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As of December 1, 2024, China has reinstated and expanded its visa-free entry policy for travelers from nine countries, including Japan, allowing stays of up to 30 days. This move aims to boost tourism and international exchanges, reflecting a strategic shift towards greater openness amidst regional tensions.
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Following Donald Trump's re-election, Taiwan's leadership expressed confidence in continued US support. However, concerns arise regarding Trump's transactional diplomacy and its implications for Taiwan amid rising tensions with China. The reactions highlight a mix of optimism and apprehension about future US foreign policy direction.
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Japan's Prime Minister Ishiba faces challenges in strengthening ties with President Trump amid escalating regional tensions. Analysts warn that Trump's transactional approach could disadvantage Japan, especially given Ishiba's weak political position following recent elections. The focus remains on military cooperation and addressing security threats from China and North Korea.
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Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba has been re-elected to lead a minority government following significant losses in the recent parliamentary elections. His Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) lost its majority amid public discontent over financial scandals, leaving him to navigate opposition challenges and upcoming international summits.
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During a meeting at the APEC summit in Peru, President Biden, Japanese Prime Minister Ishiba, and South Korean President Yoon condemned North Korea's military support for Russia in the Ukraine conflict. They expressed concerns over the implications of this cooperation for regional security and reaffirmed their commitment to supporting Ukraine.
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North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has ordered the mass production of attack drones, emphasizing their importance in modern warfare. This directive follows North Korea's military cooperation with Russia, where North Korean troops are reportedly receiving drone training. The move raises concerns about escalating military capabilities in the region.
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Following Donald Trump's recent electoral victory, world leaders, including Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Argentine President Javier Milei, have expressed their congratulations. They anticipate a collaborative relationship with the incoming administration, emphasizing shared values and mutual benefits in various global issues.
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Taiwan's President William Lai has embarked on a week-long diplomatic tour of the Pacific, visiting the Marshall Islands, Tuvalu, and Palau. His itinerary includes controversial stopovers in Hawaii and Guam, which have drawn sharp criticism from China, viewing Lai as a separatist leader. The trip aims to strengthen Taiwan's international ties amid increasing Chinese pressure.
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Japan will establish a Space Force headquarters at Yokota Air Base in December 2024, enhancing military cooperation with the US amid rising tensions with China. This move follows discussions between US and Japanese defense officials and aims to bolster joint capabilities in space.
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Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba's ruling coalition lost its majority in the House of Representatives during the October elections. He now seeks support from opposition parties to navigate legislative challenges while addressing public discontent over financial misconduct within his party.
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South Korea's government boycotted a memorial service in Japan for wartime laborers at the Sado mines, marking a setback in improving bilateral relations. The decision stems from unresolved diplomatic tensions, particularly regarding Japan's acknowledgment of forced labor during its colonial rule over Korea.