While the rollout of Force Design 2030 shows that the US Marines are focusing on the Asia-Pacific, proponents seem to lack answers to several glaring issues.
Fueled by tech stocks, investor optimism, and a weak yen, the Nikkei closed at 40,109 — nearly 11 years after Japan implemented its monetary-easing policy.
If re-elected, Donald Trump will likely pressure Japan to improve reciprocity in the bilateral security treaty or make other demands.
The continuity in leadership vision is an added incentive for Japan to involve Taiwan in supply chain resilience efforts, including semiconductor production.
Julie Turner, United States Special Envoy on North Korean Rights Issues spoke on the "importance of bringing actors back to the table" on the abduction issue.
The Houthi attacks in the Red Sea threaten resource-poor Japan and India. But given the immense stakes in the Middle East, the countries must tread carefully.
To deter China from invading Taiwan and creating a third theater of war, Western allies must urgently align on bolstering their dwindling arms and ammunition.
The American resentment toward the US Steel buyout is outdated and hypocritical — it neglects the trust that Japan has consistently demonstrated since the war.
For Lai to be able to safeguard the liberty and democracy of Taiwan, China's infiltration efforts must be vigorously pursued.
The author sees 2024 as a rocky year for domestic politics but thinks Japan's foreign policymaking is unlikely to change in the current geopolitical climate.
The UAVs will support fighter jets under development by Japan, UK, and Italy. Collaborative aircraft are increasingly viewed as a "game-changer" in combat.
Whether the Sado Gold Mines' UNESCO listing is approved, predictions are for global and local challenges in a precarious year for Japan-South Korea relations.