Author name: Annie Yen

“The sanctions on the two largest Russian oil firms have certainly changed the situation,” said Ashok Malik, partner and chair of The Asia Group’s India practice. “I would expect Russian oil purchases to decline significantly — at least in the medium run — should these measures be carried through.” It seems the process has already begun: […]

A “successful meeting with Trump is a must for Takaichi’s survival as Prime Minister,” Tokuko Shironitta, managing director for Japan at strategic advisory firm the Asia Group, tells TIME. Takaichi, whose party commands a minority government and has slid in successive elections, has little room for error during her tenure. Her predecessor lasted less than

Analysts said it was important that Trump did not put any public pressure on Japan on Tuesday. “With a new, ambitious PM, Japan can do more to contribute to defence, but President Trump must leave Takaichi space and not make pressure so public as to make it harder for Takaichi to manage to domestic politics,”

A “successful meeting with Trump is a must for Takaichi’s survival as Prime Minister,” Tokuko Shironitta, managing director for Japan at strategic advisory firm the Asia Group, tells TIME. Takaichi, whose party commands a minority government and has slid in successive elections, has little room for error during her tenure. Her predecessor lasted less than

In Japan, rice is a staple and a symbol of the nation’s identity, and recently, an issue in domestic politics because of a shortage that has sent prices soaring. Ms. Takaichi’s office appeared to have made a calculated decision to make a good-will gesture to the United States during her first meeting with Mr. Trump, said

TAG Partner Dan Kritenbrink noted that while he is cautiously optimistic in the near term about U.S.-China relations, “none of the fundamentals in this relationship have changed.”

While much of the world is focused on President Donald Trump’s planned meeting with Chinese leader Xi Jinping on Thursday in South Korea, a summit of similarly major significance is scheduled for Tuesday in Tokyo. Trump will meet with newly elected Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, Japan’s first female leader, who comes to power at a decisive moment

TAG Partner Dan Kritenbrink noted, “It sounds like a diplomatic calendar has been set for the coming year, which could portend a period of relative stability in U.S.-China relations over the next six to twelve months. That would be welcome news, particularly for the business community.”

NPR’s Michel Martin speaks with former Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell about President Trump’s visit to Asia, where he’s looking to make deals and contain the rising influence of China.