Overview
- China’s PLA Eastern Theater Command announced the conclusion of large live-fire exercises around Taiwan on December 31 after starting the drills on December 29.
- Japan, the United States and European governments voiced concern that the operations heightened Taiwan Strait tensions, while Beijing rejected outside criticism as interference.
- Newly released UK archives show former Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi warned Kim Jong-il in 2002 that North Korea could not defeat the US and UK and urged cooperation on denuclearization.
- Following last December’s fatal escalator accident at Otaru’s Asarigawa Onsen ski area, ski resorts are strengthening safety measures; the 5-year-old victim’s death was reported as asphyxiation.
- Hokkaido’s weather bureau forecast blizzards and heavy snow of up to 50 centimeters on January 1, and Tokyo saw about 500 people line up for 560 mosque-prepared meals as living costs strain households.