Storm ahead There is still time for Starmer to become either of them. He left the White House under dark clouds — literally — and unanswered questions. Aides later clarified that despite Trump speaking of a trade deal, they were not prioritizing a full-fat free-trade agreement, long coveted in London after Brexit. Starmer, on the…
Beijing, traditionally reliant on its economic muscle, growing importance and elite China-inclined “old friends” to influence Washington, is having a tough time figuring out how to connect with the incoming, unpredictable administration of president-elect Donald Trump, according to analysts and former US officials. China is hardly alone. Many countries have turned to flattery, golf and…
Former Japanese prime minister Yasuo Fukuda has warned of a “crisis of dialogue, comprehensive understanding, and mutual trust” between Japan and China, urging leaders from the two nations to take decisive action. “In the past three years … mutual understanding has declined further with goodwill towards each other plummeting,” Fukuda said in a written speech…
Japan risks entering a renewed phase of policy stasis just as the world prepares for the possible return of Donald Trump to the White House — and the pressure that would bring on key US allies. An election on Sunday left Japan without a clear winner for the first time since the 1990s, all but…
Japan’s Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba has vowed to stay on and stabilize the political situation after the ruling party’s worst electoral result since 2009. While he is expected to continue as premier for now, he may yet not survive a leadership vote due within 30 days in parliament, and even if he does it’s unclear…