Richard Colapinto writes about East Asian economics, politics and foreign policy. He has a Master's degree from New York University in international relations where he focused on East Asia as well as extensive experience on Wall Street. He is a contributing analyst for the geostrategic consultancy firm Wikistrat.
-
Japan’s Abe Seeks Energy, Trade in Russia, Middle East
The Japanese prime minister hopes to boost economic growth ahead of July’s election.
Prime Minister Shinzō Abe of Japan, accompanied by more than one hundred business executives, is in the middle of a four nation trip intended to secure much needed energy resources and to bolster trade. His itinerary underlines the…
-
Japan Prepares to Thwart North Korean Missile Strike
Japan deploys antimissile ships and Patriot batteries to defend against a possible attack.
With American and South Korean intelligence predicting a missile launch by North Korea in the coming days, Japan announced a series of measures to protect its territory and calm nerves…
-
China’s Xi, American Secretary Discuss Currency, Korea
China’s new paramount leader meets with American Treasury secretary Jack Lew.
China's new paramount leader Xi Jinping met with American Treasury secretary Jack Lew in Beijing on Tuesday in what was his first meeting with a foreign official since being formally named…
-
Abe Challenges Domestic Interests, Enters Trade Talks
The Japanese premier is driven into a Pacific trade partnership by the need to thwart China.
Fear of falling behind has a funny way of focusing the mind sometimes. Policy choices once seen as toxic become increasingly palatable to leaders when they are considered against national security. So it goes for Japan as it seeks to maintain its…
-
Wen Signals Status Quo in Final Congress Speech
China’s outgoing premier hints at no structural economic reforms in his parting speech.
China's premier Wen Jiabao called for continued "reform and opening up" of the economy in his final policy address to the National People's Congress on Tuesday. The speech lacked new policy prescriptions and was largely consistent with the prevailing language…
-
In Washington, Japan’s Abe Reaffirms American Alliance
The partnership with the United States remains the cornerstone of Japanese foreign policy.
Japanese prime minister Shinzō Abe met with President Barack Obama in Washington on Friday for the first time since his Liberal Democratic Party won the election in December. Abe arrived in the United…