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Philip J. Heijmans
For Philip J. Heijmans's latest contributions to The Japan Times, see below:
The resignation of Vietnam President Vo Van Thuong on Wednesday is "not really a good sign for a country often boasted for having very strong political stability.”
ASIA PACIFIC / Politics
Mar 21, 2024
‘Political earthquake’ shakes up succession battle in Vietnam
The ouster of a second president in just over a year leaves a leadership vacuum in one of Asia’s fastest-growing economies.
The Yarra River in Melbourne. The leaders of every ASEAN member, bar Myanmar, were in Australia for a three-day summit to commemorate 50 years of relations.
ASIA PACIFIC / Politics
Mar 4, 2024
Australia and Southeast Asia push to bolster ties in China’s shadow
The leaders of every ASEAN member, bar Myanmar, were in Australia for a three-day summit to commemorate 50 years of relations.
A Chinese coast guard ship near the China-controlled Scarborough Shoal, in disputed waters of the South China Sea on Feb. 16.
ASIA PACIFIC / Politics
Feb 29, 2024
China militia presence increases in South China Sea: report
Satellite imagery of nine features in the sea, including reefs and shoals, identified an average of 195 militia ships present on any given day in 2023.
Singapore's former Transport Minister Subramaniam Iswaran (center) and his defense counsel Davinder Singh (left) leave the Singapore State Courts on Thursday.
ASIA PACIFIC / Politics
Jan 19, 2024
Singapore minister quits after biggest graft case since 1986
The scandal has cast a pall on the city-state known for its clean governance. If convicted, the minister faces fines and a possible jail term.
People's Liberation Army forces walk near the Sagaing Region of Myanmar on Nov. 23.
ASIA PACIFIC / Crime & Legal
Dec 21, 2023
China is using Myanmar civil war to destroy cyber scam networks
The ruling Communist Party is cracking down on criminal gangs that have scammed, kidnapped and tortured its citizens
Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong
ASIA PACIFIC / Politics
Nov 9, 2023
China unlikely to launch ‘D-Day’ on Taiwan, Singapore PM says
Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong downplayed concerns, saying China isn’t "trigger happy” about taking over the island.
Malaysia Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim speaks at a press conference during Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida's official visit, at Putrajaya, Malaysia, on Sunday.
ASIA PACIFIC / Politics
Nov 8, 2023
Malaysian PM shores up support at home with fiery anti-Israel views
Anwar Ibrahim has become Asia’s most outspoken leader against the war in Gaza and its backers in the U.S. and Europe.
Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong attends an Association of Southeast Asian Nations Summit in Jakarta in September.
ASIA PACIFIC / Politics
Nov 5, 2023
Singapore’s prime minister to step aside before next polls
Lee Hsien Loong has been leader for almost two decades and the People’s Action Party has long telegraphed a power transition.
Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. leaves a meeting in Jakarta on Sept. 7.
ASIA PACIFIC / Politics
Sep 28, 2023
Marcos' challenge of China pressures U.S.
There are questions about how far Manila is willing to go and whether the U.S. would really have its back if the situation escalates.
Thailand Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin
ASIA PACIFIC / Politics
Sep 20, 2023
U.S. sees once-in-generation shot to reset rocky Thai alliance
Thailand's new premier wants closer ties with the West in order to to reinvigorate an economy that has lagged behind its neighbors.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and U.S President Joe Biden during a state dinner at the White House in Washington in June
WORLD / Politics
Sep 20, 2023
Trudeau’s murder claim risks upending U.S. courtship of India
The allegations leave U.S. President Joe Biden caught between one of the U.S.' closest allies and an increasingly important partner in countering China.
Pham Minh Chinh, Vietnam's prime minister, at a summit in Brussels in December 2022
ASIA PACIFIC / Politics
Aug 28, 2023
Flagging growth fuels tensions clouding Vietnam premier’s future
Despite some successes, failure to hit the country's ambitious growth target could be career-damaging for PM Pham Minh Chinh.
Hun Manet in Phnom Penh on Tuesday
ASIA PACIFIC / Politics
Aug 22, 2023
Cambodia’s Hun Sen seals political dynasty as son becomes PM
Hun Manet officially assumed the role of prime minister, marking the conclusion of a political succession years in the making.
Japan Times
ASIA PACIFIC / Politics
Jul 14, 2023
Here’s how Thailand’s PM race can take a whole new turn
After failing to win over Thai conservatives in his first attempt to become prime minister, things are looking increasingly difficult for Pita Limjaroenrat.
Japan Times
ASIA PACIFIC
Jul 11, 2023
Asian nations affected by cluster bombs call on U.S. not to send them to Ukraine
While the weapons often fail to explode and pose a grave danger to civilians, Washington says Russia has been using them in the war for months.
Japan Times
ASIA PACIFIC
May 15, 2023
Thai opposition chief seeks mandate after strong election result
Thailand’s top pro-democracy groups moved to begin talks on forming a government after a stronger-than-forecast showing in Sunday’s elections.
Japan Times
ASIA PACIFIC
May 8, 2023
Singapore’s soaring rents are becoming a political problem
For the ruling People’s Action Party, solving the housing problem is crucial as the party navigates succession.
Japan Times
ASIA PACIFIC
Apr 11, 2023
U.S. and Philippines launch biggest exercises yet in wake of China's Taiwan drills
The presence of more than 17,600 military personnel for the the annual Balikatan exercise almost doubles last year’s level, according to the U.S. Embassy in Manila.
Japan Times
ASIA PACIFIC
Mar 3, 2023
Philippine leader's embrace of U.S. troops near Taiwan revives old grievances
In some communities, stories about mistreatment by visiting U.S. troops in the past still resonate.
Japan Times
ASIA PACIFIC
Dec 21, 2022
China accused of new territorial grab in South China Sea
Tensions between China and other claimants in the South China Sea — the Philippines, Taiwan, Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam and Brunei — have been rising for years.

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