Japan could strike enemy military bases, scrapping its 'pacifist' constitution

Today’s headlines: Record microchip production for Taiwan. Fears in China about an imminent drop in exports. First confirmed deaths from riots in the Solomon Islands. India resumes exports of COVID-19 vaccines to COVAX. Lukashenko encourages migrants to go to Poland.

JAPAN

For its own defence, Japan may strike enemy military bases, said Prime Minister Fumio Kishida following a review of the country’s foreign and security policies. The move could lead to changes to the country’s "pacifist" constitution. China and North Korea remain Japan’s main threats.

TAIWAN

For Taiwan, this year could see a record in microchip production with even better prospects for 2022. The island is the world's largest manufacturer of semiconductors used in tech production. This year microchip shortages have created problems for the global supply chain.

CHINA

The Chinese government expects an imminent drop in exports, which have been so far the driving force behind the recovery from the COVID-19 emergency. The global spread of the coronavirus, protectionism, inflation and restructuring of trade supply chains have negatively impacted the sector.

THAILAND

A consortium that includes Thailand's Gulf Energy Development and China Harbour Engineering has secured a contract worth US$ 922 million to expand the Laem Chabang port, 130 km from Bangkok. The Chinese partner is involved in many projects connected to Xi Jinping's Belt and Road Initiative.

SOLOMON ISLANDS-CHINA

The first deaths from riots in the Solomon Islands have been reported after charred bodies were found in the Chinatown district of Honiara, the country’s capital. Over the past four days, groups of rioters have attacked government buildings and private businesses demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Sogavare.

INDIA

Yesterday Delhi resumed exports of COVID-19 vaccines to COVAX, the UN vaccination programme for developing countries. Distribution abroad had been halted in April, when India faced a major spike in infections.

LEBANON

Since September, Hezbollah has spent more than 10 million dollars to buy Iranian fuel for the Lebanese population, Hassan Nasrallah, leader of the Shia group, said. The move has caused negative reactions from those who criticise Hezbollah for being “a state within a state”.

BELARUS

Belarusian dictator Aleksandr Lukashenko went to a temporary accommodation facility in Bruzgi to encourage migrants to head towards Poland. He was accompanied by Grodno Oblast (Region) Governor Vladimir Karanik and State Border Committee Chairman Anatoly Lappo.

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