July 18, Thursday, 2024

1. Leaders of Japan and Pacific Islands nations have jointly expressed their strong opposition to unilateral attempts to change the status quo by force. They issued a declaration after wrapping up their discussions on Thursday, the final day of the three-day summit. The document highlights climate change as the biggest threat. It says that Japan will support efforts to implement more resilient disaster-prevention measures and promote decarbonization. 2. Japanese weather officials said on Thursday that the rainy season appears to have ended in the Kanto-Koshin region including Tokyo, and the Tokai region to its west. They made the announcement based on the forecast that fine weather will prevail in the coming week in the two regions.
3.The White House says US President Joe Biden tested positive for the coronavirus on Wednesday. He is reportedly experiencing mild symptoms. Biden was in the western state of Nevada to attend an event. The White House says he will return to the eastern state of Delaware, where he will self-isolate.