Takaichi, Sanae

• China’s Threat to Block Rare Earths Has Put Japan on High Alert - Tokyo is concerned at signs that Beijing may be laying the groundwork to restrict access to the metals vital to manufacturing.
• With Live Artillery and New Warships, China Practices Blockading Taiwan - China flew bombers and fired long-range artillery during a second day of exercises designed to show its ability to claim the island-democracy by force.
• China Will Hold Live-Fire Military Exercises Around Taiwan - The exercises ended months of relative calm across the Taiwan Strait, and came after the Trump administration announced plans for arms sales to the island.
• Bank of Japan Raises Interest Rates to Highest Level in 30 Years - The Bank of Japan moved to slow inflation as the prime minister is borrowing more to fund an ambitious effort to build up industry and support households.
• Japan’s New Clarity on Taiwan Is a Wake-Up Call - The Japanese leader’s candor over Taiwan brought the shared regional stakes out into the open, and the U.S. must stand behind its ally.