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Blinken, Cho hold talks on margins of APEC summit

Both sides expressed concerns over North Korea and Russia’s deepening military cooperation…reports Asian Lite News

S. Korean Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken have met on the margins of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation meeting in Peru and discussed an array of issues ranging from bilateral ties to North Korea’s troop dispatch to Russia, Seoul’s foreign ministry said on Friday.

In the meeting held in Lima on Thursday (local time), both sides expressed concerns over North Korea and Russia’s deepening military cooperation as an illicit one that gravely threatens the security of both the Indo-Pacific and Europe, according to the ministry.

In this sense, they agreed to closely cooperate on the issue amid the possibility of Russia providing military assistance to the North in return for the deployment, Yonhap news agency reported.

Blinken stressed that bipartisan support for the South Korea-US alliance remains strong and said major accomplishments of the alliance will likely be smoothly handed over to the new administration.

Cho introduced Seoul’s efforts for the successful organisation of the United Nations’ Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee on plastic pollution, set to be held in the southeastern port city of Busan, in which Blinken expressed support.

The latest meeting came two weeks after Cho and Blinken met in Washington, D.C., late last month for the “two plus two” meeting that was joined by the Defence chiefs of the two nations.

S. Korea, US, Japan to unveil trilateral secretariat

South Korea, the US and Japan will announce the establishment of a trilateral secretariat when their leaders meet on the margins of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in Peru this week, a senior US security official said.

National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan made the remarks as South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, US President Joe Biden and Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba are set to hold a trilateral summit on the sidelines of the annual forum in Lima on Friday, Yonhap news agency reported.

Seoul, Washington and Tokyo have been pushing to create the secretariat as part of their efforts to “institutionalise” three-way cooperation that has deepened since their leaders held the first standalone trilateral summit at Camp David in August last year.

“One of the main things that will come out of tomorrow is the establishment of a secretariat for the trilateral on a going-forward basis so that there is an institutional framework,” Sullivan told reporters during a press briefing.

“This isn’t just a series of leaders’ meetings. It is, in fact, something that has a home in all three governments, and the three governments can cooperate at every level on trilateral collaboration,” he added.

Sullivan said Yoon, Biden and Ishiba are expected to take additional steps of cooperation in a range of areas, including trilateral Defence exercises.

“For example on trilateral exercises, we’ve had our first significant trilateral exercise, Freedom Edge, and now at this meeting, (Biden) will talk about how to step up trilateral exercises,” he said.

“We’ve made progress on technology protection, on supply chain diversification, on missile warning and the sharing of data concerning missile warning. In all of those areas, we expect to take further steps tomorrow.”

If established, the trilateral secretariat would mark a culmination of cooperation among the US and its two core Asian allies following the landmark Camp David summit, which produced a series of agreements, including the “Commitment to Consult” each other in the event of a shared threat.

With President-elect Donald Trump set to take office in January, questions remain over whether efforts to institutionalise trilateral cooperation can continue. Observers said Trump could take what has been perceived as an isolationist foreign policy approach under his “America First” credo.

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India’s GDP to leapfrog Japan by 2025

The International Monetary Fund sees the switch happening in 2025. S&P Global Ratings is looking at 2030 for the two countries to swap places…reports Asian Lite News

India’s gross domestic product could soon become larger than Japan’s, making it the world’s fourth-largest economy, according to a Japanese media report on Thursday.

The article, published in Japan Times, is based on discussions with some economists from Japan including Marcel Thieliant, head of Asia-Pacific for Capital Economics.

“Based on our existing forecasts, we had expected India to overtake Japan in 2026. The forecasts are currently being reviewed in light of recent events,” the news item cited Thieliant as saying.

The International Monetary Fund sees the switch happening in 2025. S&P Global Ratings is looking at 2030 for the two countries to swap places, the article states.

According to economists, the factors that are working in India’s favour is that the country has steadily climbed in terms of economic potential since around 2000 and its GDP has already surpassed that of the UK in 2022. India now trades with 27 countries using its rupee instead of the dollar, highlighting its expanding influence in global trade. The country also accounts for 46 per cent of global digital transactions. India’s population growth and young demographics are the key drivers to economic expansion that remains indisputable.

The IMF predicts India’s nominal GDP is projected to hit $4.339 trillion by 2025, surpassing Japan’s $4.310 trillion. This outlook underscores India’s strong growth trajectory, marking a significant lead over Japan.

Economists point out that Japan, on the other hand, has been consistently grappling with recurring recessions and decades-long deflation. Japan’s woes are exacerbated by its ageing population and low productivity across sectors. A weakened yen also significantly impacts the far-eastern country’s standing in these rankings. Besides, structural reforms have failed in Japan due to resistance to change and digitalisation. Long-standing employees often favour traditional methods over new approaches.

In 2023, Japan’s growth lagged at 1.9 per cent after decades of stagnation. IMF projects it to be just 0.3 per cent growth in 2024. The economies of China and Germany have already surpassed Japan, which had held the 2nd undisputed global rank till 2010.

India’s influence in multilateral diplomacy, and global and regional security in the last decade is an indication of the nation’s trajectory as an economic force. India has also surpassed Japan to become 3rd largest power in Asia power index reflecting its increasing geopolitical stature. “India is outshining its advanced peers in terms of economic capability, military capability, and diplomatic influence. What is heartening is that the county is almost set to surge past Japan to claim the fourth spot globally, defying the timelines of global projections by multilateral agencies with its rapid growth,” a senior official remarked.

Exports target

India’s exports surged by over 19 per cent in October. As per the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, data merchandise exports were up by over 17 per cent while services exports were up by over 21 per cent.

Commerce Secretary Sunil Barthwal was upbeat on the trade data and said, “It has been an extremely good month for us, and not only our overall export progress has been extremely good, but if you look at April to October, this has been the highest ever non-petroleum exports from this country ever. So we have broken all the records.”

In India’s trade history, from April to October this is the highest so far. Between April and October 2024, India’s total export stands at around USD 468.27 billion, up 7.28 per cent year-on-year.

On USD 800 billion for FY25, Commerce Secretary, said, “I hope that if we continue in this manner, then definitely, we are going to cross more than USD 800 billion of our exports in this year, and we will break the records.”

The Commerce Secretary said that the government’s strategy to focus on exports has yielded results.
“Our strategy of focusing on, certain sectors, our strategy of focusing on certain countries, is perhaps now yielding results. It is also that our manufacturing competitiveness, which is coming because of our focus on PLI is now yielding results” said Barthwal.

Government focus on key sectors like manufacturing, engineering, textile etc has helped in boosting exports.

He said, “Engineering goods exports have increased by more than 39 per cent, electronic goods export have increased by more than 45 per cent, organic and inorganic chemical exports have increased by more than 27 per cent and thankfully now, because of the export controls which we had in view of the food security on rice, rice exports have also increased by more than 85 per cent.”

He added, “The best part is that if you look at our labour-intensive exports, particularly readymade garments, of textile they have also increased by more than 35 per cent. So all our focus sectors are doing extremely well.”

However, the trade deficit too widened from USD 60.02 billion to USD 63.24 billion in 2024-25 which remains a concern for the government. The overall trade deficit has lowered from USD 121.6 billion in 2022-23 to USD 75.6 billion in 2023-24.

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Japanese firms scale down in China, investments fall

This drop in investment has caused significant difficulties for Japanese automakers…reports Asian Lite News

Japanese companies currently operational in China are increasingly pulling their operations away from the country, with capital investments of Japan’s subsidiaries in China declining for the seventh consecutive quarter.

This shift by Japanese automakers began as competition in China intensified, particularly affecting components and other parts of the supply chain. Japanese firms’ investments in China, including Hong Kong, dropped by 16 per cent year-on-year in dollar terms in the April-June period, according to an analysis of a Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry (METI) survey, Nikkei Asia reported.

This drop in investment has caused significant difficulties for Japanese automakers. Chinese subsidiaries in the transportation equipment industry have seen year-on-year quarterly revenue declines of more than 20 per cent since the start of 2023.

The METI survey, cited in the Nikkei Asia report, covered around 5,300 overseas subsidiaries of manufacturing companies in which Japanese firms hold a majority share (50 per cent or more). Japan’s share of overseas investment in China was noted at 13.6 per cent, reportedly lower than Europe’s share.

Investments by overseas subsidiaries in China dropped by five percentage points compared to the April-June quarter of 2019. China remains Japan’s second-largest export destination and its top supplier of imports, while Japan ranks behind Europe in both categories, the official report by Nikkei Asia stated.

Nissan closed a plant in Changzhou in June, which had an annual production capacity of 130,000 units, representing 10 per cent of the company’s total output in China. The company is also considering reducing capacity at other plants within China.

Similarly, Honda Motors announced in July that it would close a factory in Guangdong province and suspend production at another factory in Hubei province. These cutbacks are also affecting businesses involved in parts and materials production.

For instance, Honda-affiliated J-MAX has sold part of a plant in Guangzhou and is planning further reductions in production facilities in Wuhan province.

The report also mentioned that Alpha, a company specialising in car keys and other products, plans to dissolve its Hubei-based subsidiary by March and consolidate its production capacity. Furthermore, electrical equipment manufacturer Fujikura closed a wire harness factory in 2023, moving operations to a single plant.

Meanwhile, Nippon Steel, a material manufacturer, has decided to withdraw from a joint venture with Baoshan Iron & Steel, a subsidiary of China’s state-owned Baowu Steel Group. This move is expected to reduce local production capacity by 70 per cent. (ANI)

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India-Japan strengthen collaboration in science, tech  

The Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST) observed that the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between India..reports Asian Lite News

India and Japan see increased collaboration and engagement on the fronts of science, technology and innovation at the universities levels as the two countries celebrate the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations.

The Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST) observed that the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between India and Japan is a milestone moment in the relations of the two countries, based on the special strategic and global partnership of the India-Japan cooperative relationship.

JST is a national research and development agency of Japan that Science promotes science and technology. According to their website, “JST comprehensively implements diverse projects in collaboration with universities, research institutions, and industries in Japan and overseas, and makes contributions to the sustainable development of society and the creation of science, technology, and innovation.”

In order to promote science and technology and provide solutions to social issues, JST comprehensively implements diverse projects in collaboration with universities, research institutions, and industries in Japan and overseas, and makes contributions to the sustainable development of society and the creation of science, technology, and innovation.

To mark this event, JST is hosting an interactive discussion on Saturday, October 19, 2024 at the Grand New Delhi on the theme, ‘ Promotion of Japan-India brain circulation and utilization of its human resources’.

The JST said, “Enhancing the competitiveness in international society based on the strong collaboration between India and Japan in the fields of science, technology, and innovation is extremely important.”

Thus, the ” Japan-India Universities Forum ” started twice since the Financial year 2022, and has seen the exchange of opinions to promote cooperation and collaboration between Indian and Japanese universities. As a result of this successful endeavour, specific measures and new university exchange programs have been developed.

With a focus on further developing “bilateral brain circulation between Japan and India”, JST aims to expand collaboration between universities in both countries. To ensure the success of this event, JST will be hosting the 3rd Japan-India Universities Forum in India which will be the largest-ever Japan-India university exchange event held in India.

Prof. Hashimoto Kazuhito, President of JST, along with Secretary to the Government of India, Department of Science & Technology (DST) Prof.Abhay Karandikar will be the guest speakers for the inaugural session on October 19.

Representation for the event will be marked by industry experts from illustrious Indian and Japanese universities such as IIT Bombay, IIT Madras, IISER Pune, Hokkaido University, Nagoya University and The University of Tokyo amongst others.

This interaction is being done as a part of events under the Japan Months 2024 organized by the Embassy of Japan in India. (ANI)

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Shigeru Ishiba formally elected Japan’s PM

Ishiba emerged victorious in his fifth attempt at the LDP leadership, defeating Economic Security Minister Sanae Takaichi in a tightly contested runoff last week…reports Asian Lite News

Shigeru Ishiba, the leader of Japan’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), has been elected as the country’s next Prime Minister in a parliamentary vote on Tuesday. He will succeed Fumio Kishida.

Both the lower and upper houses of the Japanese parliament endorsed Ishiba who won the LDP presidency last week. His confirmation sets the stage for a general election on October 27, despite opposition criticism over the timing of the polls, which caused a last-minute delay in Tuesday’s parliamentary vote.

His leadership will be marked by challenges as Ishiba will have to work hard to restore the voter trust in the scandal-hit LDP, local media reported.

Ishiba emerged victorious in his fifth attempt at the LDP leadership, defeating Economic Security Minister Sanae Takaichi in a tightly contested runoff last week. Ishiba garnered 215 votes, surpassing Takaichi’s 194.

Earlier on Monday, Ishiba announced plans to dissolve the lower house of the parliament on October 9, with a General Election scheduled for October 27.

His decision to call a snap election also drew a backlash from opposition parties, as they called it “disrespectful” and “unconstitutional” for him to make an announcement even before his election as the Prime Minister.

Upon winning the LDP leadership, Ishiba committed himself to restoring trust and transparency within the party, emphasising the need for humility, fairness, and adherence to rules.

His speech after the vote counting was grounded in the promise to make Japan a safer and more stable country. “I will dedicate myself to making Japan a safer country,” he declared, signalling his intent to prioritise national security in his administration.

At a press conference following his victory, Ishiba stressed the importance of gaining the trust of the public and the need for accountability within the government.

Earlier in the day, Kishida decided on the en masse resignation of his Cabinet.

“Japan is facing a critical moment both at home and abroad. I sincerely hope that under the new Cabinet, important policies that will pave the way for Japan’s future will be vigorously implemented. I ask for your continued support for the next Cabinet and the new Prime Minister,” the outgoing PM said in a statement.

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Stabbing of Japanese boy in China causes panic among community

The 10-year-old child was on his way to his school when he was attacked by an assailant on September…reports Asian Lite News

A Japanese schoolboy’s killing in a stabbing incident in Shenzen a week ago has sparked fears among the Japanese community in China.

The 10-year-old child was on his way to his school when he was attacked by an assailant on September 18. However, the Chinese administration has not revealed the possible motive for the crime, NHK World reported.

A man in his 30s engaged in trade-related business in Shenzhen said that he felt nervous while walking alone in the city, and that the city is no longer a place he can consider living for a long time, NHK World reported.

Following the incident, security has been beefed up at condominium for Japanese residents in Guangzhou, near Shenzhen. The number of guards has been increased to four with stab-proof clothing and shields provided to them for protection. They will remain on standby whenever a school bus comes to the site.

The security measures have been taken to ease the tensions of people, as they remain concerned for their safety. According to the NHK World report, the Japanese Ambassador to China, Kanasugi Kenji, on Tuesday, visited Dalian in the northeastern province of Liaoning, as the area now is home to more than 1700 Japanese firms and a Japanese school.

In his statement, Kenji urged Dalian Communist Party Secretary Xiong Maoping to increase the safety apparatus for Japanese nationals and the school for the community.

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida had demanded an explanation from China over the incident, as this was the second knife attack on Japanese children within a month, CNN reported.

The child had succumbed to his injuries after being taken to the hospital for treatment. Speaking to reporters, Kishida stated that the attack was “a despicable crime and a serious and grave matter.”

In the statement, Kishida stated, “We strongly demand that the Chinese side explain the facts of the case. As more than a day has already passed since the crime, we have instructed them to provide an explanation as soon as possible. Such an incident must never be repeated. We strongly urged the Chinese side to ensure the safety of Japanese people.”

Meanwhile, Japanese Minister of Foreign Affairs Yoko Kamikawa said, “I take the incident extremely seriously. This should never happen in any country. Particularly, I sincerely regret that this despicable act was committed against a child on their way to school,” Al Jazeera reported.

The incident has triggered outrage within the Japanese and Chinese communities. A Shenzhen resident, who laid a white rose outside the Japanese school after the boy’s death, said, “As a Chinese, I feel heartbroken, outraged and ashamed,” CNN reported.

In the same report, a resident who demanded anonymity for fear of reprisal said, “This kind of violence is the result of long-term education of hatred … There’s no good in instilling hatred from a young age”.

Similarly, a Chinese blogger in a now-removed viral article from WeChat said, “The ‘anti-Japan rhetoric’ based on nationalist narratives has increased to dominate the internet. These online remarks … will inevitably spill over from the screen and impact the real world.” (ANI)

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UAE, Japan launch talks on CEPA

As the UAE and Japan move forward with the CEPA negotiations, His Highness commented that the launch of these talks reflects a mutual commitment to elevate their relationship to new levels of cooperation..reports Asian Lite News

President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan emphasised that relations between the UAE and Japan are built on a long history of strategic cooperation across various fields.

His Highness expressed his aspiration that these ties will be further bolstered by the launch of talks towards a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement, which will foster new avenues for collaboration and support the sustainable economic growth of both nations and their people.

As the UAE and Japan move forward with the CEPA negotiations, His Highness commented that the launch of these talks reflects a mutual commitment to elevate their relationship to new levels of cooperation. He noted that, by facilitating investment and supporting innovation, the agreement will play an important role in the nation’s economic diversification efforts, while also providing more opportunities for collaboration between the business communities of both countries.

In a post on his X account, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida highlighted the significance of the commencement of CEPA negotiations, saying, “I expect that the conclusion of an ambitious, balanced, and comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement between Japan and the UAE, in addition to the Japan-GCC Free Trade Agreement, whose negotiations will proceed in parallel with the Japan-UAE negotiations, will contribute to the strengthening of economic relations and other fields between the two countries.”

The announcement of the talks comes within the framework of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Initiative, launched during the visit of His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, to Japan in September 2022. It also aligns with the UAE’s strategy to expand its network of trade partners through the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement programme, which was launched in September 2021 to achieve sustainable economic growth by removing unnecessary barriers to trade and improving market access for services, including the elimination or reduction of customs duties.

The CEPA talks announced today are built on flourishing trade relations. The UAE is Japan’s top trading partner in the Arab world in terms of exports and imports, with the UAE receiving 40% of Japan’s exports to Arab countries. Meanwhile, Japan is among the UAE’s top ten trading partners globally.

Non-oil trade between the two countries continued to thrive in the first half of 2024, reaching $8.1 billion, while the total trade for 2023 stood at $17.3 billion, marking a 17.4% increase compared to 2022.

The UAE’s Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement Programme is a cornerstone of national efforts to promote sustainable growth and economic diversification. It plays a pivotal role in boosting non-oil foreign trade, which surged to unprecedented levels in the first half of 2024, climbing 11.2% year-on-year to reach AED1.395 trillion. Since its inception, the programme has witnessed the signing of 11 agreements to date with strategically important countries on the global trade map, including six agreements that are currently in effect.

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India, Japan agree to strengthen bilateral ties

During the discussions, both sides exchanged views on the macroeconomic landscape in their respective countries …reports Asian Lite News

Atsushi Mimura, Vice Minister of Finance for International Affairs, Japan, and Ajay Seth, Secretary, Department of Economic Affairs, Ministry of Finance, held the 2nd India-Japan Finance Dialogue in Tokyo on September 6 and agreed to continue discussions aimed at further promoting financial cooperation and strengthening bilateral relations.

According to the Ministry of Finance, the Japanese delegation included representatives from the Ministry of Finance and the Financial Services Agency, while the Indian side featured officials from the Ministry of Finance, Reserve Bank of India, Securities and Exchange Board of India, Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority, Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India, and International Financial Services Centres Authority.

During the discussions, both sides exchanged views on the macroeconomic landscape in their respective countries and explored cooperation in third countries, as well as bilateral and international issues.

They also discussed financial sector matters, including regulation, supervision, and financial digitalisation, among other policy initiatives. Representatives from Japan’s financial services industry joined for a session focused on financial regulatory issues and enhancing investment opportunities in India.

Both nations committed to continuing their dialogue with plans to hold the next round of discussions in New Delhi.

Last week, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had met with Akie Abe, the wife of Japan’s late former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, and fondly recalled his close friendship with Shinzo Abe.

PM Modi also expressed his appreciation for Akie Abe’s ongoing engagement with India.

Sharing a post on X, he wrote, “Pleased to meet Mrs. Abe this afternoon. Recalled my close personal friendship with former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe of Japan.”

“Abe San’s belief in the potential of India-Japan relations will remain a source of enduring strength for us. Deeply appreciate Mrs. Abe’s continuing association with India,” the post on X further read.

Earlier in the day, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar also held a meeting with Akie Abe. He recalled memories of Shinzo Abe and his commitment to “friendship” between India and Japan.

He also said that the strategic vision of the former Japanese Prime Minister will serve as a guiding light for the ties between India and Japan.

In a post on X, Jaishankar stated, “The meeting with Mrs. Akie Abe this morning brought back so many memories of PM Shinzo Abe and his commitment to India-Japan friendship. As our ties steadily progress, the strategic vision of PM Abe will always serve as a guiding spirit.”

Shinzo Abe was assassinated in Nara on July 8, 2022, during an election campaign address on the street. He was taken to the hospital, where Abe was pronounced dead.

Abe (67), the former Liberal Democratic Party leader and Japan’s longest-serving prime minister, held office from 2006 to 2007 and again from 2012 to 2020, before resigning due to health reasons. PM Modi had condoled the demise of Abe and attended the state funeral of the late Japanese PM at Nippon Budokan in Tokyo on September 27, 2022.

In 2007, Shinzo Abe, during his visit to India, delivered the famous “The Confluence of Two Seas” speech in the Indian parliament, according to a Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). He also participated in Republic Day celebrations as the Chief Guest in 2014. He was conferred with India’s highest civilian honour, Padma Vibhushan, in 2021.

Notably, India and Japan share a ‘Special Strategic and Global Partnership’. Friendship between the two nations has a long history rooted in spiritual affinity and strong cultural and civilisational ties, according to MEA. (ANI)

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China accused of violating Japanese airspace

The latest development could fuel tensions between the two countries following repeated maritime provocations by China in the region…reports Asian Lite News

Japan on Monday said that a Chinese military plane had violated its airspace, local media reported that it was the first such move by a Chinese aircraft.

Japan’s defence ministry said an Y-9 surveillance aircraft at 11.29am on Monday “violated the territorial airspace off the Danjo islands in Nagasaki prefecture” in the East China Sea and lasted two minutes. It prompted Japan to deploy “fighter jets on an emergency basis”, Kyodo news outlet reported.

The latest development could fuel tensions between the two countries following repeated maritime provocations by China in the region, the state media said.

The aircraft circled above waters southeast of the islands multiple times before and after entering Japan’s airspace, eventually heading toward China around 1:15 p.m. Japanese ministry of Defence said that the Japanese Air Self-Defence Force (ASDF) fighters did not use weapons or signal flares.

Japan’s Vice foreign minister Masataka Okano summoned China’s acting ambassador late on Monday to lodge a “extremely serious protest,” and called for measures against a recurrence, the Japanese foreign ministry said in a statement.

As per the NHK, the Japanese public broadcaster, there were previous incursions by non-military aircraft involving a propeller-powered Chinese marine surveillance plane and a small drone that had taken off from a China Coast Guard vessel and went into airspace near the disputed Senkaku islands in 2012 and 2017.

Kyodo news agency cited a Japanese defence Ministry source as saying that China “might be trying to provoke a reaction from Japan,” while a government source said the airplane merely grazed the territorial airspace and possibly strayed off course.

China’s increasing aggressive actions in the region, especially with Taiwan, has been a growing cause of concern for US and its allies.

Japan is part of the Quad alliance with India, Australia and the US, which is seen as a counter to Beijing’s assertiveness in the Indo-Pacific region.

The Senkaku islands in the East China Sea administered by Japan has been claimed by China and there has been confrontations between Japanese and Chinese vessels. The group of disputed islands, Uotsuri island , Minamikojima and Kitakojima are known as the Diaoyu in china.

Meanwhile, US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan is set to meet with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Beijing today. (ANI)

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US envoy to skip Nagasaki atomic bomb memorial over Israel exclusion

Nagasaki Mayor Shiro Suzuki had expressed concerns in June about inviting Israel, citing the escalating conflict in the Middle East….reports Asian Lite News

U.S. Ambassador to Japan Rahm Emanuel will not attend this year’s atomic bombing memorial service in Nagasaki due to the city’s decision to not invite Israel, the U.S. embassy announced on Wednesday.

Emanuel’s absence is in response to what the embassy described as the “politicisation” of the event by excluding Israel, the Associated Press reported.

Instead of attending the Nagasaki ceremony on Friday, Emanuel will honour the victims of the atomic bombing at a Buddhist temple in Tokyo. The atomic bomb dropped by the United States on Hiroshima on August 6, 1945, killed 140,000 people, and a second bomb dropped on Nagasaki three days later killed 70,000 more, leading to Japan’s surrender on August 15, 1945, and ending World War II.

Nagasaki Mayor Shiro Suzuki had expressed concerns in June about inviting Israel, citing the escalating conflict in the Middle East. Last week, Suzuki announced that Israel was not invited to avoid “possible unforeseen situations” such as protests or attacks, aiming to maintain a “peaceful and solemn atmosphere” for the ceremony.

Suzuki explained that his decision was influenced by “various developments in the international community” and the ongoing situation in the Middle East, which posed a potential risk to the event’s security.

In contrast, Hiroshima included the Israeli ambassador to Japan in its memorial ceremony on Tuesday, attended by 50,000 people, including Emanuel and other envoys, but did not invite Palestinian representatives.

Nagasaki officials indicated that an official from the U.S. Consulate in Fukuoka will represent the United States at Friday’s ceremony. Other Group of Seven nations — Canada, France, Germany, Italy, and the U.K. — along with the European Union, are expected to send lower-ranking envoys.

Envoys from these nations have expressed concern about Israel’s exclusion, signing a joint letter urging Nagasaki to reverse its decision and invite Israel to preserve the universal message of the memorial. They argued that excluding Israel, alongside Russia and Belarus, would be misleading and complicate their “high-level participation.”

British Ambassador to Japan Julia Longbottom, who attended the Hiroshima memorial, announced she would skip the Nagasaki ceremony, stating that excluding Israel could send the wrong message.

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