Asia woos talent from US as Trump attacks immigration and Harvard

PALO ALTO, California -- Immediately after the Trump administration tried to halt Harvard University's ability to enroll international students, Asian countries swooped in to snap up talented students and professionals no longer able -- or willing -- to work and study in the U.S.
The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) has offered unconditional admission to displaced Harvard students, along with streamlined admissions processes and academic support.

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The Mainichi

3 hours ago

• The Mainichi

Editorial: US attack on Iran facilities a high-handed use of force going against reason

The administration of U.S. President Donald Trump has launched attacks on three nuclear facilities in Iran, saying its goal is to destroy Iran's nuclear development capabilities and prevent a nuclear threat. Intervention by the U.S. military could lead to the spread of war in the Middle East, deepening global chaos. It is imperative to put an end to the conflict as soon as possible. Several large "bunker buster" bombs designed to penetrate deep in the ground before exploding were used to strike the underground Fordo nuclear facility in central Iran. In an announcement, Trump said the strikes "completely and totally obliterated" Iran's key nuclear enrichment facilities, and threatened continued attacks unless Iran makes peace with Israel. He also hinted at the possibility of a regime change in Iran. Two days before the strikes, Trump had said he would decide whether or not to attack Iran within two weeks, leaving room for negotiations with the country, but went ahead with military action without waiting for direct talks. Israel had requested the U.S. military's attack on Iran's nuclear facilities. In a video message, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu praised Trump's "bold decision" to target the facilities, and stated that in its action, "America has been truly unsurpassed." Fostering further confusion The strikes drew a backlash from Iran, which criticized them as "outrageous." Iran downplayed the damage as being limited, and revealed its intention to continue nuclear development. Admittedly, while Iran claims that its nuclear development is for "peaceful use," it has taken actions raising suspicions of nuclear weapons development. It is said to be producing highly enriched uranium close to weapons-grade levels. The facility at Fordo is built deep underground, protected by bedrock, and is believed to house highly enriched uranium. However, this does not justify the U.S. attacks. Under international law, the use of force against another country is only permitted in cases of self-defense or if there is a United Nations Security Council resolution. The exercise of self-defense is premised on either retaliating after being attacked or facing an imminent threat, but neither applies here. In the first place, Israel's preemptive strike against Iran violates international law. The U.S. military's attack is tantamount to complicity in this illegal act. Trump has stressed that Iran's nuclear development poses a serious threat to international society. If that's indeed the case, then the logical thing for him to do would be to go to the United Nations Security Council and present evidence of it. Trump's actions, completely disregarding rules and procedures to attack another country's territory at will, go against reason and cannot be overlooked. Attacks on nuclear facilities carry the risk of radioactive leaks and are ethically unacceptable. Previously during the Iraq War, which was initiated under the pretext of removing weapons of mass destruction, the Saddam Hussein regime was toppled, yet no evidence of such weapons was found. Even within the ruling Republican Party, there have arisen claims that not consulting Congress on the use of force is unconstitutional. It is only natural that U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres stated he was "gravely alarmed" by the use of force by the United States against Iran and warned that it poses a "direct threat to international peace and security." The concern is that the entire Middle East could be plunged into war, severely impacting the world. Diplomacy as a means of resolution Iran has indicated it could retaliate with strikes against U.S. military bases in the Middle East. There is a risk that pro-Iranian armed groups rooted across the Middle East could join the conflict. If that happens, Western nations and Israel's confrontation with Arab and Islamic countries will intensify. Russia and China are likely to harden their stance against the West. Iran has suggested that it could close the Strait of Hormuz leading to the Persian Gulf, a vital artery for oil transportation. The surge in oil prices would severely impact a world already suffering from inflation. The wars in Europe and the Middle East are likely to increase distrust among emerging and developing countries collectively known as the Global South, which are already bearing the economic brunt of the conflicts. Japan's position is also under scrutiny. Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba condemned Israel's attack on Iran as "absolutely unacceptable," but regarding the U.S. attack, only stated that "early stabilization is of utmost importance." In Asia, North Korea is manufacturing nuclear warheads and deploying numerous ballistic missiles capable of carrying them. The threat level is more severe than that of Iran. The U.S. previously considered attacking North Korean nuclear facilities but refrained from doing so due to the risk of Asia plunging into chaos. As an ally, Japan must not overlook the United States' unilateral use of military force. It should collaborate with Europe to encourage restraint. Solutions by force create future sources of trouble, leading to repeated tragedies. Only a diplomatic resolution can fundamentally address the root issues.

Asahi Shimbun

4 hours ago

• Asahi Shimbun

Poll: Japan favors security over economy in S. Korean ties

A new joint public opinion survey conducted in Japan and South Korea reveals differing priorities between the two nations regarding areas where future cooperation would be most beneficial. When asked to select the field bilateral cooperation should focus on, 34 percent of Japanese respondents chose security, while the most common response among South Koreans was the economy, at 37 percent. The poll was carried out by The Asahi Shimbun and South Korea's Dong-A Ilbo, marking the 60th anniversary of the normalization of diplomatic relations between the two Asian neighbors. In Japan, security was followed by the economy at 28 percent, historical issues at 24 percent and responses to the aging population and declining birthrates at 8 percent. Next to economic cooperation, South Korean respondents ranked historical reconciliation at 28 percent, followed by national defense at 20 percent and demographic challenges at 12 percent. The survey was conducted via telephone in both countries and follows up a similar joint poll from 2015. Although the previous Japanese poll was conducted via mail and is not directly comparable, this year's results show a notable improvement in perceptions of bilateral relations. The percentage of Japanese respondents who believe relations are 'going well' rose by 22 points to 29 percent. In South Korea, it increased by 23 points to 26 percent. Meanwhile, the percentage of those who disagreed with that view dropped significantly in both countries, falling by 36 points to 50 percent in Japan and by 31 points to 59 percent in South Korea. Concerns about North Korea's nuclear program remains high in both countries, though the intensity differs. Eighty-two percent of Japanese respondents said they feel 'very' or 'somewhat' concerned compared to 52 percent in South Korea. Meanwhile, 17 percent of Japanese and 48 percent of South Koreans said they feel 'limited' or 'no' concern. The idea of strengthening defense cooperation between Japan and South Korea received majority support in both nations, with 56 percent in Japan and 60 percent in South Korea in favor. Opposition stood at 30 percent and 37 percent, respectively. Although Japan and South Korea are not in a formal security alliance, they are increasingly participating in joint military drills within multilateral frameworks. These are typically led by the United States, which is the primary ally of both countries. On the economic front, both populations expressed a strong preference for ties with the United States over China. In Japan, 80 percent said relations with the United States are more important while 77 percent of South Koreans agreed. Only 11 percent of Japanese and 14 percent of South Koreans prioritized relations with China.

Yomiuri Shimbun

4 hours ago

• Yomiuri Shimbun

U.S. Strikes on Iran: Concerns Grow over War Spreading, Becoming Quagmire

The United States, Israel's supporter, has taken steps to intervene militarily in the ongoing hostilities between Israel and Iran. The situation in the Middle East has entered a new phase. It is feared that the fighting will spin out of control and turn into a quagmire. One can only be deeply concerned over the situation. The United States has announced it attacked three nuclear-related facilities in central Iran. The latest model of GBU-57 bunker-buster bomb, which is capable of burying itself underground before detonating, was reportedly used on the uranium enrichment facility in Fordo. This is believed to be the first time this type of bomb has been used in actual military operations. U.S. President Donald Trump declared the strikes 'a spectacular military success.' He asserted that the objective was the destruction of Iran's nuclear enrichment capacity and putting a stop to the nuclear threat posed by the country, adding that the United States 'will go after those other targets,' depending on how Iran responds. Israel launched airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities in mid-June and requested U.S. intervention. Trump was initially against military intervention. However, as soon as the view that Israel's strikes had achieved something began gaining traction, he quickly shifted gears toward attacking Iran. There were no prospects of a ceasefire in Ukraine or the Palestinian territory of Gaza, and nuclear negotiations with Iran have reached an impasse. With little in the way of diplomatic achievements, Trump may have hastily decided to attack Iran out of a desire for quick results. The United States proceeded with a war on terrorism in Afghanistan and Iraq following the 2001 terrorist attacks, but the battles turned into a quagmire, leaving the United States with bitter experiences. The war continued through 2021, when the U.S. military withdrew from Afghanistan, costing the United States many lives and a heavy financial burden. Trump has long maintained the stance that the United States should not intervene in other countries' conflicts and has been regarded as cautious about the use of military force. However, this time, he recognized Israel's right to self-defense and has himself become involved. He should avoid getting embroiled in wars in the Middle East like previous administrations. Iran's Foreign Ministry has issued a statement that condemned the United States, saying it 'has committed a grave violation of the UN Charter [and] international law,' hinting at retaliation. However, if that happens, further attacks will be inevitable. Retaliation should be avoided, and a solution through dialogue should be sought. Over 100 Japanese nationals and their family members left Israel and Iran by bus for neighboring countries. Many of them are reportedly heading to Japan by commercial aircraft. The government dispatched two large C-2 transport aircraft of the Air Self-Defense Force to Djibouti in eastern Africa, where the Self-Defense Forces have a base, in case commercial aircraft become unavailable. It is hoped that the government will smoothly carry out its duties. (From The Yomiuri Shimbun, June 23, 2025)