S the Researcher
@stheresearcher.bsky.social
observer of geopolitics in East Asia
researcher for an embassy somewhere
UC Berkeley (B.A)
University of Tokyo (M.A)
researcher for an embassy somewhere
UC Berkeley (B.A)
University of Tokyo (M.A)
This is funny
I bet theres a “everything is the U.S.’ fault“ version too.
I bet theres a “everything is the U.S.’ fault“ version too.
October 7, 2026 at 7:51 AM
This is funny
I bet theres a “everything is the U.S.’ fault“ version too.
I bet theres a “everything is the U.S.’ fault“ version too.
Former President of Taiwan Tsai is visiting the U.S, particularly San Francisco. She still travels abroad quite frequently and is kind of a de-facto foreign minister and engaging in unofficial diplomacy after leaving office.
October 6, 2026 at 11:58 AM
Former President of Taiwan Tsai is visiting the U.S, particularly San Francisco. She still travels abroad quite frequently and is kind of a de-facto foreign minister and engaging in unofficial diplomacy after leaving office.
Japan’s former PM Iwaya led a business delegation to China and met with Foreign Minister Wang and Deputy PM He.
Japan‘s side has always expressed openness to dialogue, but China’s door was closed until Iwaya came knocking. Iwaya is a moderate within LDP and quite critical of PM’s policies.
Japan‘s side has always expressed openness to dialogue, but China’s door was closed until Iwaya came knocking. Iwaya is a moderate within LDP and quite critical of PM’s policies.
September 29, 2026 at 12:15 PM
Japan’s former PM Iwaya led a business delegation to China and met with Foreign Minister Wang and Deputy PM He.
Japan‘s side has always expressed openness to dialogue, but China’s door was closed until Iwaya came knocking. Iwaya is a moderate within LDP and quite critical of PM’s policies.
Japan‘s side has always expressed openness to dialogue, but China’s door was closed until Iwaya came knocking. Iwaya is a moderate within LDP and quite critical of PM’s policies.
Wow, whoever decided for “One Day More” from Les Miserables to be played at the state dinner Trump hosted for Xi is an absolutely legend for choosing a song packed with symbolism of resistance. 👏
This song was also used in HK’s resistance in 2019.
Nah, or it was chosen solely for its grandeur.
This song was also used in HK’s resistance in 2019.
Nah, or it was chosen solely for its grandeur.
September 26, 2026 at 4:21 AM
Wow, whoever decided for “One Day More” from Les Miserables to be played at the state dinner Trump hosted for Xi is an absolutely legend for choosing a song packed with symbolism of resistance. 👏
This song was also used in HK’s resistance in 2019.
Nah, or it was chosen solely for its grandeur.
This song was also used in HK’s resistance in 2019.
Nah, or it was chosen solely for its grandeur.
According to Trump, Xi likes high-quality granite and is a stone expert.
Thats very classy.
Sounds like a very productive meeting that definitely showed Trump is on the same side with Xi on the Taiwan issue 🙃
Thats very classy.
Sounds like a very productive meeting that definitely showed Trump is on the same side with Xi on the Taiwan issue 🙃
September 26, 2026 at 3:59 AM
According to Trump, Xi likes high-quality granite and is a stone expert.
Thats very classy.
Sounds like a very productive meeting that definitely showed Trump is on the same side with Xi on the Taiwan issue 🙃
Thats very classy.
Sounds like a very productive meeting that definitely showed Trump is on the same side with Xi on the Taiwan issue 🙃
Keep in mind which scholars, analysts and commentators said that Trump would ”abandon” Taiwan and give in to China pressure ahead of the Trump-Xi Summit, chances are their writings and positions tend to serve an agenda that prioritizes getting payments in the RMB Instead of freedom and democracy.
September 26, 2026 at 3:52 AM
Keep in mind which scholars, analysts and commentators said that Trump would ”abandon” Taiwan and give in to China pressure ahead of the Trump-Xi Summit, chances are their writings and positions tend to serve an agenda that prioritizes getting payments in the RMB Instead of freedom and democracy.
Yup it is very possible that the next war will be triggered by a miscalculation or inaccurate information generated by AI.
Information generated by AI absolutely must to be double checked by a human and the final decision must be made by a human and not AI. Too much is at stake here.
Information generated by AI absolutely must to be double checked by a human and the final decision must be made by a human and not AI. Too much is at stake here.
Exclusive: US military had close call after using AI for false intelligence report, sources say | CNN Politics
The episode shows the risks of using this new, relatively poorly understood technology in the middle of the Iran war
edition.cnn.com
September 19, 2026 at 5:56 AM
Yup it is very possible that the next war will be triggered by a miscalculation or inaccurate information generated by AI.
Information generated by AI absolutely must to be double checked by a human and the final decision must be made by a human and not AI. Too much is at stake here.
Information generated by AI absolutely must to be double checked by a human and the final decision must be made by a human and not AI. Too much is at stake here.
Japan’s PM Takaichi will shuffle her cabinet tomorrow. Foreign Minister Motegi and Defense Minister Koizumi are expected to stay.
That means 3 out of her 4 rivals in the last leadership election are still in key positions, whether Hayashi stays in the cabinet will be key for the election next year.
That means 3 out of her 4 rivals in the last leadership election are still in key positions, whether Hayashi stays in the cabinet will be key for the election next year.
September 16, 2026 at 11:52 AM
Japan’s PM Takaichi will shuffle her cabinet tomorrow. Foreign Minister Motegi and Defense Minister Koizumi are expected to stay.
That means 3 out of her 4 rivals in the last leadership election are still in key positions, whether Hayashi stays in the cabinet will be key for the election next year.
That means 3 out of her 4 rivals in the last leadership election are still in key positions, whether Hayashi stays in the cabinet will be key for the election next year.
Beijing Xiangshan Forum kicks off in China today. The discussions must be constructive and full of good ideas for peace. It is not like China restricts free speech/free press or silences opposition or anything like that.
Former🇯🇵PM Hatayama (the most 🇨🇳 friendly one) showed up.
Former🇯🇵PM Hatayama (the most 🇨🇳 friendly one) showed up.
September 16, 2026 at 11:45 AM
Beijing Xiangshan Forum kicks off in China today. The discussions must be constructive and full of good ideas for peace. It is not like China restricts free speech/free press or silences opposition or anything like that.
Former🇯🇵PM Hatayama (the most 🇨🇳 friendly one) showed up.
Former🇯🇵PM Hatayama (the most 🇨🇳 friendly one) showed up.
Small delegation of Japanese lawmakers led by Ishin‘s Seki Hei visited Taiwan and met with President Lai. The delegation does not appear to include LDP lawmakers this time.
September 9, 2026 at 8:15 AM
Small delegation of Japanese lawmakers led by Ishin‘s Seki Hei visited Taiwan and met with President Lai. The delegation does not appear to include LDP lawmakers this time.
Wow what the Philippine Defense Minister did at the Seoul Defense Dialogue takes a lot of guts. This is as unequivocal as it gets.
The ship of decency has sailed a long time ago but this is the first time China is called out so directly. Wolf diplomacy has grew a lot more targeted and uncivil.
The ship of decency has sailed a long time ago but this is the first time China is called out so directly. Wolf diplomacy has grew a lot more targeted and uncivil.
September 9, 2026 at 8:09 AM
Wow what the Philippine Defense Minister did at the Seoul Defense Dialogue takes a lot of guts. This is as unequivocal as it gets.
The ship of decency has sailed a long time ago but this is the first time China is called out so directly. Wolf diplomacy has grew a lot more targeted and uncivil.
The ship of decency has sailed a long time ago but this is the first time China is called out so directly. Wolf diplomacy has grew a lot more targeted and uncivil.
The media can sometimes be used to exert pressure on domestic lawmakers when there’s need for transparency, but it should be used very carefully if directing at a foreign govt.
There’s a risk of doing so since foreign entities don’t necessarily need to cave to the pressure and it could backfire.
There’s a risk of doing so since foreign entities don’t necessarily need to cave to the pressure and it could backfire.
September 9, 2026 at 7:42 AM
The media can sometimes be used to exert pressure on domestic lawmakers when there’s need for transparency, but it should be used very carefully if directing at a foreign govt.
There’s a risk of doing so since foreign entities don’t necessarily need to cave to the pressure and it could backfire.
There’s a risk of doing so since foreign entities don’t necessarily need to cave to the pressure and it could backfire.
Yikes being called out by the interviewee for twisting his words is p bad
This happens way too often, politicians give interviews, but out of journalistic integrity don’t see the piece until after it is published only to realize it is completely taken out of context
There goes your reputation
This happens way too often, politicians give interviews, but out of journalistic integrity don’t see the piece until after it is published only to realize it is completely taken out of context
There goes your reputation
September 9, 2026 at 7:27 AM
Yikes being called out by the interviewee for twisting his words is p bad
This happens way too often, politicians give interviews, but out of journalistic integrity don’t see the piece until after it is published only to realize it is completely taken out of context
There goes your reputation
This happens way too often, politicians give interviews, but out of journalistic integrity don’t see the piece until after it is published only to realize it is completely taken out of context
There goes your reputation
Well China’s diplomatic tantrum is falling on deaf ears this time, PIF’s host country Palau doesn’t even recognize China diplomatically.
Palau has resisted China’s pressure for years and continues to maintain diplomatic relations with Taiwan.
Palau has resisted China’s pressure for years and continues to maintain diplomatic relations with Taiwan.
September 2, 2026 at 3:31 AM
Well China’s diplomatic tantrum is falling on deaf ears this time, PIF’s host country Palau doesn’t even recognize China diplomatically.
Palau has resisted China’s pressure for years and continues to maintain diplomatic relations with Taiwan.
Palau has resisted China’s pressure for years and continues to maintain diplomatic relations with Taiwan.
Japan’s Defense Minister Koizumi just gained a new bro, the Defense Minister of Belgium. Belgium just appointed it first military attaché in its Tokyo embassy.
Will prob see a lot more of them hanging out now, advancing defense cooperation, developing weapons & bolstering their broship and whatnot
Will prob see a lot more of them hanging out now, advancing defense cooperation, developing weapons & bolstering their broship and whatnot
September 1, 2026 at 11:17 AM
Japan’s Defense Minister Koizumi just gained a new bro, the Defense Minister of Belgium. Belgium just appointed it first military attaché in its Tokyo embassy.
Will prob see a lot more of them hanging out now, advancing defense cooperation, developing weapons & bolstering their broship and whatnot
Will prob see a lot more of them hanging out now, advancing defense cooperation, developing weapons & bolstering their broship and whatnot
Why is it that the official account of CCTV News has 140 million followers but engagements are not even hitting four digits?
Good on them for reporting the landslide but no way people in China died from it right? if they are not reported, the deaths never happened, those people dont exist.
Good on them for reporting the landslide but no way people in China died from it right? if they are not reported, the deaths never happened, those people dont exist.
September 1, 2026 at 11:11 AM
Why is it that the official account of CCTV News has 140 million followers but engagements are not even hitting four digits?
Good on them for reporting the landslide but no way people in China died from it right? if they are not reported, the deaths never happened, those people dont exist.
Good on them for reporting the landslide but no way people in China died from it right? if they are not reported, the deaths never happened, those people dont exist.
oh look
The world’s most peaceful-loving leaders are best buddies who reunited again after three month on the margins of SCO. A group hangout that they started together 25 years ago to try to attract all the cool kids. Not sure how thats actually going.
The world’s most peaceful-loving leaders are best buddies who reunited again after three month on the margins of SCO. A group hangout that they started together 25 years ago to try to attract all the cool kids. Not sure how thats actually going.
September 1, 2026 at 11:02 AM
oh look
The world’s most peaceful-loving leaders are best buddies who reunited again after three month on the margins of SCO. A group hangout that they started together 25 years ago to try to attract all the cool kids. Not sure how thats actually going.
The world’s most peaceful-loving leaders are best buddies who reunited again after three month on the margins of SCO. A group hangout that they started together 25 years ago to try to attract all the cool kids. Not sure how thats actually going.
Taiwan’s rep attended the Hiroshima Memorial Ceremony but opted out of the Nagasaki one because the latter seated the Taiwanese rep outside of the foreign emissary area.
The Hiroshima one placed the Taiwan rep alongside of other ambassadors.
Nagasaki mayor’s term is up next April so we’ll see.
The Hiroshima one placed the Taiwan rep alongside of other ambassadors.
Nagasaki mayor’s term is up next April so we’ll see.
August 10, 2026 at 3:32 PM
Taiwan’s rep attended the Hiroshima Memorial Ceremony but opted out of the Nagasaki one because the latter seated the Taiwanese rep outside of the foreign emissary area.
The Hiroshima one placed the Taiwan rep alongside of other ambassadors.
Nagasaki mayor’s term is up next April so we’ll see.
The Hiroshima one placed the Taiwan rep alongside of other ambassadors.
Nagasaki mayor’s term is up next April so we’ll see.
The UAE is considering to build an AI Data Center in Japan‘s Akita Prefecture, investing as much as $6.3 billion
The UAE, esp G42, has largely scaled back and divested from China when it comes to AI in exchange for U.S. partnership in 2024
Looks like the UAE found new AI buddies in Asia (ROK too!)
The UAE, esp G42, has largely scaled back and divested from China when it comes to AI in exchange for U.S. partnership in 2024
Looks like the UAE found new AI buddies in Asia (ROK too!)
August 10, 2026 at 11:50 AM
The UAE is considering to build an AI Data Center in Japan‘s Akita Prefecture, investing as much as $6.3 billion
The UAE, esp G42, has largely scaled back and divested from China when it comes to AI in exchange for U.S. partnership in 2024
Looks like the UAE found new AI buddies in Asia (ROK too!)
The UAE, esp G42, has largely scaled back and divested from China when it comes to AI in exchange for U.S. partnership in 2024
Looks like the UAE found new AI buddies in Asia (ROK too!)
Reuters reported that U.S. State Department plans to shut down a number of missions abroad, including its consulate in Japan’s Nagoya, Embassy in Grenada and posts in Canada's Winnipeg, Indonesia's Medan and Cameroon's Douala.
All “sources say” so far without any official announcement.
All “sources say” so far without any official announcement.
August 4, 2026 at 8:04 AM
Reuters reported that U.S. State Department plans to shut down a number of missions abroad, including its consulate in Japan’s Nagoya, Embassy in Grenada and posts in Canada's Winnipeg, Indonesia's Medan and Cameroon's Douala.
All “sources say” so far without any official announcement.
All “sources say” so far without any official announcement.
New Law in China to be enacted starting September 15 that can stop Chinese nationals from exiting the borders to go to other countries.
Hmmm maybe they finally realized how many middle-class are fleeing the country and transferring capital abroad that they are now starting drastic measures…
Hmmm maybe they finally realized how many middle-class are fleeing the country and transferring capital abroad that they are now starting drastic measures…
August 2, 2026 at 1:14 PM
New Law in China to be enacted starting September 15 that can stop Chinese nationals from exiting the borders to go to other countries.
Hmmm maybe they finally realized how many middle-class are fleeing the country and transferring capital abroad that they are now starting drastic measures…
Hmmm maybe they finally realized how many middle-class are fleeing the country and transferring capital abroad that they are now starting drastic measures…
Head of the Japan-Taiwan Parliamentary Friendship league Furuya led a delegation of more than 60 lawmakers to Taiwan. They met with President Lai and Furuya was honored for his contribution to Japan-Taiwan relations. Furuya has travelled to Taiwan 30+ times and was sanctioned by China in March.
July 28, 2026 at 3:30 AM
Head of the Japan-Taiwan Parliamentary Friendship league Furuya led a delegation of more than 60 lawmakers to Taiwan. They met with President Lai and Furuya was honored for his contribution to Japan-Taiwan relations. Furuya has travelled to Taiwan 30+ times and was sanctioned by China in March.
Japan’s Foreign Minister said he briefly talked with China’s Foreign Minister.
China’s MOFA spokesperson denied there was any contact.
My two cents is that 🇨🇳MOFA saying they didn’t engage was mostly for the domestic audience, still gotta milk that anti-Japanese sentiment, need someone to blame
China’s MOFA spokesperson denied there was any contact.
My two cents is that 🇨🇳MOFA saying they didn’t engage was mostly for the domestic audience, still gotta milk that anti-Japanese sentiment, need someone to blame
July 28, 2026 at 3:18 AM
Japan’s Foreign Minister said he briefly talked with China’s Foreign Minister.
China’s MOFA spokesperson denied there was any contact.
My two cents is that 🇨🇳MOFA saying they didn’t engage was mostly for the domestic audience, still gotta milk that anti-Japanese sentiment, need someone to blame
China’s MOFA spokesperson denied there was any contact.
My two cents is that 🇨🇳MOFA saying they didn’t engage was mostly for the domestic audience, still gotta milk that anti-Japanese sentiment, need someone to blame
Foreign Ministers of Japan and China briefly exchanged on the sideline of the ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ meeting.
Just briefly, with both sides standing, like what METI minister Akazawa did when he attended a APEC ministerial Meeting in China.
Not much but also better than nothing.
Just briefly, with both sides standing, like what METI minister Akazawa did when he attended a APEC ministerial Meeting in China.
Not much but also better than nothing.
日中外相が関係悪化後、初接触 それでも「雪解け厳しい」双方の事情：朝日新聞
茂木敏充外相は東南アジア諸国連合（ASEAN）関連外相会議のため訪問したマニラで、日本と関係が悪化している中国の外相と接触した。茂木氏は厳しい状況でも対話を続ける姿勢を強調する。ただ、日中関係の改善…
www.asahi.com
July 24, 2026 at 3:32 AM
Foreign Ministers of Japan and China briefly exchanged on the sideline of the ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ meeting.
Just briefly, with both sides standing, like what METI minister Akazawa did when he attended a APEC ministerial Meeting in China.
Not much but also better than nothing.
Just briefly, with both sides standing, like what METI minister Akazawa did when he attended a APEC ministerial Meeting in China.
Not much but also better than nothing.