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As of November 27, 2025, diplomatic tensions between Japan and China have intensified following Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's statement that a Chinese attack on Taiwan could threaten Japan's survival and justify a military response. China condemned the remarks, accusing Japan of militarism and colonial aggression, while Japan advances missile deployments near Taiwan. Taiwan supports Japan's security measures amid ongoing Chinese military pressure.
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Germany's government is engaging in high-level talks with China to address trade issues, including rare earths and supply chain concerns. Chancellor Merz's coalition aims to reduce dependency on China and bolster economic resilience, amid rising tensions and a record trade deficit. The visit signals a strategic shift in Germany's China policy.
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Japan has announced a ¥17.7 trillion stimulus package to boost its economy amid concerns over rising spending, a weakening yen, and market volatility. The package aims to increase GDP and support consumers, but critics warn it may strain Japan’s fiscal health and push debt levels higher.
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Japan's October 2025 exports increased 3.6%, driven by semiconductors and gas turbines, but exports to the US fell 3.1% for the seventh consecutive month, mainly due to tariffs. Imports rose slightly, and Japan's trade surplus with the US narrowed. The economy shows signs of strain from US trade policies.
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Japan's PM warns of military response to China over Taiwan, prompting Taiwan to ease food import restrictions and show solidarity. Beijing dismisses Taiwan's claims, escalating regional tensions amid economic and military pressures.
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Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's recent remarks linking a Chinese attack on Taiwan to Japan's military response have triggered diplomatic protests from China. Beijing responded with accusations of violations of international law, economic measures, and canceled bilateral events, deepening regional tensions amid ongoing disputes over Taiwan's sovereignty.
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On Tuesday evening, a fire broke out in Korail, one of Dhaka's largest slums, burning for 16 hours and destroying about 1,500 shanties. Thousands of residents, many climate refugees, were left homeless. Firefighters struggled due to narrow alleys. The slum lies between affluent neighborhoods, highlighting stark urban contrasts in Bangladesh's capital.
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Danilo Yavhushyshyn, a Ukrainian sumo wrestler known as Aonishiki Arata, was promoted to the rank of ozeki after winning a major tournament in Japan. His rise highlights the increasing diversity in sumo, with non-Japanese wrestlers excelling despite traditional gender and cultural barriers.
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Recent remarks by Japan's new leader have heightened diplomatic tensions, prompting Chinese cruise ships and tourists to avoid Japanese ports and favor South Korea. This shift benefits South Korea's tourism industry but raises concerns about long-term regional stability.
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U.S. and Chinese leaders held a call discussing Taiwan, Ukraine, and trade, with Xi reaffirming Taiwan as part of China. Japan's military comments on Taiwan drew Chinese condemnation. The story highlights ongoing geopolitical tensions and recent diplomatic exchanges.
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Russia has implemented a visa-free entry policy for Chinese citizens for up to 30 days, effective immediately through September 2026. The move aims to boost tourism and strengthen ties amid diplomatic tensions with Japan, with Chinese travel interest surging as a result.
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U.S. President Trump and Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi held their first call since the Sino-Japanese dispute escalated over two weeks ago. The call followed Trump's discussions with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, focusing on Taiwan and regional stability. The summit in South Korea provides a diplomatic backdrop for potential high-level meetings.
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Japan's Prime Minister Takaichi made comments suggesting military action if China attacks Taiwan, prompting a diplomatic row with China. Trump discussed the issue with both Xi Jinping and Takaichi, with US support for Taiwan now uncertain amid escalating tensions. The dispute impacts regional stability and economic relations.
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Last week, a Tokyo court ruled that Japan's refusal to recognize same-sex marriages does not violate the constitution, a setback for LGBTQ+ advocates. The decision follows a series of legal cases challenging the ban, with the Supreme Court expected to review the matter.
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A Japanese gardener who became a citizen shares insights on Japan's cultural significance, while Japan's political leadership emphasizes economic growth and international cooperation at key conferences, highlighting a focus on tradition and strategic global engagement.
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Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi warned last month that a Chinese attack on Taiwan could provoke a response from Tokyo. Meanwhile, China seeks stronger communication with France and the UK on regional issues, emphasizing the 'One China' principle amid ongoing tensions over Taiwan and Ukraine.
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Recent developments show increased Chinese military activity amid diplomatic tensions with Japan and the US. China conducts large-scale exercises, while the US shifts its strategy on Taiwan, signaling a complex regional security landscape. The situation underscores ongoing rivalry and regional instability.
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Australia's defence and foreign ministers met US counterparts in Washington to discuss Indo-Pacific stability, critical minerals, and troop deployments. They highlighted progress on AUKUS and reaffirmed regional security commitments, amid rising tensions with China and Japan. The visit underscores Australia's strategic focus on regional alliances.
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Recent statements by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi about a potential Chinese attack on Taiwan have escalated tensions with China. Beijing has responded with historical references and military warnings, amid ongoing disputes over Taiwan, regional security, and historical grievances related to the 1937 Nanjing massacre. Diplomatic and military incidents have increased in recent days.
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Chinese J-15 fighter jets launched from the Liaoning aircraft carrier targeted Japanese F-15s with radar locks near Okinawa. Japan protested the incidents, calling them dangerous acts exceeding safe operational limits. China disputes the claims, citing routine exercises. No injuries or damage reported.
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Japan's economy contracted by 0.6% in the third quarter, revised from earlier estimates. Exports declined slightly, and private residential investment fell 8.2%. U.S. tariffs on autos and imports have strained Japan-U.S. relations, while Japan's new prime minister seeks economic revival.
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Recent data shows shifts in global trade patterns due to US tariffs and China's export growth. The US trade deficit shrank slightly in November, while China’s trade surplus hit a record high, despite ongoing tariffs and trade tensions. Countries are diversifying markets and rerouting shipments amid these tensions.
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On Monday night, a magnitude 7.5 earthquake struck about 80 km off the coast of Aomori Prefecture, Japan, triggering tsunami warnings for Hokkaido, Aomori, and Iwate prefectures. Waves up to 70 cm were recorded before all tsunami advisories were lifted by Tuesday morning. At least 33 people were injured, power outages occurred, and transport services were temporarily suspended. Authorities warn of possible aftershocks and an increased risk of a larger quake.
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Japan has lifted a recent earthquake advisory in Hokkaido and Sanriku regions after a magnitude 7.5 quake. Authorities say the risk of a megaquake has decreased but urge continued vigilance. The advisory was issued following a quake that caused minor injuries and damage, with no tsunami reported. Officials emphasize preparedness remains essential.
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Recent days have seen heightened military activity in East Asia, with Chinese fighter jets locking radar on Japanese aircraft, joint US-Japan military flights, and Russian-Chinese bomber patrols near Japan. These actions increase regional tensions and concern over potential escalation.
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The Bank of Japan increased its short-term policy rate to 0.75%, the highest since 1995, signaling a shift toward normalizing monetary policy amid rising inflation and a weakening yen. The move impacts markets, including a dip in bitcoin, and reflects confidence in economic recovery.
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Japan's last two pandas, Xiao Xiao and Lei Lei, will return to China by late January, ending over 50 years of panda presence. The move follows worsening diplomatic relations between Japan and China, driven by geopolitical disputes and recent comments by Japan's prime minister on Taiwan. Public visits surged before their departure.
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In late 2025, the US under President Trump declared Europe an adversary in its National Security Strategy, citing immigration policies and demographic shifts as threats to Western civilization. The US supports far-right European parties, opposes EU digital regulations, and urges Europe to reduce reliance on adversarial powers. Germany and Europe are called to assume greater self-defense amid waning US commitment, straining transatlantic relations.
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Japan's total international arrivals in 2025 surpassed 39 million, driven by domestic travel and increased overseas trips, especially to Europe and Hawaii. Chinese visitor numbers grew slightly in November despite diplomatic disputes, while Vietnam set a new record for foreign arrivals. The travel industry remains resilient amid geopolitical tensions.
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As of early January 2026, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has praised the country's 2025 military and economic progress, including the near-completion of an 8,700-ton nuclear-powered submarine and multiple missile tests. He reaffirmed commitment to nuclear weapons development and sent New Year greetings to North Korean troops fighting alongside Russia in Ukraine, emphasizing the Pyongyang-Moscow alliance ahead of a key party congress.
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As Japan marks the 80th anniversary of WWII's end, the imperial family emphasizes remembrance and peace. The emperor and former emperor Akihito reflect on wartime suffering, with Akihito in stable health after heart treatment. The family participated in commemorations and educational activities to preserve wartime history.
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Vietnam's Communist Party is selecting candidates for its upcoming leadership congress, with incumbent To Lam seeking a second term. The process involves key party officials and precedes national elections, shaping the country's political and economic future amid ongoing reforms.
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Japan's Niigata Prefectural Assembly approved the partial restart of the Kashiwazaki-Kariwa nuclear plant, marking its first operation since Fukushima in 2011. The move aims to reduce reliance on fossil fuels amid energy security concerns, despite public protests and safety debates. The restart is scheduled for January 2026.
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As of January 14, 2026, gold, silver, and copper prices have surged to historic highs amid geopolitical tensions following the U.S. capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. Markets reacted with mixed moves: Asian stocks mostly rose, oil prices fluctuated, and precious metals soared due to safe-haven demand and expectations of U.S. interest rate cuts. Supply constraints and industrial demand linked to AI and electrification underpin metals' rallies.
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Japan is increasing its defense budget significantly, surpassing ¥9 trillion for 2026, driven by regional threats from China. Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi emphasizes self-reliance and deterrence, amid regional military developments and constitutional debates. The move aligns with US pressure and regional security concerns.
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On December 29-30, 2025, China launched its largest military exercises yet around Taiwan, named "Justice Mission 2025." The drills involved live-fire rocket launches, naval blockades, and air sorties encircling Taiwan, simulating a blockade of key ports. Taiwan responded with heightened military alert and flight disruptions, while China framed the exercises as a warning against Taiwan independence and foreign interference following a record $11.1 billion US arms sale to Taiwan.
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South Korean President Lee Jae Myung is in China for a four-day trip, his first since June, aiming to strengthen economic and diplomatic ties. The visit occurs as North Korea tests hypersonic missiles and regional tensions rise over Taiwan and Japan. Leaders signed cooperation agreements on trade, technology, and regional security.
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China launched extensive military exercises around Taiwan, including missile launches and naval deployments, in response to US arms sales and Taiwan's independence stance. The drills, called 'Justice Mission 2025,' aimed to demonstrate force and test regional capabilities, heightening regional tensions.
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Japan's imperial family marked the New Year with public appearances, emphasizing peace and tradition. The event included family members, historical references, and cultural rituals rooted in Shinto practices, reflecting Japan's enduring respect for heritage amid modern challenges. Today’s date is Fri, 02 Jan 2026 04:45:32 +0000.
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China launched extensive military exercises around Taiwan, including missile launches and naval deployments, in response to US arms sales and Taiwan's defense efforts. The drills, called 'Justice Mission 2025,' aim to deter outside intervention and demonstrate China's military capabilities, escalating regional tensions.
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China conducted extensive military exercises around Taiwan, firing dozens of rockets and deploying warships and aircraft. The drills, part of 'Justice Mission 2025,' aim to pressure Taiwan and shift domestic public anger over economic issues into nationalist sentiment. The US and regional allies condemned the actions as destabilizing.
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Irish Taoiseach Leo Varadkar is in China for a five-day trip, including meetings with Chinese leaders, to strengthen diplomatic and economic ties. The visit follows recent tensions over tariffs and trade disputes between China and the EU, with discussions focusing on trade issues like beef exports and dairy tariffs.
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South Korean President Lee's four-day trip to China marks his first visit since June, aiming to strengthen bilateral ties amid regional tensions. He will meet Xi Jinping to discuss security, economic cooperation, and peace efforts on the Korean Peninsula, amid ongoing US-China-Japan tensions over Taiwan and North Korea.
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China has conducted extensive military exercises near Taiwan, including missile launches and naval deployments, amid rising tensions. Taiwan's layered defenses and US support remain robust, but experts highlight gaps in China's military capabilities and command structure. The situation continues to escalate as both sides prepare for potential conflict.
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China has imposed a ban on exports of dual-use items to Japan, citing Japan's recent remarks on Taiwan and potential military intervention. The move follows China's halting of Japanese seafood imports and encourages Chinese citizens to avoid travel to Japan. Japan protests the measures as unjustified.
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China announced a ban on over 800 dual-use items, including some rare earths, to restrict Japan's military capabilities. The move follows broader export controls and diplomatic tensions, with Beijing considering tighter license reviews for certain rare earths sent to Japan. Japan protests the measures amid rising regional security concerns.
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Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and South Korean President Lee Jae Myung met in Nara for a summit, which included a surprise drum session symbolizing improved relations amid regional tensions. The leaders discussed economic security, historical issues, and regional cooperation, emphasizing a future-oriented partnership.
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Japan's first female prime minister, Sanae Takaichi, plans to call an early election amid high approval ratings. The move follows a diplomatic dispute with China over Japan's stance on Taiwan and China's recent export controls. Takaichi's coalition faces a narrow majority in the Lower House, with regional and international implications.
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Japan's government faces a potential failure to pass the 2026 budget by March, amid plans for a snap election. Takaichi, the prime minister, is considering a stopgap budget and has shifted her stance on calling a snap poll, signaling political uncertainty ahead of the fiscal deadline.
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Japanese Prime Minister Takaichi is expected to dissolve parliament at the start of the upcoming session on January 23, aiming for a snap election around February. The move seeks to capitalize on her high approval ratings, strengthen her coalition, and address economic and diplomatic challenges, including tensions with China.