Wall Street Journal (August 5)
“China’s firing of missiles near Japan has left little doubt that Tokyo would be pulled into any potential war over Taiwan—and would be part of the U.S.-led alliance likely to defend the island.”
South China Morning Post (November 25)
The unfolding truth “appears to be rather different” than “the narrative spun by Nissan and apparently condoned by Japanese authorities.” When the full story about Ghosn is revealed, “it threatens to do at least as much damage to the reputation of the government and industry alliance known as Japan Inc as to the man at the centre of the affair” for it increasingly appears “Nissan’s old guard struck back against their ‘gaijin’ savior.”
Tags: Alliance, Authorities, Damage, Ghosn, Government, Industry, Japan Inc., Nissan, Reputation, Truth, Unfolding
Time (November 12)
“President Donald Trump took aim at Saudi Arabia’s plan to cut oil production on Monday, injecting new tension into an already fraught alliance that has been clouded by U.S. concerns over the killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi and the ongoing conflict in Yemen.”
Tags: Alliance, Conflict, Journalist, Khashoggi, Killing, Oil production, President, Saudi Arabia, Tension, Trump, U.S., Yemen
Wall Street Journal (January 21)
Carl Icahn the largest investor in Xerox has formed an alliance with billionaire Darwin Deason, the third largest investor, “to encourage the printer and copier giant to explore a potential sale…. The fact that they are working together and own such a big stake is sure to ratchet up the pressure on a company that is grappling with slumping demand as the world becomes more digital—and is already considering a major transaction.” Due to its “strategic importance,” the Fuji Xerox joint venture “would likely be at the center of any review.”
Tags: Alliance, Deason, Demand, Digital, Fuji Xerox, Icahn, Investor, JV, Sale, Strategic, Transaction, Xerox
Bloomberg (November 20)
“After 12 years in office that have made her Europe’s anchor of stability in times of crisis, Merkel failed to stitch together an alliance that’s never been tried at the national level. While the breakdown leaves her in charge as acting chancellor, the collapse may signal the limit of her pragmatic, non-ideological style of governing and leaves her options for staying in power for another four years dramatically narrowed.”
Tags: Alliance, Breakdown, Chancellor, Collapse, Crisis, Europe, Germany, Governing, Merkel, Non-ideological, Pragmatic, Stability
US News & World Report (July 1)
Supporting “collective self-defense efforts with other countries…. is a modest and legitimate step for Japan that can enhance its own security and foster deeper alliance integration with the United States. The only loser in the decision could be North Korea, since it will face a more capable coalition allied against it.”
Tags: Alliance, Coalition, Collective self-defense, Japan, Legitimate, North Korea, Security, U.S.
Financial Times (April 22)
“The US-Japan relationship has been the bedrock of Asian security but some see it as the remnant of a bygone era.” President Obama’s state visit to Japan comes at a “pivotal time” and could help determine the future of the alliance.
Washington Post (July 21)
Prime Minister Abe’s strong mandate is promising for Asia, and could help reduce tension. ”A healthy U.S.-Japan alliance is the region’s best hope for stability. That alliance, in turn, depends on a prospering Japanese economy and on at least cordial relations between Japan and other U.S. friends in Asia, most notably South Korea. Thanks to Japanese fatigue with the instability of the past decade, and to Mr. Abe’s political skills, he now has the best chance in a long time to deliver on those goals.”
Tags: Abe, Alliance, Asia, Economy, Japan, Mandate, Prime minister, South Korea, Stability, U.S.
Time (April 30, 2013)
On the surface, relations look strong between the U.S. and South Korea, “thanks to a free-trade agreement, greater policy coordination and solidarity against North Korea’s provocations. But there is an unresolved question in their relationship: How much nuclear technology should South Korea possess?” South Korea wants enrichment and reprocessing rights. By 2030, the South seeks to supply 60% of its domestic energy needs with nuclear and aspires to be a major exporter of nuclear reactors. Wary of demands other countries might make, the U.S. remains opposed to expanding enrichment and reprocessing rights. Going it alone would “seriously strain the alliance. For now, South Korea appears set on gaining Washington’s seal of approval.”
Tags: Alliance, Enrichment, Exports, Reactors, Reprocessing, South Korea, U.S.
Washington Post (May 1)
Tokyo and Washington made “a welcome step forward” with the decision to move 9,000 marines to other Pacific bases. This “small but significant diplomatic breakthrough” will finally ease “the two-year-old standoff over U.S. bases on the Japanese island of Okinawa.” The deal will strengthen “an alliance that both countries need more than ever” and may even “open the way for an invigoration of strategic cooperation at just the right time in East Asia.”
