HIROYUKI NAMAZU
US, South Korea and Japan conduct naval drills as tensions deepen with North Korea
The US, South Korea, and Japan conduct joint naval drills near Jeju Island, showcasing unity against North Korea's nuclear threats. Amid escalating tensions, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un abandons peaceful unification rhetoric, orders constitutional changes, and conducts a ballistic test. The three-day exercises, involving nine warships, focus on enhancing deterrence and response capabilities against North Korean threats. South Korea's President Yoon seeks stronger US assurances while Kim labels South Korea as American "stooges" and threatens nuclear retaliation. Diplomats from the three nations convene to coordinate responses in Seoul.
Japan reports wave of Chinese phone harassment after Fukushima discharge
While Japan insists the release of the treated water is safe -- a view backed by the UN's nuclear watchdog -- China has staunchly opposed it and banned all Japanese seafood imports, saying it contaminates the ocean.
