Japan marks Hiroshima bomb anniversary with low-key ceremonies

Just days after the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tokyo-2020-mckeown-drops-f-bomb-after-winning-olympics-swimming-gold-her-mother-has-epic-reaction-400944">Olympic</a> opening ceremony, Japan's capital Tokyo reported a record 2,848 coronavirus cases on Tuesday.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga urged citizens to avoid "all unnecessary travel" while asking them to stay indoors.&nbsp;

The Japanese prime minister said the Delta variant has been spreading fast with people in their 30s accounting for the bulk of coronavirus cases.

Watch:

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Suga however said that the fears over <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tokyo-olympics-argentinian-fencer-gets-dramatic-marriage-proposal-just-after-losing-her-match-watch-400931">Olympics</a> being cancelled were not true due to traffic restrictions, remote work and people going out less as he urged people to watch the Olympics on TV.

Japan has been facing the fifth wave of the pandemic with Okinawa reporting 334 COVID-19 cases and Saitama recording 593 cases. Reports said capital Tokyo has witnessed a surge in cases among 20-year-olds with severely ill patients in the capital rising to 82.

Reports say authorities are calling for the implementation of emergency measures&nbsp;in Saitama, Chiba and Kanagawa amid rising number of COVID-19 cases.

Tokyo and Okinawa Prefecture are under a state of emergency which will continue beyond the Olympics.&nbsp;

As the country battles the virus, tropical storm Nepartak has been barrelling towards northeastern Japan.

Olympic organisers have rescheduled rowing and archery competitions as the country's meteorological agency said tropical storm Nepartak is set to make landfall.

The storm is reportedly reached near Japan and&nbsp;was originally set to hit Tokyo but has changed course and is expected to make landfall around the Miyagi region early on Wednesday.&nbsp;

Miyagi and neighbouring Ibaraki will be hosting a number of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tokyo-olympics-mirabai-chanu-reacts-to-video-of-small-girl-mimicking-her-silver-winning-moment-watch-400920">Olympic</a> events, however, Tokyo 2020 spokesman Masa Takaya said despite the storm the games will be held as scheduled.

"We expect spectators to come to watch too," Takaya added.

Ahead of the storm, rain and winds&nbsp;affected Japan's east coast delaying&nbsp;the women's triathlon event in Tokyo by 15 minutes even&nbsp;as organizers get ready to combat heavy rain which is expected around Tokyo, Tohoku region and Hokuriku region on Wednesday.

(With inputs from Agencies)

Just days after the Olympic opening ceremony, Japan's capital Tokyo reported a record 2,848 coronavirus cases on Tuesday. Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga urged citizens to avoid "all unnecessary travel" while asking them to stay indoors.

Just days after the Olympic opening ceremony, Japan's capital Tokyo reported a record 2,848 coronavirus cases on Tuesday. Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga urged citizens to avoid "all unnecessary travel" while asking them to stay indoors. The Japanese prime minister said the Delta variant has been spreading fast with people in their 30s accounting for the bulk of coronavirus cases. Watch: Suga however said that the fears over Olympics being cancelled were not true due to traffic restrictions, remote work and people going out less as he urged people to watch the Olympics on TV. Japan has been facing the fifth wave of the pandemic with Okinawa reporting 334 COVID-19 cases and Saitama recording 593 cases. Reports said capital Tokyo has witnessed a surge in cases among 20-year-olds with severely ill patients in the capital rising to 82. Reports say authorities are calling for the implementation of emergency measures in Saitama, Chiba and Kanagawa amid rising number of COVID-19 cases. Tokyo and Okinawa Prefecture are under a state of emergency which will continue beyond the Olympics. As the country battles the virus, tropical storm Nepartak has been barrelling towards northeastern Japan. Olympic organisers have rescheduled rowing and archery competitions as the country's meteorological agency said tropical storm Nepartak is set to make landfall. The storm is reportedly reached near Japan and was originally set to hit Tokyo but has changed course and is expected to make landfall around the Miyagi region early on Wednesday. Miyagi and neighbouring Ibaraki will be hosting a number of Olympic events, however, Tokyo 2020 spokesman Masa Takaya said despite the storm the games will be held as scheduled. "We expect spectators to come to watch too," Takaya added. Ahead of the storm, rain and winds affected Japan's east coast delaying the women's triathlon event in Tokyo by 15 minutes even as organizers get ready to combat heavy rain which is expected around Tokyo, Tohoku region and Hokuriku region on Wednesday. (With inputs from Agencies)

Olympics: Tokyo battles surge in coronavirus cases as tropical storm Nepartak barrels towards Japan

The Tokyo Organising Committee stated Thursday that Kentaro Kobayashi, the director of the Olympics opening ceremony, has been removed from his position following news reports concerning his past statements about the Holocaust.

According to Japanese media sites, in a screenplay for his comedy performance in 1998, Kobayashi made light of the Nazis' mass murder of 6 million Jews, stating, "Let's play Holocaust."&nbsp; 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tokyo-olympics-2020-two-olympic-athletes-test-positive-for-covid-19-say-organisers-399588">Also read | Tokyo Olympics 2020: Two Olympic athletes test positive for COVID-19, say organisers</a> 
 
Kobayashi's remarks drew immediate condemnation, especially from the Simon Wiesenthal Center, which criticised what it called anti-Semitic humour by the comedian.&nbsp; 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/kick-it-right-back-at-them-japan-pm-denies-being-pressurised-to-hold-tokyo-2020-399483">Also read | 'Kick it right back at them': Japan PM denies being pressurised to hold Tokyo 2020</a>

Tokyo 2020 President Seiko Hashimoto told a briefing that Kentaro Kobayashi had been dismissed because of past comments that made fun of a tragedy.

Meanwhile, on Wednesday, COVID-19 infections in Tokyo reached a six-month high, with 1,832 new cases reported just two days before the Games began.

Tokyo is currently in its fourth state of emergency, which will remain until August 22 and will span the entirety of the Olympics, which begin on Friday and end on August 8.&nbsp; 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

The Tokyo Organising Committee stated Thursday that Kentaro Kobayashi, the director of the Olympics opening ceremony, has been removed from his position following news reports concerning his past statements about the Holocaust.

The Tokyo Organising Committee stated Thursday that Kentaro Kobayashi, the director of the Olympics opening ceremony, has been removed from his position following news reports concerning his past statements about the Holocaust. According to Japanese media sites, in a screenplay for his comedy performance in 1998, Kobayashi made light of the Nazis' mass murder of 6 million Jews, stating, "Let's play Holocaust." Also read | Tokyo Olympics 2020: Two Olympic athletes test positive for COVID-19, say organisers Kobayashi's remarks drew immediate condemnation, especially from the Simon Wiesenthal Center, which criticised what it called anti-Semitic humour by the comedian. Also read | 'Kick it right back at them': Japan PM denies being pressurised to hold Tokyo 2020 Tokyo 2020 President Seiko Hashimoto told a briefing that Kentaro Kobayashi had been dismissed because of past comments that made fun of a tragedy. Meanwhile, on Wednesday, COVID-19 infections in Tokyo reached a six-month high, with 1,832 new cases reported just two days before the Games began. Tokyo is currently in its fourth state of emergency, which will remain until August 22 and will span the entirety of the Olympics, which begin on Friday and end on August 8. (With inputs from agencies)

Director of Tokyo Olympics opening ceremony ousted over past comments on Holocaust

Two athletes living in the Olympic village tested positive for COVID-19 on Thursday, according to Tokyo 2020 organisers.

The organisers revealed a total of 12 new positive cases, including the two athletes, increasing the total number of positive cases to 87.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, on Wednesday, COVID-19 infections in Tokyo reached a six-month high, with 1,832 new cases reported just two days before the Games began. 
 
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Tokyo is currently in its fourth state of emergency, which will remain until August 22 and will span the entirety of the Olympics, which begin on Friday and end on August 8.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/meet-the-oldest-athletes-in-tokyo-olympics-2020-399452">WATCH |</a>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/meet-the-oldest-athletes-in-tokyo-olympics-2020-399452/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Cases among younger, unvaccinated persons are significantly increasing, according to experts, as Japan's vaccination campaign loses steam owing to supply concerns. 
 
Many of the serious cases are involving people in their fifties.&nbsp;

Japan's vaccination campaign started late and slowly but ramped up considerably in May for several weeks as the supply of imported vaccines stabilised and Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga's cabinet tried to speed up the campaign before the Olympics.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Two athletes living in the Olympic village tested positive for COVID-19 on Thursday, according to Tokyo 2020 organisers. The organisers revealed a total of 12 new positive cases, including the two athletes, increasing the total number of positive cases to 87.

Two athletes living in the Olympic village tested positive for COVID-19 on Thursday, according to Tokyo 2020 organisers. The organisers revealed a total of 12 new positive cases, including the two athletes, increasing the total number of positive cases to 87. Meanwhile, on Wednesday, COVID-19 infections in Tokyo reached a six-month high, with 1,832 new cases reported just two days before the Games began. Also read | Will India improve its medal tally at Olympics? Tokyo is currently in its fourth state of emergency, which will remain until August 22 and will span the entirety of the Olympics, which begin on Friday and end on August 8. WATCH | Cases among younger, unvaccinated persons are significantly increasing, according to experts, as Japan's vaccination campaign loses steam owing to supply concerns. Many of the serious cases are involving people in their fifties. Japan's vaccination campaign started late and slowly but ramped up considerably in May for several weeks as the supply of imported vaccines stabilised and Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga's cabinet tried to speed up the campaign before the Olympics. (With inputs from agencies)

Tokyo Olympics 2020: Two athletes test positive for COVID-19, say organisers

Putting all rumours to rest, Japan’s Prime Minister, Yoshihide Suga, has denied being pressurised by the International Olympic Committee for holding the event in Tokyo this year.

"We raised our hands and we sought the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/tokyo-olympics">Olympics</a> because we wanted to do it," Suga said. "If they tried to force something on me, I'd kick it right back at them."

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It was rumoured that the newly-elected PM was pressurised into organising the Tokyo 2020 Games, despite an increase of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">coronavirus cases</a> in the city.

The Japanese capital city has seen almost 1,000 new daily infections in the past few days. Authorities have reported more than 70 cases, even in the Olympic Village. This has raised concerns about Tokyo 2020 becoming a breeding ground for Covid infections.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/meet-the-oldest-athletes-in-tokyo-olympics-2020-399452">WATCH |</a>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/meet-the-oldest-athletes-in-tokyo-olympics-2020-399452/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Concerned by the increasing infections, the chief of the organising committee for the&nbsp;Tokyo Olympics&nbsp;Toshiro Muto said, "We can't predict what will happen with the number of coronavirus cases."

However, IOC chief, Thomas Bach has claimed that Tokyo 2020 are by far the safest and most restrictive game of the world. Suga, too, has assured locals that Tokyo is "in the right place, and we're ready to go".

Addressing the issue of cancelling the games, Suga denied any such plans and said, "the simplest thing and the easiest thing is to quit."&nbsp;However, he also added that "the government's job is to tackle challenges".

Putting all rumours to rest, Japan’s Prime Minister, Yoshihide Suga, has denied being pressurised by the International Olympic Committee for holding the event in Tokyo this year.

Putting all rumours to rest, Japan’s Prime Minister, Yoshihide Suga, has denied being pressurised by the International Olympic Committee for holding the event in Tokyo this year. "We raised our hands and we sought the Olympics because we wanted to do it," Suga said. "If they tried to force something on me, I'd kick it right back at them." Also read | Will India improve its medal tally at Olympics? It was rumoured that the newly-elected PM was pressurised into organising the Tokyo 2020 Games, despite an increase of coronavirus cases in the city. The Japanese capital city has seen almost 1,000 new daily infections in the past few days. Authorities have reported more than 70 cases, even in the Olympic Village. This has raised concerns about Tokyo 2020 becoming a breeding ground for Covid infections. WATCH | Concerned by the increasing infections, the chief of the organising committee for the Tokyo Olympics Toshiro Muto said, "We can't predict what will happen with the number of coronavirus cases." However, IOC chief, Thomas Bach has claimed that Tokyo 2020 are by far the safest and most restrictive game of the world. Suga, too, has assured locals that Tokyo is "in the right place, and we're ready to go". Addressing the issue of cancelling the games, Suga denied any such plans and said, "the simplest thing and the easiest thing is to quit." However, he also added that "the government's job is to tackle challenges".

'Kick it right back at them': Japan PM denies being pressurised to hold Tokyo 2020

With the aim of helping employees during the time of coronavirus pandemic, Japanese authorities decided to banish age-old fax machines from offices. However, the move was not appreciated by locals who turned out to be fans of fax machines.

A cabinet body that is responsible for taking care of administrative reform in Japan rolled out a new decision to abolish the use of fax machines by the end of July. All ministers and organisations were instructed to switch to emails and abandon the 1980s office equipment of communication.

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However, this move angered the locals of the Tokyo district of Kasumigaseki. Hundreds of Japanese government officials jumped to the rescue of the fax machine and claimed it will be "impossible" to banish this communication device, local media reported.

The decision was taken with regard to the safety of employees in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus?page=2">coronavirus</a>&nbsp;pandemic. As all offices shifted to work-from-home, some employees were having to travel to the offices to send and receive the fax. To make sure people can remain safe in their homes, the government agency decided to shift all communication to emails from the fax.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/japan-to-impose-virus-emergency-in-tokyo-during-olympics-reports-396505">Japan to impose virus emergency in Tokyo during Olympics: Reports</a>

Now, the backlash from the employees has led to the government giving up on this mission of helping their employees upgrade in technology. The government has had to rule out the option of transforming the office space into a digital-only operation, local media reported.

The fax fans claim they are protesting the decision simply because they fear the security of sensitive information and "anxiety over the communication environment". Japanese government officials are known to use fax for communicating confidential and sensitive information.

Officials claimed this decision was taken as a part of Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga's plan of increasing efficiency in government offices using technology.

With the aim of helping employees during the time of coronavirus pandemic, Japanese authorities decided to banish age-old fax machines from offices. However, the move was not appreciated by locals who turned out to be fans of fax machines.

With the aim of helping employees during the time of coronavirus pandemic, Japanese authorities decided to banish age-old fax machines from offices. However, the move was not appreciated by locals who turned out to be fans of fax machines. A cabinet body that is responsible for taking care of administrative reform in Japan rolled out a new decision to abolish the use of fax machines by the end of July. All ministers and organisations were instructed to switch to emails and abandon the 1980s office equipment of communication. Have a look | Covid corruption and scandals that rocked the world However, this move angered the locals of the Tokyo district of Kasumigaseki. Hundreds of Japanese government officials jumped to the rescue of the fax machine and claimed it will be "impossible" to banish this communication device, local media reported. The decision was taken with regard to the safety of employees in the coronavirus pandemic. As all offices shifted to work-from-home, some employees were having to travel to the offices to send and receive the fax. To make sure people can remain safe in their homes, the government agency decided to shift all communication to emails from the fax. Also read | Japan to impose virus emergency in Tokyo during Olympics: Reports Now, the backlash from the employees has led to the government giving up on this mission of helping their employees upgrade in technology. The government has had to rule out the option of transforming the office space into a digital-only operation, local media reported. The fax fans claim they are protesting the decision simply because they fear the security of sensitive information and "anxiety over the communication environment". Japanese government officials are known to use fax for communicating confidential and sensitive information. Officials claimed this decision was taken as a part of Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga's plan of increasing efficiency in government offices using technology.

Japan's government employees protest ban of fax machines in offices

Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga's Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and its allies were unable to win outright in local election in Tokyo on Sunday. This election was seen as an indicator of voter sentiment ahead of national polls due later this year.

As per public broadcaster NHK, Suga's party managed to win only 33 seats in Tokyo's 123-member assembly. Suga's party is just ahead of Tokyo Citizens First, the party of Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike, with 31 seats. Even with 23 won by its ally Komeito, LDP fell short of an outright majority -- a target that had been considered within reach.

The disappointing result could put pressure on Suga, whose term as LDP president expires at the end of September. The head of the LDP is virtually assured of being prime minister, given the party's dominance in parliament.

"It appears our seats are likely to be a little bit lower than what we have initially anticipated," NHK had earlier quoted Taimei Yamaguchi, chair of the LDP's election strategy committee, as saying.

Tokyo's election came as the capital is preparing to host the Olympic Games whilst dealing with a resurgence of COVID-19.

With a general election due by October, Suga has staked his political career on successfully holding the Games, postponed from last year due to the virus, and boosting vaccine rollouts.

He has said he will bar spectators if necessary. But exit polls by broadcaster TBS showed 57% of respondents were still opposed to the Olympics going ahead on July 23 as planned.

Koike's Tokyo Citizens First party wants the Olympics held without spectators while the opposition Constitutional Democrats and Communists have called for the Games to be cancelled or postponed.

Voters on Sunday said COVID-19 remained their chief concern. A resurgence of the pandemic in Japan has seen new COVID-19 infections in Tokyo rise to a more than five-week high, with 716 reported on Saturday.

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga's Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and its allies were unable to win outright in local election in Tokyo on Sunday. This election was seen as an indicator of voter sentiment ahead of national polls due later this year.

Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga's Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and its allies were unable to win outright in local election in Tokyo on Sunday. This election was seen as an indicator of voter sentiment ahead of national polls due later this year. As per public broadcaster NHK, Suga's party managed to win only 33 seats in Tokyo's 123-member assembly. Suga's party is just ahead of Tokyo Citizens First, the party of Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike, with 31 seats. Even with 23 won by its ally Komeito, LDP fell short of an outright majority -- a target that had been considered within reach. The disappointing result could put pressure on Suga, whose term as LDP president expires at the end of September. The head of the LDP is virtually assured of being prime minister, given the party's dominance in parliament. "It appears our seats are likely to be a little bit lower than what we have initially anticipated," NHK had earlier quoted Taimei Yamaguchi, chair of the LDP's election strategy committee, as saying. Tokyo's election came as the capital is preparing to host the Olympic Games whilst dealing with a resurgence of COVID-19. With a general election due by October, Suga has staked his political career on successfully holding the Games, postponed from last year due to the virus, and boosting vaccine rollouts. He has said he will bar spectators if necessary. But exit polls by broadcaster TBS showed 57% of respondents were still opposed to the Olympics going ahead on July 23 as planned. Koike's Tokyo Citizens First party wants the Olympics held without spectators while the opposition Constitutional Democrats and Communists have called for the Games to be cancelled or postponed. Voters on Sunday said COVID-19 remained their chief concern. A resurgence of the pandemic in Japan has seen new COVID-19 infections in Tokyo rise to a more than five-week high, with 716 reported on Saturday. (With inputs from agencies)

Japan PM's party falls short in Tokyo election

At least two were feared dead in central Japanese city of Atami due to landslides triggered by heavy rains, said public broadcaster NHK. Ground as well as drone footage showed half-submerged and collapsed houses as water rushed into the city with mud and debris.

Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga has convened an emergency task force to tackle the crisis. He has asked people in the affected areas to remain on alert.

The floods are a reminder of the natural disasters - including earthquakes, volcanoes and tsunami - that plague Japan, where the capital Tokyo is to host the summer Olympics starting this month.

Japan's military sent emergency rescuers to the city, where about 80 people are evacuated, NHK said.

Some 2,830 households in the area face power outages, it said, citing the Tokyo Electric Power.

(With inputs from agencies)

At least two were feared dead in central Japanese city of Atami due to landslides triggered by heavy rains, said public broadcaster NHK. Ground as well as drone footage showed half-submerged and collapsed houses as water rushed into the city with mud and debris.

At least two were feared dead in central Japanese city of Atami due to landslides triggered by heavy rains, said public broadcaster NHK. Ground as well as drone footage showed half-submerged and collapsed houses as water rushed into the city with mud and debris. Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga has convened an emergency task force to tackle the crisis. He has asked people in the affected areas to remain on alert. The floods are a reminder of the natural disasters - including earthquakes, volcanoes and tsunami - that plague Japan, where the capital Tokyo is to host the summer Olympics starting this month. Japan's military sent emergency rescuers to the city, where about 80 people are evacuated, NHK said. Some 2,830 households in the area face power outages, it said, citing the Tokyo Electric Power. (With inputs from agencies)

Japanese city battles with landslides after heavy rains

China has launched a protest against Japan after its Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga referred to Taiwan as a country during a parliament debate.

Referring to Australia, New Zealand and Taiwan, Suga had said, “Such three countries have been imposing strong restrictions on privacy rights” to curb the Covid pandemic.

He was speaking in the first one-on-one debate with opposition in parliament on Wednesday.

Taiwan is usually called a “region” in Japan, while China claims the self-gorverned island as an “inalienable part” of its territory.

At a press briefing in Beijing on Thursday, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin was asked about Suga's remarks.

 
Wang said: "Japanese leaders flagrantly refer to Taiwan as a "country" on multiple occasions, severely violating principles set out in the four political documents including the Sino-Japanese Joint Statement and its solemn and repeated commitment of not seeing Taiwan as a country."&nbsp;

"China is strongly dissatisfied with Japan's wrong remarks and has lodged solemn representations to the Japanese side," he said, adding, "We ask Japan to make prompt clarification, remove the severe damage and ensure that such things won't happen again.

"There is only one China in the world and Taiwan is an inalienable part of China's territory. The Taiwan question bears on the political foundation of China-Japan relations, the basic trust and good faith between the two countries and the international rule of law and justice," the Chinese official said.&nbsp;

"We seriously urge the Japanese side to earnestly honor its commitment, be prudent in words and actions, avoid undermining China's sovereignty in any form and refrain from sending any wrong signal to the "Taiwan independence" forces."

China and Japan, who have been historic rivals in the last century, &nbsp;currently differ on several issues such as the East China Sea and Beijing's crackdown on Hong Kong pro-democracy activists.

China has launched a protest against Japan after its Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga referred to Taiwan as a country during a parliament debate. Referring to Australia, New Zealand and Taiwan, Suga had said, “Such three countries have been imposing strong restrictions on privacy rights” to curb the Covid pandemic.

China has launched a protest against Japan after its Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga referred to Taiwan as a country during a parliament debate. Referring to Australia, New Zealand and Taiwan, Suga had said, “Such three countries have been imposing strong restrictions on privacy rights” to curb the Covid pandemic. He was speaking in the first one-on-one debate with opposition in parliament on Wednesday. Taiwan is usually called a “region” in Japan, while China claims the self-gorverned island as an “inalienable part” of its territory. At a press briefing in Beijing on Thursday, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin was asked about Suga's remarks. Wang said: "Japanese leaders flagrantly refer to Taiwan as a "country" on multiple occasions, severely violating principles set out in the four political documents including the Sino-Japanese Joint Statement and its solemn and repeated commitment of not seeing Taiwan as a country." "China is strongly dissatisfied with Japan's wrong remarks and has lodged solemn representations to the Japanese side," he said, adding, "We ask Japan to make prompt clarification, remove the severe damage and ensure that such things won't happen again. "There is only one China in the world and Taiwan is an inalienable part of China's territory. The Taiwan question bears on the political foundation of China-Japan relations, the basic trust and good faith between the two countries and the international rule of law and justice," the Chinese official said. "We seriously urge the Japanese side to earnestly honor its commitment, be prudent in words and actions, avoid undermining China's sovereignty in any form and refrain from sending any wrong signal to the "Taiwan independence" forces." China and Japan, who have been historic rivals in the last century, currently differ on several issues such as the East China Sea and Beijing's crackdown on Hong Kong pro-democracy activists.

China launches protest after Japanese PM Suga refers to Taiwan as a country

Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga referred to Taiwan as a country. In his first one-on-one parliamentary debate with opposition leaders on Wednesday, Suga, naming Australia, New Zealand and Taiwan, said, "Such three countries have been imposing strong restrictions on privacy rights" to curb the novel coronavirus outbreak.

Japaese PM Suga calls Taiwan a country during Parliament debate

Japan's Asahi Shimbun newspaper, an official Tokyo Olympics sponsor, called for the Games to be cancelled on Wednesday, describing the event as "a threat to health".

In an editorial, the daily urged Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga to "make a calm, objective assessment of the situation and make the decision to cancel this summer's Olympics".

The call comes with public opposition growing in Japan, where polls show a majority are against the Games going ahead in July and August.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/olympics-japans-losses-from-covid-19-curbs-to-dwarf-olympics-no-go-fallout-says-economist-387251" hreflang="en">Olympics: Japan's losses from COVID-19 curbs to dwarf Olympics no-go fallout, says economist</a>

The editorial said it "cannot accept the gamble" of holding the event, despite organisers insisting it can go ahead safely.

It also accused International Olympic Committee leaders, including vice-president John Coates, of being "self-righteous" and "clearly out of step" with the Japanese public.

When asked last week if the Games could be held even during a virus state of emergency, Coates said "the answer is absolutely yes".

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Tokyo and other parts of Japan are currently under a state of emergency, which is expected to be extended this week until June 20.

"Saying 'yes' without demonstrating any clear grounds for it once again drove home the self-righteous image of the IOC," the Asahi editorial said.

It comes less than two months until the Games are set to begin, and days after the US State Department issued a travel warning for Japan over virus risks.

The White House said Tuesday that it supported plans to hold the Games, with press secretary Jen Psaki saying "our position has not changed on the Olympics".

"There are very specific entry and movement rules and procedures which the organisers have laid out in order to ensure the protection of everyone involved," she added.

Cancelling the Games would cost Japan around 1.8 trillion yen ($16.6 billion), a research institute said Tuesday.

But the Nomura Research Institute warned that the country could suffer even greater economic damage as a result of holding the Games, if a spike in infections led to a new state of emergency.

Japan's Asahi Shimbun newspaper, an official Tokyo Olympics sponsor, called for the Games to be cancelled on Wednesday, describing the event as "a threat to health".

Japan's Asahi Shimbun newspaper, an official Tokyo Olympics sponsor, called for the Games to be cancelled on Wednesday, describing the event as "a threat to health". In an editorial, the daily urged Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga to "make a calm, objective assessment of the situation and make the decision to cancel this summer's Olympics". The call comes with public opposition growing in Japan, where polls show a majority are against the Games going ahead in July and August. Also read | Olympics: Japan's losses from COVID-19 curbs to dwarf Olympics no-go fallout, says economist The editorial said it "cannot accept the gamble" of holding the event, despite organisers insisting it can go ahead safely. It also accused International Olympic Committee leaders, including vice-president John Coates, of being "self-righteous" and "clearly out of step" with the Japanese public. When asked last week if the Games could be held even during a virus state of emergency, Coates said "the answer is absolutely yes". Also read | Ahead of Olympics, Japan's Osaka buckles under coronavirus fourth wave Tokyo and other parts of Japan are currently under a state of emergency, which is expected to be extended this week until June 20. "Saying 'yes' without demonstrating any clear grounds for it once again drove home the self-righteous image of the IOC," the Asahi editorial said. It comes less than two months until the Games are set to begin, and days after the US State Department issued a travel warning for Japan over virus risks. The White House said Tuesday that it supported plans to hold the Games, with press secretary Jen Psaki saying "our position has not changed on the Olympics". "There are very specific entry and movement rules and procedures which the organisers have laid out in order to ensure the protection of everyone involved," she added. Cancelling the Games would cost Japan around 1.8 trillion yen ($16.6 billion), a research institute said Tuesday. But the Nomura Research Institute warned that the country could suffer even greater economic damage as a result of holding the Games, if a spike in infections led to a new state of emergency.

Japan newspaper sponsoring Tokyo Olympics urges cancellation

Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga said on Monday that he has never "put the&nbsp;Olympics&nbsp;first", as an opinion poll showed nearly 60% of people in Japan want the Games cancelled with fewer than eleven weeks left before they are due to open.

Japan has extended a state of emergency in Tokyo and three other areas until the end of May and is struggling to contain a surge in COVID-19 cases, raising more questions about whether the Games should go ahead. Its vaccination rate is also the lowest among wealthy nations.

International Olympic officials, Tokyo planners and Suga himself have insisted the Games will go on in "a safe and secure" way. Foreign spectators will not be allowed and planners issued an elaborate set of rules last month aimed at preventing coronavirus infections.

But such arrangements have not eased public worries over the Games that were postponed last year due to the coronavirus.

An opinion survey conducted on May 7-9 by the Yomiuri Shimbun daily showed 59% of respondents wanted the Games cancelled as opposed to 39% who said they should be held. "Postponement" was not offered as an option.

Another poll conducted at the weekend by TBS News found 65% wanted the Games cancelled or postponed again. More than 300,000 people have signed a petition to cancel the Games since it was launched about five days ago.

Opposition members of parliament grilled Suga for hours about holding the Games under these circumstances.

In apparent acknowledgement of the public concern about holding the Games no matter what, Suga, when asked if the Games would go ahead even if infections spiked, replied: "I've never put&nbsp;Olympics&nbsp;first".

"My priority has been to protect the lives and health of the Japanese population. We must first prevent the spread of the virus," he said.

DECLINING SUPPORT

Voter support for Suga's government is now at its lowest level since he took office last year, with a majority of the public unhappy with his handling of the pandemic, a poll showed.

A tweet by one of his advisers downplaying the pandemic and laughing off calls for the Games to be cancelled has also drawn public ire.

Suga has said the International Olympic Committee (IOC) has the final say on the Games and the government's role was to take steps so they can be held safely. Several test events with foreign athletes have been successfully held, most recently on Sunday.

A visit by IOC head Thomas Bach scheduled for May 17-18 has been cancelled "in the light of the extension of the state of emergency last week and various circumstances we are facing," Tokyo 2020 organisers said in a statement.

"We will continue to monitor the COVID-19 situation in Japan and other relevant factors and will re-arrange his visit to Japan as soon as possible."

Media said the visit would likely take place in June, with one outlet saying that lifting the state of emergency would be a prerequisite.

An official in Okayama prefecture said they were considering keeping the Olympic torch relay off public roads when it passes through next week. Though other prefectures have taken similar steps, they were under states of emergency or other restrictions at the time.

Top Olympic official John Coates said on Saturday that while public sentiment in Japan about the Games "was a concern" he could foresee no scenario under which the sporting extravaganza would not go ahead.

On Sunday, Japanese tennis player Naomi Osaka said that even though she had waited her whole life to take part in the&nbsp;Olympics, the risk of holding the Tokyo Games should be carefully discussed.

The Games are set to open on July 23 and run until Aug. 8.

Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga said on Monday that he has never "put the Olympics first", as an opinion poll showed nearly 60% of people in Japan want the Games cancelled with fewer than eleven weeks left before they are due to open.

Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga said on Monday that he has never "put the Olympics first", as an opinion poll showed nearly 60% of people in Japan want the Games cancelled with fewer than eleven weeks left before they are due to open. Japan has extended a state of emergency in Tokyo and three other areas until the end of May and is struggling to contain a surge in COVID-19 cases, raising more questions about whether the Games should go ahead. Its vaccination rate is also the lowest among wealthy nations. International Olympic officials, Tokyo planners and Suga himself have insisted the Games will go on in "a safe and secure" way. Foreign spectators will not be allowed and planners issued an elaborate set of rules last month aimed at preventing coronavirus infections. But such arrangements have not eased public worries over the Games that were postponed last year due to the coronavirus. An opinion survey conducted on May 7-9 by the Yomiuri Shimbun daily showed 59% of respondents wanted the Games cancelled as opposed to 39% who said they should be held. "Postponement" was not offered as an option. Another poll conducted at the weekend by TBS News found 65% wanted the Games cancelled or postponed again. More than 300,000 people have signed a petition to cancel the Games since it was launched about five days ago. Opposition members of parliament grilled Suga for hours about holding the Games under these circumstances. In apparent acknowledgement of the public concern about holding the Games no matter what, Suga, when asked if the Games would go ahead even if infections spiked, replied: "I've never put Olympics first". "My priority has been to protect the lives and health of the Japanese population. We must first prevent the spread of the virus," he said. DECLINING SUPPORT Voter support for Suga's government is now at its lowest level since he took office last year, with a majority of the public unhappy with his handling of the pandemic, a poll showed. A tweet by one of his advisers downplaying the pandemic and laughing off calls for the Games to be cancelled has also drawn public ire. Suga has said the International Olympic Committee (IOC) has the final say on the Games and the government's role was to take steps so they can be held safely. Several test events with foreign athletes have been successfully held, most recently on Sunday. A visit by IOC head Thomas Bach scheduled for May 17-18 has been cancelled "in the light of the extension of the state of emergency last week and various circumstances we are facing," Tokyo 2020 organisers said in a statement. "We will continue to monitor the COVID-19 situation in Japan and other relevant factors and will re-arrange his visit to Japan as soon as possible." Media said the visit would likely take place in June, with one outlet saying that lifting the state of emergency would be a prerequisite. An official in Okayama prefecture said they were considering keeping the Olympic torch relay off public roads when it passes through next week. Though other prefectures have taken similar steps, they were under states of emergency or other restrictions at the time. Top Olympic official John Coates said on Saturday that while public sentiment in Japan about the Games "was a concern" he could foresee no scenario under which the sporting extravaganza would not go ahead. On Sunday, Japanese tennis player Naomi Osaka said that even though she had waited her whole life to take part in the Olympics, the risk of holding the Tokyo Games should be carefully discussed. The Games are set to open on July 23 and run until Aug. 8.

Amid opposition, Japan Prime Minister says has 'never put Olympics first'

Japanese&nbsp;swimmer&nbsp;Rikako&nbsp;Ikee, who qualified for the&nbsp;Olympics&nbsp;after overcoming leukemia last year, asked the public to show patience and support for&nbsp;athletes&nbsp;amid&nbsp;mounting&nbsp;calls&nbsp;for them to pull out of the Tokyo Games due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The 20-year-old's story has become a bright spot in a tortured build-up to the&nbsp;Olympics, with&nbsp;Japan's government facing increasing criticism for forging ahead during an upsurge in infections.

Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga reiterated that it is still possible to host the Games, due to run&nbsp;from&nbsp;July 23 to Aug. 8, even as a state of emergency in Tokyo and three other areas was extended on Friday until the end of May to stem a surge in infections.

Ikee&nbsp;said she and others will accept whatever the organizers decide.

"If there is one, we will of course do our best, and if not, we will just do our best for the next one,"&nbsp;Ikee&nbsp;said in a post on Twitter on Friday.

Foreign spectators have been barred&nbsp;from&nbsp;attending the Games, and organizers will decide next month whether&nbsp;Japanese fans will be allowed into the venues.

Ikee&nbsp;also sought sympathy for&nbsp;athletes, who are being urged by critics to take individual decisions to try to persuade the organizers to call off the Games.

"It is very painful to put it on the individual athlete," she said.

"Even if you ask me to speak out against the Games, I can't change anything," she said, asking her fans to "warmly watch over the&nbsp;athletes&nbsp;who are working hard, no matter what the situation is."

Ikee, who won six gold medals at the 2018 Asian Games, was expected to be one of&nbsp;Japan's top medal hopefuls at the&nbsp;Olympics&nbsp;before she was diagnosed with leukemia in 2019.

Last month,&nbsp;Ikee&nbsp;wrapped up the national championships with four titles, including the women's 100-meter butterfly and 100-meter freestyle events, less than eight months after she returned to competition following her recovery.

Japanese swimmer Rikako Ikee, who qualified for the Olympics after overcoming leukemia last year, asked the public to show patience and support for athletes amid mounting calls for them to pull out of the Tokyo Games due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Japanese swimmer Rikako Ikee, who qualified for the Olympics after overcoming leukemia last year, asked the public to show patience and support for athletes amid mounting calls for them to pull out of the Tokyo Games due to the coronavirus pandemic. The 20-year-old's story has become a bright spot in a tortured build-up to the Olympics, with Japan's government facing increasing criticism for forging ahead during an upsurge in infections. Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga reiterated that it is still possible to host the Games, due to run from July 23 to Aug. 8, even as a state of emergency in Tokyo and three other areas was extended on Friday until the end of May to stem a surge in infections. Ikee said she and others will accept whatever the organizers decide. "If there is one, we will of course do our best, and if not, we will just do our best for the next one," Ikee said in a post on Twitter on Friday. Foreign spectators have been barred from attending the Games, and organizers will decide next month whether Japanese fans will be allowed into the venues. Ikee also sought sympathy for athletes, who are being urged by critics to take individual decisions to try to persuade the organizers to call off the Games. "It is very painful to put it on the individual athlete," she said. "Even if you ask me to speak out against the Games, I can't change anything," she said, asking her fans to "warmly watch over the athletes who are working hard, no matter what the situation is." Ikee, who won six gold medals at the 2018 Asian Games, was expected to be one of Japan's top medal hopefuls at the Olympics before she was diagnosed with leukemia in 2019. Last month, Ikee wrapped up the national championships with four titles, including the women's 100-meter butterfly and 100-meter freestyle events, less than eight months after she returned to competition following her recovery.

Rikako Ikee pleads for understanding amid calls for athletes to withdraw from Olympics

Japan's ruling party is set to lose 2 of 3 seats in the upcoming parliamentary by-elections which are widely seen as a litmus test for Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga. The exit polls have predicted a huge blow to the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) ahead of national elections this year.

Japan's ruling party to lose 2 of 3 seats in parliamentary by-elections

Revitalizing US alliances President Joe Biden posted the first in person white house summit with the Japanese PM Yoshihide Suga.

Joe Biden, Yoshihide Suga agree to tackle Chinese 'Intimidation'

Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga arrived in Washington to meet President Biden. With both leaders battling domestic challenges, can they display a united front against China? WION's Palki Sharma gets you a report.

Gravitas: Conflict shadow over Biden-Suga summit

President Joe Biden hosted the first white house summit with Japanese prime minister Yoshihide Suga as the first foreign leader. In their first white house meeting, the two leaders raised issues stretching COVID-19, climate, Tokyo Olympics, and bid to counter increasingly assertive China indeed.

White House Summit: US- Japan to tackle Chinese intimidation

The Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga arrives in the US to meet his counterpart President Joe Biden. Both leaders are expected to talk over China's ill treatment of Uighur muslims and to have a united front over Taiwan

Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga arrives in US

Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga arrived in the United States on Thursday&nbsp;for a summit meeting with US&nbsp;President Joe Biden.

The meeting will be Biden's first in-person summit with a foreign leader since taking office in January.

Suga and Biden are expected to present a united front on Taiwan, China's most sensitive territorial issue, at Friday's summit, according to a senior US&nbsp;administration official.

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Biden and Suga are expected to agree on a joint statement on the Chinese claimed but democratically ruled island, said the official, who spoke on the condition of anonymity.

The last time US and Japanese leaders referred to Taiwan in a joint statement was in 1969, when Japan's prime minister said maintenance of peace and security in the "Taiwan area" was important for its own security. That was before Tokyo normalized ties with Beijing.

The move now aims to ratchet up pressure on China. However, such a statement appears likely to fall short of what the United States has been hoping to see from Suga, who inherited a China policy that sought to balance security concerns with deep economic ties when he took over as premier last September.

Biden and Suga will also discuss Beijing's treatment of Muslims in the Xinjiang region and its influence over Hong Kong, while also announcing a $2 billion Japanese investment in 5G telecommunications to counter China's Huawei Technologies.

Suga&nbsp;in September succeeded his ally Shinzo Abe, Japan's longest-serving prime minister, who was one of the few democratic allies to manage to preserve stable relations with Biden's volatile predecessor Donald Trump.

Biden's inaugural summit, held an unusually late three months into his term due to the Covid-19 pandemic, is expected to be a tame affair after the Trump era, with the president welcoming the soft-spoken Japanese leader for one-on-one talks and an expanded meeting with the cabinet before a joint news conference.

But&nbsp;Suga, who Japanese media reported arrived in Washington Thursday evening, is expected to balk at becoming an overenthusiastic cheerleader for the US line on China, which remains the vital top trading partner for resource-scarce Japan.

Tokyo since Abe's time has worked to stabilize relations with Beijing and not joined Washington in sanctions over rights concerns in Hong Kong and Xinjiang.

"The Biden administration, I think, is concerned at how aggressive China has been and how much ground the US has lost in recent years in Asia and wants to catch up quickly," said Michael Green, who was the top Asia adviser to former president George W. Bush and is now senior vice president at the Center for Strategic and International Studies.

Japan will welcome what is expected to be a fresh declaration that the Japanese-administered Senkaku islands -- where Beijing, which calls them the Diaoyu, has been increasingly assertive -- fall under the US-Japan security treaty that requires mutual defense.

Suga, and Moon next month, will also consult Biden as he reviews US policy on North Korea, where Trump's unusual personal diplomacy with leader Kim Jong Un eased tensions but did not bring a lasting accord on Pyongyang's nuclear program.

(With input from agencies)

Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga arrived in the United States on Thursday for a summit meeting with US President Joe Biden. The meeting will be Biden's first in-person summit with a foreign leader since taking office in January.

Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga arrived in the United States on Thursday for a summit meeting with US President Joe Biden. The meeting will be Biden's first in-person summit with a foreign leader since taking office in January. Suga and Biden are expected to present a united front on Taiwan, China's most sensitive territorial issue, at Friday's summit, according to a senior US administration official. Biden and Suga are expected to agree on a joint statement on the Chinese claimed but democratically ruled island, said the official, who spoke on the condition of anonymity. The last time US and Japanese leaders referred to Taiwan in a joint statement was in 1969, when Japan's prime minister said maintenance of peace and security in the "Taiwan area" was important for its own security. That was before Tokyo normalized ties with Beijing. The move now aims to ratchet up pressure on China. However, such a statement appears likely to fall short of what the United States has been hoping to see from Suga, who inherited a China policy that sought to balance security concerns with deep economic ties when he took over as premier last September. Biden and Suga will also discuss Beijing's treatment of Muslims in the Xinjiang region and its influence over Hong Kong, while also announcing a $2 billion Japanese investment in 5G telecommunications to counter China's Huawei Technologies. Suga in September succeeded his ally Shinzo Abe, Japan's longest-serving prime minister, who was one of the few democratic allies to manage to preserve stable relations with Biden's volatile predecessor Donald Trump. Biden's inaugural summit, held an unusually late three months into his term due to the Covid-19 pandemic, is expected to be a tame affair after the Trump era, with the president welcoming the soft-spoken Japanese leader for one-on-one talks and an expanded meeting with the cabinet before a joint news conference. But Suga, who Japanese media reported arrived in Washington Thursday evening, is expected to balk at becoming an overenthusiastic cheerleader for the US line on China, which remains the vital top trading partner for resource-scarce Japan. Tokyo since Abe's time has worked to stabilize relations with Beijing and not joined Washington in sanctions over rights concerns in Hong Kong and Xinjiang. "The Biden administration, I think, is concerned at how aggressive China has been and how much ground the US has lost in recent years in Asia and wants to catch up quickly," said Michael Green, who was the top Asia adviser to former president George W. Bush and is now senior vice president at the Center for Strategic and International Studies. Japan will welcome what is expected to be a fresh declaration that the Japanese-administered Senkaku islands -- where Beijing, which calls them the Diaoyu, has been increasingly assertive -- fall under the US-Japan security treaty that requires mutual defense. Suga, and Moon next month, will also consult Biden as he reviews US policy on North Korea, where Trump's unusual personal diplomacy with leader Kim Jong Un eased tensions but did not bring a lasting accord on Pyongyang's nuclear program. (With input from agencies)

Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga arrives in US for summit with Joe Biden

Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga is expected to visit India as part of efforts to bolster cooperation across the Indo-Pacific to counter China’s aggressive actions.

Japan PM Suga to visit India to bolster Indo-Pacific cooperation

Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga's visit to the United States has been delayed to mid-April from a proposed early April date.

Suga is now scheduled to meet US President Joe Biden on April 16, Chief Cabinet Secretary Katsunobu Kato confirmed on Friday.

Local media had reported the trip would take place next week, but Kato said the mid-April date would give both sides time to prepare.

The trip comes at a time of renewed focus on China's role in the region, as well as its alleged abuses of the Uighur minority and its crackdown on freedoms in Hong Kong.

"The date has been set to April 16 to take all possible measures that will ensure success of the Prime Minister's visit to the US," Kato said.

Suga was initially expected to meet Biden on April 9. Now he is expected to leave Japan on April 15 and depart Washington on April 17, two government sources told Reuters.

The Nikkei daily newspaper reported on Friday that Suga's meeting with Biden was postponed because of circumstances on the US side.

The talks follow a visit by the Pentagon chief and top US diplomat to Japan in March, when the two countries warned China against "coercion and destabilising behaviour".

Kato said Suga's trip would be a chance to discuss "strengthening the&nbsp;Japan-US alliance" and issues ranging from the coronavirus to climate change.

Matters related to China and North Korea will also likely be on the agenda, Kato added.&nbsp; 
North Korea carried out missile tests last week in its first substantive provocation since Biden took office.

Suga would be the first foreign leader to visit the United States since Biden took office in January.

Suga, 72, became prime minister in September after his predecessor Shinzo Abe stepped down for health reasons. He has had his first shot of Covid-19 vaccine in preparation for the US trip, although Japan is not expected to begin mass jabs for weeks.

Suga will also reportedly use the trip to invite Biden to the Tokyo Olympics, due to begin on July 23 after a year's pandemic delay.

(with inputs from agencies)

Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga's visit to the United States has been delayed to mid-April from a proposed early April date. Suga is now scheduled to meet US President Joe Biden on April 16, Chief Cabinet Secretary Katsunobu Kato confirmed on Friday.

Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga's visit to the United States has been delayed to mid-April from a proposed early April date. Suga is now scheduled to meet US President Joe Biden on April 16, Chief Cabinet Secretary Katsunobu Kato confirmed on Friday. Local media had reported the trip would take place next week, but Kato said the mid-April date would give both sides time to prepare. The trip comes at a time of renewed focus on China's role in the region, as well as its alleged abuses of the Uighur minority and its crackdown on freedoms in Hong Kong. "The date has been set to April 16 to take all possible measures that will ensure success of the Prime Minister's visit to the US," Kato said. Suga was initially expected to meet Biden on April 9. Now he is expected to leave Japan on April 15 and depart Washington on April 17, two government sources told Reuters. The Nikkei daily newspaper reported on Friday that Suga's meeting with Biden was postponed because of circumstances on the US side. The talks follow a visit by the Pentagon chief and top US diplomat to Japan in March, when the two countries warned China against "coercion and destabilising behaviour". Kato said Suga's trip would be a chance to discuss "strengthening the Japan-US alliance" and issues ranging from the coronavirus to climate change. Matters related to China and North Korea will also likely be on the agenda, Kato added. North Korea carried out missile tests last week in its first substantive provocation since Biden took office. Suga would be the first foreign leader to visit the United States since Biden took office in January. Suga, 72, became prime minister in September after his predecessor Shinzo Abe stepped down for health reasons. He has had his first shot of Covid-19 vaccine in preparation for the US trip, although Japan is not expected to begin mass jabs for weeks. Suga will also reportedly use the trip to invite Biden to the Tokyo Olympics, due to begin on July 23 after a year's pandemic delay. (with inputs from agencies)

Japan PM Suga's visit to US delayed to April 16

The leaders of the Quad countries -- India, Australia, Japan and the United States -- have pledged to work with other countries who share the same goals, and to ensure that Covid vaccines are administered throughout the region till 2022. They also reiterated their commitment to a free and secure Indo-Pacific region.

The Quad, a strategic forum comprising India, Japan, Australia and the United States of America, held its first-ever head of states meet virtually on Friday.

In a jointly-authored opinion article for The Washington Post, US President Joe Biden, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga, wrote that "the Quad" was born in crisis. It became a diplomatic dialogue in 2007 and was reborn in 2017.

“Over the course of these past months, each of us has grieved the suffering that our people and the world have endured. But in this dark hour, our partnership offers a spark of hope to light the path ahead,” the leaders wrote in the joint Op-Ed published in the Washington Post.

"Against this backdrop, we are recommitting to a shared vision for an Indo-Pacific region that is free, open, resilient and inclusive. We are striving to ensure that the Indo-Pacific is accessible and dynamic, governed by international law and bedrock principles such as freedom of navigation and peaceful resolution of disputes and that all countries are able to make their own political choices, free from coercion. In recent years, that vision has increasingly been tested," they added.

The article listed the announcements made on Friday, and much of what appeared in the joint statement and the fact sheet that were released after the summit.&nbsp;

The group also recalled the history of the grouping from being founded in the aftermath of the 2004 Tsunami and being turned into a dialogue in 2007 to being reborn in 2017.

The four leaders said that the trials have only strengthened "our resolve" to reckon with the most urgent of global challenges together.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/g7-meet-in-uk-could-witness-first-in-person-quad-meet-370276">Also read |&nbsp;G7 meet in UK could witness first in-person Quad meet</a>

"To strengthen our quest for a region that is open and free, we have agreed to partner to address the challenges presented by new technologies and collaborate to set the norms and standards that govern the innovations of the future. It is clear that climate change is both a strategic priority and an urgent global challenge, including for the Indo-Pacific region," the leaders' op-ed read further adding that the four countries would work together and with others to strengthen the Paris agreement and enhance the climate actions of all nations.

Launching the "ambitious efforts" to help end the Covid pandemic, the countries pledged "to expand and accelerate production" in India of safe, accessible and effective vaccines.

"We will partner at each stage to ensure that vaccines are administered throughout the Indo-Pacific region into 2022. We will combine our scientific ingenuity, financing, formidable productive capacity and long history of global-health partnership to surge the supply of life-saving vaccines, in close collaboration with multilateral organisations including the World Health Organisation and Covax Facility," the leaders wrote."We will renew and strengthen our partnerships in Southeast Asia, starting with the Association for Southeast Asian Nations, work with the Pacific Islands, and engage the Indian Ocean region to meet this moment.&nbsp;

"The Quad is a flexible group of like-minded partners dedicated to advancing a common vision and to ensuring peace and prosperity. We welcome and will seek opportunities to work with all of those who share in those goals," the article read.

The leaders stated that the four countries' foundations of democracy and a commitment to engagement "unite us".

"We know we can provide for the safety and prosperity of our people at home by confronting global crises together, with purpose and resolve. We summon from tragedy the strength and resilience to unify and overcome. And we recommit ourselves, once again, to an Indo-Pacific region that is free, open, secure and prosperous," the leaders wrote.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/quad-member-countries-to-be-part-of-france-led-joint-exercises-370267">Also read |&nbsp;QUAD member countries to be part of France-led joint exercises</a>

Indo-Pacific region is largely viewed as an area comprising the Indian Ocean and the western and central Pacific Ocean, including the South China Sea.China`s territorial claims in the South China Sea and its efforts to advance into the Indian Ocean are seen to have challenged the established rules-based system.

China claims much of the South China Sea, but there are also overlapping claims by Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan, and Vietnam.

China has built bases and other outposts on shoals, reefs and rock outcroppings to deepen its claim over 80 per cent of the 3.6 sq km waterway, with Vietnam, the Philippines, Brunei, Malaysia and Taiwan claim parts of the same area. 
&nbsp;

The leaders of the Quad countries -- India, Australia, Japan and the United States -- have pledged to work with other countries who share the same goals, and to ensure that Covid vaccines are administered throughout the region till 2022.

The leaders of the Quad countries -- India, Australia, Japan and the United States -- have pledged to work with other countries who share the same goals, and to ensure that Covid vaccines are administered throughout the region till 2022. They also reiterated their commitment to a free and secure Indo-Pacific region. The Quad, a strategic forum comprising India, Japan, Australia and the United States of America, held its first-ever head of states meet virtually on Friday. In a jointly-authored opinion article for The Washington Post, US President Joe Biden, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga, wrote that "the Quad" was born in crisis. It became a diplomatic dialogue in 2007 and was reborn in 2017. “Over the course of these past months, each of us has grieved the suffering that our people and the world have endured. But in this dark hour, our partnership offers a spark of hope to light the path ahead,” the leaders wrote in the joint Op-Ed published in the Washington Post. "Against this backdrop, we are recommitting to a shared vision for an Indo-Pacific region that is free, open, resilient and inclusive. We are striving to ensure that the Indo-Pacific is accessible and dynamic, governed by international law and bedrock principles such as freedom of navigation and peaceful resolution of disputes and that all countries are able to make their own political choices, free from coercion. In recent years, that vision has increasingly been tested," they added. The article listed the announcements made on Friday, and much of what appeared in the joint statement and the fact sheet that were released after the summit. The group also recalled the history of the grouping from being founded in the aftermath of the 2004 Tsunami and being turned into a dialogue in 2007 to being reborn in 2017. The four leaders said that the trials have only strengthened "our resolve" to reckon with the most urgent of global challenges together. Also read | G7 meet in UK could witness first in-person Quad meet "To strengthen our quest for a region that is open and free, we have agreed to partner to address the challenges presented by new technologies and collaborate to set the norms and standards that govern the innovations of the future. It is clear that climate change is both a strategic priority and an urgent global challenge, including for the Indo-Pacific region," the leaders' op-ed read further adding that the four countries would work together and with others to strengthen the Paris agreement and enhance the climate actions of all nations. Launching the "ambitious efforts" to help end the Covid pandemic, the countries pledged "to expand and accelerate production" in India of safe, accessible and effective vaccines. "We will partner at each stage to ensure that vaccines are administered throughout the Indo-Pacific region into 2022. We will combine our scientific ingenuity, financing, formidable productive capacity and long history of global-health partnership to surge the supply of life-saving vaccines, in close collaboration with multilateral organisations including the World Health Organisation and Covax Facility," the leaders wrote."We will renew and strengthen our partnerships in Southeast Asia, starting with the Association for Southeast Asian Nations, work with the Pacific Islands, and engage the Indian Ocean region to meet this moment. "The Quad is a flexible group of like-minded partners dedicated to advancing a common vision and to ensuring peace and prosperity. We welcome and will seek opportunities to work with all of those who share in those goals," the article read. The leaders stated that the four countries' foundations of democracy and a commitment to engagement "unite us". "We know we can provide for the safety and prosperity of our people at home by confronting global crises together, with purpose and resolve. We summon from tragedy the strength and resilience to unify and overcome. And we recommit ourselves, once again, to an Indo-Pacific region that is free, open, secure and prosperous," the leaders wrote. Also read | QUAD member countries to be part of France-led joint exercises Indo-Pacific region is largely viewed as an area comprising the Indian Ocean and the western and central Pacific Ocean, including the South China Sea.China`s territorial claims in the South China Sea and its efforts to advance into the Indian Ocean are seen to have challenged the established rules-based system. China claims much of the South China Sea, but there are also overlapping claims by Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan, and Vietnam. China has built bases and other outposts on shoals, reefs and rock outcroppings to deepen its claim over 80 per cent of the 3.6 sq km waterway, with Vietnam, the Philippines, Brunei, Malaysia and Taiwan claim parts of the same area.

Biden, Modi, Morrison and Suga pen joint op-ed, say Quad offers 'spark of hope'

Japan's Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga will soon be travelling to the United States to meet US President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/joe-biden">Joe Biden.</a>

Suga will become the first foreign leader to meet the newly-elected US President face-to-face, Chief Cabinet Secretary Katsunobu Kato told the local reporters.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/quad-summit-to-announce-vaccine-initiative-with-indias-manufacturing-at-the-centre-369900" hreflang="en">Quad to announce 'vaccine initiative' with India's manufacturing at the centre</a>

Biden and Suga will be meeting next month to discuss Indo-Pacific issues. This meeting will also help highlight the strong commitment towards a free and fair Indo-Pacific region.

The Japan Prime Minister will be making this trip only after he and his whole accompanying team get vaccinated against the deadly coronavirus, which has hit the US the hardest.

In addition to the Indo-Pacific region, the two leaders will also be discussing pandemic measures and the issue of climate change.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/quad-meeting-2021-focus-on-vaccines-securing-indo-pacific-on-agenda-369938">WATCH |</a>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/quad-meeting-2021-focus-on-vaccines-securing-indo-pacific-on-agenda-369938/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

During this face-to-face summit, the two countries will also point out their concerns about North Korea and China's increasing assertiveness in the South China Sea, which has equally concerned the US and Japan.

"We hope to further strengthen our bilateral relations including the Japan-US alliance and to confirm our close cooperation toward achieving a free and open Indo-Pacific," Kato said. "It would be a good opportunity for us to show the rest of the world the close unity of the Japan-US alliance and the US commitment to the Indo-Pacific region."

The two leaders have earlier held virtual talks to discuss matters, and are set to meet again on Friday in the virtual summit of the Quad — which includes Australia, India, Japan and the US.

Japan's Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga will soon be travelling to the United States to meet US President Joe Biden. Suga will become the first foreign leader to meet the newly-elected US President face-to-face, Chief Cabinet Secretary Katsunobu Kato told the local reporters.

Japan's Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga will soon be travelling to the United States to meet US President Joe Biden. Suga will become the first foreign leader to meet the newly-elected US President face-to-face, Chief Cabinet Secretary Katsunobu Kato told the local reporters. Also read | Quad to announce 'vaccine initiative' with India's manufacturing at the centre Biden and Suga will be meeting next month to discuss Indo-Pacific issues. This meeting will also help highlight the strong commitment towards a free and fair Indo-Pacific region. The Japan Prime Minister will be making this trip only after he and his whole accompanying team get vaccinated against the deadly coronavirus, which has hit the US the hardest. In addition to the Indo-Pacific region, the two leaders will also be discussing pandemic measures and the issue of climate change. WATCH | During this face-to-face summit, the two countries will also point out their concerns about North Korea and China's increasing assertiveness in the South China Sea, which has equally concerned the US and Japan. "We hope to further strengthen our bilateral relations including the Japan-US alliance and to confirm our close cooperation toward achieving a free and open Indo-Pacific," Kato said. "It would be a good opportunity for us to show the rest of the world the close unity of the Japan-US alliance and the US commitment to the Indo-Pacific region." The two leaders have earlier held virtual talks to discuss matters, and are set to meet again on Friday in the virtual summit of the Quad — which includes Australia, India, Japan and the US.

Japan's Suga to become first foreign leader to visit Biden

With a focus on practical cooperation in the Indo-Pacific and Covid vaccine supplies, the first-ever Quad summit will take place on Friday. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, US President Joe Biden, Australian PM Scott Morrison, and Japanese PM&nbsp;Yoshihide Suga will meet virtually at 7 pm IST.

India's Ministry of External Affairs said the summit "will provide an opportunity to exchange views on contemporary challenges such as resilient supply chains, emerging and critical technologies, maritime security&nbsp;and climate change."

The&nbsp;leaders "will discuss ongoing efforts to combat Covid-19 pandemic and explore opportunities for collaboration in ensuring safe, equitable and affordable vaccines in the Indo-Pacific region," it said in a statement.

Quad, short for Quadrilateral Security Dialogue,&nbsp;first came into existence after the 2004 tsunami and was first formalised in 2007. At that time, Australia had issues&nbsp;with the grouping, which again held a meeting a decade later in 2017 at the official level. Since 2019, Quad has had conversations at the foreign ministers' level, thrice.

White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki said, "That President Biden has made this one of his earliest multilateral engagements speaks to the importance we place on close cooperation with our allies and partners in the Indo- Pacific."&nbsp;

"A range of issues, of course, will be discussed — we expect to be discussed, I should say — facing the global community from the threat of Covid, to economic cooperation, and of course, to the climate crisis," she told reporters.

The Quad meeting comes at a time of increased Chinese aggressiveness, not only in the region but with Quad member countries as well. Beijing has locked horns with Australia and the US on the trade front, Japan over&nbsp;Senkaku islands, and is engaged in a border standoff with India, that has seen disengagement at one area so far.

With a focus on practical cooperation in the Indo-Pacific and Covid vaccine supplies, the first-ever Quad summit will take place on Friday. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, US President Joe Biden, Australian PM Scott Morrison, and Japanese PM Yoshihide Suga will meet virtually at 7 pm IST.

With a focus on practical cooperation in the Indo-Pacific and Covid vaccine supplies, the first-ever Quad summit will take place on Friday. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, US President Joe Biden, Australian PM Scott Morrison, and Japanese PM Yoshihide Suga will meet virtually at 7 pm IST. India's Ministry of External Affairs said the summit "will provide an opportunity to exchange views on contemporary challenges such as resilient supply chains, emerging and critical technologies, maritime security and climate change." The leaders "will discuss ongoing efforts to combat Covid-19 pandemic and explore opportunities for collaboration in ensuring safe, equitable and affordable vaccines in the Indo-Pacific region," it said in a statement. Quad, short for Quadrilateral Security Dialogue, first came into existence after the 2004 tsunami and was first formalised in 2007. At that time, Australia had issues with the grouping, which again held a meeting a decade later in 2017 at the official level. Since 2019, Quad has had conversations at the foreign ministers' level, thrice. White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki said, "That President Biden has made this one of his earliest multilateral engagements speaks to the importance we place on close cooperation with our allies and partners in the Indo- Pacific." "A range of issues, of course, will be discussed — we expect to be discussed, I should say — facing the global community from the threat of Covid, to economic cooperation, and of course, to the climate crisis," she told reporters. The Quad meeting comes at a time of increased Chinese aggressiveness, not only in the region but with Quad member countries as well. Beijing has locked horns with Australia and the US on the trade front, Japan over Senkaku islands, and is engaged in a border standoff with India, that has seen disengagement at one area so far.

First-ever Quad summit to focus on Indo-Pacific, Covid vaccines

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