The law expands the pool of working members of the imperial household by allowing certain descendants of former imperial branches to return through adoption and permitting princesses to retain imperial status after marrying commoners. However, it leaves Japan’s succession rules unchanged, renewing debate over the future of the world’s oldest hereditary monarchy.

The reforms stop short of addressing the question that has dominated debate for years—whether women should be allowed to inherit the throne.

Male Succession Remains

Under the Imperial House Law, only male descendants in the paternal line may inherit the throne.

The current order of succession places Crown Prince Fumihito, Emperor Naruhito’s younger brother, first in line, followed by Fumihito’s 19-year-old son, Prince Hisahito. Third in line is Prince Hitachi, the emperor’s 90-year-old uncle.

Prince Hisahito, born in 2006, is the first male child born into the imperial family in four decades.

Only five of the imperial family’s 16 adult members are men. Meanwhile, Prince Hisahito is the household’s only child, raising concerns about the monarchy’s long-term future.

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and other conservatives have argued that maintaining succession through the uninterrupted male bloodline is fundamental to the legitimacy of the imperial institution.

Reforms focus on expanding the imperial household

Rather than changing succession rules, the revised legislation is intended to increase the number of imperial family members available to carry out official duties.

One provision allows unmarried male descendants aged 15 or older from 11 former imperial branch families to be adopted into the imperial household. Those branches lost their royal status in 1947 as part of postwar reforms designed to reduce the financial burden of the monarchy.

According to Imperial Household Agency official Yoshimi Ogata, the descendants of those branches trace their paternal ancestry to a common imperial forebear from roughly 600 years ago.

The law also allows princesses to retain their imperial status after marrying commoners, enabling them to continue performing official public duties. However, their spouses and children would remain outside the imperial family and would not enter the line of succession.

The reforms leave Princess Aiko’s status unchanged

The reforms do not alter Princess Aiko’s eligibility for the throne.

The 24-year-old daughter of Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako remains excluded under current law because succession is restricted to men in the paternal line.

The issue has fueled renewed public debate over whether Japan should eventually permit female emperors.

Japan has had eight reigning empresses throughout its history, most recently Empress Gosakuramachi, who ruled from 1762 to 1770. However, the principle of succession through the paternal male line was formally codified in the Imperial House Law of 1890 and largely retained in the postwar legislation enacted in 1947.

Public opinion surveys conducted in recent years have consistently shown broad support for allowing a woman to inherit the throne.

Scholars Question Long-Term Impact

Some constitutional scholars, historians and commentators argue that the reforms address the declining size of the imperial family without resolving the broader succession challenge.

Nagoya University monarchy expert Hideya Kawanishi said the measures are designed to preserve the male lineage rather than reconsider succession eligibility.

“It’s a declaration to prevent female monarchs … and to defend the male-lineage at all costs,” Kawanishi said.

Critics have also questioned whether descendants of former imperial branches would be willing to return to royal life, which carries strict personal and professional limitations.

Asahiro Kuni, 81, whose family relinquished its imperial status after World War II, told Japanese broadcaster TBS he would advise his relatives against returning if asked.

“You are asked to sacrifice your life for the happiness of the people. I can’t tell my family to choose such a difficult life,” Kuni said.

Monarchy confronts demographic and institutional challenges

Japan’s imperial household has steadily declined in size because female members traditionally lose their royal status upon marrying commoners and because relatively few male heirs remain.

Princess Mako, Emperor Naruhito’s niece, relinquished her royal status in 2021 after marrying a commoner and later moved to New York.

The newly approved legislation is intended to preserve the imperial family’s ability to carry out official responsibilities, including state ceremonies, diplomatic engagements, memorial events and public appearances.

For now, lawmakers have chosen to reinforce the imperial household without altering the succession system itself. Whether that approach can preserve the monarchy over the coming decades remains one of Japan’s most closely watched constitutional and cultural questions.

This report is based on reporting by The Associated Press.

Article Topics: Japan | Imperial Family | Imperial House Law | Emperor Naruhito | Princess Aiko | Imperial Succession | Monarchy | Parliament

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BEIJING, China — Chinese authorities have expelled senior Communist Party official Ma Xingrui from the ruling party after concluding an investigation into alleged corruption and disciplinary violations, making him one of the highest-ranking officials removed under President Xi Jinping’s sweeping anti-corruption campaign.

State media reported Tuesday that Ma, who joined the Communist Party’s 24-member Politburo in 2022, was expelled after investigators concluded he committed multiple violations of party discipline and national law. His removal underscores the campaign’s continued reach into China’s top leadership ahead of next year’s 21st Communist Party Congress.

One of Xi’s Highest-Ranking Targets

Ma is one of only three members of the current Politburo to be removed during Xi’s anti-corruption drive. The other two were senior military generals.

State media referred to Ma as a former Politburo member in Tuesday’s reports, reflecting his removal from one of China’s most powerful decision-making bodies.

Neil Thomas, a China politics specialist at the Asia Society Policy Institute, said the case demonstrates Xi’s continued authority over the party’s senior leadership as preparations begin for the next party congress.

Investigators Detail Alleged Misconduct

Authorities announced in April that Ma was under investigation for what they described as serious violations of party discipline and national law but released few details at the time.

On Tuesday, investigators said Ma accepted money and gifts, engaged in what they described as “power-for-sex” and “power-for-money” exchanges, used his position to secure contracts and promotions for others, ignored alleged misconduct by close aides, and allowed family members to profit from his political influence.

Thomas said the case suggests Chinese officials may face scrutiny not only for their own conduct but also for actions involving relatives and close associates.

Career Spanned Aerospace and Regional Leadership

The 66-year-old served as Communist Party secretary of the Xinjiang region until 2025. He previously served as governor of Guangdong province, China’s manufacturing hub bordering Hong Kong. Under China’s political system, the party secretary is the province’s highest-ranking official and holds greater authority than the governor.

Before entering regional politics, Ma trained as an engineer and spent part of his career in China’s aerospace industry.

Broader Crackdown Continues

China’s anti-corruption agency also announced Tuesday that it had opened an investigation into the official responsible for mine safety in Shanxi province following a fatal coal mine explosion in May.

The latest announcement indicates Beijing continues to pursue corruption and disciplinary investigations across multiple levels of government as Xi’s campaign remains active.

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The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration said Tuesday that more than 70 people were injured in Sunday’s fire, with 24 still in critical condition. The tragedy has renewed scrutiny of fire safety standards in Thailand and prompted city officials to order broader inspections of entertainment venues.

According to authorities, initial victim information showed that 18 of those killed were women and nine were men. All were Thai nationals except for one employee from Laos. The injured included 41 women and 34 men.

Investigation focuses on fire safety and emergency exits

The fire broke out shortly before midnight Sunday at Rong Beer Na Ladprao, a music bar in northern Bangkok that describes itself as a brewery or beer hall and says it can accommodate up to 600 patrons. Officials have not said how many people were inside when the fire started.

Firefighters brought the blaze under control after about 30 minutes. Police said many of the victims were found trapped inside windowless bathrooms, where they may have sought refuge from the flames.

Authorities are investigating both the cause of the fire and whether the establishment complied with applicable safety regulations.

Bangkok orders wider inspections of entertainment venues

Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt said Tuesday he had instructed city officials to carry out a comprehensive survey of similar venues across the capital to identify safety risks.

He also ordered stricter enforcement of existing safety laws in an effort to prevent similar tragedies.

Outside the burned building, mourners continued leaving flowers and handwritten messages of condolence in Thai and several other languages, including Korean. Debris recovered during the investigation, including melted musical instruments and charred furniture, remained piled along the sidewalk.

University student Thanakon Phoklang, who stopped to pay his respects, described the tragedy as deeply saddening.

“It was regrettable,” he said. “It’s impossible to feel anything else.”

Families seek answers as victims are returned home

At Bangkok’s Institute of Forensic Medicine, grieving relatives gathered Tuesday to identify victims and collect their loved ones’ bodies.

Family members wept as coffins were loaded into ambulances for transport home.

Among the victims was Namthip Tubsuk, a teacher and mother of two known by the nickname “Ice.” Her aunt, Jittiya Phaiklaw, questioned reports that exit doors had been locked during the fire.

“They shouldn’t have locked the doors,” Jittiya said. “If they were afraid the customers would get away, they could have had the security guard staff minding them away.”

Jutatip Surakumhang, a friend of Namthip, said those affected deserved an apology.

“I feel there must be someone coming out to apologize to everyone who died. There were deaths deserving an apology. It was heartbreaking,” she said.

The bar issued an apology on Facebook on Monday, offering condolences to the victims’ families and pledging to cooperate fully with the official investigation.

Relatives and friends of another victim, 35-year-old Bangkok resident Top Sarobol, also accompanied his body from the forensic institute. His friend, Nuttakarn Sevoy, spoke of the family’s grief.

“For his family, it is hard to accept it. His grandmother is old. She always said let her grandson cremate her,” Sevoy said. “But the reality is opposite of what we wanted.”

Expert calls for stronger enforcement of fire regulations

Public discussion over the cause of the fire has intensified, although many claims circulating publicly remain unconfirmed.

Amorn Pimanmas, president of the Thailand Structural Engineers Association, said Monday that while he had not conducted a formal inspection of the venue, several visible features could have increased the severity of the fire.

He cited the building’s enclosed design, low ceilings, possible use of untreated foam decorative materials and limited ventilation, saying those conditions could have allowed toxic smoke to accumulate rapidly and contributed to many of the fatalities.

Amorn also noted that officials said the establishment was licensed as a restaurant with live music rather than as an entertainment venue because of zoning restrictions. According to him, that classification may have exempted the business from stricter fire safety requirements that apply to entertainment venues.

“There must be some kind of revolution regarding fire safety procedures, and I think law enforcement is also very important,” he said. “It’s not that we don’t have the law, but it’s the problem of how the law could be strictly enforced from now on. I think the government should answer this question.”

Authorities have not announced preliminary findings from the investigation, and the cause of the fire remains under examination.

This report is based on reporting by The Associated Press.

Article Topics: Thailand | Bangkok | Bar Fire | Fire Safety | Investigation | Public Safety | Victims | Emergency Response

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Since 1978, the Three-North Protective Forest Program—commonly known as the “Green Great Wall”—has sought to combat desertification by planting forests and stabilizing sand dunes across nearly half of China’s territory.

One of the project’s most recognizable techniques involves workers arranging forearm-length straw into crisscrossed checkerboard patterns across shifting sand before planting saplings at the center of each square. The method helps anchor dunes, reduce wind erosion and improve conditions for vegetation to take root with the aid of irrigation.

Decades of restoration show measurable progress

China’s campaign was launched after years of drought, overgrazing and excessive farming stripped vegetation from northern landscapes, leaving large areas vulnerable to expanding deserts and frequent sandstorms.

According to figures cited by Chinese state media, the country’s desertified land peaked around 2000 and has since shrunk by more than 1,000 square kilometers (about 400 square miles) annually.

The Chinese government says forests established through the program now cover a cumulative 500,000 square kilometers (approximately 200,000 square miles), transforming vast areas from landscapes where “desertification advanced and people retreated” into regions where vegetation has gradually reclaimed degraded land.

Barron Joseph Orr, chief scientist at the U.N. Convention to Combat Desertification, said the initiative demonstrates the importance of sustained political commitment.

“The broad significance of the Three-North Program is not only the scale of restoration, but the long-term political commitment behind it,” Orr told The Associated Press.

He said reversing desertification is achievable when environmental restoration becomes part of long-term national development strategies.

Scientists credit both planning and favorable weather

Zhu Jiaojun, a scientist at the Institute of Applied Ecology under the Chinese Academy of Sciences, said the progress reflects decades of coordinated planning, major public investment and the efforts of millions of workers.

He added that increased rainfall in some regions in recent years has also contributed to successful vegetation recovery.

“The achievement of desertification combat is due to people’s hard work and a bit of luck with climate,” Zhu said.

Long-term monitoring by Zhu’s research team indicates China’s desertified land has declined by roughly 10% since 2000, while areas classified as severely or extremely desertified have fallen by more than 40%.

Forest coverage across the program area increased from approximately 5% in 1978 to 14% by 2022.

Zhu estimated that more than 300 million rural laborers have participated in the restoration campaign over the decades, largely through paid, part-time work.

Workers witness transformation firsthand

Among those workers is 60-year-old Yin Yuzhen, who has spent four decades restoring land near the Mu Us Desert.

Speaking during a government-organized media tour of the Kubuqi Desert in Inner Mongolia, about 800 kilometers (500 miles) west of Beijing, Yin described how isolated the landscape once was.

“Even the passing of a bird across the sky made me happy,” she recalled.

She said blowing sand once reduced visibility to only a short distance.

“But now we can see the sun. We can see the green in the distance. We can see the road,” Yin said.

She and her husband continue tending trees each morning, repairing damaged straw checkerboards and replacing those worn by time. Their children and local volunteers occasionally join the work.

Long-term sustainability remains the next challenge

Despite the gains, researchers caution that restored dryland ecosystems still require careful monitoring and management.

Orr said restoration efforts are more likely to endure when communities receive economic benefits alongside environmental improvements.

The environmental organization Green Camel Bell, based in Gansu province, works with farmers and herders to restore vegetation while promoting livelihoods that support long-term conservation.

Founder Zhao Zhong said ecological restoration should not force communities to choose between environmental protection and economic development.

Orr agreed that restoration programs are significantly more successful when local residents benefit directly from them.

Zhu said one of the project’s biggest unanswered questions is whether restored ecosystems can remain healthy if government investment and human intervention eventually decline.

“This is what we are very concerned with and this is also the biggest challenge,” he said.

Yin said she hopes younger generations will continue the work.

“We need to teach young people to love this Earth. If we love it with all our hearts, nature will love us in return,” she said.

A Model With Global Implications

China’s program is among the world’s largest anti-desertification initiatives.

Elsewhere, African nations launched the Great Green Wall initiative in 2007, aiming to restore degraded landscapes across the Sahel and slow the southward expansion of the Sahara Desert through large-scale tree planting and land restoration.

Scientists say both projects highlight the importance of sustained investment, scientific planning and community participation in confronting land degradation driven by climate pressures and human activity.

This report is based on reporting by The Associated Press.

Article Topics: China | Environment | Desertification | Green Great Wall | Climate | Reforestation | Conservation | Asia

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China’s National Meteorological Center said the storm steadily weakened as it tracked northwest into Anhui province on Sunday afternoon, though hazardous weather was expected to persist across large parts of eastern and northeastern China through Monday.

Forecasters warned that strong winds and torrential rain would continue affecting numerous cities, with intense downpours already recorded in Anhui and neighboring provinces.

Millions Evacuated Ahead of the Storm

Authorities evacuated more than 2.2 million people across Zhejiang province before the storm’s arrival, according to Chinese state media.

Shanghai evacuated more than 290,000 residents from flood-prone and other vulnerable areas, while neighboring Fujian province relocated more than 180,000 people as a precaution.

In the coastal city of Yueqing, state broadcaster CCTV reported that more than 1,300 trees were felled by the storm, including about 700 that were uprooted.

Air Travel Disrupted

Typhoon Bavi also caused major disruption to air travel.

According to the state-run Xinhua News Agency, Shanghai Pudong International Airport and Hongqiao International Airport were expected to cancel about 653 arriving and departing flights because of the storm.

Authorities continued monitoring weather conditions as the system moved farther inland.

Taiwan Reports More Than 130 Injuries

Before reaching mainland China, Bavi passed north of Taiwan on Saturday without making direct landfall.

Taiwan’s fire department said at least 134 people were injured during the storm.

Many of the injuries occurred when people riding motorcycles or bicycles were knocked over by strong winds or slipped on rain-soaked roads.

Authorities in both China and Taiwan continued monitoring the storm as it weakened, while warning residents to remain alert for flooding, strong winds and hazardous travel conditions.

This report is based on reporting by The Associated Press.

Article Topics: China | Typhoon Bavi | Zhejiang | Shanghai | Taiwan | Extreme Weather | Natural Disasters | Asia

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The blaze broke out at the Na Ladprao pub in northern Bangkok shortly after midnight. Firefighters brought it under control in about 30 minutes, but not before it claimed dozens of lives and left scores of people hospitalized.

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, who visited the scene, confirmed that at least 27 people had died and said authorities were investigating what caused the fire.

Smoke and Explosion Trapped Patrons

Anutin said a musician performing at the venue told him smoke was first seen rising from a circuit breaker near the stage before the electricity failed.

According to the prime minister, an explosion followed, sending thick smoke rapidly through the pub and making escape difficult.

Many victims were found near restrooms at the rear of the building, where they had apparently sought refuge from the smoke and flames.

Videos shared online by first responders showed flames engulfing the entrance as thick black smoke billowed into the night sky while patrons scrambled to escape.

Dozens Hospitalized

Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt said 63 people were taken to hospitals, with 22 listed in critical condition.

Authorities were working to identify victims, many of whom were unconscious or were not carrying identification when they were rescued.

Officials also established a registration center outside the venue to help relatives searching for missing family members and friends.

Images taken after the fire was extinguished showed extensive damage, with charred tables and chairs and large sections of the pub’s interior destroyed.

Music Community Mourns Victims

Singer Sukanya Wongwongwai said she rushed to the pub after learning about the fire because several members of her band had been performing there.

She said one band member was killed, three others were hospitalized and another remained unaccounted for.

“From what I heard from people who were inside, when the fire started everything went dark. The power was out and there was smoke everywhere, so they couldn’t locate other people,” she said.

Latest in a Series of Deadly Venue Fires

Thailand has experienced several fatal nightclub and entertainment venue fires over the past two decades.

In 2022, a fire at a music pub in eastern Thailand killed 14 people.

The country’s deadliest nightclub fire occurred on New Year’s Day in 2009, when a blaze at Bangkok’s Santika nightclub killed 66 people and injured more than 200 others. Investigators concluded that fire was likely caused by an indoor fireworks display.

Authorities continued investigating the cause of Monday’s fire at the Na Ladprao pub.

This report is based on reporting by The Associated Press.

Article Topics: Thailand | Bangkok | Fire | Public Safety | Emergency Response | Nightclub Fire | Investigation | Asia

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According to China’s state-run Xinhua News Agency, the first stage of a Long March-10B rocket separated from the upper stage after liftoff before returning to a recovery platform at sea. It was the first time China had successfully retrieved the first stage of an orbital launch vehicle for future reuse.

The achievement represents an important step in China’s long-term strategy to develop more cost-effective launch capabilities as competition in the global space sector continues to expand.

China joins the reusable rocket race

Recovering and reusing rocket boosters has become a defining technology for modern space launch providers because it significantly reduces the cost of placing satellites and other payloads into orbit.

SpaceX pioneered routine booster recovery, using reusable Falcon 9 first stages to support frequent commercial, scientific and government missions. The company has completed more than 600 successful landings, recovering boosters on both offshore drone ships and land-based landing zones.

Earlier this week, SpaceX launched a Falcon 9 first-stage booster for a record 36th flight, demonstrating the operational advantages of reusable launch systems.

Blue Origin has also developed reusable rocket technology, first recovering its New Shepard boosters after suborbital missions in Texas before expanding the capability to its larger New Glenn launch vehicle, whose boosters are recovered on a floating platform off Florida’s coast.

China’s successful recovery places it among a small group of countries and companies that have demonstrated reusable first-stage technology.

Long March program expands launch capability

The reusable Long March-10B lifted off from Hainan Island, China’s southern coastal launch site and a major center for the country’s expanding space program.

According to Xinhua, the reusable version of the rocket is capable of delivering payloads of up to 16,000 kilograms (35,275 pounds) into low Earth orbit.

By comparison, SpaceX says its Falcon 9 can carry up to 22,800 kilograms (50,265 pounds) to low Earth orbit. Falcon 9 rockets regularly transport satellites, cargo and astronauts, including missions to the International Space Station.

The latest recovery marks a significant technological advancement for China’s launch industry as it seeks to improve launch efficiency and reduce operating costs through reusable systems.

Global competition continues to grow

China’s achievement comes as reusable launch technology becomes an increasingly important area of competition among national space agencies and commercial launch providers.

The successful booster recovery follows years of development by SpaceX and Blue Origin and precedes Japan’s planned reusable rocket demonstration this weekend, underscoring growing international efforts to develop lower-cost access to space.

As more countries pursue reusable launch vehicles, the technology is expected to play an increasingly central role in commercial satellite deployment, scientific missions and national space programs.

This report is based on reporting by The Associated Press.

Article Topics: China | Long March Rocket | Reusable Rockets | Space Technology | Space Exploration | SpaceX | Blue Origin | Aerospace

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The reusable vehicle, known as the RV-X, lifted off from the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency’s (JAXA) Noshiro Testing Center in northeastern Japan before hovering, moving horizontally and landing safely during a flight lasting less than one minute. The test was livestreamed by NVS, a Japanese space enthusiasts’ group.

JAXA said it would provide additional details on the demonstration during an online briefing later on Saturday.

Reusable technology targets lower launch costs

The successful flight supports Japan’s long-term objective of developing reusable rocket technology capable of reducing the cost of placing satellites and other payloads into orbit.

SpaceX has demonstrated reusable rocket operations for several years, significantly lowering launch costs and reshaping the commercial space sector. Japan is seeking to narrow that technological gap by developing a reusable successor to its current H3 launch vehicle.

The RV-X program represents an early stage in that effort, with Saturday’s demonstration serving as a key technology validation before more advanced testing.

Successor to the H3 rocket under development

Japan’s H3 rocket was introduced as a more economical replacement for the H-2A launch vehicle, which built a near-perfect launch success record during its operational life. Despite improvements in manufacturing and operating costs, the H3 remains a single-use rocket, leaving further cost reductions necessary for Japan to compete more effectively in the global launch market.

The Japanese government has identified reliable and commercially competitive launch capability as an important element of both the country’s space program and its national security strategy.

Future tests planned as development continues

JAXA and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries are jointly developing the RV-X reusable rocket.

The experimental vehicle measures 1.8 meters (5.9 feet) in diameter and 7.3 meters (23.9 feet) in length. It is equipped with engines designed for repeated use and four shock-absorbing landing legs intended to support vertical recovery after flight.

The agency is also collaborating with France and Germany on reusable launch technologies as part of broader international development efforts.

JAXA plans to expand testing by flying the RV-X to an altitude of about 100 meters (328 feet) during future demonstrations, building on the successful initial flight.

Regional competition in reusable launch technology

The test comes one day after Chinese state media reported that China had achieved its first successful recovery of a rocket’s first stage following launch, highlighting growing competition among Asian space programs to develop reusable launch systems.

As governments and commercial operators seek lower-cost access to space, reusable rocket technology is becoming an increasingly important capability for national space programs aiming to compete in the global launch market.

This report is based on reporting by The Associated Press.

Article Topics: Japan | JAXA | Reusable Rockets | Space Exploration | H3 Rocket | Space Technology | Commercial Space | Aerospace

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The storm is expected to reach China’s coast on Saturday night near the border of Fujian and Zhejiang provinces, according to official forecasts. Its arrival comes after a week of extreme weather that has already left at least 50 people dead in separate flooding and severe storm events across China, highlighting the mounting humanitarian and emergency response challenges facing the country.

Taiwan braces as Bavi approaches

Typhoon Bavi was carrying maximum sustained winds of 155 kilometers per hour (96 mph) as it tracked northwest, with forecasters expecting it to pass north of Taiwan before heading toward mainland China.

Taipei suspended classes on Friday as heavy rain and strong winds were forecast to affect the island through Saturday. Fishing vessels were secured in northern ports, while many international flights to destinations including Japan and Hong Kong were canceled through Saturday, Taiwan’s Central News Agency reported, although some services continued to operate.

The storm’s projected path also takes it across remote Japanese islands before approaching the Chinese mainland.

China mobilizes emergency response

Chinese authorities have expanded emergency preparations in advance of the expected landfall.

State-run Xinhua News Agency reported that more than 17,000 residents have been evacuated in Zhejiang province, while approximately 170,000 rescue personnel have been placed on standby. In neighboring Fujian province, officials suspended several ferry services because of rough seas and strong winds and instructed fishing boats to return to port.

Bavi has weakened since earlier this week, when it reached supertyphoon strength and brought destructive winds to Saipan and other U.S. Pacific territories.

Latest storm follows deadly flooding and severe weather

The approaching typhoon arrives as China continues to recover from multiple deadly weather disasters.

Authorities in southern China announced Thursday that flooding triggered by Tropical Storm Maysak killed 39 people in the Guangxi region after days of record rainfall. Floodwaters breached reservoirs, including the partial collapse of a dam in Hengzhou, sending fast-moving muddy water across surrounding communities.

Many residents became stranded on upper floors of buildings, in some cases without electricity for several days, before rescue teams were able to reach them.

Earlier in the week, severe thunderstorms and tornadoes killed 11 people in Hubei province in central China.

Separately, a landslide in Gansu province on Tuesday claimed the lives of 21 forestry workers. Authorities said that disaster was not related to the recent storms.

Authorities monitor evolving weather risks

Emergency agencies continue to monitor Typhoon Bavi as it approaches China’s densely populated eastern coast, where authorities are maintaining evacuation measures, maritime restrictions and rescue resources ahead of the storm’s expected landfall.

The latest weather emergency underscores the strain placed on disaster response systems after successive storms and natural disasters affected several regions of the country within the same week.

This report is based on reporting by The Associated Press.

Article Topics: Typhoon Bavi | China | Taiwan | Extreme Weather | Flooding | Disaster Response | Zhejiang | Fujian

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The missile, launched Monday from a nuclear-powered submarine, marked China’s second publicly known ballistic missile test into international waters in the Pacific in two years. Beijing described the launch as part of its annual military exercises and indicated that similar tests could continue in the future.

Although the launch drew criticism from several Pacific nations, experts said its principal purpose was to demonstrate the growing strength of China’s strategic nuclear forces.

“The most important message is the PLA is becoming a powerful military with a very strong strategic nuclear capability,” said Tong Zhao, a senior fellow with the Nuclear Policy Program at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace.

Demonstrating China’s nuclear deterrent

Defense specialists said the submarine-launched missile highlighted the sea-based component of China’s nuclear triad, which combines land, sea and air-based nuclear delivery systems.

Dominic Meagher, a research fellow at Australia’s Crawford School of Public Policy, said the launch also demonstrated China’s second-strike capability — the ability to retaliate with nuclear weapons even after suffering an initial attack because launch platforms remain dispersed at sea or on land.

K. Tristan Tang, a nonresident fellow at the National Bureau of Asian Research, described the launch as part of a broader military strategy rather than a one-time event.

“I would see this as a systematic move, not an isolated event,” Tang said in emailed comments.

The missile test comes as China continues expanding its fleet of nuclear-powered submarines. According to a report by the International Institute for Strategic Studies, China has built such submarines at a faster pace than the United States over the past five years.

Pacific nations voice concern

The launch also renewed sensitivities across the Pacific, where memories of decades of nuclear weapons testing by the United States, Britain and France remain deeply rooted.

Many Pacific Island nations continue to associate nuclear activity with long-term environmental damage and health consequences, including cancers and birth defects linked to historic weapons testing.

Monday’s missile landed within the South Pacific Nuclear Free Zone established under the 1986 Treaty of Rarotonga, which prohibits nuclear weapons throughout much of the region. China ratified the treaty’s protocols in 1987, agreeing not to test or threaten to use nuclear weapons within the zone against participating states.

Meagher said previous international outrage over nuclear testing in the Pacific led to agreements such as the Treaty of Rarotonga and broader efforts to limit nuclear testing.

Solomon Islands Prime Minister Matthew Wale criticized the launch while speaking to reporters in Honiara.

“China is a good friend of Solomon Islands, but this is not something a friend does. This is not … good in our region,” Wale said.

Meagher noted that although the United States continues conducting missile tests in the Pacific, it avoids the treaty-protected zone.

Questions over notification and transparency

Australia, New Zealand and Japan also expressed concern over the timing of the launch, saying Beijing provided insufficient advance notice.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, speaking during a visit to Honiara on Tuesday, described the missile launch as “a provocative act by China which does destabilize the region.”

He added that the limited warning provided before the test was “of real concern.”

China’s Defense Ministry rejected the criticism, saying relevant countries had been notified in advance and describing the exercise as transparent.

Experts pointed to the Hague Code of Conduct against Ballistic Missile Proliferation as the closest international standard for launch notifications. The voluntary framework encourages countries to provide at least 24 hours’ notice before ballistic missile launches, although China is not a participant in the agreement.

Uncertainty over missile type

Questions also remain over which missile China launched.

The People’s Liberation Army has released few operational details. Taiwan’s National Security Council secretary-general said Wednesday that the missile was a JL-2 submarine-launched ballistic missile fired from waters off Guangdong province.

Chinese state media, however, cited military experts who suggested it was likely the newer JL-3 missile, which has a significantly longer range capable of striking targets across much of the Pacific.

Tong Zhao said China’s expanding military capabilities will likely bring greater international scrutiny as Beijing seeks a larger strategic role.

“If China wants to become a major military power, it should be put under the same standards” as other major nuclear powers such as the United States, Britain and France, he said.

This report is based on reporting by The Associated Press.

Article Topics: China | Ballistic Missile | South Pacific | United States | Nuclear Deterrence | Pacific Islands | Regional Security | Military Strategy

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