Japan

Asahi Shimbun - E | English | News | Nov. 14, 2025 | Accidents

A section of the recently completed Hongqi bridge in Sichuan province, southwestern China, collapsed on Tuesday. The bridge, which is 758 meters long and connects the national highway network between China’s heartland and Tibet, had been closed to all traffic since Monday after cracks appeared in nearby slopes and the terrain shifted.

The collapse occurred following deteriorating conditions on the mountainside, which caused landslides impacting the approach bridge and roadbed. Despite the structural failure, there were no reports of casualties. The bridge's construction was completed earlier this year, as confirmed by the contractor Sichuan Road & Bridge Group in a social media post.

【特集】新政権に期待すること―人口減少対策、高市政権へのわずかな期待

Tokyo Foundation for Policy Research | Local Language | AcademicThink | Nov. 14, 2025 | UndeterminedDemographics

On October 21, 2025, Liberal Democratic Party leader Sanae Takaichi was appointed Japan's 104th prime minister. Her administration began smoothly, marked by positive diplomatic engagement such as the Japan–U.S. summit, but domestic focus remains primarily on high-price countermeasures rather than population decline policies. Although Takaichi acknowledged population decline as Japan's greatest problem in her policy speech, it was mentioned late and linked more to foreign law enforcement issues rather than comprehensive demographic strategies.

Japan's population continues to decline by about 1% annually, potentially halving in 50 years, necessitating fundamental policy shifts. The coalition agreement between the Liberal Democratic Party and Nippon Ishin no Kai includes a “population strategy” that addresses management of foreign residents and a vice-capital proposal. Foreign resident numbers hit nearly 3.77 million in 2024, growing rapidly, while the Japanese population decreased by over 900,000. If trends continue, foreigners could comprise over 22% of the population by 2070, raising significant societal transformation challenges given Japan’s demographic context.

The incoming foreign population management aims to balance social friction concerns with labor needs, as technological advancements may mitigate labor shortages despite fewer workers. Determining the scale and qualifications for foreign talent acceptance is critical in forming an effective population strategy. The vice-capital concept, part of Nippon Ishin no Kai’s agenda to revive the Osaka Metropolis Plan, faces logistical, cost, and disaster-related concerns, but it triggers broader discussions on regional city roles in a shrinking population society and potential urban governance reforms.

Tokyo’s demographic shifts signal an end to its youthful, high-growth phase as migration from regions slows and aging accelerates, leading to economic and fiscal challenges. This impacts industries, tax revenue, elderly care infrastructure, and food supply reliant on regional agricultural production. The vice-capital debate must thus encompass wider urban and economic restructuring rather than solely serving as a contingency plan. The current minority ruling coalition, marking a significant political shift, offers a unique opportunity to address Japan’s most critical issue of population decline with renewed policy focus.

NHK | English | News | Nov. 14, 2025 | Geopolitical Conflict and Disputes

Australia and Indonesia have signed a new security treaty committing both countries to consult each other in the event that one or both face a threat. The agreement was announced by Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto following their meeting in Sydney. The treaty also establishes that leaders and ministers from both nations will hold regular discussions to identify and undertake mutually beneficial security activities.

Prime Minister Albanese emphasized the shared commitment of the two countries to maintaining peace and stability in the region, describing the treaty as a recognition that collaboration is the best way to achieve these goals. He called the agreement a signal of a "new era" in the Australia-Indonesia relationship. President Prabowo highlighted the importance of good neighborly relations, underscoring that neighbors should support each other in difficult times.

This new treaty builds on previous agreements between Australia and Indonesia and aligns with Canberra’s broader efforts to expand security cooperation with regional partners amid growing maritime assertiveness from China. Recently, Australia also signed a defense pact with Papua New Guinea, committing each side to mutual defense in case of attack. Meanwhile, Indonesia continues to maintain a non-aligned diplomatic stance, having strengthened ties with China earlier in the year.