Commentary / World Jan 21, 2019
China also built a big, beautiful wall, but it failed
Political infighting and xenophobia doomed the Ming Dynasty's attempts to shore up border security. Sound familiar?
Michael Schuman
For Michael Schuman's latest contributions to The Japan Times, see below:
Commentary / World May 8, 2018
China should do what Trump says on trade
Many of the reforms demanded by the U.S. would help the Chinese economy.
Commentary / World Apr 16, 2018
In trade dispute, China has a secret weapon
American companies could face a popular backlash in the world's biggest market.
Commentary / World Mar 23, 2018
Trump's tariffs may be playing into Xi's hands
Tough U.S. measures allow the Chinese leader to be the economic nationalist he wants to be.
Commentary / World Mar 22, 2018
U.S. can't win a trade war all on its own
Donald Trump appears to have an outdated and exaggerated view of how big a role the U.S. plays in the global economy.
Commentary / Japan Mar 16, 2018
Why Japan will never reach its inflation target
After five years of unprecedented stimulus, BOJ Gov. Haruhiko Kuroda should recognize reality.
Commentary / World Mar 6, 2018
Asia suggests autocrats can outperform democrats
The key for most successful strongmen is sound economic guidance.
Commentary / Japan Dec 20, 2017
What the world can learn from Japan's factories
Countries hoping to revive their manufacturing sectors should look east for answers.
Commentary / World Nov 13, 2017
With big deals, Trump and Xi both 'lose-lose'
What was missed on Trump's trip to China was an opportunity for the world's two most powerful men to tackle some big decisions on issues that could shape not just the future of the U.S.-China relationship, but the growth prospects and competitiveness of both ...
Commentary / World Nov 7, 2017
Trump's supposed 'bad' deals are good for the U.S.
Trump wants the U.S. to be a superpower without making the sacrifices that requires.