China Sends Two Aircraft Carriers Into Pacific Ocean in a First
Japan said it observed two Chinese aircraft carriers and supporting warships operating simultaneously near remote Japanese islands in the Pacific Ocean for the first time, a new demonstration of Beijing's advancing naval capabilities.
The aircraft carrier Shandong was seen sailing into the Pacific at the weekend and identified on Monday conducting fighter jet and helicopter take-off and landing training, according to Japan's Joint Staff Office. That was occurring inside the exclusive economic zone around the Japanese atoll of Okinotori, around 1,740 km south of Tokyo, the office said.
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Yahoo
3 hours ago
- Yahoo
This Toyota Outsold the Corolla Hybrid and RAV4 Put Together
Toyota has been a hybrid leader for years, blending efficiency and reliability into some of the most popular cars on the road. From compact sedans to family SUVs, their electrified lineup continues to resonate with fuel-conscious buyers. But 2025 is already rewriting the script. The usual best-sellers—the Corolla Hybrid and RAV4 Hybrid—have been overtaken by an unexpected contender. This hybrid-only sedan has surged ahead, outselling both in the first quarter. If the momentum holds, it could mark a new era for Toyota's electrified future. In order to give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from Toyota and various other authoritative sources, including the EPA and TopSpeed. In March 2025, Toyota moved an impressive 29,655 units of the Camry Hybrid—putting it well ahead of the pack. That single model outsold two of Toyota's usual hybrid heavy-hitters combined. The Corolla Hybrid notched 5,529 sales, and the RAV4 Hybrid added 14,524, bringing their total to 20,053. Even together, they couldn't close the gap. That's nearly 10,000 fewer units than the Camry Hybrid—a surprising margin. If you'd asked me which Toyota hybrid would be on top, I wouldn't have guessed this one. What makes the Camry's sales surge even more impressive is that Toyota's March numbers for the RAV4 include an extra 2,631 plug-in hybrids. Even with that boost, the RAV4 still couldn't close the gap. The Camry Hybrid, which doesn't even offer a plug-in option, managed to outsell the Corolla Hybrid and RAV4 Hybrid combined. No fancy charging port—just solid, old-school hybrid dominance. With numbers like these, it's easy to imagine a plug-in Camry being a runaway success if Toyota ever built one. We're not holding our breath, but how cool would that be? In the first quarter of 2025, Toyota sold an impressive 70,281 Camry Hybrids, more than a quarter of all its electrified sales. Out of 255,915 hybrids, plug-ins, and EVs sold, the Camry Hybrid stands head and shoulders above the rest. That kind of sales volume puts the Camry in a league of its own. It's not just leading the pack; it's outselling every other electrified Toyota model by a wide margin. The Camry Hybrid's sales have skyrocketed this year, but there's a twist. Back in Q1 2024, Toyota sold just 8,986 Camry Hybrids, but that number jumped to 70,281 in the same period of 2025. March was especially wild, with sales leaping from 2,424 units last year to 29,655 this year. The secret? Toyota now offers the Camry exclusively as a hybrid, so every single Camry sale counts toward their electrified totals. For the first time ever, the 2025 Toyota Camry is offered exclusively as a hybrid. Toyota has dropped the traditional gas-only engines, signaling a serious push toward electrified driving. It's a bold move for a model that's been a longtime bestseller, but the payoff is clear. By going hybrid-only, Toyota has made the Camry simpler, more efficient, and affordable, without cutting corners on performance. Even with the switch to hybrid-only, the 2025 Camry keeps its pricing competitive across all four trims. You can get into the base LE for $28,700, while the sportier SE starts at $31,000. If you want a bit more luxury, the XLE comes in at $33,700, and the top-tier XSE kicks off at $34,900. For a midsize sedan that delivers great fuel economy, advanced safety, and a comfy, tech-packed interior, the Camry offers solid value. Fuel efficiency has always been a major draw for the Camry Hybrid, and the 2025 model keeps that momentum going strong. The front-wheel-drive LE shines with an EPA-estimated 53 MPG city and 51 MPG combined, letting you cover up to 663 miles on a single tank. Even the all-wheel-drive LE isn't far behind, delivering an impressive 50 MPG combined and about 650 miles of range. That means whether you stick to two wheels or go all out, the Camry Hybrid keeps you going longer between fill-ups. The SE, XLE, and XSE trims dial back fuel economy a bit in exchange for extra features and stylish upgrades, but they still deliver solid efficiency. Front-wheel-drive versions hit around 47 MPG combined with a range of about 611 miles. All-wheel-drive models get between 44 and 46 MPG combined, offering roughly 572 to 598 miles before you need to stop for gas. With fuel prices always fluctuating, the Camry strikes a great balance for drivers who want strong performance without constant trips to the pump. Even the base Camry LE surprises with a well-equipped interior. You get an easy-to-use 8-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, plus a six-speaker audio system that sounds great. Inside, there's a 7-inch digital instrument cluster, dual-zone climate control, push-button start, and wireless phone charging—along with five USB ports to keep everyone connected. Rear passengers enjoy their own air vents and plenty of legroom for a comfortable ride. Step up to the XLE or XSE, and the luxury factor kicks in. Dual 12.3-inch screens take over the dashboard, leather-trimmed seats come with heating (and optional ventilation), plus ambient lighting sets the mood. You can also opt for a nine-speaker JBL premium audio system that transforms the cabin into a mini concert hall. It's a sweet blend of tech, comfort, and style that makes every drive feel special. When you look at specs, price, and everyday practicality, it's easy to see why the Camry is winning over so many buyers this year. It packs more horsepower than both the Corolla and RAV4 Hybrids, while still delivering impressive fuel economy and a best-in-class range of up to 663 miles. The Camry also offers more features than the Corolla and comes in well below the RAV4 Hybrid's starting price of $32,300. Sure, the RAV4 boasts extra cargo space and some off-road chops, but the Camry balances comfort, efficiency, and affordability in a way that's hard to beat. The Corolla Hybrid is definitely the budget-friendly pick in Toyota's hybrid lineup, starting at just $23,825—but with only 138 horsepower and a smaller 13.1-cubic-foot trunk, it's a bit limited in what it offers. The Prius is another strong contender, boasting up to 57 MPG combined and a starting price of $28,350, just under the Camry. There's also the Prius Prime plug-in, which offers 44 miles of all-electric driving, though it starts at a steeper $33,375. But if you're after an efficient, spacious, and well-rounded sedan that balances price, power, and practicality, the 2025 Camry Hybrid makes a seriously strong case for itself.
Yahoo
7 hours ago
- Yahoo
Japan and South Korea mark 60 years of ties despite lingering tension and political uncertainty
TOKYO (AP) — Japan and South Korea are marking the 60th anniversary of the normalization of their diplomatic relations Sunday. The two Asian powers, rivals and neighbors, have often had little to celebrate, much of their rancor linked to Japan's brutal colonial rule of Korea in the early 20th century. Things have gotten better in recent years, but both nations — each a strong ally of the United States — now face political uncertainty and a growing unease about the future of their ties. Here's a look at one of Northeast Asia's most crucial relationships, from both capitals, by two correspondents from The Associated Press. The view from Seoul, by Kim Tong-hyung South Korea's new liberal president, Lee Jae Myung, is determined to break sharply from the policies of his disgraced predecessor, Yoon Suk Yeol, who now faces a trial on charges of leading an insurrection over his imposition of martial law in December. Relations with Japan, however, are one area where Lee, who describes himself as a pragmatist in foreign policy, may find himself cautiously building on Yoon's approach. Before his removal from office in April, the conservative former president tried to repair relations with Japan. Yoon wanted to also tighten the countries' three-way security cooperation with Washington to counter North Korean nuclear threats. In 2023, Yoon announced a South Korea-funded compensation plan for colonial-era forced laborers. That decision caused a strong backlash from victims and their supporters, who had demanded direct payments from Japanese companies and a fresh apology from Tokyo. Yoon's outreach boosted tourism and business ties, but there's still lingering resentment in South Korea that Japan failed to reciprocate Seoul's diplomatic concession by addressing historical grievances more sincerely. While advocating for pragmatism and problem-solving in foreign policy, Lee has also long criticized Japan for allegedly clinging to its imperialist past and blamed that for hurting cooperation between the countries. Some experts say the stability of the countries' improved ties could soon be tested, possibly around the Aug. 15 anniversary of Korea's liberation from Japanese colonial rule at the end of World War II, when Lee is expected to publicly address the nation's painful history with Japan. Some in Seoul want Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba to mark the anniversary with a stronger statement of remorse over Japan's wartime past to put bilateral ties on firmer ground. While wartime history will always linger in the background of Seoul-Tokyo relations, Lee and Ishiba may face a more immediate concern: U.S. President Donald Trump's rising tariffs and other America-first trade policies. South Korea's Hankyoreh newspaper in an editorial this week called for South Korea and Japan to 'collaborate immediately' on a joint response to Trump's policies, arguing that the proposed U.S. tariffs on automobiles pose similar threats to both countries' trade-dependent economies. The view from Tokyo, by Mari Yamaguchi Ishiba, eager to improve ties with Seoul, has acknowledged Japan's wartime aggression and has shown more empathy to Asian victims than his recent predecessors. His first encounter with Lee seemed positive, despite worries in Japan about South Korea's stance under a liberal leader known for attacks on Japan's wartime past. Lee, in that meeting with Ishiba at the G7, likened the two countries to 'neighbors sharing the same front yard' and called for building a future-oriented relationship that moves beyond their 'small differences and disagreements.' Ishiba and Lee agreed to closely communicate and to cooperate on a range of issues, including North Korea's nuclear and missile development. Under a 1965 normalization treaty, Japan provided $500 million in economic assistance to South Korea, saying all wartime compensation issues were settled. However, historical issues including forced labor and sexual abuse of Korean women during the war have disrupted ties over the decades, while South Korea has become an Asian power and a rival to Japan, and while Tokyo, especially during the late Prime Minister Shinzo Abe 's rule, has promoted revisionist views. Japan has since offered atonement money twice for the so-called 'comfort women,' an earlier semi-private fund and a second one unilaterally dissolved by former South Korean President Moon Jae-in's liberal government. Things have improved in recent years, and Japan is watching to see whether Lee sticks with his conservative predecessor's more conciliatory diplomacy or returns to the confrontation that marked previous liberal governments. Cooperation between the two sides is 'more essential than ever' to overcome their shared problems such as worsening regional security and Trump's tariffs that have shaken free trade systems, Japan's largest-circulation newspaper Yomiuri said in a recent editorial. At a 60th anniversary reception in Tokyo, Ishiba said that he sees 'a bright future' in the relationship. He expressed hope also for cooperation in 'common challenges' such as low birth rates and declining populations. ___ Kim reported from Seoul, South Korea.
Forbes
9 hours ago
- Forbes
As SpaceX Explodes Again, Honda Successfully Launches Reusable Rocket
Honda's reusable rocket blasts off in northern Japan. The latest SpaceX rocket explosion is the fourth failure in a row for the company's embattled CEO and Tesla boss Elon Musk as he tries to rebuild his brand after controversial political aspirations. Meanwhile, Honda—not meaning to shine a light of SpaceX problems—has just successfully conducted a launch and landing test of its experimental reusable rocket in northern Japan. Honda's rocket climbed to 890 feet before landing just 15 inches away from where it took off. Honda's rocket flew for 57 seconds and then landed Honda is well-known in industry circles as one of the few carmakers who produces a multitude of non-car products including motorcycles, ATVs, power equipment such as generators, lawnmowers, outboard motors and snowploughs, the HondaJet and robots such as ASIMO. And now it's entered rocket R&D in earnest. At Honda's test facility in Taiki Town located in Hokkaido, Japan's northern-most island, the company launched a reusable rocket that flew for almost a minute to an altitude of 890 feet and then landed with pinpoint accuracy just 15 inches from where it took off, according to Honda. The rocket weighs 2800 lbs which equates to a small car. Developed in-house by Honda R&D Company, the rocket—which weighs 2800 lbs or around the same weight as a small car—shot up vertically, blasting off using its four legs from the company's test site in the northern island of Hokkaido. Honda says its Hokkaido facility 'has been developing itself as a 'space town' through the joint efforts of public and private sectors,' including the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA). The 21-foot high rocket, ascended for 57 seconds before landing around 15 inches from the target touchdown point using its four retractable legs that also aided in its take-off. Honda first revealed its goal to go into space in late 2021. But while the carmaker has been tight-lipped about its R&D progress, it is using existing technology from other areas, such as automated driving systems, to assist in the development of its first reusable rocket. The company says that the reason for developing its own launch system is the need for more satellites that will potentially benefit its other businesses. According to Honda, its rocket research is still in its infancy, and no decisions have yet been made on potential commercialization of these rocket technologies. The company has the ambitious goal to enable a suborbital launch by 2029 but success here will require significant testing and perhaps a few failures. A suborbital flight – upwards of 62 miles above sea level – would be a significant achievement for Honda, even though that is not far enough to put a satellite into orbit. It will be interesting to see if Honda goes all the way, and ends up competing with other private companies like SpaceX and Blue Origin that are capable of conducting orbital flights.
