The Japan Times is reporting that Taiwan's leaders are expressing confidence in their security cooperation with the United States, despite concerns that U.S. President Donald J Trump might distance himself from Taipei ahead of an upcoming summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping. It also said that Bessent's bond gambit could signal a prelude to closer fiscal coordination between Japan and the U.S., aiming to address fiscal weaknesses and reassure markets. Separately, polls in Japan indicate public support for a food tax cut, though significant concerns remain regarding its cost and the feasibility of restoring the original tax rate after two years.
The Japan Times is further reporting that three years after the initial release of treated water from the Fukushima No. 1 nuclear power plant, the region's fisheries continue to grapple with the impact, noting that long-term solutions have not yet materialized. In other news, Japanese lawmakers have visited China in an effort to mend ties following remarks made by Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi that angered Beijing.
Globally, the newspaper said Tesla and other automakers are initiating a record recall of approximately 4.3 million vehicles in China. The recall addresses concerns that vehicle doors may be difficult to open during emergencies. It also reported that the U.S. has vowed an "economic D-Day" against Iran, which has responded by threatening to halt all oil exports from the Gulf if the "economic war" persists.