Society

Japan, US, Australia, NZ express concern over China-Solomon Islands pact

Apr 20 (NHK) - Senior officials from Japan, the United States, Australia and New Zealand share concerns over a fresh security pact between China and the Solomon Islands.

Officials from those four countries met Monday in Honolulu, Hawaii.

Earlier, China's foreign ministry announced the signing of a security agreement with the Solomon Islands.

China said the pact covers maintaining social order, humanitarian assistance and responses to natural disasters.

US officials said on Tuesday that the participants of the four-way meeting in Honolulu shared a view that the pact may pose serious risks to a free and open Indo-Pacific.

They added that the senior officials from four countries also reaffirmed their shared commitment to Pacific island nations to deal with issues including maritime security and climate change.

Russian military plane intrudes into Japanese airspace, Tokyo lodges protest

A Japanese government spokesperson says a Russian military airplane entered Japanese airspace three times on Monday. (NHK)

Victim number increases to seven after torrential downpours in Ishikawa Pref.

Seven people are dead in the wake of torrential downpours in Japan's central Ishikawa Prefecture that have caused rivers to flood and mudslides across the Noto region. Some people living in temporary shelters following the New Year's Day earthquake are once again facing recovery efforts, this time from flooding. (NHK)

First Snow of Season Observed at Mount Rishiri

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Flying Car Shows Potential for Disaster Relief

A test flight for flying cars was conducted in Wakayama Prefecture on Saturday, reaching an altitude of 40 meters, demonstrating stability in windy conditions.

Ohtani Hits Milestone with 52-52 Record

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