In a significant gathering in Tokyo, anti-war and anti-base organizations from Okinawa Prefecture voiced their apprehensions about Japan’s escalating military expansion in the region. The seminar, held on Friday, drew over 230 attendees, including members of the Japanese parliament, Okinawa Prefectural Assembly representatives, and local citizens. They collectively expressed profound dissatisfaction and concern over the deteriorating security environment in Okinawa and the broader Ryukyu Islands. Mizuho Fukushima, leader of Japan’s Social Democratic Party, criticized Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s characterization of a ‘Taiwan contingency’ as a ‘survival-threatening situation,’ labeling it as illogical. Fukushima emphasized that Japan, including Okinawa and Kyushu, is increasingly being militarized, a trend that must be halted to prevent the nation from becoming a battlefield. Yoichi Iha, former mayor of Ginowan City and a member of the House of Councillors, accused the government of exacerbating tensions by increasing reliance on U.S. military bases and accelerating military buildup. Yukako Sonan, a representative from Miyako Island, highlighted the close proximity of civilian and military facilities on small islands, warning that ordinary citizens would inevitably suffer in the event of conflict. Participants stressed the urgent need to prevent the southwestern islands from becoming war zones and to avert further deterioration of the regional security situation.
标签： Asia
亚洲
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Pakistan elects to field against Sri Lanka in final ODI
In the decisive third One-Day International (ODI) clash between Pakistan and Sri Lanka, Pakistan secured the toss and opted to field, setting the stage for a potential series sweep. The match, held at the Pindi Cricket Stadium, saw Pakistan entering with confidence after securing victories in the previous two encounters—by six runs and eight wickets, respectively. Shaheen Shah Afridi returned to captain the side after recovering from fever, leading a reshuffled lineup with four strategic changes. Afridi replaced Naseem Shah, while all-rounders Faheem Ashraf and left-arm spinner Faisal Akram stepped in for Mohammad Nawaz and Abrar Ahmed. Opening batter Haseebullah made his series debut, replacing the rested Saim Ayub. On the opposing side, Sri Lanka also introduced four changes, including stand-in captain Kusal Mendis, who took over from the ill Charith Asalanka. Pavan Rathnayake made his ODI debut, replacing Asalanka, while spinner Jeffrey Vandersay and fast bowler Eshan Malinga were brought in for Wanindu Hasaranga and Dushmantha Chameera. Sri Lanka reinforced its spin attack by recalling Maheesh Theekshana, leaving out fast bowler Asitha Fernando. Both teams showcased their depth and adaptability, promising an intense contest as Pakistan sought to cap off the series with a flawless performance.
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UAE: Zayed University prepares students for jobs from their first year
Zayed University is revolutionizing higher education by equipping students with practical skills and career readiness from their very first year. Through its innovative Workplace Readiness course, part of the “First Year Experience” program, the university has partnered with Khaleej Times to bridge the gap between academic learning and real-world professional experience. This initiative introduces students to teamwork, communication, and professional ethics while helping them align their strengths with future career paths. The course, targeted at first-year, second-semester students, aims to expose them to diverse career opportunities early in their academic journey. Dr. Lani San Antonio, Assistant Professor and Course Coordinator, emphasized that the program, launched in 2024, prepares students not only for post-graduation life but also for personal and professional growth during their university years. Students engage in industry sessions, office visits, and final projects, receiving feedback from professionals. Alia R Zaghloul, Head of People and Culture at Khaleej Times, noted significant improvements in students’ critical thinking and interpersonal skills. The program culminated in an Industry Showcase, where students creatively presented their projects, highlighting their understanding of various departments within partner companies. Students like Mohammed Samir and Mariam Jamal Alfalasi praised the program for its hands-on approach and transformative impact on their career perspectives. Despite logistical challenges, the initiative has proven to be a cornerstone in fostering collaboration, creativity, and professional awareness among young Emirati talent.
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Outrage, rebuke from across China as Japanese PM’s erroneous remarks boil over
China has expressed widespread outrage and condemnation in response to recent remarks made by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi regarding Taiwan. At a Diet meeting last week, Takaichi suggested that China’s potential use of force against Taiwan could pose a ‘survival-threatening situation’ for Japan, hinting at the possibility of military intervention in the Taiwan Strait. Her refusal to retract these comments has further escalated tensions. The People’s Liberation Army Daily, in a front-page commentary, denounced Takaichi’s remarks as historically ignorant and reflective of Japan’s right-wing ambitions to interfere militarily in Taiwan. The article emphasized that Japan’s alleged ‘survival-threatening situation’ is a pretext rooted in its militaristic past, which has caused immense suffering across Asia. Defense Ministry spokesman Jiang Bin warned that any Japanese intervention in Taiwan would result in a ‘crushing defeat’ by the People’s Liberation Army. The People’s Daily highlighted that Takaichi’s comments mark the first time since 1945 that a Japanese leader has officially linked Taiwan’s security to Japan’s collective self-defense, signaling a dangerous resurgence of militarism. Cai Liang, head of the Center for Northeast Asian Studies, criticized Takaichi’s remarks as a regression in Japan’s stance on Taiwan, violating China’s sovereignty and alarming the international community. Former Kuomintang chairperson Hung Hsiu-chu condemned Japan’s historical arrogance and interference, emphasizing that Taiwan is no longer a Japanese colony. Chinese netizens and officials have also voiced strong opposition, with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs advising Chinese citizens against traveling to Japan due to heightened risks. Vice-Foreign Minister Sun Weidong summoned the Japanese ambassador to demand an immediate retraction of the remarks, while State Council Taiwan Affairs Office spokesman Chen Binhua reiterated China’s unwavering stance against foreign interference in cross-Strait affairs.
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Taiwan youths discuss paths to peaceful reunification
In a significant gathering hosted by the Sanhe Practice Institute, a prominent Taiwanese think tank, young scholars and representatives from various sectors convened on Saturday to deliberate on the future of cross-Strait relations. The forum, held in Taipei, centered on the pressing question: ‘In this pivotal era of the Chinese nation’s rejuvenation, what path should Taiwan take?’
Mao Zhi-yuan, a young participant, emphasized that reunification is an inevitable historical process. ‘The people of Taiwan must actively engage in advancing negotiations and propose solutions for peaceful reunification that align with Taiwan’s best interests,’ he stated.
Tan Chuan-shao, a member of Taiwan’s New Party, outlined a three-step strategy for achieving peaceful reunification. He urged Taiwanese citizens to recognize the urgency of addressing cross-Strait relations, foster open dialogue to enhance public understanding, and present Taiwan’s unique proposals for reunification. ‘It is imperative for the current generation to take the lead in pursuing peaceful reunification, rather than burdening future generations,’ Tan asserted.
Lin Wun-hau, a Taiwanese youth with experience living in both Xiamen and Jinmen, highlighted Jinmen’s transformation from a conflict zone to a hub of cross-Strait exchange as a model for future relations. ‘Jinmen’s journey demonstrates that integration with the mainland does not erode identity but offers a path to harmonious coexistence,’ Lin explained.
Su Heng, another participant, echoed this sentiment, stating, ‘Reunification is not an endpoint but a new beginning. It will not diminish Taiwan but strengthen it.’
The forum underscored the growing momentum among Taiwan’s younger generation to actively shape the future of cross-Strait relations, emphasizing dialogue, cooperation, and mutual benefit as the foundation for peaceful reunification.
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India in trouble at 10-2 chasing 124 as Gill hospitalized in 1st test against South Africa
In a dramatic turn of events during the first cricket test between India and South Africa at Kolkata’s historic Eden Gardens, India found itself in a precarious position at 10-2 while chasing a target of 124 runs. The situation worsened as captain Shubman Gill, who suffered a neck spasm on day two, was hospitalized for observation and ruled out of the remainder of the match. This effectively left India at 10-3, with Washington Sundar (5 not out) and Dhruv Jurel (4 not out) holding the fort at lunch on day three. South Africa’s Marco Jansen delivered a stellar performance, dismissing both openers—Yashasvi Jaiswal for a duck and Lokesh Rahul for just one run—in a brief seven-over session. Earlier, South Africa was bowled out for 153 in their second innings, adding 60 crucial runs to their overnight score of 93-7. Skipper Temba Bavuma’s unbeaten 55 off 136 balls, the only half-century in the test, anchored the Proteas’ innings. His 44-run partnership with Corbin Bosch (25 off 37 balls) proved pivotal. India’s bowlers, led by Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj, eventually broke through, but the damage was done. With 15 wickets falling on day two, the test is swiftly heading toward a conclusion. South Africa, winless in India for 15 years, aims to turn the tide, while India seeks to capitalize on home advantage. The second test begins in Guwahati on November 22.
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South Korean actress and K-pop star fights off home intruder
South Korean actor and K-pop singer Nana, alongside her mother, successfully thwarted a dangerous home invasion, according to local media reports. The incident occurred when a man in his 30s, armed with a weapon, broke into Nana’s residence in Guri, South Korea. The intruder reportedly threatened both women and demanded money. However, Nana (real name Im Jin-ah) and her mother managed to subdue the assailant until law enforcement arrived. During the altercation, Nana’s mother lost consciousness, and both women required medical attention. The suspect, who was attempting to steal valuables, has been detained on charges of aggravated robbery. He was also hospitalized for treatment following the incident. Nana, who gained fame in 2009 as a member of the K-pop group After School, has since transitioned into a successful acting career, starring in popular TV series such as ‘Kill It’ and ‘Justice.’ She recently released her first solo album in September. The incident has sparked widespread concern about home security and safety in South Korea.
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Tens of thousands rally in Manila over corruption scandal that implicates top Philippine officials
Thousands of protesters gathered in Manila, Philippines, on Sunday for a three-day rally organized by the influential religious group Iglesia Ni Cristo (Church of Christ). The demonstration aimed to demand accountability in a widespread corruption scandal involving flood-control projects, which has implicated high-ranking government officials and members of Congress. The scandal, which erupted in recent months, revealed that numerous flood defense projects were either constructed with substandard materials or never existed, despite billions of pesos allocated for their completion. Construction companies allegedly paid hefty kickbacks to politicians and officials to secure lucrative contracts and evade scrutiny. Police estimated that 27,000 participants, many dressed in white and carrying anti-corruption placards, assembled at Rizal Park. Additional protests were scheduled later in Quezon City. The rally follows President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s pledge to jail those implicated in the scandal by Christmas. Marcos has established an independent commission that has already filed criminal complaints against 37 suspects, including lawmakers and business executives. The scandal has sparked public outrage in a country frequently devastated by typhoons and flooding, with two recent storms claiming over 259 lives. The military and police, on high alert, ensured the rally remained peaceful, contrasting with a violent September protest near the presidential palace that injured over 100 officers. The Iglesia Ni Cristo, known for its bloc voting power, has become a significant force in Philippine politics, often courted by candidates during elections.
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Czech Republic plans $19 billion nuclear expansion to double output and end fossil fuel reliance
The Czech Republic is forging ahead with an ambitious nuclear energy expansion, spearheaded by the $19 billion Dukovany project. The initiative, which includes the construction of two new reactors, aims to at least double the country’s nuclear output and solidify its position as one of Europe’s most nuclear-dependent nations. South Korea’s KHNP has been selected over France’s EDF to lead the construction, with each reactor boasting a capacity of over 1,000 megawatts. These new units, expected to be operational by the late 2030s, will complement Dukovany’s existing four reactors, which have been in service since the 1980s. Additionally, the deal includes an option for KHNP to build two more reactors at the Temelín plant, which currently houses two 1,000-megawatt reactors. The expansion is part of a broader strategy to transition away from fossil fuels, meet low-emission targets, and address the growing demand for electricity driven by data centers and electric vehicles. Petr Závodský, CEO of the Dukovany project, predicts that nuclear energy will account for 50-60% of the Czech Republic’s energy mix by 2050. The project has received a significant boost from the European Union, which has classified nuclear energy as environmentally sustainable, paving the way for financing. However, the initiative faces opposition from environmental groups like Friends of the Earth, which argue that the funds could be better spent on improving the energy industry. Austria, a neighboring country, remains skeptical of nuclear energy and has already rejected the Czech Republic’s plan for small modular reactors.
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Japan PM’s attempts to alter non-nuclear principles to draw backlash: media
Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi is reportedly considering a revision of Japan’s long-standing Three Non-Nuclear Principles, a move that is expected to provoke significant backlash both domestically and internationally. According to Kyodo News, Takaichi is particularly focused on altering the third principle, which currently prohibits the introduction of nuclear weapons into Japanese territory. This potential shift in policy is part of an update to Japan’s National Security Strategy and related documents, last revised in 2022. The Three Non-Nuclear Principles, established in 1967 by then-Prime Minister Eisaku Sato, have been a cornerstone of Japan’s national security policy, emphasizing the non-possession, non-production, and non-introduction of nuclear weapons. While Takaichi has no plans to change Japan’s stance on not possessing or producing nuclear weapons, she argues that the current restrictions could hinder U.S. nuclear-armed vessels from making port calls, thereby weakening U.S. nuclear deterrence. However, this proposed amendment has drawn criticism, with an editorial in the Asahi Shimbun emphasizing that the principles are deeply rooted in Japan’s history as a nation that suffered atomic bombings and enjoy widespread public support. The editorial cautioned that any changes to this policy should not be made hastily or unilaterally by the Prime Minister.