Japan’s ruling party is facing serious internal strife following a major election loss. Despite growing calls for his resignation, Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba insists on remaining in office. Therefore, the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) plans to hold a plenary meeting soon to discuss the situation. Specifically, the joint plenary meeting of members from both houses of the Diet will convene shortly. This gathering aims to decide the party’s future direction and leadership. Meanwhile, many party members have already voiced their desire for Ishiba to step down.
Moreover, the election results have weakened the party’s position significantly. As a result, questions have surfaced about the LDP’s ability to maintain its political dominance in Japan. Thus, the upcoming plenary meeting will prove critical in shaping the party’s next steps.
In other developments, trade talks between the United States and China have resumed. Recently, high-level discussions began in Stockholm, with both sides working to extend a 90-day tariff truce. Additionally, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent expressed optimism about the trade relationship, saying it is now “in a good place.”
Meanwhile, North Korea has demanded recognition as a nuclear weapons state before resuming talks with the United States. Kim Yo Jong, sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, stressed that this recognition must be a prerequisite for future negotiations. This stance complicates efforts to restart dialogue.
In China, a Japanese businessman convicted of espionage had his sentence finalized. The court sentenced him to three and a half years in prison, and he did not appeal by the deadline. Notably, the businessman worked for Astellas Pharma Inc. and admitted to providing information to a Japanese intelligence agency.
Back in Japan, whooping cough cases have surged to record levels. The Japan Institute for Health Security reported over 50,000 cases this year. This number marks the highest since comparable data became available in 2018. Furthermore, preliminary figures showed 3,908 cases reported in the week of July 14-20. This marks a five-week trend of rising infections.
Finally, Japan welcomed a ceasefire agreement between Cambodia and Thailand. The parties reached the deal after days of clashes in a disputed border area. Consequently, many called it a positive step for regional stability and development. Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi expressed Japan’s strong support for the immediate and unconditional ceasefire.
