president has canceled major projects with China and Russia, while openly welcoming expanded trade and investment ties with the United States.
Japan Times
COMMENTARY / World
Mar 18, 2022
Why China won’t bail Russia out over its invasion of Ukraine
By all indications, even China seems to be reassessing its economic relations with Russia, with Chinese companies and banks refusing to work with Russian companies.
Japan Times
COMMENTARY / World
Dec 26, 2021
Asia geopolitics in review: A year of shadowboxing
The year 2021 — which saw green shoots of proactive diplomacy — could ultimately prove to be the temporary lull before the geopolitical storm.
Japan Times
COMMENTARY / World
Dec 14, 2021
Why Filipino voters are backing another member of the Marcos clan
In the Philippines' strangely frugal electoral system, all Marcos Jr. needs to do to become the next president is to secure the largest share of votes.
Japan Times
COMMENTARY / World
Sep 1, 2021
After dragging its heels, the Biden administration finally embarks on Southeast Asia charm offensive
Against the backdrop of the debacle in Afghanistan, the incidental timing of the U.S. visits to Southeast Asia also helped soothe lingering anxieties over American commitment to the region.
Japan Times
COMMENTARY
Aug 6, 2021
Duterte in a bind over Philippines’ golden Olympic moment
Amid a brewing nationalist brouhaha, President Duterte never stops praising China while gold medalist Hidilyn Diaz calls for the assertion of Philippine claims in the South China Sea.
Japan Times
COMMENTARY / World
Jul 6, 2021
Time for ASEAN minilateralism on Myanmar and territorial disputes in the South China Sea
Many Southeast Asian countries are too economically and strategically dependent on China to take a robust stance on the South China Sea disputes in favor of ASEAN claimant states
Japan Times
COMMENTARY / Japan
May 17, 2021
Japan leads the 'middle powers' in shaping Asia's future
Arguably, no middle power in Asia is as important as Japan, which, as a leading source of infrastructure investments, also enjoys tremendous good will in the region.
Japan Times
COMMENTARY / Japan
Apr 15, 2021
Japan-U.S. alliance should provide an alternative to China
A Japan-U.S. alliance should provide an alternative to China's Belt and Road Initiative, while strengthening the ability of smaller states to defend their territorial integrity.
Japan Times
COMMENTARY / World / Perspectives
Apr 2, 2021
How COVID-19 changed Asia
What lies ahead for the region after weathering the coronavirus pandemic u2026 for now.

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