Japan opposition CDPJ's leadership criticizes Takaichi for erroneous Taiwan remarks
Japan's main opposition Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan (CDPJ) leader Yoshihiko Noda on Sunday criticized Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's recent erroneous remarks on China's Taiwan, local media reported.
At a party meeting in Nagasaki Prefecture, Noda, a former prime minister, said Takaichi "went too far" and relations between Japan and China have reached a very tense situation, Kyodo News reported.
"It seems she thinks she is popular with the ruling Liberal Democratic Party supporters. I think it is even more dangerous," Noda said.
Venezuelan president urges permanent vigil, mobilization against U.S. threats
Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro on Saturday called for a permanent vigil and mobilization in the country's eastern region in response to the announcement of joint military exercises by the United States and Trinidad and Tobago in the Caribbean.
"I once again call on all the people of the eastern states -- from southern Bolivar, Delta Amacuro, Monagas, Sucre, Anzoategui and Nueva Esparta -- to maintain perfect unity among citizens, military forces and police, to stand vigil and march in the streets with the Venezuelan flag held high," Maduro said during a public event in Petare, in the northern state of Miranda.
Israel confirms attacking UN peacekeepers in S. Lebanon
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed on Sunday in a statement that it has opened fire at two UN peacekeepers in southern Lebanon, citing misclassification "due to poor weather conditions."
After identifying "two suspects" in the Al-Hamames area, Israeli troops fired warning shots and forced them to withdraw, but after a later review of the incident, the two were found out to be UN peacekeepers patrolling in the area, it said.
"The IDF emphasizes that no deliberate fire was directed toward UNIFIL soldiers, and the matter is being handled through official liaison channels," it said, adding that it will continue operations to "remove any threat" to Israel.
China's first Type 076 amphibious assault ship "Sichuan" completes maiden sea trial
China's first Type 076 amphibious assault ship, the Sichuan, returned to the shipyard in Shanghai at around 5 p.m. Sunday after completing its maiden sea trial.
The three-day mission tested the indigenously developed ship's propulsion and electrical systems, as well as other equipment, achieving the expected results.
The Sichuan will undergo follow-up tests in accordance with established plans. ■
