Japan

NHK | English | News | Dec. 4, 2025 | Accidents

Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee announced the formation of an independent, judge-led panel to investigate accountability for a recent fire that affected seven high-rise apartment buildings. The fire resulted in at least 151 deaths and left over 30 people missing.

Investigations revealed that non-fire-retardant protective nets were used during renovation work. More than ten individuals, including company executives responsible for the maintenance, have been arrested. There are also increasing demands to hold the government accountable for oversight failures.

John Lee emphasized that the investigation will be comprehensive, with anyone found responsible being held accountable. He also stated that safety standards and supervision systems will be reviewed. Despite the tragedy, he confirmed that legislative elections will proceed as planned on Sunday.

Asahi Shimbun - E | English | News | Dec. 4, 2025 | Geopolitical Conflict and Disputes

President Lai Ching-te emphasized that Taiwan’s security is non-negotiable, affirming that freedom and democracy are core values that unite all Taiwanese beyond ideological differences. He addressed army reservists in Yilan, underscoring the need for increased defense spending and preparedness in response to growing military threats from China, which claims Taiwan as its territory.

Lai highlighted Taiwan’s $40 billion supplementary defense budget as a demonstration of its commitment to self-defense. He stressed that true peace requires strength and cannot be achieved through simply signing agreements or conceding to an aggressor’s demands. He warned that reconciliation without sufficient military power risks becoming surrender.

Taiwan has reformed its reserve force training since 2021, intensifying combat exercises and extending compulsory military service to one year. During his visit, Lai observed reservists engaging in various military drills including drone operations, firearms use, grenade throwing, and first aid practices. The government firmly rejects Beijing’s sovereignty claims, maintaining that Taiwan’s future must be decided solely by its people.

日本政府は中国のG7招待で慎重な対応求める 議長国の仏に伝達、マクロン大統領3日訪中

The Sankei News | Local Language | News | Dec. 4, 2025 | Shifting Geopolitical Alliances

The Japanese government has urged a cautious approach to French President Emmanuel Macron’s proposal to invite Chinese President Xi Jinping to the 2026 G7 summit in Évian, France. Japan's concern stems from China not sharing the G7's core values, such as freedom, democracy, and the rule of law. The recommendation was conveyed to the French presidency to ensure careful consideration of the potential implications.

President Macron is scheduled to visit China on December 3rd, where he is expected to discuss the invitation to the G7 summit. Macron has shown longstanding interest in inviting Xi, and reports suggest Germany also supports this idea. Macron’s motivation may include bolstering his administration's standing amid recent electoral losses and low approval ratings by showcasing strengthened economic and diplomatic ties with China.

Japan, the only Asian G7 member, has historically expressed concerns about China’s maritime expansion and economic coercion. Japanese leaders emphasized the importance of G7 engagement in the Indo-Pacific region at the 2025 summit. There is apprehension within the Japanese government that Xi’s presence could hinder frank discussions about China among G7 members. Despite these concerns, Japan maintains close communication with France, which reportedly understands Japan’s position.