Trump to get royal treatment on Japan emperor visit
AFP, Washington
Donald Trump is accused at times of acting like a king, but when the US president becomes the first foreign leader to meet Japan’s newly enthroned Emperor Naruhito next week, he can expect truly royal treatment from eager-to-please allies.
The decision by Japan to put Trump at the head of the line for Naruhito illustrates the unique bond between the one-time bitterest of enemies, while delivering rival China a timely reminder that the United States is not alone in Asia.
US, Japan, S Korea, Australia hold first naval drills in Western Pacific
Reuters, Tokyo
U.S. Navy ships conducted joint drills with warships from allies Japan, Australia and South Korea in their first combined exercise in the Western Pacific, the U.S. Navy said on Thursday.
The Pacific Vanguard exercise near the U.S. island of Guam takes place ahead of President Donald Trump’s visit to Japan this weekend, as Washington looks to allies in Asia to help counter China’s military might in the region.
Military to set up tents for migrants on US-Mexico border
AFP, Washington
The American military is going to set up tents near the US-Mexico border to temporarily house adult undocumented migrants held by immigration authorities, the Pentagon said Wednesday.
Military personnel will erect the tents, but the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) will run the camps, a statement by Pentagon spokesman Major Chris Miller said.
Three killed as violent tornado strikes Missouri
AFP, Washington
At least three people have been killed in a violent tornado sweeping across the US state of Missouri, officials said Thursday.
An emergency alert was issued for the state capital Jefferson City advising people to take shelter as heavy rain, hail, wind and lightning struck the state, along with neighboring Oklahoma and Kansas. “Violent tornado confirmed – shelter now!” tweeted the National Weather Service. Extensive damage was reported in the state capital, with images posted on Twitter by the department showing downed power lines and uprooted trees.
