The commandant of the Marine Corp voices concern over the ongoing feud between South Korea and Japan. On Tuesday, General David Berger said any strains on alliances in Asia may jeopardize international efforts to deescalate threats from North Korea.
Defense Secretary Mark Esper traveled to Seoul to meet with his South Korean counterpart. Esper met with South Korea’s defense minister Friday to discuss security in the Korean Peninsula as well as denuclearization.
Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe says the biggest issue between South Korea and Tokyo is a lack of mutual trust. While speaking at a news conference Tuesday, Abe accused Seoul of not keeping its promises and regularly violating trade agreements between the two nations.
Chinese officials issued a sharp warning to protesters in Hong Kong amid ongoing anti-government demonstrations. On Tuesday, a government spokesperson said demonstrators should not underestimate the strength of the Chinese government.
Business in Hong Kong remains sluggish as protests continue to plague the streets for the eighth consecutive week.
An investigation remains underway in Japan in the wake of a severe case of arson, which left more than 30 people dead and over two dozen others injured.