Japan conducts first missile test on its own territory as part of deterrent against Chinese aggression
Japan, under its post-Second World War pacifist constitution, used to limit the use of force for self-defense only, but made a major break from that policy in 2022 when it adopted a five-year security strategy that names China as its biggest strategic challenge and calls for a closer Japan-U.S. alliance.
Japan is currently working to deploy long-range cruise missiles, including Tomahawks purchased from the U.S., beginning later this year.
Japan is also developing Type 12 surface-to-ship missiles with a range of about 1,000 kilometers (620 miles), 10 times that of a Type 88.
The truck-mounted Type 88 guided missile, developed by Japan's Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, has a range of about 100 kilometers (62 miles).
Japan is also preparing to build a missile-firing range on uninhabited Minamitorishima, the country's easternmost island in the western Pacific, an area where two Chinese aircraft carriers were seen operating together for the first time earlier this month.
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Cision Canada
10 hours ago
- Cision Canada
Canada announces the grand opening of 69 homes in Winnipeg Français
WINNIPEG, MB, July 4, 2025 /CNW/ - Solving Canada's housing crisis requires immediate action to bring down costs. To provide Canadians with increased access to affordable and sustainable housing, the government today announced the grand opening of 380 Young Street, a previously announced combined investment of over $17 million for the construction of 69 housing units for Indigenous people, Indigenous students attending the University of Winnipeg, and those in need of affordable housing in Winnipeg, Manitoba. The announcement was made by The Honourable Rebecca Chartrand, Minister of Northern and Arctic Affairs, Minister responsible for the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency, Member of Parliament for Churchill-Keewatinook Aski, alongside Chief Maureen Brown of the Opaskwayak Cree Nation. The property at 380 Young Street, a 69-unit apartment building owned by Opaskwayak Cree Nation (OCN), is located adjacent to the University of Winnipeg. Developed in partnership with Paragon Living, over 40 % of the rents at 380 Young are heavily discounted in order to address the significant shortage of affordable rental units in Winnipeg. Rents for these units start at $681 per month, including high speed internet and water. The building is fully leased, with 40% of tenants being First Nation members, who have either moved off reserve to attend the University of Winnipeg or are currently living in Winnipeg. Historically, the transition from moving off reserve to the city to attend university has been a challenging experience for many. A new apartment building located next to the University of Winnipeg, owned by OCN and having affordable rents will aim to ease that transition. As we build a strong Canadian housing sector, purposeful collaboration will be essential. That means working hand-in-hand with the non-profit sector to bring down costs and build homes at a scale and speed not seen since the Second World War. Quotes: "Our Government is investing in affordable housing here in Winnipeg and across Canada to help create jobs and improve the quality of life for those who need it most. With our partners, Opaskwayak Cree Nation, we are providing a helping hand for Indigenous people, Indigenous students attending the University of Winnipeg, and those in need of affordable housing and in doing so, we are contributing to the economic and social well-being of the entire community." – The Honourable Rebecca Chartrand, Minister of Northern and Arctic Affairs, Minister responsible for the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency, Member of Parliament for Churchill-Keewatinook Aski on behalf of the Honourable Gregor Robertson, Minister of Housing and Infrastructure and Minister responsible for Pacific Economic Development Canada "First Nations must be at the heart of our country's economic development. True economic reconciliation means ensuring Indigenous communities lead and benefit from growth – not just as participants but as partners and decision makers. Projects like the new apartment development in Winnipeg demonstrates the power of inclusion. When we invest in Indigenous led projects, we are investing in sustainable growth for everyone." – Chief Maureen Brown of the Opaskwayak Cree Nation "We are incredibly proud to have partnered with Opaskwayak Cree Nation and CMHC to bring these new homes at 380 Young Street to Winnipeg. This project is a testament to our commitment to creating affordable, sustainable housing solutions that meet the needs of Indigenous people, students, and those in need of affordable housing. By providing high-quality, affordable living spaces, we hope to ease the transition for Indigenous students moving to the city and contribute to the overall well-being of the community." – Nigel Furgus, Paragon Living Quick Facts: The National Housing Strategy (NHS) is a 10+ year, $115+ billion plan to give more Canadians a place to call home. Progress on programs and initiatives are updated quarterly on the Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada (HICC) website. The Housing and Infrastructure Project Map shows affordable housing projects that have been developed. As of March 2025, the federal government has committed $65.84 billion to support the creation of over 166,000 units and the repair of over 322,000 units. These measures prioritize those in greatest need, including seniors, Indigenous Peoples, people experiencing or at risk of homelessness, and women and children fleeing violence The Affordable Housing Fund (AHF) provides funding through low-interest and/or forgivable loans or contributions to partnered organizations for new affordable housing and the renovation and repair of existing, affordable and community housing. This is a $14.6 billion program under the National Housing Strategy (NHS) that gives priority to projects that help people who need it most, including women and children fleeing family violence, seniors, Indigenous Peoples, people living with disabilities, those with mental health or addiction issues, Veterans, and young adults. As of March 2025, the Government of Canada has committed $11.99 billion to support the creation of over 46,000 units and the repair of over 174,000 units through the Affordable Housing Fund. Funding previously provided for 380 Young Street is as follows: $15.6 million from the federal government, through the National Housing Strategy's Affordable Housing Fund $1.8 million from the Opaskwayak Cree Nation in land and cash equity Additional Information: Visit for the most-requested Government of Canada housing information. CMHC plays a critical role as a national facilitator to promote stability and sustainability in Canada's housing finance system. Our mortgage insurance products support access to homeownership and the creation and maintenance of rental supply. We also actively support the Government of Canada in delivering on its commitment to make housing more affordable. Our research and data help inform housing policy. By facilitating cooperation between all levels of government, private and non-profit sectors, we contribute to advancing housing affordability, equity, and climate compatibility. Follow us on X, YouTube, LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram.
Japan Forward
10 hours ago
- Japan Forward
Japan-US Security Challenges from the Atlantic to the Pacific
Hudson Institute's Japan Chair challenges conventional international relations thinking by integrating a wide range of perspectives toward beyond-the-horizon policy issues. JAPAN Forward is pleased to amplify the voices of its experts by sharing this report with our readers. The world's strategic focus is today centered on regions far distant from the Indo-Pacific in the Middle East, on Israel's June 13 preemptive strike on Iran's nuclear infrastructure, joined by the United States on June 21. And on Israel's continuing efforts to root out Hamas in Gaza, in addition to Russia's ongoing aggression against Ukraine. Yet, the challenges to stability and security in the Indo-Pacific have only intensified. At the time of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, then-Prime Minister Fumio Kishida cautioned lest Ukraine preview the future of East Asia. His concerns are even more relevant today. On the Korean Peninsula, Kim Jong Un, now with Vladimir Putin's support, has continued to advance North Korea's nuclear and missile programs, daily increasing the threat posed to the security of the Republic of Korea, Japan, and the United States. In turn, Seoul, Tokyo, and Washington have moved to enhance alliance-based trilateral security and intelligence cooperation. Meanwhile, China has intensified and expanded the People's Liberation Army's (PLA) threatening military exercises that simulate an attack on or blockade of Taiwan. US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth recently reminded the audience at the Shangri-la Dialogue that Xi Jinping has ordered the PLA to be prepared to invade Taiwan by 2027. The Chinese naval aircraft carrier "Shandong" sails. China Central Television Online showed this on July 2 as part of a training exercise around Taiwan. (via CCTV Online via Kyodo) . A Taiwan contingency could present Japan with security-related challenges for the defense of Japan as well as the alliance. As former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe observed, "A Taiwan contingency is a contingency for Japan …it is also a contingency for the Japan-US Alliance." And a decision by the US to engage in a Taiwan contingency is, as Abe noted, likely also to involve Japan. Former diplomats, defense officials, foreign policy and security analysts have recognized Japan's likely involvement. Liberal Democratic Party Vice President Taro Aso has expressed his view that a Taiwan contingency would likely present Japan with a "survival-threatening situation," which would evoke a response under Japan's Peace and Security legislation. Articles by Admiral Yoji Koda, former commander of the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force and Nobukatsu Kanehara, former assistant chief cabinet secretary, have addressed issues related to the defense of Japan and the alliance. Keio University professor Ken Jimbo wrote that a Chinese invasion of Taiwan would inevitably lead to a joint Japan-US response. Meanwhile, Japan's think tanks, the Japan Forum for Strategic Studies, the Sasakawa Peace Foundation, and the Research Institute for Peace and Security have convened study groups and conferences focused on a Taiwan contingency. Unfortunately, the articles and conference reports have all too quickly faded from public debate and the political forum, left by Japan's political leaders to backroom discussions and foreign ministry and Ministry of Defense bureaucrats. It's a political exercise of whistling past the policy graveyard. Yet, within Japan and across the alliance, diplomats and defense planners have increasingly focused on a Taiwan contingency. The joint statement issued at the March 2016 Security Consultative Meeting, for the first time, referred to the importance of peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait for Japan and United States' security interests. Subsequent joint statements have reiterated their importance. Over the past several years, the media have reported Japan-US agreement on operational plans in the event of a Taiwan contingency. Also, Japanese and US forces have conducted joint exercises focused on China as a hypothetical enemy. Today, Japan's 2016 Peace and Security laws provide the legal framework for Tokyo's response to a Taiwan contingency. The laws establish distinct operational commitments under distinct security situations. For example, an "Important Influence Situation" is defined as "having an important influence on Japan's peace and security that could lead to a direct armed attack on Japan itself if left unattended." The laws would enable the SDF to provide rear-area support to United States forces engaged in activities aimed at securing the objectives of the security treaty. They do not allow the provision of weaponry, but they support the provision of ammunition, refueling, and aircraft maintenance in support of combat operations. LDP's Taro Aso referred to an "armed attack, anticipated armed attack, or survival-threatening situation" in his remarks on Taiwan. He added that Japan could use force in response to "an armed attack against a foreign country that is in a close relationship with Japan, which, as a result, threatens Japan's survival." An attack by the PLA on US forces engaged in a Taiwan contingency could bring about a survival-threatening situation for Japan. Looking ahead, what is to be done? For starters: In both Tokyo and Washington, policymakers must consider and work through various scenarios involving a potential United States decision to engage in a Taiwan contingency. This would not only enhance deterrence but also serve to develop an alliance-based response across a broad spectrum of potential conflict and escalatory scenarios. Joint military exercises toward this end are critical. This will also require policymakers in Tokyo and Washington to work closely to align their countries' respective national interests with respect to China, Taiwan, and a Taiwan contingency. At the same time, diplomats and defense officials should work to coordinate respective national policy decision-making processes. Because a Taiwan contingency could occur unexpectedly, time would be of the essence in developing critical policy responses. A situation in which the United States moves to engage in a Taiwan contingency while the Diet debates its response and what support it can provide its ally should be avoided at all costs. Finally, political leaders in Japan and the United States need to bring the complexities and potential consequences of a Taiwan contingency into the public forum. This is critical to ensure a sustainable, long-term political foundation for future policy decisions. Unfortunately, this remains a work in progress. And 2027 is only 18 months away. Author: James J Przystup Senior Fellow, Japan Chair, The Hudson Institute The Hudson Institute's Hudson Chair contributed this report on July 4, 2025. Learn more about Hudson on its home and Japan Chair pages.
Toronto Sun
10 hours ago
- Toronto Sun
Russia launches largest missile and drone barrage on Kyiv since war in Ukraine began
Published Jul 04, 2025 • 5 minute read Smoke rises after a Russian strike on Kyiv, Ukraine, on Friday, July 4, 2025. Photo by Yehor Konovalov / AP KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — Waves of drones and missiles targeted Kyiv overnight in the largest aerial assault since Russia's invasion of Ukraine began more than three years ago, officials said Friday, amid a renewed Russian push to capture more of its neighbour's land. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Don't have an account? Create Account Hours after the barrage that killed one person and wounded at least 26 others, including a child, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said he had a 'very important and productive' phone call with U.S. President Donald Trump. The two leaders discussed how Ukrainian air defenses might be strengthened, possible joint weapons production between the U.S. and Ukraine, and broader U.S-led efforts to end the war with Russia, according to a statement by Zelenksyy. The U.S. has paused some shipments of military aid to Ukraine, including crucial air defence missiles. Ukraine's main European backers are considering how they can help pick up the slack. Zelenskyy says plans are afoot to build up Ukraine's domestic arms industry, but scaling up will take time. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. The White House did not immediately respond to requests for comment about the call. The seven-hour bombardment of Kyiv caused severe damage across multiple districts of the capital in a seven-hour onslaught, authorities said. Blasts lit up the night sky and echoed across the city as air raid sirens wailed. The blue lights of emergency vehicles reflected off high-rise buildings, and debris blocked city streets. 'It was a harsh, sleepless night,' Zelenskyy said. Russia has been stepping up its long-range attacks on Ukrainian cities. Less than a week ago, Russia launched what was then the largest aerial assault of the war. That strategy has coincided with a concerted Russian effort to break through parts of the roughly 1,000-kilometer (620-mile) front line, where Ukrainian troops are under severe pressure. Your noon-hour look at what's happening in Toronto and beyond. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Please try again This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Russia launched 550 drones and missiles across Ukraine during the night, the country's air force said. The majority were Shahed drones, but Russia also launched 11 missiles in the attack. Alya Shahlai, a 23-year-old Kyiv wedding photographer, said that her home was destroyed in the attack. 'We were all in the (basement) shelter because it was so loud, staying home would have been suicidal,' she told The Associated Press. 'We went down 10 minutes before and then there was a loud explosion and the lights went out in the shelter, people were panicking.' Five ambulances were damaged while responding to calls, officials said, and emergency services removed more than 300 tons of rubble. Trump, Zelenskyy talks In Friday's call, Zelenskyy said he congratulated Trump and the American people on Independence Day and thanked the United States for its continued support. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. They discussed a possible future meeting between their teams to explore ways of enhancing Ukraine's protection against air attacks, Zelenskyy said. He added that they talked in detail about defense industry capabilities and direct joint projects with the U.S., particularly in drone technology. They also exchanged views on mutual procurement, investment, and diplomatic cooperation with international partners, Zelenskyy said. Peace efforts have been fruitless so far. Recent direct peace talks have led only to sporadic exchanges of prisoners of war, wounded troops and the bodies of fallen soldiers. No date has been set for further negotiations. Ukrainian officials and the Russian Defense Ministry said another prisoner swap took place Friday, though neither side said how many soldiers were involved. Zelenskyy said most of the Ukrainians had been in Russian captivity since 2022. The Ukrainian soldiers were classified as 'wounded and seriously ill.' This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. A local woman walks past cars destroyed by a Russian strike in Kyiv, Ukraine, on Friday, July 4, 2025. Photo by Evgeniy Maloletka / AP The attack on Kyiv began the same day a phone call took place between Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin. Asked if he made any progress during his call with Putin on a deal to end the fighting in Ukraine, Trump said: 'No, I didn't make any progress with him today at all.' 'I'm very disappointed with the conversation I had today with President Putin because I don't think he's there. I don't think he's looking to stop (the fighting), and that's too bad,' Trump said. According to Yuri Ushakov, Putin's foreign affairs adviser, the Russian leader emphasized that Moscow will seek to achieve its goals in Ukraine and remove the 'root causes' of the conflict. 'Russia will not back down from these goals,' Ushakov told reporters after the call. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Russia's army crossed the border on Feb. 24, 2022, in an all-out invasion that Putin sought to justify by falsely saying it was needed to protect Russian-speaking civilians in eastern Ukraine and prevent the country from joining NATO. Zelenskyy has repeatedly called out Russian disinformation efforts. Constant buzzing of drones The Ukrainian response needs to be speedy as Russia escalates its aerial attacks. Russia launched 5,438 drones at Ukraine in June, a new monthly record, according to official data collated by The Associated Press. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha said earlier this week that Russia also launched more than 330 missiles, including nearly 80 ballistic missiles, at Ukrainian towns and cities that month. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Throughout the night, AP journalists in Kyiv heard the constant buzzing of drones overhead and the sound of explosions and intense machine gun fire as Ukrainian forces tried to intercept the aerial assault. 'Absolutely horrible and sleepless night in Kyiv,' Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha wrote on social media platform X. 'One of the worst so far.' Ukraine's Economy Minister Yuliia Svyrydenko described 'families running into metro stations, basements, underground parking garages, mass destruction in the heart of our capital.' 'What Kyiv endured last night, cannot be called anything but a deliberate act of terror,' she wrote on X. Kyiv was the primary target of the countrywide attack. At least 14 people were hospitalized, according to Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Zelenskyy called the Kyiv attack 'cynical.' In Moscow, the Defense Ministry claimed its forces targeted factories producing drones and other military equipment in Kyiv. Russia strikes 5 Ukrainian regions Ukrainian air defenses shot down 270 targets, including two cruise missiles. Another 208 targets were lost from radar and presumed jammed. Russia successfully hit eight locations with nine missiles and 63 drones. Debris from intercepted drones fell across at least 33 sites. In addition to the capital, the Dnipropetrovsk, Sumy, Kharkiv, Chernihiv and Kyiv regions also sustained damage, Zelenskyy said. Emergency services reported damage in at least five of Kyiv's 10 districts. Editorial Cartoons Toronto Blue Jays News World Toronto & GTA
