Kyodo News Digest: August 31, 2024
TOKYO – Amidst a rising tide of global protectionism, the United kingdom and Japan are actively seeking to expand commercial opportunities in the Asia-Pacific region, alongside their existing relationships with the United States, according to British Minister for Trade Policy and Economic Security Douglas Alexander. Speaking from aboard a British aircraft carrier in Tokyo, Alexander stated, “Alongside the relationship with the United States, which has a security dimension and also an economic dimension, the United Kingdom — and, I sense, Japan — is also keen to harness the commercial opportunities in the Asia-Pacific.”
In other news:
Disaster Preparedness: The Japanese government released simulated video footage depicting the potential impact of a large-scale eruption of Mt. Fuji, mirroring the scale of the 1707 eruption. The 10-minute video highlights potential disruptions to critical infrastructure including power supplies, sewage systems, roads, and railways.
Russia-China Relations: Russian President Vladimir Putin, ahead of a visit to China beginning Sunday, emphasized the strong WWII-era bond between Russia and China, and condemned what he described as Western attempts to distort ancient narratives for political gain. “Historical truth is being distorted and suppressed to serve (Western nations’) current political agendas,” Putin said in an interview with China’s Xinhua News Agency.
Taliban-U.S. Relations: The Taliban are seeking “strong relations” with the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump,four years after the withdrawal of U.S. forces from Afghanistan. spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid, in an interview with Kyodo News, confirmed contact with the U.S. government, albeit “not at a high level,” and urged Washington to unfreeze Afghan assets held abroad.
Pacific Nations Cup – Rugby: japan’s national rugby team, the Brave Blossoms, defeated Canada 57-15 in the opening match of the Pacific Nations Cup in Sendai. Coached by Eddie Jones, Japan scored eight tries to secure the victory.
* World Badminton Championships: Japanese duo Chiharu Shida and Nami Matsuyama won bronze in the women’s doubles at the World Badminton Championships in Paris, losing in the semifinals to Malaysia’s Pearly Tan and Thinaah Muralitharan 14-21, 21-13, 21-12. This marked the final tournament for the pair.Additionally: A video report features a Nagasaki A-bomb survivor sharing their experiences at a Philippine university.
