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After U.S. President Trump announced reciprocal tariffs and additional auto tariffs, Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba stated on the 5th that he is actively in talks with the U.S. and may hold a phone call with Trump as early as next week.

President Trump recently announced the implementation of reciprocal tariffs on various countries, including a 24% tariff on Japanese goods and a 25% tariff on imported vehicles and auto parts, which could have a significant impact on the Japanese economy. According to NHK, on the 4th, Ishiba held a cross-party leaders' meeting at the National Diet Building that lasted around 50 minutes.

Later, in an interview with Yomiuri TV, Ishiba said: “I hope to have a phone call with President Trump next week. I want him to understand how much Japan can contribute to revitalizing American manufacturing and creating jobs.” Regarding how to negotiate with the U.S., Ishiba emphasized that merely seeking an exemption for Japan would not be viable. Instead, Japan will propose a comprehensive plan that may include discussions on liquefied natural gas (LNG), automobiles, agriculture, and security.

When asked whether Japan would impose retaliatory tariffs on U.S. goods, Ishiba responded, “What would happen to the global economy if we engaged in retaliatory tariffs? We must consider Japan’s national interest. Rather than talking about retaliatory tariffs, we should emphasize that Japan is the largest investor in the United States, unlike countries that neither invest in nor create jobs in America.”

As for measures to address rising prices, Ishiba was asked whether lowering the consumption tax rate would be included in his party’s platform for this summer’s House of Councillors election. He replied that various options are being considered, but emphasized that any tax cuts would require careful consideration of how to secure funding for social welfare programs.

Media reports indicate that on April 3, U.S. President Donald Trump dismissed several members of the National Security Council (NSC), including National Security Agency (NSA) Director and Cyber Command Chief Timothy Haugh, and Deputy Director Wendy Noble. Following her removal, Noble was reassigned to the Pentagon’s Office of the Deputy Secretary of Defense.

Neither Haugh nor Noble were given specific reasons for their dismissal. However, sources revealed that Trump acted on the advice of external advisors and far-right figures such as Laura Loomer, believing these officials were insufficiently loyal. As a result, Trump ordered Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to remove them from their positions.

Haugh, who was appointed during the administration of former President Joe Biden, had been cautious in public appearances. After Trump took office, officials within his administration were wary of Haugh due to differences in leadership style between him and the new appointees.

In addition to the NSA Director and Deputy Director, two other NSC members were dismissed on March 23. These individuals were primarily responsible for intelligence, congressional affairs, and technical security issues. Media reports suggest this is the first wave of dismissals, with at least 10 NSC members expected to be fired by the end of the second round.

Neither the White House nor the U.S. Department of Defense have confirmed or responded to the reports. Both the Cyber Command and the NSA have declined to comment. However, reports indicate that William Hartmann, the Deputy Commander of Cyber Command, will temporarily take over as NSA Director, while Sheila Thomas, the NSA’s Executive Director, will serve as the Acting Deputy Director.

The Constitutional Court of South Korea delivered an important ruling today (April 4), affirming the impeachment of President Yoon Suk-yeol. According to constitutional provisions, the ruling is effective immediately, and Yoon Suk-yeol has been officially removed from office, no longer able to exercise presidential powers. Yoon was not present at the court's session but watched the live broadcast of the results from his residence in Hannam-dong.

Yoon Suk-yeol declared a sudden emergency martial law on December 3 of last year, causing turmoil in both the ruling and opposition parties. On December 14 of the same year, the National Assembly voted to impeach him. Today, the Constitutional Court announced its ruling. After a thorough review and investigation of evidence, the court concluded that Yoon failed to fulfill the responsibilities entrusted to him by the Constitution in handling domestic and foreign affairs, resulting in negative impacts on the public interest.

Following the court's ruling, the South Korean government immediately initiated the necessary procedures, and Yoon's presidency was officially declared vacant. In accordance with the Constitution, the Vice President of South Korea will temporarily assume presidential duties until a new presidential election is held.

Yoon did not make any public statements following the ruling, but his supporters have expressed their intent to continue defending him, arguing that the impeachment was politically motivated. On the other hand, opponents view the ruling as a necessary consequence of his misconduct in leadership, highlighting the strong oversight of power abuse within South Korea's constitutional system.

Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Katz announced on April 2 that Israel will expand its military operations in Gaza, planning to seize large areas of land and "incorporate them into Israel’s security zone." This operation will also involve the "mass evacuation of civilians from Gaza away from the combat zones," though no further details were provided.

On the evening of April 1, an Arabic-speaking spokesperson for the Israeli military issued evacuation orders to residents in the southern Gaza town of Rafah, instructing them to move north. The large-scale evacuation aims to remove civilians from conflict areas, while urging them to assist in eliminating the Palestinian militant group Hamas and freeing Israeli hostages. Katz stated that this is the only path to ending the war.

However, for many Palestinians, the prospect of "re-migration" is a burden that is nearly unbearable. Rosalia Bollen, a spokesperson for UNICEF, also commented that after a year and a half of conflict, many children and families have been pushed to the brink both physically and mentally, saying, "Everyone is exhausted."

A natural gas pipeline explosion occurred in Malaysia on the afternoon of April 2, local time, causing a severe fire. At least 33 people have been confirmed injured, and authorities are investigating the cause of the incident.

According to local media reports, the explosion took place in an industrial area in Sabah state, where a major natural gas pipeline suddenly erupted, triggering a massive fire and thick smoke. The flames were visible for several kilometers, and the blast caused damage to nearby buildings, with some vehicles also affected by the shockwave.

Emergency rescue teams quickly rushed to the scene and evacuated nearby residents. The local fire department stated that after several hours of effort, the fire has been largely contained, but more time is still needed to fully extinguish the flames and prevent secondary explosions or gas leaks.

The Malaysian government has confirmed that at least 33 people have been injured, many of them workers from the industrial area and local residents. The injured have been sent to nearby hospitals for treatment, with some suffering severe injuries requiring further medical attention.

Authorities have dispatched a team of experts to investigate the site and determine the exact cause of the explosion. Preliminary investigations suggest that the incident may be linked to abnormal pipeline pressure or improper maintenance, though further data and evidence are required for confirmation. The Malaysian Ministry of Energy and safety regulatory bodies have vowed to thoroughly investigate the incident and strengthen inspections of the country’s energy infrastructure to prevent similar events in the future.

The Malaysian government has issued an official statement urging the public to remain calm and avoid approaching the accident site to ensure safety. Authorities emphasized their commitment to assisting the injured and providing necessary support. Additionally, the extent of the impact on nearby residents is still being assessed. If necessary, the government will arrange temporary shelters to ensure that affected people receive proper assistance.

The explosion has shocked the local community, with many citizens expressing concerns over the safety of natural gas pipelines and urging the government to strengthen regulation and inspection measures. Relevant authorities have stated that they will conduct a comprehensive review of existing safety standards to ensure that similar incidents do not occur again.

Trump was elected U.S. president in 2016, but due to economic recession caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, he lost re-election in 2020. However, in 2024, he challenged Biden again and successfully returned to the White House, becoming a rare "non-consecutive" leader in U.S. history.

Although the 22nd Amendment to the U.S. Constitution prohibits presidents from serving more than two terms, Trump recently stated in an interview that seeking a "third term" is not a joke and claimed he has a way to make it happen. He emphasized that his current focus is on policy implementation but did not specify how he would bypass constitutional limits.

Under the 22nd Amendment, passed in 1951, amending the Constitution requires approval from two-thirds of both the House and Senate, followed by ratification from at least three-fourths of the states. Alternatively, two-thirds of the states can call for a constitutional convention, which would then need approval from three-fourths of the states. Given the Republican Party's current standing in Congress and state legislatures, these paths seem unlikely.

When asked whether his vice president, J.D. Vance, could run, win, and then step aside for him, Trump admitted that this was one possible approach. However, the 12th Amendment states that anyone ineligible for the presidency cannot serve as vice president either, making this method unconstitutional.

If Trump completes his second term, he will be 82 years and 7 months old by 2029, making him the oldest U.S. president in history, surpassing Biden’s record of 82 years and 2 months at the time of his departure. These remarks and their implications have sparked widespread debate about the future of American politics.

U.S. Vice President JD Vance made a surprise visit to Greenland on the 28th, criticizing Denmark for failing to adequately protect Greenland's security and suggesting that the U.S. could provide more effective protection. His remarks echoed former President Donald Trump’s stance, which had previously urged the U.S. to take control of the semi-autonomous Danish territory.

According to Reuters, during his visit to the U.S. military’s Pituffik Space Base in northwestern Greenland, Vance stated that while the U.S. has no immediate plans to expand its military presence, it will allocate more naval vessels and resources. He emphasized that the U.S. respects Greenland’s sovereignty while also implying that cooperation with the U.S. would bring significant benefits to the region. The Danish Prime Minister called his remarks unfair.

Vance said, "Denmark has failed to invest the necessary resources to maintain this base, support our troops, or even ensure the safety of Greenlanders from the increasingly aggressive actions of Russia, China, and other nations." However, he did not specify what threats he was referring to.

Trump had repeatedly argued that for security reasons, the U.S. should incorporate Greenland, which has been under Danish rule since 1721, into its territory. Vance’s sharp criticism of Denmark—a long-standing U.S. ally and NATO member—further reflects the Trump administration’s stance on traditional allies. He did not hesitate to convey this position.

During his visit last month, Vance criticized European officials in a speech for their stance on free speech and illegal immigration. He later accused Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky of failing to show sufficient gratitude to Trump during a White House meeting.

In Greenland, Vance pointed out that Russia, China, and other nations have shown "immense interest" in Arctic shipping routes, maritime access, and local mineral resources. As a result, the U.S. plans to increase its resource allocation and strengthen deployments, including sending more naval vessels and military icebreakers.

Vance’s visit has unsettled some Greenlanders, but he assured them that the U.S. would respect Greenland’s sovereignty and support its "right to self-determination." In response, Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen posted a video on X, stating in English: "We are open to criticism, but let me be clear—we do not appreciate this tone. This is not how close allies should speak to each other."

A powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck Myanmar in the early hours of March 28, resulting in over 1,600 deaths, more than 3,400 injuries, and 139 missing persons. The earthquake caused widespread building collapses and infrastructure damage, leaving many residents trapped under the rubble.

Following the disaster, multiple countries, including China, Russia, and India, quickly dispatched rescue teams to assist in relief efforts. China’s Yunnan medical rescue team, equipped with advanced life detection devices, earthquake warning systems, and drones, arrived in Yangon on the morning of March 29 with 37 personnel, becoming the first international rescue team to reach the disaster zone. Russia’s Ministry of Emergency Situations sent two rescue aircraft and 120 personnel, while the Indian Air Force transported aid supplies to Yangon.

However, rescue operations are facing significant challenges. Continuous aftershocks have increased the difficulty and risks of search and rescue efforts. Additionally, armed conflicts in some parts of Myanmar, along with damaged infrastructure, have hindered the transportation and distribution of relief supplies. The United Nations World Food Programme has warned that this disaster will further exacerbate Myanmar’s humanitarian crisis and has called on the international community to provide more assistance.

Currently, the Myanmar government has declared a state of emergency in several affected regions and is working with international rescue teams to conduct large-scale search and rescue operations. Rescue teams from various countries are working tirelessly around the clock to locate survivors and provide medical aid and essential supplies to help disaster victims through this crisis.

On the afternoon of the 28th, a 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck Myanmar, affecting areas more than 1,000 kilometers away from the epicenter, including Bangkok, the capital of Thailand. In the city, a 30-story building under construction, a joint venture between Thai and Chinese companies, collapsed within seconds. The powerful earthquake has resulted in 694 deaths and 1,670 injuries, prompting Myanmar's military government to declare a state of emergency.

According to media reports, the epicenter was located about 16 kilometers northwest of Sagaing City, with a shallow depth of just 10 kilometers. The tremors were felt strongly in neighboring countries, including China and Thailand. About 10 minutes after the main shock of 7.7 magnitude, a 6.7 magnitude aftershock occurred. In the following hours, over 10 aftershocks took place, with magnitudes mostly ranging from 3 to 5. The aftershocks spread both north and south of the main epicenter.

In Taungoo, located about 220 kilometers from Yangon, a mosque collapsed, killing at least three people. In the town of Aungban in Shan State, a hotel collapsed, killing at least two people and trapping 20 others.

The seismic waves also affected Bangkok, Thailand, where a 30-story building under construction collapsed. The building, costing 2 billion TWD, was a joint investment by Italian, Thai, and Chinese companies and was planned to be used as an office building for the Thai government upon completion. The building collapsed into ruins within four seconds during the earthquake, trapping approximately 81 workers. Some of the workers sadly lost their lives, and rescue teams, using heavy machinery and rescue dogs, were dispatched to search for survivors.

Myanmar's military government has declared a national state of emergency and is seeking international aid, calling on various organizations to provide rescue and humanitarian assistance.

Before the U.S. military airstrike in Yemen on the 15th, high-ranking officials in the Trump administration used the encrypted messaging app Signal to discuss confidential attack details, including military operations, targets, attack sequences, and the weapons to be deployed. However, the editor-in-chief of *The Atlantic*, Jeffrey Goldberg, was accidentally included in the group chat and learned about the attack two hours before it took place.

The group consisted of 18 members, including Vice President J.D. Vance, CIA Director John Ratcliffe, White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles, and Secretary of Defense Peter Brian Hegseth. It appears that *The Atlantic*’s editor-in-chief was mistakenly added to the group by White House National Security Advisor Mike Waltz. Although Signal is an encrypted messaging app, it is not specifically designed as a secure government communication channel, and even without human error, vulnerabilities in the app could lead to a leak of confidential information.

Trump claimed he was unaware of the incident, and Secretary of Defense Hegseth stated that no operational plans were leaked, accusing Goldberg of being a liar and an unreliable journalist. However, National Security Council spokesperson Brian Hughes believed that "the messages appear to be real" and that an investigation was underway. At the same time, Hughes softened his remarks, saying, "The messages show careful political coordination between officials," and emphasized that the success of the Yemen operation indicated that the U.S. or military had not been affected by any information leak.

Democratic lawmakers seized the opportunity to criticize the Trump administration's lax behavior, with Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and Senate Armed Services Committee Chairman Jack Reed both emphasizing the severity of the military intelligence leak and the officials' lack of common sense, calling for a full investigation.