Geopolitics China’s Xi calls for combat readiness as PLA marks anniversary By Keith Preston on August 1, 2023 • ( Leave a comment ) View it in your browser. Top News Stories Japanese junior high kids average 12% in English oral test More than 60% of the students evaluated could not answer a single speaking question correctly. July in Japan saw second-highest number of days over 35 C for the month Temperatures above 35 C were recorded at 2,435 locations, with climate change and El Nino contributing to scorching heat. Thousands urged to evacuate in southern Japan ahead of typhoon Typhoon Khanun was packing maximum sustained wind speeds of 180 kilometers per hour as it crossed the Pacific Ocean toward Okinawa Prefecture. Japan panel endorses first domestically developed COVID vaccine The shot is based on the original strain of the coronavirus, making it unlikely that it will be used in Japan or elsewhere. China’s Xi calls for combat readiness as PLA marks anniversary Some say the moves reflect Chinas perception of increased external threats from the U.S. and its allies, and that Beijing is sending political messages. Other Stories BUSINESS Toyota profit tops estimates, sticks to full-year forecasts A surge in demand after the pandemic allowed the automaker to boost production, raise prices and sell a record number of vehicles in June. JAPAN Kabuki actor Ichikawa Ennosuke IV released on ¥5 million bail Suspected of helping his parents commit suicide, Kabuki actor Ichikawa Ennosuke IV was released on Monday, with bail set at ¥5 million. BUSINESS China entry into trans-Pacific trade pact faces political hurdles China should be able to meet standards set out in the pact, experts say, forcing members to make a politically uncomfortable decision on letting it join. ENVIRONMENT How urban heat islands add to the misery of heat waves While grass or soil absorb less heat, asphalt and concrete can absorb as much as 95% of the suns energy then send it back into the atmosphere. BASKETBALL Suns’ Yuta Watanabe talks hoops with Slam Dunk creator Takahiko Inoue The Akatsuki Five star counts himself among the devotees of the manga, which is credited with raising the popularity of basketball in Japan. WORLD Elon Musk’s unmatched power in the stars The tech billionaire has become the dominant power in satellite internet technology. The ways he is wielding that influence are raising global alarms. JAPAN Tokyo’s Gov. Koike expected to run for third term in 2024 race Koike was first elected governor of the capital in 2016, and won a landslide victory in 2020. COMMENTARY Is Japan’s economic past China’s future? China is facing a long period of low growth similar to Japan’s experience since the 1990s. BASEBALL Naoki Yoshikawa and Makoto Kadowaki play starring roles for Giants in field The Yomiuri infielders are turning heads with their play. Attack the SystemTweetMorePrintShare on TumblrReddit Categories: Geopolitics