Kyodo News Digest: July 27, 2025
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Japan, U.S. discussing scenario for nuclear weapons use: sources
TOKYO - Japan and the United States have been discussing a scenario, in which the U.S. military would use nuclear weapons in the event of a contingency, during talks on so-called extended deterrence, sources close to the two countries said Saturday.
It is the first time the allies have delved into the issue, in a sign that they are seeking to strengthen the U.S. nuclear umbrella, under which Japan is protected, amid intensifying military activity by China, North Korea and Russia, the sources said.
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Japan, U.S. ministers reached trade agreement in mid-June: sources
TOKYO - Japan's chief negotiator reached an agreement with U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick in mid-June on a deal offering massive Japanese investment in the United States in exchange for a reduction in tariffs, sources close to the matter said Saturday.
Over the following month, Japan focused on convincing U.S. President Donald Trump through Lutnick of the advantages of the agreement, with the proposal of expanding imports of U.S.-grown rice used as the final bargaining chip.
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Australia, Britain sign 50-yr AUKUS treaty amid U.S. review
SYDNEY - Australia and Britain signed a new 50-year treaty on Saturday to cement the existing trilateral AUKUS nuclear submarine program with the United States, reaffirming their commitment to the plan amid a U.S. review of the three-way pact.
The treaty will enable comprehensive cooperation on the design, build, operation, sustainment, and disposal of new AUKUS submarines, as well as supporting port visits and the rotational presence of a British Astute-class submarine at a navy base near Perth on Australia's west coast, according to a joint statement.
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China lodges protest with Japan over Taiwan foreign minister's visit
BEIJING - China has lodged a strong protest with Japan over a recent visit by Taiwan's Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung, criticizing it as an opportunity for the self-ruled island to engage in separatist activities.
The protest was made by Liu Jinsong, head of the Chinese Foreign Ministry's Asian Affairs Department, in a meeting with Akira Yokochi, chief minister at the Japanese Embassy in Beijing, on Friday. Liu criticized Japan for allowing Lin to visit as it sends a "wrong signal," according to China's Foreign Ministry.
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Sumo: Kotoshoho nears title as Kusano downs Aonishiki to stay in race
NAGOYA - No. 15 maegashira Kotoshoho took the outright lead and moved within a victory of his first Emperor's Cup on Saturday though Kusano's defeat of Ukrainian Aonishiki means any one of the three could still bag the title heading into the final day of the Nagoya Grand Sumo Tournament.
Kotoshoho (12-2) traded shoves and slaps with Kirishima (8-6) before the sharp-looking title chaser stepped to his right to dodge the outrushing sekiwake and threw the former ozeki out of the ring at IG Arena, having grabbed a right overarm belt hold.
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Rugby: Japan complete sweep of Spain before Women's World Cup
TOKYO - Hosts Japan completed a two-match sweep of Spain ahead of the Women's Rugby World Cup in England with a 30-19 victory on Saturday.
Mele Yua Havili Kagawa scored two of Japan's five tries, both during a 10-0 first half, in scorching heat at Tokyo's Prince Chichibu Memorial Rugby Ground.
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Video: Bon Odori dance at Osaka Expo sets Guinness World Record
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