The United States reaffirmed its commitment to the defense of Japan, using the full range of U.S. defense capabilities, including nuclear. Japan reaffirmed its support to U.S. forces and operations that maintain peace, and this support contributes to deterrence by denial. Read more: state.gov/releases/office-of…

RT @shinjirokoiz: 約9年の時を経て、日韓の部隊間の訓練が再び動き出しました。今回の共同訓練は、今年１月に実施された私と安圭伯（アン・ギュベク）大韓民国国防部長官との会談の合意事項の一つです。無事に実現したことを嬉しく思います。両国の防衛協力・交流の新たな章の始…

China's President Xi Jinping has vowed to deepen ties with North Korea, during a rare state visit: abc.net.au/listen/programs/a… feat @JohnDelury and Dr Bong Youngshik.

On Monday evening, Xi Jinping and Peng Liyuan, along with Kim Jong Un and Ri Sol Ju, watched an artistic performance at the Pyongyang Gymnasium following a welcome banquet. Through songs, dances and acrobatics, the artists celebrated Xi's return to the DPRK after seven years and voiced their sincere feelings for further strengthening the traditional friendly cooperation between China and the DPRK.

Interesting timing for this post, as Xi Jinping visits North Korea.

When asked whether Japan became a topic of discussion during the meeting between the Chinese and US leaders, citing reports by Japanese media and the Financial Times claiming that the two sides had discussed Japan’s “remilitarization” issue, Mao Ning, FM spokesperson said on Monday that China has already released information regarding the meeting between the Chinese and US leaders, and that the reports mentioned are inconsistent with the information held by China. Regarding China-Japan relations, China’s position is clear, said Mao.

These are unrelated. The US told Japan well before the Beijing summit. The reason for the Tomahawk delays is that the US had to replenish its stockpiles after Iran.

Interesting from FT, seems to confirm Tokyo’s concerns before the meeting. A read from before the summit about Japan-China relations: abc.net.au/news/2026-05-11/j…

“🇦🇺 is well placed to become a key node in a regional Mogami supply chain." 🙏 to @abcnews’ @Nat_Whiting & @stephendziedzic for incorporating my view in their superb analysis of 🇯🇵’s defence step up. Great timing for the @NikkeiAsia Forum in WA tomorrow. abc.net.au/news/2026-04-27/u…

"You can't stop at this point, you can't take your foot off the pedal." Inside the work to mop up and clear hazards in fire-ravaged areas in western Victoria as communities return youtu.be/kb2KPU-g3f8?si=cmAP…

Incredible aerial vision of the fire at Dereel. Residents speaking very highly of the fire fighters that managed to protect the town’s homes. youtu.be/TuWn9V5aExQ?si=Ozrc…

Wind change has happened and the Bayindeen fire remains behind containment lines. A seperate blaze at Dereel is still at emergency warning. youtu.be/Yy_KQ3wK3Qk?si=3v1g…

The winds have picked up in Beaufort, and crews are on high alert going in and out of the existing fire ground. There have been some flare ups. We’ve see a water bomber douse a small blaze on the outskirts of town. (Pic Danielle Bonica)

This morning, five strike teams with more than 110 firefighters, departed NSW to assist our Victorian colleagues with significant fire activity and elevated fire conditions. If you are currently driving on the Hume Highway, keep an eye out for our trucks and give them a wave.

Michael Dridan was with one of the strike teams trying to protect assets yesterday. While his crew managed to save one home, they unfortunately lost another. He was then out with hoses preparing his own home at Ampitheatre today after a wind change put the area at risk.

Back in Raglan today residents were praising the work of local firefighters protecting homes. The blaze went between Kerrie Royal and her neighbours houses. Initial estimates of between 5 and 10 houses lost in the fires but assessments continuing. youtu.be/qer3mCj2-fo?si=c9v1…

Two words ‘Thank You’ ! to all emergency service personnel on the fire line today and tonight. It’s not over by far as many are putting their lives at risk as I type, to fight for Beaufort, Lexton, Raglan and surrounding communities.

Victorian communities on edge again as extreme weather fans fast moving bushfires: youtu.be/XgYi2mWuVyg?si=mkXN…

Scenes around Raglan from a few of hours ago. 30 townships have now been give emergency evacuation warnings.