Kishida’s biggest problem: a faltering bureaucracy

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The late Shinzo Abe left an important mark on Japanese political history. As prime minister he exercised strong leadership over traditionally independent-minded bureaucrats, although the outcomes of his top-down policy renewals varied. How does Prime Minister Fumio Kishida’s leadership compare? Kishida’s leadership is a return to the traditional patterns of Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) prime ministers who respect collaboration […]Continue Reading

Is China cornered?

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In the first Cold War, the USSR was mighty and both the Western allies and Moscow’s proponents – each for reasons of their own – further lionized its position: on the Western front, to spur drama and competitiveness; at home in the Soviet Union, to boost confidence. Then what is the actual situation of China […]Continue Reading

Court warns on drink driving

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In: South-East Asia

The Court of Justice is warning motorists to refrain from drinking before getting behind the wheel during the Songkran festival, as the number of accidents caused by drunk driving over the Thai New Year holidays has increased over the past two years, said spokesman Sorawit Limparangsi.Continue Reading

As summer heat looms, Japan urged to curb impact, emissions

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In 2019, bullet trains were partially submerged in flooding from Typhoon Hagibis. Homes and highways were caught in landslides. Flooded tunnels trapped people and cars. Dams couldn’t withstand the surprisingly heavy rainfall. Hijioka’s research is focused on flood management, such as diverting water from swelling rivers upstream into rice paddiesContinue Reading