China’s Presence Looms Large in Japanese Election
Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s handling of bilateral relations has become a campaign issue. Her earlier comments on Taiwan brought reprisals from Beijing.
Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s handling of bilateral relations has become a campaign issue. Her earlier comments on Taiwan brought reprisals from Beijing.
The opening ceremonies will also have two cauldron lightings for the first time. One will be in Milan, the other in Cortina d’Ampezzo.
At the last Winter Games, in 2022 in Beijing, the coronavirus pandemic meant that spectators were largely absent and competing was a lonely experience.
The singer-songwriter “perfectly embodies the emotional spirit of the Games,” Olympic organizers said.
The ghost of Giorgio Armani hovers over the Games.
Scattered protests occur in Milan before the ceremonies begin.
The progressive People’s Party was leading in surveys conducted before Sunday’s election but the country has a history of overturning voters’ will.
Sanae Takaichi, who has proved popular as the first woman to lead Japan as prime minister, hopes to bolster her power in a snap election. But she faces hurdles.
Sunday’s election is a test for the progressive, pro-democracy movement in Thailand, which has repeatedly been blocked from taking power despite success at the polls.