International News 30 June 2026
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China Imposes Export Restrictions on 20 Japanese Entities Amid Rising Security Tensions
China has placed 20 Japanese entities on its export control list for dual-use goods, prohibiting Chinese companies from selling to them without prior approval from Beijing. The restrictions, announced on Monday by China's Ministry of Commerce, are the latest in a series of measures targeting Japan and were justified by Beijing as a response to what it described as Tokyo’s growing "remilitarization" ambitions and nuclear aspirations. The move comes amid deteriorating relations between China and Japan, which have been strained since late last year. Tensions have been fueled by remarks on Taiwan made by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, as well as Tokyo’s decision to increase defense spending. As of the announcement, Japan’s Ministry of Defense had not issued an immediate response to the new Chinese export restrictions, underscoring the continuing friction between the two regional powers.
Israel Says It Destroyed Hezbollah Tunnel in Southern Lebanon After New Security Deal
Israel said its military has destroyed underground infrastructure belonging to the Hezbollah in a village in southern Lebanon, just two days after the two countries agreed to a U.S.-mediated security arrangement aimed at easing tensions along the border. In a joint statement released on Sunday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz said the operation targeted a tunnel approximately 200 meters long in the town of Majdal Zoun. According to the Israeli government, U.S. officials were informed before the operation was carried out. Israel claimed the tunnel had been used by Hezbollah to store hundreds of weapons and rocket launchers. The strike came only hours after the Israeli military said it had targeted Hezbollah members armed with rocket-propelled grenades (RPGs) and destroyed a rocket launcher in the Nabatieh area, highlighting the continued military activity despite recent diplomatic efforts to reduce cross-border tensions.
Japan Targets Over 1% Real Economic Growth in New Long-Term Policy Blueprint
The Japanese government has set a target of achieving annual real economic growth of more than 1% in its new long-term economic policy blueprint, more than double the country's average growth rate over the past five years. According to a draft of the government's economic and fiscal policy reviewed by Reuters, the plan aims to achieve sustainable real GDP growth above 1% as soon as possible, alongside nominal economic growth exceeding 3%. The strategy reflects Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s efforts to revive Japan’s economic momentum after years of sluggish expansion, with the country's average real growth reaching only 0.4% over the past five years. The policy also seeks to reshape Japan’s investment landscape by encouraging closer collaboration between the public and private sectors across key strategic industries. Under the plan, combined public and private investment is projected to exceed 370 trillion yen (approximately US$2.29 trillion) by fiscal year 2040, supporting long-term economic growth and industrial competitiveness.