View: Europe’s defence gaps amid rising Russian threats
Are Europe’s defence structures prepared to meet evolving threats from Russia? Recent remarks by NATO and intelligence officials have highlighted ga...
Japan is contemplating offering concessions in the form of increased soybean and rice imports as part of ongoing trade negotiations with the United States, according to a report by the Yomiuri daily on Saturday.
This move comes as Japan seeks to address U.S. demands during President Donald Trump’s aggressive tariff campaign, which has raised concerns about potential recession risks.
During the first round of bilateral talks on Wednesday, U.S. negotiators brought up trade barriers in sectors such as automobiles and rice, and requested that Japan import more U.S. goods, including meat, fish products, and potatoes, the report said. The Japanese government has not yet commented on the report.
In response to Trump's trade policies, Japan has faced 24% tariffs on exports to the U.S., with the rates paused for 90 days, but a 10% universal tariff and a 25% duty on cars remain in effect. Japan, which heavily relies on car exports, has sought to reduce the impact of these levies, which have disrupted market stability.
Trump has criticized Japan for its alleged 700% tariff on rice, a claim that Japan disputes, citing outdated international rice pricing. Despite these tensions, Japan has been steadily increasing its rice imports over the past year to address domestic shortages caused by rising prices.
Japan’s economic revitalization minister, Ryosei Akazawa, engaged in discussions with U.S. officials in the Oval Office following the talks, although specific details of the discussions remain scarce. Finance Minister Katsunobu Kato is expected to continue bilateral discussions with U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent in Washington next week, focusing on further trade concerns and priorities.
Japan has lifted a tsunami advisory issued after an earthquake with a magnitude of 6.9 hit the country's northeastern region on Friday (12 December), the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) said. The JMA had earlier put the earthquake's preliminary magnitude at 6.7.
The United States issued new sanctions targeting Venezuela on Thursday, imposing curbs on three nephews of President Nicolas Maduro's wife, as well as six crude oil tankers and shipping companies linked to them, as Washington ramps up pressure on Caracas.
Iran is preparing to host a multilateral regional meeting next week in a bid to mediate between Afghanistan and Pakistan.
Iran's President Massoud Pezeshkian has begun a two day visit to Kazakhstan, with officials from both sides describing the trip as an opportunity to advance cooperation in trade, transport, industry, mining and cultural exchanges.
China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has urged Afghanistan and Pakistan to resolve their tensions through dialogue and engagement, as it pledged to work with the international community to help improve relations between the two countries.
Are Europe’s defence structures prepared to meet evolving threats from Russia? Recent remarks by NATO and intelligence officials have highlighted gaps that could shape European security over the next five years.
The Ashgabat forum in Turkmenistan brought together Russian President Vladimir Putin, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, raising questions about whether Russia remains connected to regional partners despite Western sanctions.
A bulk carrier struck during a Russian attack on Ukraine’s southern coast on Friday is owned by a Turkish company, a source familiar with the incident told Reuters.
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi has begun a multi-nation diplomatic tour of the Middle East, showing Beijing’s deepening engagement in a region undergoing conflicts, shifting alliances and major geopolitical realignments.
Pakistan and China are conducting a joint counterterrorism exercise, Warrior IX, to strengthen military cooperation. The drill comes at a time of renewed regional instability, with analysts saying it underscores both countries’ determination to deepen security ties.
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