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First Post
an hour ago
- Politics
- First Post
Japan quietly prepares for China-US conflict in Pacific, builds bomb shelters near Taiwan
The Japanese government plans to begin subsidising long-term evacuation facilities in the Sakishima archipelago, at the southwestern end of the Nansei Islands, starting next year read more Illustration showing the nine-dash line on a map of a disputed area of the South China Sea on a laptop in Lao Cai province. File Image/AFP As China's threat over the Pacific gains momentum and with Taiwan's independence at stake, Japan is quietly preparing itself for a possible US-China war. A key ally of Washington, Japan, will begin building bomb shelters next year on its remote islands close to Taiwan, as it fears that territories located far west could be targeted by Beijing. A report by Newsweek says the Japanese move comes as an acknowledgement of the complex reality. Japan is already hosting the most American troops anywhere in the world outside of US territory. This simply means, especially against the pattern of the recent West Asian crisis, that a US-China conflict is certainly bound to spill over. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD China has been making territorial claims over the democratically governed Taiwan and considers the island-nation part of its own. These claims have been repeatedly rejected by Taipei, but the more it pushes back, the more force Beijing exhibits. China has not ruled out using force to bring Taiwan under its ambit, giving rise to concerns of the country's expanding influence over the region. This move follows increased Chinese military activity near Taiwan and past incidents, such as Chinese missiles landing near Yonaguni in 2022, which alarmed local residents and prompted Japan to expand its military presence there. What does the Japanese plan entail? The Japanese government plans to begin subsidising long-term evacuation facilities in the Sakishima archipelago, at the southwestern end of the Nansei Islands, starting next year. The first shelters will be built on Yonaguni, the country's westernmost inhabited island, located less than 70 miles from Taiwan. According to Japan's Nikkei newspaper, additional bomb shelters, designed to support stays of up to two weeks, will be constructed on nearby islands, including Iriomote, Ishigaki, Tarama, and Miyako by spring 2028. Meanwhile, Okinawa, Japan's largest southwestern island, hosts around 30,000 of the 54,000 active-duty American service members. The US Navy, Air Force, Army and Marine Corps have bases on the Pacific node and participate in joint military exercises with Japan regularly. While Tokyo plans to relocate people from these islands to the mainland, way before the hostilities begin, official estimates suggest that evacuating over 100,000 civilians via sea and air could at least take a week. Therefore, the emergency shelters would provide temporary refuge to Japanese people. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD What US has said Japan's expedited efforts to shield itself from any forthcoming Chinese attack are not based on isolated assumptions. US officials say Chinese President Xi Jinping has directed his military to be prepared to seize Taiwan by force by 2027. However, whether China's military readiness will align with its political will remains uncertain. Beijing officials maintain that Taiwan remains a central issue in US-China relations. Last month, US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth said at the Singapore Defence Summit that China's military was 'rehearsing for the real deal,' and that an attack 'could be imminent.' His claims were slammed by Beijing, which accused him of stoking regional tensions.
India Today
6 hours ago
- Politics
- India Today
I think it's close: Trump expresses hope for Gaza ceasefire within a week
US President Donald Trump on Friday expressed hope that a ceasefire in the Gaza conflict between Israel and Iran-backed Hamas militants could be reached soon, possibly within the coming week. Speaking from the Oval Office during an event celebrating a Congo-Rwanda accord, Trump said he had been in contact with individuals involved in efforts to end the ongoing conflict."I think it's close. I just spoke to some of the people involved," Trump told reporters. "We think within the next week we're going to get a ceasefire."advertisementHe did not specify who he had spoken with, but during the recent Israel-Iran hostilities, Trump said he maintained near-daily contact with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The renewed push for a Gaza ceasefire comes after months of stalled diplomacy, following the collapse of a previous truce brokered at the end of former President Joe Biden's term, with backing from Trump's incoming the aftermath, Israel ramped up its military campaign and enforced a blockade that choked off aid to Gaza for more than two months, triggering fears of the recent US-mediated ceasefire that ended 12 days of fighting between Israel and Iran, marked by American airstrikes on Iranian nuclear sites, has injected fresh urgency into peace according to a source quoted by Newsweek, is pushing not just for a temporary halt in hostilities, but for a permanent agreement between Israel and Hamas. Such a deal, he hopes, could pave the way for renewed Israeli-Palestinian peace Israeli Minister for Strategic Affairs Ron Dermer is expected to visit Washington next week for high-level talks on Gaza, Iran, and a potential White House visit by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Netanyahu, speaking Thursday, suggested the outcome of Israel's confrontation with Iran could create new diplomatic opportunities.'This victory presents an opportunity for a dramatic widening of peace agreements. We are working on this with enthusiasm,' he conflict in Gaza was reignited after Hamas-led militants launched a deadly assault on Israel on October 7, 2023, killing 1,200 people and taking 251 hostages, according to Israeli response, Israel launched a massive military operation in Gaza, which the local health ministry says has killed over 56,000 Palestinians. The offensive has displaced nearly the entire population, caused widespread hunger, and led to accusations of war crimes and genocide—charges Israel strongly Hamas has indicated a willingness to release remaining hostages as part of a deal to end the war, Israel insists the conflict can only conclude with the disarmament and dismantling of Hamas—terms Hamas has so far to end the violence have gained momentum following a short but intense 12-day conflict between Israel and Iran, which concluded with a U.S.- and Israeli-backed ceasefire earlier this week. That confrontation also included the bombing of Iranian nuclear facilities, heightening international urgency around peace talks.- EndsWith inputs from ReutersTune InMust Watch
Perth Now
8 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Perth Now
HBO renews The Comeback for a third season
The Comeback has been renewed for a third season. The hit sitcom - which premiered in June 2005 - has been renewed by HBO, and the broadcaster has confirmed that it will be the "final season" of the show. The Comeback stars Lisa Kudrow as sitcom actress Valerie Cherish living in modern-day Los Angeles, and the last season of the show aired in 2014. Lisa and Michael Patrick King - the show's co-creators - said in a statement: "Valerie Cherish has found her way back to the current television landscape. Neither of us are surprised she did." Amy Gravitt, the executive vice-president of HBO and Max comedy, is thrilled that the show is returning to HBO, and she "can't wait to see" the new season. Amy said: "No matter what the industry throws at her, Valerie Cherish is a survivor. "On the 20th Anniversary of her debut, Michael Patrick King and Lisa Kudrow have brilliantly scripted her return to HBO and we can't wait to see that." Last year, Lisa revealed that she would love to make another season of The Comeback. The 61-year-old actress - who is best known for playing Phoebe Buffay in Friends - loved her time on the show, and she felt like another season was "due". Asked about the possibility of reviving the show, Lisa told Newsweek: "Oh God, I'd love to. Michael Patrick King and I are always talking about what would happen next. Always. And it's been nine, 10 years now. So, we're due." Lisa is also thrilled that The Comeback still gets praise from fans. The actress feels "proud" that people are still so fond of the show, even though it previously received a mixed response from critics. She said: "I'm just thrilled and adore anyone who has the level of appreciation for The Comeback that meets the level of pride I have for doing that show. That is thrilling. I'm happy to hear that." Despite this, Lisa previously played down the idea that The Comeback might be revived. She told The Daily Beast: "I don't think we're gonna make it! Not make it ever, but I don't think we're gonna make it in nine years. We also don't know if HBO wants it, by the way."
Newsweek
9 hours ago
- Politics
- Newsweek
Bernie Sanders Warns Establishment 'In Panic' After Zohran Mamdani Win
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Senator Bernie Sanders, a Vermont independent who caucuses with the Democratic Party, warned that establishment lawmakers are "in panic" over Assemblyman and New York City Democratic mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani's primary win on Tuesday. Newsweek reached out to Mamdani's campaign and the Democratic National Committee (DNC) via email for comment Friday. Why It Matters Mamdani, a democratic socialist, clinched the first-round vote in the New York City mayoral primary race against former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo—43.5 percent to 36.4 percent. Mamdani's triumph, built on promises like free city bus rides, free childcare, and city-owned grocery stores, has magnified internal rifts within the Democratic Party The assemblyman ultimately landed the backing of key lawmakers like Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, a New York Democrat, and Sanders but was largely unknown to New Yorkers when he announced his intent to run, per the Associated Press (AP). The assemblyman's win could trigger panic buttons for senators like Chuck Schumer of New York and other Democratic establishment leaders alike, as some pollsters argue that Ocasio-Cortez could potentially challenge Schumer's Senate seat. National implications are profound, as similar progressive insurgencies have reshaped electoral strategies—giving credit to politicians like Ocasio-Cortez who harnessed grassroots support and social media engagement to challenge entrenched powers in the Democratic Party. Senator Bernie Sanders, a Vermont independent, is seen on June 25 in Washington, D.C. Senator Bernie Sanders, a Vermont independent, is seen on June 25 in Washington, To Know Mamdani's stunning win represents a changing of the guard of sorts as establishment Democrats like Schumer highlighted Mamdani's win on social media but did not endorse him. Similarly, New York Democratic Governor Kathy Hochul was asked about backing Mamdani in the general election on Thursday but sidestepped directly endorsing him. The democratic socialist's platform could alienate centrist Democrats and independents critical in pushing him past the finish line in November. Key platform differences represent a glaring elephant in the room—like Mamdani's call to implement the Department of Community Safety, if elected. The department would place outreach workers in subway stations, a stark difference from Hochul's position of partnering with the New York City Police Department (NYPD) to ensure safety for New Yorkers. Taking to X, formerly Twitter, on Friday, Sanders noted the divide within the party and wrote: "Mamdani won. The establishment is in panic. Billionaires are raising money against him; Trump is ranting; Islamophobes are on the loose. They know what we know: Candidates who stand boldly with the working class can win not only in NYC, but anywhere. Let's stand with Zohran." In an opinion piece published in The Guardian on Friday, Sanders took a swipe at Democratic leadership saying in part, "Will the current Democratic party leadership learn the lessons of the Mamdani campaign? Probably not. Too many of them would rather be the captains on a sinking Titanic, rather than change course." Sanders added that the Democrat's future will not be determined by current leadership but by "the working class of this country." New York mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani, a New York Democrat, speaks to supporters during an election night gathering at The Greats of Craft LIC on June 24 in Long Island City, New York. New York mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani, a New York Democrat, speaks to supporters during an election night gathering at The Greats of Craft LIC on June 24 in Long Island City, New York. Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images What People Are Saying Grant Reeher, professor of political science at Syracuse University, to Newsweek via email Friday in part: "I'm not sure 'panic' is the right response, but I can see how this could blowback on Democrats at the national level, or in places beyond NYC. I'm surprised just how left these Democratic voters—even granted that they are primary voters in NYC—were willing to go at the ballot box. Republicans can point to this to validate their claims that the Democratic Party cannot be trusted not to lurch too far to the left. 'See what they do when left to their own devices,' that kind of argument." Reeher later added: "If I were a Republican strategist, I'd be telling my clients to soft-pedal their criticism of Mamdani right now—let the process play out and let him get elected. That would help the Republican brand more than anything else." Senator Bernie Sanders in part when asked if older Democrats should be worried about being primaried in a question and answer with Politico Magazine published Wednesday: "I think they have a lesson to learn, and whether or not they will, I have my doubts. If you look at the dynamics of this campaign, what you have is older folks voting for Cuomo, the billionaire class putting in millions of dollars into Cuomo, all of the old-time establishment candidates and politicians supporting Cuomo, and he lost." Sanders added: "So either you learn a lesson that says, hmm, the other guy, Mamdani, got young people excited. He got young men excited. He created a strong grassroots movement." President Donald Trump, a New York native, on Truth Social on Wednesday: "It's finally happened, the Democrats have crossed the line. Zohran Mamdani, a 100% Communist Lunatic, has just won the Dem Primary, and is on his way to becoming Mayor." He continued: "We've had Radical Lefties before, but this is getting a little ridiculous. He looks TERRIBLE, his voice is grating, he's not very smart, he's got AOC+3, Dummies ALL, backing him, and even our Great Palestinian Senator, Cryin' Chuck Schumer, is groveling over him. Yes, this is a big moment in the History of our Country!" X account "The Democrats" wrote on Wednesday: "Congratulations, @ZohranKMamdani! Onward to November." What Happens Next? The New York City mayoral election will now continue to ranked-choice voting, as no candidate received a majority of the vote earlier this week.
Newsweek
9 hours ago
- Health
- Newsweek
Woman Adopts Rescue Cat, Gets Home and Realizes Something 'Wasn't Normal'
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. After her pet passed, Wren couldn't stand being in an empty house, which is why she quickly went to the shelter to adopt another cat—but as soon as she got home with her new feline, she knew something "wasn't normal." Wren, who runs the Instagram account @puddlesforbrains, shared in a June 12 video that her new cat, Puddles, started showing unique behaviors soon after finding her new home in April 2024. From not caring about the vacuum noise to being unable to track a toy, Wren ran through a list of possibilities: Is Puddles deaf or blind? Visits to the vet didn't provide immediate answers. The cat's "no-fear instinct" toward loud noises convinced not one, but two veterinarians that she was deaf, Wren told Newsweek via email. "She is really bad at tracking things with her eyes," Wren said. "It's almost like she has tunnel vision and doesn't use her peripheral vision." However, it turned out Puddles has excellent vision. What Wren learned was that Puddles had a learning disability. "The vet did confirm that she has a learning disability," she said. "They believe she has some cognitive dysfunction that presents as a learning disability." Screenshots from a June 12 Instagram video of an owner discovering her cat has a learning disability. Screenshots from a June 12 Instagram video of an owner discovering her cat has a learning disability. @puddlesforbrains/Instagram All breeds of cats can experience cognitive dysfunction, also known as kitty dementia, a vet-reviewed article from Catster reported. This disorder usually affects cats 10 years or older, and is characterized by a decline in cognitive abilities such as memory, learning and spatial awareness. The team believes that Puddles' cognitive dysfunction was caused by a mix of brain damage, due to an accident that broke her leg, and malnutrition as a kitten, Wren said. But it is impossible to know for certain, as Puddles was a stray kitty for the first six months of her life. Wren couldn't imagine a life without Puddles now, quirks and all. She explained that Puddles does not turn her head left or right and rarely looks behind. Instead, she'll tilt her head backward and look at you upside down. Her walking routes aren't always the smartest. She'll take the slow way, feeling along the walls of the house. And if she wants to turn, she stands up against the wall and uses it to help. Plus, she's a bit clumsy. She never stops meowing or wanting to cuddle. "Adopting her is the single best thing to ever happen to me, and I don't think anything will ever beat that," Wren said. "She is the love of my life and my soulmate." Instagram users quickly became obsessed with Puddles, bringing the video to over 2.3 million views and 305,000 likes as of Friday. "She is 'no thoughts, just vibes' personified and she's absolutely perfect," commented a viewer. Another person added: "It's so amazing that she has a home where she's perfectly happy and lives a wonderful life even with her silliness! Y'all are doing a great thing for her." A third user wrote: "It honestly didn't cross my mind that a cat could have a learning disability for some reason. Or maybe I never thought of what this would look like. She's such a sweetheart." Do you have funny and adorable videos or pictures of your pet you want to share? Send them to life@ with some details about your best friend, and they could appear in our Pet of the Week lineup.
