Dan Sneider
@dcsneider.bsky.social
Lecturer, East Asian Studies and International Policy, Stanford University
Former foreign correspondent, The Christian Science Monitor
Former editor and syndicated columnist, The San Jose Mercury News
Former foreign correspondent, The Christian Science Monitor
Former editor and syndicated columnist, The San Jose Mercury News
Reposted by Dan Sneider
Leadership in an Age of Uncertainty: Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi
www.globalasia.org
November 19, 2025 at 4:26 AM
Clearly the Chinese leadership has decided to escalate tensions with Japan, not just because of what Takaichi said but for its own internal reasons. Playing the patriotic card is not new but dangerous.
www.asahi.com/ajw/articles...
www.asahi.com/ajw/articles...
Xi leadership ramps up attacks on Takaichi for Taiwan comment | The Asahi Shimbun: Breaking News, Japan News and Analysis
BEIJING—Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi continued to be buffeted by verbal attacks by the administration of Chinese President Xi Jinping a week after suggesting that Japan would provide support for Taiw...
www.asahi.com
November 16, 2025 at 6:48 PM
Clearly the Chinese leadership has decided to escalate tensions with Japan, not just because of what Takaichi said but for its own internal reasons. Playing the patriotic card is not new but dangerous.
www.asahi.com/ajw/articles...
www.asahi.com/ajw/articles...
Belatedly, the Times catches up to this story (thanks to the great Andy Higgins). They missed the very tense meeting between Xi and Takaichi in Korea which really set the stage for all this.
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/13/w...
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/13/w...
China’s ‘Wolf Warrior’ Diplomacy Returns With Threat Against Japan’s Leader
www.nytimes.com
November 13, 2025 at 5:51 PM
Belatedly, the Times catches up to this story (thanks to the great Andy Higgins). They missed the very tense meeting between Xi and Takaichi in Korea which really set the stage for all this.
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/13/w...
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/13/w...
Reposted by Dan Sneider
In her 2024 book “Kokuryoku Kenkyū” (National Strength Research), Takaichi wrote that Japan must be more flexible amid the shifting security environment, saying that at least one of the principles could become an “obstacle” in the event of a crisis.
www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2025/11...
www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2025/11...
Takaichi sidesteps commitment to decades-old nonnuclear principles
The prime minister refrained from saying her government would maintain Japan’s Three Non-Nuclear Principles, leaving the door open for a revision.
www.japantimes.co.jp
November 13, 2025 at 7:43 AM
In her 2024 book “Kokuryoku Kenkyū” (National Strength Research), Takaichi wrote that Japan must be more flexible amid the shifting security environment, saying that at least one of the principles could become an “obstacle” in the event of a crisis.
www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2025/11...
www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2025/11...
A less enthusiastic response from progressives in South Korea to Takaichi's remarks on Taiwan and on Dokdo.
www.khan.co.kr/article/2025...
www.khan.co.kr/article/2025...
[사설] 주변국 자극하는 다카이치 ‘대만·독도 발언’ 우려한다
다카이치 사나에 일본 총리의 거친 언행이 이웃국가들을 자극하고 있다. 다카이치 총리는 지난 7일 국회에서 중국의 대만 해상 봉쇄 가능성에 대한 질문에 “전함을 사용해 무력행사를 수반한다면 ‘존립위기 사태’가 될 수” 있다고 했다. ‘존립위기 사태’는 ‘일본의 동맹국 등에 대한 무력 공격이 발생해 일본의 존립이 위협당하는 상황’을 가리킨다. 2015년 ...
www.khan.co.kr
November 12, 2025 at 6:20 PM
A less enthusiastic response from progressives in South Korea to Takaichi's remarks on Taiwan and on Dokdo.
www.khan.co.kr/article/2025...
www.khan.co.kr/article/2025...
Reposted by Dan Sneider
Following President Trump's visit to Asia, @dcsneider.bsky.social examines how countries like South Korea and Japan are simultaneously working to deepen their defense ties with the United States while also increasing their autonomy and national preparedness. ow.ly/PTgV50XqfHT
South Korea Redefines Alliance Burden Sharing After Trump’s Asia Visit - Korea Economic Institute of America
The U.S. push for allies to shoulder greater security burdens converges with South Korean efforts to deepen autonomy.
ow.ly
November 12, 2025 at 5:43 PM
Following President Trump's visit to Asia, @dcsneider.bsky.social examines how countries like South Korea and Japan are simultaneously working to deepen their defense ties with the United States while also increasing their autonomy and national preparedness. ow.ly/PTgV50XqfHT
Taiwan tensions between Japan and China rising. The wolf warrior approach clearly doesn't work well.
www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2025/11...
www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2025/11...
Japan lawmakers eye firm response to Chinese envoy's threat to behead PM
The LDP adopted a resolution calling for a decisive response to Xue Jian's post on X, including the possibility of expelling the diplomat from Japan.
www.japantimes.co.jp
November 12, 2025 at 6:05 PM
Taiwan tensions between Japan and China rising. The wolf warrior approach clearly doesn't work well.
www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2025/11...
www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2025/11...
Takaichi keeps pushing the envelope on security issues - how far can or will she go?
www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2025/11...
www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2025/11...
Takaichi sidesteps commitment to decades-old nonnuclear principles
The prime minister refrained from saying her government would maintain Japan’s Three Non-Nuclear Principles, leaving the door open for a potential revision.
www.japantimes.co.jp
November 12, 2025 at 3:59 PM
Takaichi keeps pushing the envelope on security issues - how far can or will she go?
www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2025/11...
www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2025/11...
My latest for KEI, on US-Korea security ties after APEC, republished in the Asia Times.
asiatimes.com/2025/11/sout...
asiatimes.com/2025/11/sout...
South Korea resets alliance burden sharing after Trump Asia Visit - Asia Times
South Korea’s Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit showcased a tightening defense partnership with the United States. The US push for allies to
asiatimes.com
November 12, 2025 at 12:02 AM
My latest for KEI, on US-Korea security ties after APEC, republished in the Asia Times.
asiatimes.com/2025/11/sout...
asiatimes.com/2025/11/sout...
My latest, for KEI, on US-South Korea security relations after APEC.
keia.org/the-peninsul...
keia.org/the-peninsul...
South Korea Redefines Alliance Burden Sharing After Trump’s Asia Visit - Korea Economic Institute of America
The U.S. push for allies to shoulder greater security burdens converges with South Korean efforts to deepen autonomy.
keia.org
November 11, 2025 at 5:24 PM
My latest, for KEI, on US-South Korea security relations after APEC.
keia.org/the-peninsul...
keia.org/the-peninsul...
Reposted by Dan Sneider
South Korea’s new president is fixing relations with America, Japan and China www.economist.com/asia/2025/11...
South Korea’s new president is fixing relations with America, Japan and China
A refreshing burst of pragmatism after a turbulent time
www.economist.com
November 9, 2025 at 1:06 PM
South Korea’s new president is fixing relations with America, Japan and China www.economist.com/asia/2025/11...
Reposted by Dan Sneider
Delay in S. Korea-U.S. summit fact sheet suggests prolonged coordination on U.S. end | Yonhap News Agency en.yna.co.kr/view/AEN2025...
Delay in S. Korea-U.S. summit fact sheet suggests prolonged coordination on U.S. end | Yonhap News Agency
By Kim Seung-yeon SEOUL, Nov. 6 (Yonhap) -- South Korea and the United States have yet t...
en.yna.co.kr
November 6, 2025 at 4:34 AM
Delay in S. Korea-U.S. summit fact sheet suggests prolonged coordination on U.S. end | Yonhap News Agency en.yna.co.kr/view/AEN2025...
Also useful piece in Tokyo Review on Japan's accelerated defense buildup, pointing out that this in part a hedge vs US retreat and withdrawal.
www.tokyoreview.net/2025/11/why-...
www.tokyoreview.net/2025/11/why-...
Japan’s accelerated defense timeline
Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae’s decision to move Japan’s defense-spending target of two percent of GDP two years earlier—from fiscal 2027 to the current fiscal year—is more than a headline. It reflect...
www.tokyoreview.net
November 5, 2025 at 7:43 PM
Also useful piece in Tokyo Review on Japan's accelerated defense buildup, pointing out that this in part a hedge vs US retreat and withdrawal.
www.tokyoreview.net/2025/11/why-...
www.tokyoreview.net/2025/11/why-...
Tokyo Review has resurfaced as a source of smart analysis of Japanese politics, economy, foreign and security policy. EG this piece on the shaky LDP-Ishin arrangement.
www.tokyoreview.net/2025/11/boom...
www.tokyoreview.net/2025/11/boom...
The future of the LDP-Ishin partnership
Japanese politics has hit a major inflection point. Takaichi Sanae has become the first woman to be named prime minister. The ruling Liberal Democratic Party’s (LDP) over two decades-long coalition w...
www.tokyoreview.net
November 5, 2025 at 7:38 PM
Tokyo Review has resurfaced as a source of smart analysis of Japanese politics, economy, foreign and security policy. EG this piece on the shaky LDP-Ishin arrangement.
www.tokyoreview.net/2025/11/boom...
www.tokyoreview.net/2025/11/boom...
As always, the devil is in the details.
english.hani.co.kr/arti/english...
english.hani.co.kr/arti/english...
Now begins grind of working out nitty-gritty of US-Korea deals on nuclear submarines, energy
While the two sides are working on a fact sheet of the broader agreements reached at last week’s summit, experts say that there’s still a long, difficult road ahead
english.hani.co.kr
November 4, 2025 at 5:57 PM
As always, the devil is in the details.
english.hani.co.kr/arti/english...
english.hani.co.kr/arti/english...
Reposted by Dan Sneider
"Progress in consultations on the supply of nuclear fuel for nuclear-powered submarines has strengthened the foundation for self-reliant defense," Lee said.
(LEAD) Lee vows to achieve self-reliant defense, efforts for dialogue with N. Korea | Yonhap News Agency
(ATTN: UPDATES with remarks, details, photos)By Kim Eun-jung SEOUL, Nov. 4 (Yonhap) -- ...
m-en.yna.co.kr
November 4, 2025 at 4:03 AM
"Progress in consultations on the supply of nuclear fuel for nuclear-powered submarines has strengthened the foundation for self-reliant defense," Lee said.
Lee Jae Myung is a very smart leader -- case in point.
www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2025/11...
www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2025/11...
South Korea's Lee says 'worries vanished' after meeting Takaichi
At a news conference, South Korean President Lee Jae Myung said that he believed the bilateral relationship would continue to improve.
www.japantimes.co.jp
November 1, 2025 at 6:28 PM
Lee Jae Myung is a very smart leader -- case in point.
www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2025/11...
www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2025/11...
A glimpse into what many Koreans see in Trump's demands -- a "protection racket."
english.hani.co.kr/arti/english...
english.hani.co.kr/arti/english...
[Column] Trump’s protection racket
Trump is cutting taxes for Americans and demanding that allies like Korea make up for the lost revenue
english.hani.co.kr
October 31, 2025 at 3:54 PM
A glimpse into what many Koreans see in Trump's demands -- a "protection racket."
english.hani.co.kr/arti/english...
english.hani.co.kr/arti/english...
Reposted by Dan Sneider
A slap in the face at the first meeting:
"Xi said, 'The two countries should be partners in cooperation, not threats to each other,' and added, 'We should widely promote the spirit of the Murayama Statement, which reflected on the history of aggression and apologized to victimized countries.'"
"Xi said, 'The two countries should be partners in cooperation, not threats to each other,' and added, 'We should widely promote the spirit of the Murayama Statement, which reflected on the history of aggression and apologized to victimized countries.'"
Xi urges Takaichi to reflect on wartime aggression, calls for China-Japan cooperation
Xi urges Takaichi to reflect on wartime aggression, calls for China-Japan cooperation Xi urges Takaichi to reflect on wartime aggression while seeking stable China‑Japan ties
biz.chosun.com
October 31, 2025 at 3:06 PM
A slap in the face at the first meeting:
"Xi said, 'The two countries should be partners in cooperation, not threats to each other,' and added, 'We should widely promote the spirit of the Murayama Statement, which reflected on the history of aggression and apologized to victimized countries.'"
"Xi said, 'The two countries should be partners in cooperation, not threats to each other,' and added, 'We should widely promote the spirit of the Murayama Statement, which reflected on the history of aggression and apologized to victimized countries.'"
Reposted by Dan Sneider
By contrast, Chief Cabinet Secretary Kihara says nothing about “weaning off.” He said: “securing natural gas is important for Japan’s energy security, and every possible measure will be taken to prevent any disruption.”
www.hokkaido-np.co.jp/article/1231...
www.hokkaido-np.co.jp/article/1231...
ロシア産ガスの輸入継続示唆 官房長官：北海道新聞デジタル
木原稔官房長官は30日の記者会見で、ロシアの極東サハリンの開発事業「サハリン2」を含む液化天然ガス（LNG）の輸入に関し「天然ガスの確保は日本のエネルギー安全保障上重要で、支障を来さないように万全を...
www.hokkaido-np.co.jp
October 31, 2025 at 5:29 AM
By contrast, Chief Cabinet Secretary Kihara says nothing about “weaning off.” He said: “securing natural gas is important for Japan’s energy security, and every possible measure will be taken to prevent any disruption.”
www.hokkaido-np.co.jp/article/1231...
www.hokkaido-np.co.jp/article/1231...
Reposted by Dan Sneider
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent: “[The Japanese] buy a substantial amount of LNG … from Russia, and I believe, over time, they will be weaning off of that, and they will be part of a very large pipeline project that the US is constructing in Alaska.” www.foxbusiness.com/video/638428...
US–China agreement finalized, signatures expected as soon as next week: Scott Bessent | Fox Business Video
U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent discusses President Donald Trump's Asia visit, the finalized US-China agreement, the government shutdown and the finalists of the Federal Reserve's next chairman.
www.foxbusiness.com
October 31, 2025 at 4:56 AM
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent: “[The Japanese] buy a substantial amount of LNG … from Russia, and I believe, over time, they will be weaning off of that, and they will be part of a very large pipeline project that the US is constructing in Alaska.” www.foxbusiness.com/video/638428...
Reposted by Dan Sneider
America and China have only holstered their trade weapons www.economist.com/leaders/2025...
America and China have only holstered their trade weapons
Neither country wants decoupling or confrontation—at least, not yet
www.economist.com
October 30, 2025 at 9:14 PM
America and China have only holstered their trade weapons www.economist.com/leaders/2025...
Reposted by Dan Sneider
Looking back years from now we may find that yesterday’s meeting between Trump and Lee Jae Myung was a major milestone in South Korea developing nuclear weapons. Korea seems closer than ever to closing the nuclear fuel cycle and securing enrichment capability.
www.chosun.com/english/nati...
www.chosun.com/english/nati...
Lee, Trump Agree to Discuss Nuclear Submarine Fuel Supply
Lee, Trump Agree to Discuss Nuclear Submarine Fuel Supply Talks Follow Trumps Recognition of South Koreas Submarine Needs Amid Norths Progress
www.chosun.com
October 30, 2025 at 12:20 AM
Looking back years from now we may find that yesterday’s meeting between Trump and Lee Jae Myung was a major milestone in South Korea developing nuclear weapons. Korea seems closer than ever to closing the nuclear fuel cycle and securing enrichment capability.
www.chosun.com/english/nati...
www.chosun.com/english/nati...