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
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...
Reposted by Dan Sneider
Hegseth calls S. Korea's push for OPCON transfer 'great,' depicts it as 'combat credible partner' | Yonhap News Agency en.yna.co.kr/view/AEN2025...
(LEAD) Hegseth calls S. Korea's push for OPCON transfer 'great,' depicts it as 'combat credible partner' | Yonhap News Agency
(ATTN: RECASTS throughout; ADDS more info in paras 18-19)By Song Sang-ho KUALA LUMPUR, O...
en.yna.co.kr
October 29, 2025 at 6:30 PM
Hegseth calls S. Korea's push for OPCON transfer 'great,' depicts it as 'combat credible partner' | Yonhap News Agency en.yna.co.kr/view/AEN2025...
It's all about the gold, baby.
www.washingtonpost.com/politics/202...
www.washingtonpost.com/politics/202...
In South Korea, Trump secures a trade deal — and a glittering crown
The trade agreement will lower U.S. tariffs on Korean cars and parts to 15 percent in exchange for $350 billion in investment, a Korean official said.
www.washingtonpost.com
October 29, 2025 at 5:31 PM
It's all about the gold, baby.
www.washingtonpost.com/politics/202...
www.washingtonpost.com/politics/202...
Reposted by Dan Sneider
Of course
Toyota says it did not explicitly promise Trump new $10 billion investment in US reut.rs/4qyCASU
Toyota says it did not explicitly promise Trump new $10 billion investment in US
Japan's Toyota Motor did not explicitly promise a new $10 billion investment in the United States, a senior executive from the Japanese automaker said on Wednesday, a day after President Donald Trump mentioned a potential investment of that size.
reut.rs
October 29, 2025 at 2:42 AM
Of course
an appropriately tongue in cheek appraisal of the Trump trip to Japan -- golden is clearly the key word. Say it, and say it often, and many things will come your way.
on.ft.com/4hHnBlx
on.ft.com/4hHnBlx
Japan’s Sanae Takaichi finds the perfect playlist for Donald Trump
New prime minister hits clever notes in crucial encounter with visiting US president
on.ft.com
October 28, 2025 at 6:59 PM
an appropriately tongue in cheek appraisal of the Trump trip to Japan -- golden is clearly the key word. Say it, and say it often, and many things will come your way.
on.ft.com/4hHnBlx
on.ft.com/4hHnBlx
Reposted by Dan Sneider
“The method of investment, the amount of investment, the timeline and how we will share the losses and divide the dividends — all of these remain sticking points,” Lee said.
US-Korea Fund Stuck on Key Points Ahead of Trump Visit, Lee Says
The US and South Korea remain stuck on all the major details of a $350 billion investment pledge, President Lee Jae Myung said in an interview Friday, signaling the countries may fail to finalize a tr...
www.bloomberg.com
October 27, 2025 at 4:20 AM
“The method of investment, the amount of investment, the timeline and how we will share the losses and divide the dividends — all of these remain sticking points,” Lee said.
Reposted by Dan Sneider
Japan was the genesis of President Donald Trump’s tariff-led approach to reshaping the global economy. When he lands in Tokyo today, trade will again be on his agenda. But his views on trade and Japan are stuck in the 1980s. Gift link: wapo.st/4qAjMTp
How Trump’s perception of Japan collides with today’s economic reality
Japan was the genesis of President Donald Trump’s tariff-led approach to reshaping the global economy. When he lands in Tokyo, trade will again be on his agenda.
wapo.st
October 26, 2025 at 11:58 PM
Japan was the genesis of President Donald Trump’s tariff-led approach to reshaping the global economy. When he lands in Tokyo today, trade will again be on his agenda. But his views on trade and Japan are stuck in the 1980s. Gift link: wapo.st/4qAjMTp
Reposted by Dan Sneider
Trump says he's open to meeting Kim in Korea if Kim would like to | Yonhap News Agency en.yna.co.kr/view/AEN2025...
Trump says he's open to meeting Kim in Korea if Kim would like to | Yonhap News Agency
By Song Sang-ho WASHINGTON, Oct. 25 (Yonhap) -- U.S. President Donald Trump has said he ...
en.yna.co.kr
October 25, 2025 at 4:36 PM
Trump says he's open to meeting Kim in Korea if Kim would like to | Yonhap News Agency en.yna.co.kr/view/AEN2025...
Takaichi message re Korea and China -- gestures to the former, not to China.
www.asahi.com/ajw/articles...
www.asahi.com/ajw/articles...
Takaichi signals dual approach toward ties with S. Korea, China | The Asahi Shimbun: Breaking News, Japan News and Analysis
Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, a staunch conservative on historical issues, indicated she plans to avoid a deterioration in relations with South Korea but may take a more assertive posture toward Chin...
www.asahi.com
October 25, 2025 at 6:14 PM
Takaichi message re Korea and China -- gestures to the former, not to China.
www.asahi.com/ajw/articles...
www.asahi.com/ajw/articles...
Asahi reminds readers of the lessons and meaning of the Murayama statement on the war, which Ishiba embraced but Takaichi has long denounced.
www.asahi.com/ajw/articles...
www.asahi.com/ajw/articles...
EDITORIAL: ‘Murayama statement’ still key for building trust in Asia | The Asahi Shimbun: Breaking News, Japan News and Analysis
During the 80th anniversary year of the end of World War II, former Prime Minister Tomiichi Murayama died at age 101, 30 years after he issued a landmark statement about the war.
www.asahi.com
October 24, 2025 at 5:35 PM
Asahi reminds readers of the lessons and meaning of the Murayama statement on the war, which Ishiba embraced but Takaichi has long denounced.
www.asahi.com/ajw/articles...
www.asahi.com/ajw/articles...
Good job by Jesse Johnson on the somewhat overheated speculation of a Kim-Trump meeting next week.
www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2025/10...
www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2025/10...
Stars align for Kim-Trump meeting — but any talks will be on N.K. leader’s terms
Experts say that while the U.S. president may look to return to talks with the North Korean leader, he’s unlikely to convince him to give up his nukes through summitry.
www.japantimes.co.jp
October 24, 2025 at 5:25 PM
Good job by Jesse Johnson on the somewhat overheated speculation of a Kim-Trump meeting next week.
www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2025/10...
www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2025/10...